What's your ism?
What's your ism is a podcast about ideas and ideologies that claim to liberate the world and somehow always fall short. TNM's Sudipto Mondal and his guests grapple with impressive sounding isms -- Marxism, Feminism, Ambedkarism, religious systems -- and their inherent contradictions. An attempt to understand academics, activists, politicians, artists, rebels and wannabe revolutionaries who are in search of grand unified theories to solve the problems of the world.
Episodes
From Umar Khalid to Sharjeel Imam: Being Muslim in Modi’s India
Jailed student activist Umar Khalid’s friends and mentor Banojyotsna Lahiri, Anirban Bhattacharya, and Shuddhabrata Sengupta join TNM Executive Editor Sudipto Mondal to discuss their book ‘Umar Khalid and His World’. The guests read excerpts from the book, and discuss their student days in JNU, the formation of BASO, the evolution of the anti-CAA protests, and what Shaheenbagh meant for the m
The Bengali Muslim and the Bangladeshi Dalit | Dr Navine Murshid and Sudipto Mondal | WYI
In the final episode of the special What’s Your Ism sub series titled “Epar Opar Hahakaar”, TNM Executive Editor Sudipto Mondal sits down with political scientist Dr Navine Murshid, who authored the book “India’s Bangladesh Problem”.In an in-depth conversation, they discuss the current political scenario of Bangladesh post the July 2024 uprising. They also speak about the origins of the Bengali Mu
Who Picks Bengaluru’s Garbage? R Khaleemulah on Migrant Workers & Hate Politics | WYI EP 50
Who picks Bengaluru’s garbage? And why are Bengali Muslim workers among the most vulnerable labourers in Indian cities today?In this episode of What's Your Ism?, Sudipto Mondal speaks with trade unionist and human rights activist R Khaleemulah about migrant labour, communal politics, garbage contractors, police violence, and the hidden economy behind waste processing in Bengaluru.The discussion ex
Census, Hunter, Eaton: Essential reading on the Bengali Muslim | What's Your Ism EP 49
One of West Bengal’s most controversial poll seasons just concluded, with the Bharatiya Janata Party defeating the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government. This election season was different than usual because of the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls that preceded it. Thousands of voters found themselves disenfranchised, and the narrative of the ‘infiltrator’ was a
Land, Labour, and Liberation ft. Lawyer & CPIML Leader Clifton D’Rozario | What's Your Ism EP 48
What does justice really look like for India’s working class and oppressed communities? This week on What’s Your Ism?, Clifton D’Rozario, lawyer, CPIML leader, and long-time grassroots activist, joins host Sudipto Mondal to talk about fighting evictions, caste injustice, and class exploitation. From representing informal workers and slum residents to critiquing the limits of India’s judiciary and
Mamdani’s rise, Trump’s threat, and South Africa’s post-apartheid warning: Journalist Nic Dawes
From Mandela to Mamdani, and from Trump to Malema, this is a global story of resistance, betrayal, and unfinished revolutions.In Episode 47 of What’s Your Ism?, journalist Nic Dawes speaks with Sudipto Mondal about the promises of liberation, the politics of redistribution, and whether the Left can still imagine a future beyond fear.Become a subscriber - Click here.Contribute to our reporting fund
Dalit Labour, Muslim Migrants, and the City: What’s Your Ism? Reflections
Who are the real hands behind India’s clean cities? Sudipto reflects on the civic workers we rarely see, Dalit and migrant labourers who segregate waste, drive garbage trucks, and often live without rights or recognition. This episode follows the money, the power, and the politics behind urban sanitation. Anchored in his conversation with Du Saraswathi, and framed by Shailaja Paik’s work on caste
“We Are the Broom People”: Caste, Labor and Love | What’s Your Ism? with Du Saraswathi
What happens when movements don’t speak to each other? In Episode 45 of What’s Your Ism?, Sudipto Mondal is joined by Du Saraswathi — who has spent decades bridging Ambedkarism, Marxism, and feminism. A conversation about caste, cleaning, theatre, and what it takes to be seen in a world that looks away.Become a subscriber - Click here.Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. To che
Guns, Peace, and Power: What’s Your Ism? Reflections | Maoists vs the Indian State
In this Reflections episode, we return to Dandakaranya — a region where governments change, but the war stays the same. From banned militias reborn in uniform, to Maoist martyrdom that costs young Adivasi lives, this episode unpacks the contradictions inside the State, the rebels, and civil society. Featuring the voices of Prof. G Haragopal and Degree Prasad Chauhan, with reflections on who speaks
What’s Your Ism? 43 ft. Degree Prasad Chouhan | Adivasis in the Maoist War: Fighters or Fronts?
