Raise the Question

This one has no description. Just a special guest and the eternal question that goes back and forth: Is physical strength more important or mental strength? Listen in.

With time, any and every relationship faces a tough test to prove its strength. Some of them survive while others fade away. That way, some relationships are stronger than others. They withstand the test of time and weariness of continued resolve. Some of them can be accredited to be so because we chose those relationships rather than have them thrust onto us. These relationships are called friendships. A friend is one who impacts our lives and leaves an indelible mark, good or bad. In this episode, the 'Barking Brew Baker' joins the us to discuss his ideas on friendship and the art of maintaining them by learning that just like every thing else, even friendships evolve over time. The form they take may not necessarily be the form that it had when it started out. But they remain the most intriguing relationship of all, because it is the one that we chose to have.

In India, movies were the quintessential escape from reality. They were the transition into a world of disbelief yet they would entertain like no other medium. Now, all that remains of the mainstream version of this young art form in this country is a version that asks its viewers to "leave their brains at home". It feels like a gross insult to the audience. To underestimate one's audience is the beginning of any revolution and that revolution must start with the people. In this episode, we discuss the fall from grace of a world renowned industry and how its interests are represented by less-than-capable artists and its commerce is handled by those who do not have any interest in the artistic value of the creation. Is there a need for a change? If so, who will bring it?

There have been many skits and television segments that have been written about what people search for on google. Some of the questions are very pertinent, while some others are just down right hilarious. In this episode, we take a look at the 50 most asked questions on google by people around the world. WARNING: Our sense of humor is a bit different. Please be warned!

Before we start this podcast, let be clear about one thing: we love sports. We love sportspeople and how much they put in on the field. But a very recent incident featuring the popular Indian Mens' cricket team has really raised some very important and uncomfortable questions. These questions have been asked of athletes ever since the inception of professional sports. It was a sad day watching one of the strongest teams in the world roll over and let the opposition pass them. In this podcast, we get down and dirty analyzing a game where a stronger team seemingly stopped playing hard because they wanted an easier opposition in the future games. Some important questions, some emotional responses and discussing what sportsman spirit is all about.

The Indian censorship board's office is located in a posh area of south-central New Delhi. While approaching the office, one is given the impression that there may be serious official who sits around a table and discuss the artist's vision in a film or television production. But in reality, it is an office with 3 people who answer calls and push files. The highest authorities are never seen in the office and they can never be approached to ask for reasons for censorship or worse still, the status of one's application. This lethargy has now permeated to the quality of censorship in the country and very soon, it will be extended to the internet as well. In this podcast, we discuss how censorship in India is like any other government-run enterprise: opaque, slow and too proud for its own good. But what can an artist to but adhere to the demands of this archaic system. Listen in to know how the internet will soon fall under its purview and how it does its own brand of moral policing in India.

Companies always emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy personal and professional life balance. It is so because otherwise their employees will burnout and won't be able to perform to the best of their ability anymore. By saying so, they absolve themselves of the responsibility to take care and not to overburden their employees with work. Instead, they give motivational lectures and helpful workshops on how their employees can still work round the clock and then spend time with their family. When France banned people from working after 6 PM, the Indian social media erupted with calls for the same in India. But what followed? The simple instruction: Get back in line, because you are just 'another brick in the wall'. In this episode, we discuss the so called work life balance that is proposed for employees and how they, after being in the system long enough, begin to enjoy the non-existence of it but always stress how much they need it.

In an environment of relative safety and security, we can take the time to decipher many happenings according to the principles and tenets of science and technology. But in moments of discomfort and insecurity, it is not uncommon to find the most ardent atheist reciting a prayer or chanting the name of a divine being to give them comfort in that moment. In this podcast, we discuss whether science is a luxury for the urban landscapes, while faith is the necessity for the rural landscapes. We exchange stories about our personal experiences with the seemingly supernatural, miracles that have a perfectly valid scientific explanation and the notion that if explanation, scientific or otherwise, does not provide comfort, is it an explanation that we really believe.

In a change of track, we decide to discuss a matter that has been around for more than a decade now. When the Delhi metro rail was planned and put in place, it was suggested that it would significantly improve intra-city travel and improve the traffic situation in the city. While the former is definitely a positive outcome of the implementation, the latter is still a major problem in the city. In this podcast, we debate whether the Delhi Metro has really been as effective as is claimed by the governing bodies and their supporters. Or, is there a bigger problem at play here that we refuse to acknowledge. A problem that is more deep rooted than we think.

Culture and the emphasis on the different aspects of culture can be a tricky thing, especially for parents. Living in a foreign land, it can be quite a challenge to understand which parts to teach their kids and which parts to leave out. Language, the archaic yet evergreen notion of respecting one's elders, the cuisine, family traditions, the list goes on and on and on. In this episode, we welcome 3 guests to discuss this exact topic. A Ph. D., an environmentalist and a mother. Thats just one person. The other two are a surprise for our listeners.

Language is a funny thing. It has equal potential to unite as well as divide. In the hands of a historian, one language may define history a certain way. While in another language, just because of the nuances of the script of the language, it may define a different course of the major landmarks in history. It is possible many lessons were lost and new ones were gained, ones which may not necessarily have been the original intention. In this podcast, we discuss language and how it has the potential to change the course of any historical event. Whether it is the interpretation of our oldest texts, or the chronicling of our most recent achievements, language has the ability to unite as well create the deepest of divides.

