Desi Academia Podcast

In this episode of DAP, we are joined by Dr. Ruchika Sharma, a Historian and a prolific YouTuber responsible for the channel “Eyeshadow and Etihaas." We delve into Dr. Sharma's journey through academia, from her foundational years of schooling to her PhD at JNU. We discuss the intricacies of historical research methodologies, from framing the research questions to framing conclusions and unraveling the complexities of architectural studies. Join us as Dr. Sharma gives us a masterclass on how research is done in history! Recommendations: https://www.ukrn.org/2024/03/28/winners-of-the-2024-dorothy-bishop-prize/The wellness bro https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/28/podcaster-andrew-huberman-goop-for-bros Alcohol Use and Mortality Among Older Couples in the United States: Evidence of Individual and Partner Effects: https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article-abstract/64/2/gnad101/7230161 A Strange Thing Happens When You And Your Partner Drink Alcohol Over Time https://www.sciencealert.com/a-strange-thing-happens-when-you-and-your-partner-drink-alcohol-over-time https://scroll.in/article/843372/the-ring-making-women-adulterous-and-men-faithful-since-the-birth-of-patriarchyElephants and Kings: An Environmental Historyhttps://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/E/bo20273102.htmlEmergence of the Delhi Sultanate: AD 1192-1286https://www.abebooks.com/9788178243061/Emergence-Delhi-Sultanate-1192-1286-Sunil-8178243067/plp --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message

In this episode, we are joined by Ankit Kawade, a PhD student at the Centre for Political Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Ankit shares his academic journey, focusing on his expertise in political philosophy and comparative literature . He explores the fascinating intersection of philosophers like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Friedrich Nietzsche, and their relevance to India’s modern history. Ankit discusses his research questions, the process of developing them, and the methodologies he employs to seek answers. We delve into the significance of humanities research and the various tangible and intangible outcomes it can produce. Additionally, Ankit provides an insider's perspective on the workings of JNU, offering a unique narrative of this prestigious institution. Join us for a compelling discussion on these topics and more. Recommendations: JNU sits on Dalit scholar’s research, no advisor: https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/dalit-phd-scholar-left-in-lurch-as-jawaharlal-nehru-university-sits-on-thesis/cid/2001649 UGC removes draft guidelines on de-reservation of posts after activists condemn move: see https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/ugc-removes-draft-guidelines-on-de-reservation-of-posts-after-activists-condemn-move How India can become a science powerhouse https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-01088-3 What the India election means for science https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00956-2 Canadian science gets biggest boost to PhD and postdoc pay in 20 years https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-01124-2 The TESCREAL bundle: Eugenics and the promise of utopia through artificial general intelligence https://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/13636/11606 Contrapoints, Envy https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DaPhrTOg1RUk&ved=2ahUKEwi11tmI5YOGAxWiM0QIHRoQCC8QtwJ6BAgVEAI&usg=AOvVaw3cEYzM2pV4dv2hGch0g0lC Everest Fish Curry Masala recalled in Singapore for pesticide concerns https://www.business-standard.com/amp/india-news/everest-fish-curry-masala-recalled-in-singapore-for-pesticide-concerns-124042000435_1.html Nestlé’s baby food sold in Asian, African countries had added sugars: Why is sugar harmful? https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-health/nestle-sugar-baby-food-india-asia-africa-harmful-9278215/ Movie: Anatomy of a Fall Feminist Interpretations of Friedrich Nietzsche, Edited by Kelly Oliver and Marilyn Pearsall The Cracked Mirror by Sarukai, Gopalguru Practicing Caste: on touching and not touching https://www.fordhampress.com/9780823282265/practicing-caste/ Age of Entanglement, Chris Manjapra: https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674725140 Eating and Eating With the Dalit, Aniket Javre Movie: Amar Singh Chamkila --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message

In this episode, we get a masterclass in sociology research from the expert Dr. Rituparna Patgiri. Dr. Patgiri is an Assistant Professor of Sociology in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati. Apart from academics, Dr. Patgiri is also actively involved in Science communication and outreach for sociology. To learn more about her stellar work, please visit https://doingsociology.org/our-team/ Recommendations Rituparna’s Work: Precarity in the Sociology Job Market in India https://www.miamisocialsciences.org/home/uhkj5o7vyr0mxy5p43f9l1z6cdmiig Community Building and Exclusion: The Role of Food in University Hostels in New Delhi https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12115-022-00761-5 Megh The Fabulous and the Fascist https://verfassungsblog.de/the-fabulous-and-the-fascist/ Maggie Makar receives NSF CAREER Award to develop machine learning models backed by causal reasoning Maggie Makar receives NSF CAREER Award to develop machine learning models backed by causal reasoning Know Your Enemy podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0jHnXfTVzITj32CVdESwam Rituparna The Sociological Mind CW Wills The New Books Network https://newbooksnetwork.com/ Stories by Rabindranath Tagore https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4853764/ Vatsal Your genes may influence how much you enjoy listening to music: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2427096-your-genes-may-influence-how-much-you-enjoy-listening-to-music/ Distinct genetic pathways to music enjoyment: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.04.588094v1 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message

