S5E2: Band, Baaja, Baaraat

S5E5: (Com)Passionate Vet

“She set out to do something that she never imagined she had the capacity to. Ended up achieving way more than what she had set out for.” Personal stories seldom have these words as its opening line. One’s that do, have “Passion” as a sub-text that repeats in every chapter of the story. Along the way goals appear, journeys happen, new directions are taken, achievements accumulate. In all this the one constant is - Passion! And, when Empathy accompanies Passion, the story takes an upward spiral.  To unpack this narrative, here’s a conversation with Dr.Mukul Padalkar DABVP, a practitioner in Veterinary Medicine, currently residing in Santa Clara, California in the US. In addition to her professional practice, Dr.Mukul is deeply passionate about Spanish language & culture, being fluent in both. She calls herself a ‘runner’ having completed countless half-marathon’s, a few marathon’s and is currently preparing for the forthcoming San Francisco marathon event. Views and opinions expressed in this episode of the Podcast are those of its guest. Creators of this Podcast expressly disclaim any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of this Podcast. (C) Asha & Milind Agnihotri, 2022-2026

S5E4: Her Reflections

Fundamental human rights of justice, liberty and equality are enshrined in the Indian Constitution for all its citizens. Yet women of the country, across socio-economic divide, continue to experience discrimination and denial in their personal and social contexts. Over last few decades a lot has changed for 'her,' yet lot remains the same. Further, in today's technology-infested globalised world, she is in search for freedom, not 'from something' but 'for something.' In this search, what are her dilemmas & challenges? What are her resources & gifts?  To discuss this subject and more, here is a conversation with Vaishali Patange, a bureaucrat in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), currently working as the Additional Commissioner of Customs, Central Excise & GST, Pune Zone. A student of literature and a prolific poet, Vaishali deeply reflects on the journey of Indian women across times. Views and opinions expressed in this episode of the Podcast are those of its guest. Creators of this Podcast expressly disclaim any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of this Podcast. (C) Asha & Milind Agnihotri, 2022-2025

S5E3: VishnuNaad

Indian music is said to have originated in ancient times as a confluence of three broad streams - music performed in temples for devotion, music performed in palaces and royal courts for entertainment and music that flowed freely in farms, fields and forests, for its own sake. At its core, it celebrates the Vyakti (individual, the part) and Samashti (collective, the whole) both fuelled by a primal energy manifesting as ‘Naad’ or Sound.  ‘VishnuNaad,’ is an attempt to experience this primal energy through a conversation with K S Vishnudev, an acclaimed Carnatic Vocalist and recipient of the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar from the Sangeet Natak Akademi (2022). His performances have taken him across the globe, including the USA, Canada, Europe, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore and the UAE. This podcast conversation meanders through some soulful compositions sung by Vishnu in his melodious voice, where he shares his personal philosophy of music, what it means to him and how it is manifesting through ’Nisarga Art Hub’ that he and his wife Lakshmi V are co-creating amidst the paddy fields of Angamaly, Kerala. Views and opinions expressed in this episode of the Podcast are those of its guest. Creators of this Podcast expressly disclaim any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of this Podcast. (C) Asha & Milind Agnihotri, 2022-2025

S5E2: Band, Baaja, Baaraat

Weddings are a significant indicator of Indian culture. Though centered around the bride and groom, this special event tacitly focuses on sustaining and strengthening the community, ‘jaat-biradari,’ as it is popularly termed in India. And, that’s how it has been for centuries. Add to it the pomp and glamour of - mehndi, haldi, sangeet, baarat, exquisite outfits & jewellery,  exotic destinations, DJs, after parties, live streaming & Instagram reels, and you get a modern day Indian Wedding where commerce and entertainment take the center stage. Where, capturing the moment digitally becomes more important than living-the-moment!  To explore this subject and more, here’s a conversation with Ritika Bhagali an architect by qualification, wedding planner by profession, teacher by passion and a mother of a two-legged and a four-legged one. This conversation explores today’s Indian Weddings thru’ the lens of design, relationships, economics, values and ethics. Views and opinions expressed in this episode of the Podcast are those of its guest. Creators of this Podcast expressly disclaim any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of this Podcast. (C) Asha & Milind Agnihotri, 2022-2025

S5E1: Rooted in Senses

Welcome to a conversation with Neeta Mittal [http://linkedin.com/in/neetamittal], an innovative entrepreneur and co-founder of LXV Wine [https://www.lxvwine.com/]. This conversation takes us on a sensory journey from the vineyards of Paso Robles, California to the spice markets of India, exploring the art of human connection in a fast-paced digital world.  In this thought provoking podcast, Neeta weaves together three interconnected themes - Wisdom of the Vine, Alchemy of Senses & Human Touch in the Age of AI. Throughout this conversation, Neeta intertwines her personal story - from her roots in India to becoming a trailblazer in the California wine industry, offering listeners a unique perspective on how ancient wisdom, sensory artistry and modern innovation can come together in creating a more connected, vibrant future. Views and opinions expressed in this episode of the Podcast are those of its guest. Creators of this Podcast expressly disclaim any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of this Podcast. (C) Asha & Milind Agnihotri, 2022-2025