In this episode of What’s Your Ism?, human rights activist Degree Prasad Chauhan discusses how Adivasi identities have been appropriated by Maoist movements. He delves into the symbolic use of figures like Hidma, highlighting the lack of genuine representation and decision-making power for Adivasis within these movements. Chauhan also critiques civil society's role in sidelining Adivasi voices, em
What’s Your Ism? 42 ft. Professor Haragopal | The State, the Maoists, and the war for tribal land
“They say the Maoists are gone. But who will stop the mining?”In Episode 42 of What’s Your Ism?, Prof G. Haragopal—veteran human rights defender and peace negotiator—speaks to Sudipto Mondal about structural violence, broken promises, and why civil society must still try—even when peace seems impossible.Like Sudipto’s Ism show? Support him: https://rzp.io/rzp/tnm-wyi Or become a subscriber: h
Shit, Caste, and the Divine: What's Your Ism? Reflections | Raees Muhammad
What’s Your Ism? Reflections – Episode 3 In this third episode, Sudipto Mondal reflects on his conversation with Dr. Raees Muhammad — formerly Ravichandran Bathran, scholar, activist, and founder of Dalit Camera. The discussion moves beyond religion and resistance, into a quieter but more powerful space — the toilet. From Raees’s reflections on ritual purity and his conversion to Islam, to Sl
What's Your Ism? EP 40 | From Ravichandran to Raees: Dalits, Islam & the anti-caste | Sudipto Mondal
In this episode of What’s Your Ism?, Sudipto Mondal sits down with Dr. Raees Muhammad—formerly Ravichandran Bathran—the founder of Dalit Camera. A pioneer in grassroots video journalism, Raees speaks candidly about his departure from Hinduism, his conversion to Islam, and how casteism pushed him to reshape his identity and politics.From his early days as a student activist in EFLU to founding Dali
Charvaka, Ambedkar & Ravana’s Regret: What’s Your Ism? Reflections | Anand Neelakantan
In this episode of What’s Your Ism? Reflections, Sudipto Mondal re-opens his conversation with Anand Neelakantan by focusing on a striking excerpt from Asura—where Ravana, in victory, still yearns for caste validation. This leads to a deeper reflection on who the Shudras really are and what status they occupied in Indo-Aryan society. A philosophical and political unpacking of what Ambedkar underst
What's Your Ism? Ep 38 ft. Anand Neelakantan | Ram vs. Ravan: Whose Side Is History On?