In this episode of DAP we sit down with our guest and a friend of the pod, Kaustub Naik. A scholar and historian, Kautubh's academic journey spans the intriguing transition from STEM to MPhil in Theatre and Performance Studies at the School of Arts and Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). He is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Pennsylvania. We discuss Kautubh's deeply personal motivations for studying the history of Portuguese colonialism in Southwestern India. As always, we also discuss his research methodology and the research "deliverables." Kaustubh also shares his first hand experience of JNU and how that defined his research trajectory. Join us as we discuss all this and more! Recommendations Megh Lingthusiasm E88: No such thing as the oldest language https://soundcloud.com/lingthusiasm Towards acoustic monitoring of bees: wingbeat sounds are related to species and individual traits https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2023.0111 Why doing social science research is difficult in India today https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-01214-1 Producing and consuming desi gay porn in India https://www.queerbeat.org/stories/producing-and-consuming-desi-gay-porn-in-india Stardew Valley, october update Kaustub Fernando Pessoa, The Book of Disquiet trans. Richard Zenith Poetry of Namdeo, Arun Kuladkar Vilas Sarang Prachi Deshpande Creative Past Sara Maaza Thinking About History History and Historiography in Modern India Movie- Bakurao Movie In the House (French) Movie- A Touch of Sin Movie- Maamla Legal Hai Vatsal Evil Genius https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/11/astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-jab-coronavirus-saved-lives-humanitarian-crises --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message

In this episode, we discuss Vatsal’s final year in his PhD program, as he grounds himself in his research to transform his results into a camera-ready manuscript, and a 200-odd page dissertation. We talk about the Pandemic and its impact on his dissertation timeline, his support system, his defense, his next steps and That Feeling When It’s Over! Recommendations: The Rookie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7587890/ The Ministry for the Future: https://subterraneanpress.com/robinson-tmftf/ India: Authorities Revoke Visa Privileges of Diaspora Critics https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/03/17/india-authorities-revoke-visa-privileges-diaspora-critics Mapping the Indian Manosphere https://lifestyle.livemint.com/news/big-story/india-manosphere-mens-rights-influencers-gender-divide-111709889805465.html The bioethics of skeletal anatomy collections from India https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-45738-6 Generative AI has a language problem https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-023-01716-4 Babies Made to Order A Dalit-Queer critique of Lihaf recovers a world of meaning lost in its translation, reminding us that desirability is shaped by caste. Notable Sanwiches- The Hot Dog: https://buttondown.email/theswordandthesandwich/archive/notable-sandwiches-89-hot-dog/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message

Join us on a thought-provoking journey as we explore the intersection of academia and politics with our guests from Jawaharlal Nehru University. From the Mandal Commission to the Mandir movement, we delve into some pivotal moments that shaped India's socio-political landscape. With our guests, we engage in a discourse on the "politics of the moral" and the emergence of militarized Hindutva, reflecting on its impact on society and academia alike. Join us as we discover firsthand experiences of academics as they navigate the complexities of their personal and professional lives while engaging with politics in the 90s and beyond. Tune in for insightful discussions and candid reflections on the challenges and opportunities of academia in a politically charged world. Recommendations Megh https://frontline.thehindu.com/economy/uttar-pradesh-economy-comparison-with-tamil-nadu-south-india/article67821390.ecehttps://www.newslaundry.com/2024/02/16/an-absolutely-apolitical-space-why-jindal-university-suspended-two-students-this-weekVatsal Eyeshadow & Etihaas with Dr. Ruchika Sharma - YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message