Since the dawn of the social media era, travelling seems to be one of the most important priorities of any individual. Travelling is an individual experience and whatever one draws from it is one's personal interpretation. Tourist travelers find joy in visiting famous places and documenting them. On the other hand, backpackers and road trippers want to really explore a new or foreign land while steeping themselves deep in the culture of the place. Whatever be one's preference, while travelling, it is usual to discover a side to oneself that may have been ignored, hidden or unexplored all together. In this episode, we discuss the joy of travelling, whether with family, friends or solo, and how it opens a whole new dimension of thinking and perception. We share stories of adventure, family bonding, preference of modes of travel and the myriad of travel partners we have found on our individual journeys.

Winning and losing are two sides of the same coin. Yet the emphasis on one is much more than the other. While victory does give a lot of validation, losing can teach invaluable lessons for the next competition. But it isn't often that losing is treated like winning. In this episode we talk about the process of preparing oneself for both and how to take losing in one's stride to be a better competitor tomorrow. We discuss the importance of process, the individual point of view and winning as a potential deterrent.

Schools and colleges have redefined the relationship between the teacher and student, since the early years of civilisation in the Indian subcontinent. At that time, the relationship was a sacred bond that could not be violated, by the teacher, student or the parents of the student. But today, the process has become much more intrusive. The trust that parents placed in the teacher to guide their student along the right path has become rare. So rare that it can only be found in certain kinds of institutions and ways of life. What has changed since that time? Have we moved to a time where a teacher's wisdom and the student's hunger to learn don't count for anything anymore? In this episode, we discuss these dynamics and compare it to the sacred relationship of 'Guru and Shishya/Disciple'. It is not as simple as attending class one day and then flitting off till the next class. It is a bond so sacred where they pledge each other's time and loyalty for mutual growth and development. Listen in to learn how that dynamic has changed and how you can identify the 'Real Gurus' who are really worth following.

Social media and the notion of finding more followers on it has become the rage in recent years. This question is on everyone's mind but there is no absolute solution for it. It depends from case to case, but there are certain universal rules that must be kept in mind always. In this episode, we are joined by a friend and activist who brings a fourth point of view to this matter and shares his experience on how to make a lasting impact on social media, thus, garnering a loyal following on the various platforms we know including Facebook, instagram and many others.

Space, in a relationship, is a topic of constant debate. That is so because the idea of space is different in every relationship. The idea of space also differs from person to person. But there is one universal truth i.e. everyone, at one point or the other, does require space. Whether it is with one's family, friends, partners or professional acquaintances, after a certain point in time, one does need space to think and contemplate. How much of it is healthy? Well, you have to ask that question of yourself to get a real answer. In this podcast, we discuss the topic of how space is healthy and how it allows a person to assess a relationship from a distance. By assessing that relationship, one can decide how healthy or unhealthy it is and what one can do to improve it, if one wants to.

What was the first cooked dish mankind ever had? Do tiny portions of good food ever really fill your stomach? What is the your favourite comfort food? So many questions, such little time but we tried to do our best to talk as passionately as we could about a common love: food. In the process of preparing for this podcast, we starved ourselves to truly bring out the passion and desire for food that we share. Our discussion went from the most popular Indian cuisines and dishes to the lesser known specialities that are popular in other countries. The art of cooking and preparing a good dish is often understated and today we discuss how it can be appreciated through personal practice of the art. In this episode, its really the hunger talking. We tried our best but of course, this is a topic which can always be discussed even more as one consumes more.

Sex and sexuality still remains a topic that is hushed and attracts looks of disapproval whenever it is raised. From mainstream television to schools to our very own homes, sex and intimacy seemingly remains a taboo and something that is best not spoken about or discussed. For the 3 people here, it was common during our adolescent and teenage years to shun the topic. But all 3 of us believed that the matter must have progressed in the years after we attained adulthood. In such a discussion, its always good to get another perspective, a younger perspective. So in this episode of 'Raise the Question', we invited 2 young college students and asked them about how sex was discussed in their schools, homes and neighbourhoods. We discussed sex education in schools and at home, the personal nature of intimacy, the impact of pornography and the importance of using protection.

It was always thought that the coming of the information age would bring the world closer and make it much more transparent. But there maybe a thing that they writers of dystopian futures got right: the spreading of misinformation. Today, the world is reeling from an epidemic called fake news. Everyday, people have to deal with differentiating between what is the truth and what is fabrication. While the internet has made things very simple for millions of people, it has also added a renewed complication which has no simple solution. In this episode of 'Raise The Question', we discuss and try to understand the ideology that prompts different people across the world to fabricate news, how one can do real research on the internet and why it is important check the source of any information before transmitting or broadcasting it further.

Since time immemorial, art and artistic thinking has always had a place in the evolution of human beings. From hieroglyphics to the Da Vinci, from the invention of the wheel to the industrial revolution, art has had a critical role to play in every major invention known to our kind. Yet, for some reason, the interest in honing artistic ability is fading. In our collective experience, there have been numerous instance when others consider it a vain and impractical aspect on one's existence. But without it, we might as well be 'another brick in the wall'. In the second episode of 'Raise The Question', we discuss whether the importance of art in one's upbringing and value system is beginning to wane and whether it is an outcome of cultural change or individual choices of those who are moulding the future generation.

Having lived in New Delhi for so many years, it's hard to ignore how the city has changed. It has transformed its facade, weather and culture. Some of it really challenges one to think about the choices that have been made and the consequences that have followed. In episode 3 of this podcast, we explore the importance of environmental preservation, sporting culture and the pressing issue of climate change.

20 years since the release of The Matrix, the film has raised more questions than it has answered. In this episode, we turn the clock back and dial into the future to discuss how the film explored ideas which may be more relevant today as a way of life and a threat than it was 20 years ago.