In this episode of What’s Your Ism?, Sudipto Mondal hosts Anand Neelakantan, bestselling author of Asura and Ajaya, to discuss how mythology is shaped by caste, politics, and power. Neelakantan dissects dominant narratives in the Ramayana and Mahabharata, questioning why some figures are remembered as heroes while others are cast as villains. From caste-coded storytelling to Hindutva’s mythmaking,
Roma, Banjara, and Ambedkar | What’s Your Ism? Reflections
Welcome to the first edition of What’s Your Ism? Reflections. Sudipto Mondal looks back at his conversation with János Orsós, founder of a Roma school in Hungary inspired by Ambedkar, and reflects on what was left unsaid—from statelessness to social segregation across continents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What’s Your Ism? EP 36 | Ambedkar in Europe: A Roma School’s Fight Against Segregation
From Maharashtra to Miskolc: What’s Your Ism? travels to Hungary where a Roma activist found hope in Ambedkar. János Orsós, founder of the Dr. Ámbédkar School, speaks with Sudipto Mondal and Prajwal Bhat about Hungary’s racial segregation, state complicity, and how Ambedkar’s legacy of education and justice offers a way out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What's Your Ism ft. Dhanya Rajendran & Vignesh Vellore | How TNM Survived 11 Years in Journalism
What does it take to run an independent newsroom for 11 years?How did a digital-first newsroom survive without corporate backing or political influence? Dhanya Rajendran & Vignesh Vellore sit down with Sudipto Mondal to reveal the highs, the struggles, and the big fights that shaped TNM’s journey. From newsroom dilemmas to financial risks, this is an unfiltered look at what it really tak
What’s Your Ism? Ammu Joseph on pioneering feminist journalism in India
Ammu Joseph, a pioneering feminist journalist and founding member of the Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI), shares her inspiring journey on What's Your Ism? with Sudipto Mondal.The conversation explores her groundbreaking works in Indian journalism, early works in Eve’s Weekly magazine & the process that led to the formation of NWMI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform
Gauley Bhai: Music, Resistance, and Identity From Kalimpong to Bengaluru
Sudipto Mondal features Gauley Bhai in this What's Your Ism? special. Their journey from Kalimpong to Bengaluru isn’t just about music—it’s about survival, resistance, and reclaiming identity. Their sound is a weapon, their songs a protest, and their stage a place of hope. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Holiday Special | Manjeet Sarkar: Comedy, Caste, and the Art of Storytelling
In this What’s Your Ism? holiday special, Sudipto Mondal sits down with Manjeet Sarkar—a comedian and filmmaker using humour to break barriers. The conversation explores his experiences as a Dalit performer, his reflections on identity, and the role of comedy in addressing social justice. P.S. They also share a personal discussion on food and its cultural roots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv
Holiday Special | Parvaaz: A Kashmiri Band in Bengaluru’s heartstrings
Parvaaz isn’t just a band—it’s a cultural movement. In the first of What’s Your Ism?’s holiday specials, Sudipto Mondal and Gokul Chakravarthy delve into how Bengaluru nurtures collaboration and diversity. Parvaaz’s journey from college jam sessions to progressive rock pioneers reveals the heart of Bengaluru’s cultural vibrancy. Watch as they discuss music, identity, and why Bengaluru remains the
What’s Your Ism? Special Episode 30: The Sudipto Mondal Story - Identity, Caste & Journalism
Episode 30 of What’s Your Ism? takes a personal turn as Dhanya Rajendran interviews Sudipto Mondal, the voice behind the show. Sudipto revisits his early struggles in journalism, the societal realities he confronted, and how these experiences shaped his purpose and perspective. This is the story of a Dalit journalist who has been telling others’ stories—now telling his own. Hosted on Acast. See ac
What’s Your Ism? EP 29 From Emergency to Hindutva: Ft. MG Devasahayam on India's Democratic Crisis
In this episode of What's Your Ism?, Sudipto Mondal and Dhanya Rajendran host M.G. Devasahayam, a former IAS officer and army veteran, to discuss critical issues facing India today and compare it to the emergency era. From the flaws in EVM-VVPAT systems to the systemic destruction of democratic institutions, Devasahayam provides a hard-hitting analysis of India’s electoral process and governance.