Join us for Episode 2 of this season as we delve into the unique experiences of being Queer and Desi in academia with Meghana and Harsha. Tune in as we try to explore the intersections of identity, culture, and academia. Recommendations: Megh The Vulgarity of Caste: Dalits, Sexuality, and Humanity in Modern India Shailaja Paik https://www.sup.org/books/title/?id=34163 https://reeserichardson.blog/2024/01/30/the-king-of-curcumin-a-case-study-in-the-consequences-of-large-scale-research-fraud/ American Fiction https://tiff.net/events/american-fiction Irrational Man https://theprint.in/ground-reports/this-indian-watchdog-is-cleaning-up-mess-in-academia-falsification-fabrication-fraud/1933904/ Vatsal Haldi scandal https://theprint.in/science/inside-indian-american-biochemists-haldi-swindle-that-proposed-spice-as-cancer-hack/1950784/ Podcast: Fall of civilizations Harsha Ted Talk by Brené Brown https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability?language=en Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead Meghana Lisa Douggan- beyond the same sex marriage Twilight of inequality Bottoms Poor Things --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message

In this episode, we discuss Harsha's academic journey in veterinary pathogen research and what led to his Ph.D. studies. We also discuss how our research intersects with Drug discovery and simultaneously go over some of the basics of this process. Recommendations Megh Business Standard, Jan 27th “Debt, drinking, and decisions” The Vulgarity of Caste: Dalits, Sexuality, and Humanity in Modern India (South Asia in Motion) Shailaja Paik Deep dive into international adoptions: Norway considers halting overseas adoptions as Denmark’s only international agency winds down work https://apnews.com/article/norway-adoptions-thailand-taiwan-philippines-south-korea-60424884735b363de32bfe3d16160a24 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/canada-ban-adoption-muslim-countries-1.7087142 Guardian investigation: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/aug/11/the-children-who-say-they-were-wrongly-taken-for-adoption Vatsal Leave the world behind, Netflix Science Communicators: John and Hank Green Harsha Explaining Life through Evolution by Prosanta Chakrabarty --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message

Megh and Aditya discuss Aditya's experiences travelling internationally for conferences as an Indian PhD student. Travel fund options for Indian academics: https://www.serc-dst.org/application_for_travel_support.html https://dbtctep.gov.in https://www.ictp.it/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message

We discuss what failure means in the context of academic research: how we learn when our research goes in unexpected directions, publishing negative results, dealing with imposter syndrome and peer reviewers, and learning from our mistakes. Recommendations Tech Won't Save Us Podcast https://techwontsave.us/episode/189_elon_musk_unmasked_origins_of_an_oligarch_part_1 The Rest is History- Baghdad https://therestishistory.com/378-baghdad-the-golden-age/ Longitudinal evidence that infants develop their imitation abilities by being imitated https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982223011648 The conservative vision of liberal education in India https://caravanmagazine.in/education/ashoka-university-private-universities-caste-sabyasachi-das Intermediate levels of scientific knowledge are associated with overconfidence and negative attitudes towards science https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-023-01677-8 Data and Power: Deconstructing Surveillance, Tufts University https://ricknabb.medium.com/data-and-power-deconstructing-surveillance-week-1-cff5517c21e2 White Noise: White Noise is the definitive inside story of the alt-right A Nobel prize for failure https://www.theguardian.com/science/brain-flapping/2012/oct/09/neuroscience Dr. Kariko's interview https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/08/health/coronavirus-mrna-kariko.html --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message

In this episode, we begin with a rant about the faculty hiring process and the futility of re-entry fellowships in India. We then move on to discussing citation farms and the gamification of h-indices. Citation and publication farms links: https://retractionwatch.com/2024/01/23/exclusive-mayo-florida-profs-among-authors-of-article-tied-to-indian-paper-mill/ https://retractionwatch.com/2024/01/25/journal-pulls-papers-following-retraction-watch-investigation/ In a Tipster’s Note, a View of Science Publishing’s Achilles Heel https://undark.org/2023/06/21/in-a-tipsters-note-a-view-of-science-publishings-achilles-heel/ Exclusive: Mayo, Florida profs among authors of article tied to Indian paper mill: https://retractionwatch.com/2024/01/23/exclusive-mayo-florida-profs-among-authors-of-article-tied-to-indian-paper-mill/ Exclusive: Paper-mill articles buoyed Spanish dean’s research output: https://retractionwatch.com/2024/01/18/exclusive-paper-mill-articles-buoyed-spanish-deans-research-output/ Recommendations Megh Fighter Origin Kathal Neri Oxman- allegations of plagiarism: https://www.businessinsider.com/neri-oxman-plagiarize-wikipedia-mit-dissertation-2024-1 Aditya Lessons in Chemistry Vatsal Podcast- Novara media --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message

