Original called Dekh Kabira Roya (See, Kabir Cried), this short story (now titled Free for All) was published by Saadat Hasan Manto soon after he migrated to Pakistan after the partition. Manto uses the famous 15th century Sufi poet Bhagat Kabir as a protagonist to presciently satirise the emerging trends of intolerance, orthodoxy and cultural chauvinism in the newly-independent state, which are all too familiar in Pakistan in the 21st century. Let's hear the story in this episode.

I narrate another short story by Saadat Hasan Manto in this episode. The story is called The Dutiful Daughter and it highlights the violence faced by women during the India-Pakistan partition riots.

Let's enter the intriguing, dark (not to mention, humorous) world of Saadat Hasan Manto's pen and read some short stories together. Share your thoughts with me on [email protected].

In today's podcast I discuss about the life of one of the 'Rocket Boys', with the help of Biman Nath's monograph. Homi Bhabha was an Indian nuclear physicist who is often regarded as the father of Indian nuclear programme. Learn about his life and works with this wonderful book. As always, your thoughts and suggestions are welcome at [email protected].

Continuing our series on Pioneers of Modern India, published by Niyogi Books, this time I share the story of Rani Gaidinliu. She was a legendary freedom fighter from North East India who fought for the rights of Zeliangrong Nagas. Not only do we learn about her life, but also her community, their belief system, their history, the challanges they face and much more.

In this episode I discuss a wonderful monograph written by Indradeep Bhattacharyya on life and works of RK Narayan. Visit www.kalampedia.org to read more about RK Narayan's works. If you have any queries or thoughts to share, please feel free to write at [email protected].

In the next few episodes of this podcast, I am going to share the stories of some wonderful characters from Indian history that have truly shaped this country. I start with Sudipto Das's biography of Jagadish Chandra Bose, the great Bengali polymath. Let's find out more about the book as well as the man himself.

In the concluding part of our Bhagavad Gita series, I discuss Jnana Yoga as it is explained by Krishna in Gita. Check out Vandana R Singh's book to explore all these valuable lessons in greater depth. Thank you for listening. For any queries, please write at [email protected] and I will be happy to respond.

In the second part of our Bhagavad Gita series, I discuss Bhakti Yoga as described in the Gita. Bhakti yoga, the path of devotion as elucidated in the Bhagavad Gita, holds profound significance in spiritual and personal development. In chapters seven to twelve, the Gita delves into the essence of bhakti, outlining its principles and emphasising its relevance in navigating the complexities of modern life. Check out Vandana R Singh's book to find more on this subject.

The Bhagavad Gita -- a profound source of spiritual wisdom. In the three-part series, I discuss Vandana R Singh's The Bhagavad Gita: A Life-changing Conversation. This book presents the most valuable lessons of Gita to contemporary readers. So, join me, and together we explore the pearls if this ancient Indian wisdom and apply it in our 21st century lives. This is the first of the three parts. Stay tuned for more.

In the concluding episode of our Biblical Stories series, we discuss the life and death of Jesus Christ. Hope you enjoyed it. Let me know on [email protected].

From the Old Testament we now arrive to the New Testament. And Jesus Christ is here. Keep following to learn what happens next.

We start the new year with the story of King David and what the Israelites go through during this period. Keep following the series to listen to some more exciting biblical stories.

Continuing with our Biblical stories theme this week, we join Moses on his journey to Israel. The conflict was much the same back then as it is now: Israel Vs Phillistines. Let's see what happens next. Keep following for more stories.

In this episode, we find out the story of Moses's birth and how he led his people out of Egypt. Keep following the podcast to know what happens next.

Continuing with our theme of Christianity, I narrate the story of Joseph and Jacob in this episode. Keep listening to explore more stories from the Bible this week. Don't forget to share your thoughts on [email protected].

This week I am going to narrate some fascinating biblical stories on the podcast. Once you're familiar with the stories, you'd be better able to understand Christian theology. Let me know your thoughts at [email protected].

In this podcast I discuss one of the greatest books ever written on Christianity. Mere Christianity, first done as a part of BBC radio and later documented as a book, is a masterpiece of CS Lewis. Let's find out what it's all about. If you have any queries or feedback, please write to me at [email protected].

The partition of India into two separate nations, India and Pakistan that is, was a significant event in history. I discuss some of the causes behind it in this episode. Please visit our website to read more on this subject. Also do check out our newsletter where you'll find some interesting content in the coming days.

In this episode, once again, I share a wonderful book on monsoon rains. Written by Ruskin Bond, Rain in the Mountains recounts the author's experience of living in the Himalayas, especially during the monsoon season.

In this episode -- since we are in the midst of the monsoon season -- I talk about a wonderful book on the monsoon. It's called Chasing the Monsoon. Please check out the latest newsletter at kalampedia.substack.com to see our complete reading list for the season.

In the concluding episode of our Ramayana series, let's find out what happens in the war that takes place between Rama and Ravana.

In the penultimate episode of our Ramayana series, we reach some interesting turn of events where the war between Ram and Ravan seems inevitable.

Continuing our Ramayana series, I narrate the sequence of events that take place during the exile period. Here we get introduced to another major character. Ravana.

In this episode of our Ramayana series we follow the life of Rama after his marriage to Sita. Keep following the podcast to listen to the entire series.