What’s Your Ism? Ep 28 ft. Nadira Khatun on exploring Muslim narratives in Hindi cinema
In episode 28 of What's Your ISM?, Sudipto Mondal speaks with Nadira Khatun about her book, Postcolonial Bollywood and Muslim Identity: Production, Representation, and Reception. They explore Bollywood's layered depiction of Muslim identities, its evolution since independence, and how cinema reflects broader societal narratives. Nadira shares her insights on identity politics, underrepresentation,
What’s Your Ism? Ep 27 ft. Kalpana Sharma on Feminism, Dharavi, and Himmat Magazine
In this episode of What's Your ISM?, Sudipto Mondal sits down with Journalist Kalpana Sharma to discuss her trailblazing career in journalism. They explore her early days with Himmat, a small but influential English-language weekly that stood for truth and justice during the post-Emergency era. Kalpana reflects on her work covering Dharavi and amplifying marginalized voices, as well as the evoluti
What's Your Ism? EP 26 ft. Shailaja Paik on Redefining Feminism and Dalit Identity
In Episode 26 of What's Your Ism? Sudipto Mondal speaks with Shailaja Paik, MacArthur 'Genius' Award winner and scholar, to delve into Dalit feminism, caste, and sexuality. They explore ‘Manuski,’ caste intersectionality, and the hidden stories of Dalit women in art like Tamasha. Episode releases tomorrow—stay tuned! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What’s your ism? Ep 25 ft. Arvind Narrain on progressive isms for our times
Our guest this time is hard to define. President of PUCL Karnataka, law scholar, Constitutional expert, author, one of the country’s pioneering LGBTQ+ activists, co-founder of the Alternative Law Forum and the legatee of a family that laid the first foundation for secular education in Karnataka. Over two decades of human rights work and political organising, he has created his own unique ism combi
What’s your ism? Ep 24 ft. Rishika Pardikar on India’s climate crisis
How did the Modi government gain the Shompen tribe’s consent for the construction of two cities, a port and gas refinery on the Great Nicobar island? What does the Modi government’s plan to introduce carbon trading mean for the environment? How do the latest changes to the Forest Conservation Act threaten community forest? What to expect from the COP29 in November?Sudipto Mondal discusses the clim
What’s your ism? Ep 23 feat. Dr. Aditya Sondhi on Indo-Pak military history
How did the civilian administration in India gain an upper hand over the military? Why did Pakistan and Bangladesh fail to control their generals? Nehru was initially dismissive of the armed forces, why and how did his view evolve? What was Jinnah’s view of the military?Sudipto Mondal discusses the Poles Apart – a newly released book comparing the three major military powers of South Asia – with t
‘I live without an Aadhaar’: What's Your Ism? Ep 22 | ft. Anti-Aadhaar activist Kiran Jonnalagadda
Is it possible to survive in India without Aadhaar? How does one protect individual rights against an ever more powerful surveillance state? What is legally valid, paper records or digital records? Is privacy an elite obsession? Sudipto Mondal discusses data privacy, state surveillance and digital rights with one of the last people in the country to resist the imposition of Aadhaar, the found
What’s your ism? Ep 21 ft. Nikita Sonavane, Lawyer and Researcher on Brahminical Policing
What role did eugenics play in the creation of a modern police force in India? What does it take for a Dalit woman to negotiate with the savarna dominated judiciary? What does it mean to be a ‘creamy layer’ Dalit in the most rarefied space in the Indian power structure?Sudipto Mondal discusses the savarna stranglehold on the judiciary and Brahminical policing with Nikita Sonavane, Lawyer and Resea
What's Your Ism? Ep 20 feat. Josy Joseph on the future of journalism & the state of the Indian union
What are the ways in which journalism in India is changing? Is Indian democracy safe? How deep is the rot in the country’s anti-corruption agencies and security establishment? Can the Indian army be trusted to stay out of civilian affairs?Sudipto Mondal discusses the state of the nation and the future of journalism with the country’s leading investigative journalist and founder of Confluence Media
What’s Your Ism? Josy Joseph on future of journalism, Indian democracy
In what ways is journalism in India changing? Is Indian democracy safe? How deep is the rot in the country’s anti-corruption agencies and security establishments? Can the Indian army be trusted to stay out of civilian affairs?In our latest episode of What’s Your Ism, Sudipto Mondal speaks to Josy Joseph, an investigative journalist and founder of Confluence Media, about the state of the Indi
What’s Your Ism? Ep19 feat. Rahul Sonpimple on JNU, Dalit-Muslim unity and activism
In our latest episode of 'What's Your Ism' with Sudipto Mondal, Rahul Sonpimple opens up about his journey from student leader at JNU to forming the All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association, the future of Dalit politics, and why Dalit-Muslim unity is more crucial than ever. Rahul delves into the complexities and contradictions within anti-caste coalition politics, especially the dif
What’s your ism? Nandan Kamath on sports, governing bodies, nation building
From India’s sporting culture to the bodies governing it and the ways to make it more accessible, what role does sports have in nation-building? Can it be treated as a public good or an essential commodity? And how can sports accommodate differences of gender, class, and identity? In this episode of What’s Your Ism, Sudipto Mondal speaks to Nandan Kamath, a lawyer and sports aficionado,
What’s your ism? Ep 17 Prakash Ambedkar: The legacy, struggles, & future of Dalit politics
"In Maharashtra, power is concentrated in the hands of only 169 families. These rich Marathas control everything, and they’re not ready to accept the poor Maratha who is of the same caste, same lineage."In this episode of What's Your Ism, Sudipto Mondal speaks to Prakash Ambedkar about Maharashtra’s power structure and the most contentious issues in Dalit Ambedkarite politics in India today.