In this episode of DAP, we discuss Ajay's academic journey and what came after it. We delve into many anecdotes and certain inevitable intricacies of academia like mandated fees, stipends, thesis writing, and tenure-track applications that shape the academic landscape. Recommendations: Megh: Bumble dating survey trends: https://mashable.com/article/bumble-top-dating-trends-2024 Arranged on Amazon Prime Research assistant wanted: The outsourcing of intellectual labour reveals academia’s colonial roots https://scroll.in/article/1061526/research-assistant-wanted-the-outsourcing-of-intellectual-labour-reveals-academias-colonial-roots Hbomberguy: Plagiarism and You(tube) Vatsal Exclusive Paper Mill articles Buoyed Spanish Deans Research Output: https://retractionwatch.com/2024/01/18/exclusive-paper-mill-articles-buoyed-spanish-deans-research-output/ Listening to Grasshoppers: Field Notes on Democracy by Arundhati Roy Ajay Complications by Atul Gawande --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message

In this episode of DAP, we delve into the world of Academic Conferences. Why do we attend them, and what are the differences between International and Local conferences? We also examine the influence of the pandemic on academic travel, including the challenges faced by graduate students such as seeking funding, accommodation, and networking, all while experiencing the excitement of discovering new places. As G20 was the flavor of the season, and well, it's a conference of sorts, we briefly go on a tangent to discuss that event as well! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message

In this episode of DAP, the gang gets together to talk about the recent achievements of India's renowned space agency, ISRO, and its groundbreaking Chandrayaan mission. We discuss why these achievements are often regarded as commendable amidst the flurry of headlines and what this hype truly signifies. Is it a genuine love for science, or does it sometimes border on jingoism? Are we witnessing a resurgence of the glory days of research, or is there more to the story? We also talk about the less glamorous aspects of science and the unique challenges it faces in a headline-dominated, macho space. What is the deal with applied scientists, including engineers and doctors, and their relationship with religion and pseudoscience? Can these professionals afford to be irrational in their personal beliefs while remaining proficient in their work? We also examine the broader implications of ISRO's success on the systemic issues within Indian academia and research. Will it serve as a convenient distraction from these issues, with the constant clutch of "see how ISRO is achieving great things"? What does this mean for research that doesn't bring international glory or isn't part of a prestigious race? Join us as we navigate through the intersection of science, hype, and the complex world of research in India. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message

In this episode, Megh talks about her trip back home after a long hiatus, about unavoidable bureaucratic work, dramatic climate events, local tourism and food. We also discuss how a break from academia dramatically improves our mental health, even if the physical and environmental conditions around us are catastrophic. This episode includes a serious segue into digital libraries and what it means for academia if our life’s work is housed in servers that could be sold to Elon Musk someday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message

In this episode, we discuss how to tackle the challenge of lack of nuance in popular science debates. We move on to discussing how there is a culture of ignoring domain expertise in India at the cost of cocksure narratives. In the latter half of the podcast we talk of how the omission of topics like global warming, the theory of evolution, and the periodic table from lower class curriculum could result in a lack of understanding of the first principle of science. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message

We begin with a short discussion on what it's like to manage mental health in academia for three very privileged upwardly mobile youths with enough generational wealth to emigrate to first world countries. We then continue our discussion on mental health and material conditions with a look at the housing market, entitled senior faculty, academic diversity and freedom, and making friends. Credits: Intro/Outro Music - "Sapajou - The Universe Needs You" is under a Creative Commons (CC-BY 3.0) license Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: ⁠https://bit.ly/bkc-universe⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message

We continue our discussion of life as academic researchers which a 'light' discussion on what makes research scientific, the issues with the journalistic reporting of scientific discoveries, and our eternal battle with Culture Wars. Credits: Intro/Outro Music - "Sapajou - The Universe Needs You" is under a Creative Commons (CC-BY 3.0) license Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://bit.ly/bkc-universe --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message

We discuss our experience with the overt and covert power structures in Indian academia, gatekeeping, and what it means to be progressive and pathbreaking in a world where "Uncledom" reigns supreme. Credits: Intro/Outro Music - "Sapajou - The Universe Needs You" is under a Creative Commons (CC-BY 3.0) license Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://bit.ly/bkc-universe --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message

In our first episode, we discuss our academic journeys and what keeps us here, our experiences in Indian academia, and how we explain our life choices to our relatives. Credits: Intro/Outro Music - "Sapajou - The Universe Needs You" is under a Creative Commons (CC-BY 3.0) license Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://bit.ly/bkc-universe --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/desi-academic-podcast/message