What’s your ism? Ep 16 feat. first time MP from Tamil Nadu Sasikanth Senthil
What are the ways in which the Congress is changing? What do you mean by the Hindu Left? Does the focus on building a larger coalition against the BJP dilute core issues? How does it deal with ideological conflicts within the INDIA coalition?In this episode of What's Your Ism Sudipto Mondal speaks to first time MP from Tamil Nadu Sasikanth Senthil. Sasikanth says that his ideology is shaped less b
What’s your ism? Ep 15 feat. Sharda Ugra on Hindutva and sports
How did the entry of the BJP and Hindutva complicate the already chaotic world of Indian sport? Are cricketers by design less anti establishment than footballers? Race and gender are today big conversations in the global sporting community. Why is it difficult to talk about these things in India?In this episode of What's Your Ism Sudipto Mondal speaks to the renowned sports writer and critic
What’s your ism? Ep 14 feat. Shivasundar on the ‘Hindu Left’
In these Indian elections, a cross section of progressive mass organisations helped the Congress curtail the BJP’s electoral power. But what does the Congress resurgence mean for the progressive agenda and the fight against Hindutva? What do we make of Rahul Gandhi's good Hindu versus bad Hindu narrative?In the first episode of the post election season of What's Your Ism, Sudipto Mondal speaks to
What’s Your Ism? Ep 13 feat. Teesta Setalvad on coalition building against BJP & Hindutva
Fighting 'fascist' BJP is the second freedom struggle: Journalist and activist Teesta Setalvad said that the country is at a historic crossroads. This is the time, she said, to build the broadest possible coalition against the BJP and Hindutva, even if it means working with problematic opposition parties such as the Congress.In the last set of critical political conversations in this season of Wha
What’s Your Ism? Ep 12. feat Major General Vombatkere on Election Commission's partisanship & election security
People are not happy with the Election Commission: Major General Sudhir Vombatkere, a prominent voice in anti-Hindutva civil society circles, said that the conduct of the Election Commission and its openly partisan positions has eroded people's trust in these Lok Sabha elections. In the last set of critical political conversations in this season of What's Your Ism, Sudipto Mondal spoke to thr
What’s Your Ism? Ep 11. feat H V Vasu on Congress's shift left and progressive movements
The Congress and opposition parties are increasingly occupying left spaces. The founder of eedina.com and prominent left activist from Karnataka, H V Vasu responds to criticism that progressive mass movements have been co-opted by the Congress and other non-BJP opposition parties.In the last set of critical political conversations in this season of What's Your Ism, Sudipto Mondal spoke to three le
‘Dalit Muslims are striving for legitimacy’: Prof Khalid Anis Ansari on anti-caste discourse in Muslims
Caste and untouchability are widely perceived as a Hindu phenomenon – orthodoxically, they are categorised as “illegitimate” in the Muslim community. But the Dalit Muslims facing caste oppression strive for legitimacy. So, what is the complex history and dynamics of castes among Muslims? How is it perceived in the political economy amid scarcity mongering around reservations? In this two-part
What’s Your Ism? Ep 9. feat Shalin Maria Lawrence on Dalit Christians in anti-caste discourse
Caste and untouchability owe their origins to brahmanical Hinduism. But caste oppression is not restricted to the Hindu community. Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims face challenges in asserting their rights and demanding affirmative action. In this two-part episode on What's Your Ism, Sudipto Mondal speaks to Ambedkarite author Shalin Maria Lawrence and sociologist-professor Khalid Ani
‘Caste census not poll issue for OBCs’: Sumeet Mhasker on reservation, Hindutva
Sumeet Mhasker, a labour sociologist and professor at OP Jindal Global University, has been analysing non-Brahmin and OBC politics over the last century and how these communities respond to the question of Hindutva and their economic hardship.In this episode of What’s Your Ism, host Sudipto Mondal and professor Mhasker discuss the premise of Maharashtra’s Maratha reservation agitation and the sent
‘Time to revise theoretical positions’: D Raja on communists, caste, Buddha
D Raja, the general secretary of the Communist Party of India, says a communist revolution is not possible in India by only focussing on economic concerns.In this special two-part episode on What's Your Ism, Sudipto Mondal earlier spoke to the CPIM’s Sitaram Yechury. In this part, Raja reflects on the role of BR Ambedkar and the Buddha in shaping his communist ideology, Modi’s India, and internati
‘Slur to say communists are anti-Dalit’: Sitaram Yechury on caste, capitalism, international Left
Amid the ongoing election fever, the Left parties are looking to regain their lost ground. But what are the limitations facing the Red Flag? Why do Indian communists share a difficult relationship with the anti-caste movement? And what is happening in the international communist movement? In this special two-part episode on What's Your Ism, Sudipto Mondal speaks to the two tallest
‘BSP, Mayawati losing relevance’: RS Praveen Kumar on anti-caste movement, switch to BRS
RS Praveen Kumar, a former IPS officer, who had quit the civil services to join the Bahujan Samaj Party, has once again taken a u-turn. Last month, the popular Ambedkarite jumped to the BRS – a party he had earlier described as “casteist” and “feudal”. So what triggered this shift? What are his views on the anti-caste movement? In this episode of What’s Your Ism,
‘Mainstream media trumpeter of regime’: Sagarika Ghose on Hindutva, media, liberalism
Sagarika Ghose, the journalist-turned-politician who recently made headlines for joining the Trinamool Congress, is set to contest the Rajya Sabha polls. Has she abandoned the journalism front? How does she look at Hindutva? What made her pull out of mainstream media? In this candid conversation with Sudipto Mondal for What’s your ism? – a podcast by The News Minute and Newslaundry – Ghose ta
Suniti Bhikkuni on caste, gender and Buddhism
Bhante Suniti Bhikkuni is the founder of India’s first order of ‘Bhikkunis’ or female monks, a small group of committed Ambedkarite Dalit women who are striving to carve out an identity for themselves within the larger anti-caste movement. She talks about the dilemmas of associating with men and identifying with what passes for Navayana or Ambedkarite Buddhism in the country. She also shared insig
Kavita Krishnan on marxist parties and the feminist cause.
India's leading feminist voice from a Marxist perspective, Kavita Krishnan, who was also one of the few women to ever enter the powerful politburo of the CPI (ML), speaks about the moral dilemmas of identifying with the formal left in the country. She also delved into the complications in Marxist thought arising out of questions concerning women, Dalits and other groups that have been marginalised
Suraj Yengde on caste and Christianity
Global anti-caste scholar and activist Suraj Yegde, who's also a post doctoral fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, speaks about the future of the Ambedkarite anti-caste struggle, woke culture, Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA alliance. He also elaborates his position on the question of categorising Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims under Scheduled Castes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv
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