Wings

Asha & Milind Agnihotri

Year 1991 marked the beginning of a New India, a year that kick started a democratisation process of a new kind, one that rode the waves of Internet, Television Broadcast Networks & Mobile Telecommunications. This has shaped a new generation of youth deeply anchored in Indian values yet having global aspirations, a cohort for whom the world is a playground.  Wings podcast is an attempt to bring forth stories of these youth where they share how they see themselves and the world they inhabit, their hopes and fears, their dreams and aspirations.  The storytellers in Wings podcast are Young Indians across socio-economic strata, from urban and semi-urban India, living across the globe, ones who have found their own Wings or are in the process of discovering them with an aim to take them far and wide. Wings podcast began its journey in January 2022. After 108 episodes over 5 seasons that have been listened to in about 114 countries, the podcast is now entering its 6th season. The first 5 seasons were focused on the theme - 'Celebrating India's Youth,' while the 6th one, starting September 2026, is focused on the theme of ‘Transitions.’  The idea behind Season 6 is to express & explore transitions that our podcast guests, mostly seniors, have lived through in their personal, professional, social contexts. These are people who have lived a rich life - full of diversity, value creation, outreach & impact.  Across all its seasons, basic tenets of Wings podcast remain same - to 'discover the extraordinary in the ordinary' and a belief that ‘the future is born in the web of human conversations'. Podcast Creators: Asha & Milind Agnihotri. Podcast Host: Milind Agnihotri.  DISCLAIMER: This Wings Podcast is conceptualised and created by Asha & Milind Agnihotri. Entire contents and design of this Podcast are the property of Asha & Milind Agnihotri. Listeners are welcome to download and play the Podcast and share with others for personal use. Please acknowledge Wings Podcast as the source of the material. You may not, except with express written permission of Asha & Milind Agnihotri, distribute or commercially exploit the content. This Podcast is for general information purposes only and should not be considered as a piece of any professional advice. Views and opinions expressed in the episodes of this Podcast are those of its guests. 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

  1. 6 days ago

    S6E3: Rainbow Connection

    Curiosity is our constant companion. It inquires and triggers discoveries. Somewhere along the way it meets Imagination & Compassion. Attention & Intention join the party too. And, together they create a ‘Rainbow Connection’ to manifest realities that are hitherto non-existent or not available to our senses. As a perpetual cycle in motion, they have the power to create, connect, build, shape and expand. What do these forces do to the protagonist experiencing them? What resultant realities they birth for him / her / them and others in their own contexts? What is the price and payoff entailed here?  To unpack this narrative, here is a dialogue with Uday Dandavate, as a part of ‘Transitions’ series of Wings Podcast Season 6. A design activist and ethnographer of social imagination, Uday is also the Co-Founder & CEO of SonicRim which has guided Fortune 500 companies, startups, and social innovators to balance global vision with local relevance. To quote Uday, “There are many seeds in this podcast conversation — not templates or prescriptions, but small invitations to interpret the forces of change moving through our societies and ecologies, and to find our own guidelines for mindfulness within them.” Song credits: Song - 'The Rainbow Connection'; Singer - Karen Carpenter; Album - As Time Goes By (2001) 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

    S6E3: Rainbow Connection

  2. 8 Oct

    S6E2: Inverted Telescope

    The idea of an ‘Inverted Telescope’ represents a shift in consciousness where observation is focused on an inner location which tries to see and comprehend the external world instead of looking at it as a distant object to be studied. For many, this idea manifests as a rich and impactful journey in professional career followed by a gradual transition to discover meaning and peace within. How does this process unfold? How and when does the telescope take a turn from external to inner worlds? Where does this lead the wayfarer? To explore this subject, here’s a conversation with Mohandoss T, Founder CEO of Compassmet Consulting LLP, a boutique consulting firm offering services in - Strategy, Domain & Technology Competencies and Leadership Programs. Over four decades Mohan has transitioned across multiple professional roles - sales, marketing, operations and strategy. He has worked in leading global companies such as OMC Computers, Tata Elxsi, Sun Microsystems, Fidelity Investments, across India, China, ASEAN regions, Ireland & US.  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

    S6E2: Inverted Telescope

  3. 24 Sept

    S6E1: New Beginnings

    Transitions are rarely simple switches. They are profound processes of reorientation and follow a pattern involving three stages: Endings - involves letting go of an old identity / situation; Neutral Zone - marked by uncertainty where old realities get dismantled and new possibilities take shape; New Beginnings - where new identity, purpose and behaviours are embraced. What stories emerge in a 3x3 matrix that intersects personal, professional, and psychological contexts with early, mid, and late stages of life? How do they foster a sense of growth and fulfilment? To explore this subject here’s a conversation with Nitin Sarangdhar, an innovator and pioneer in semiconductor design with over 40 years of experience anchored with Intel Corporation and his entrepreneurial venture - NitAl, which built the world’s first ‘PCI Express Bus Analyzer.’ Calling Portland, Oregon in US as home, Nitin’s professional pursuits have been driven by willingness to step into uncertainty, building structures and pursuing meaningful outcomes.  Now transitioning into post-retirement, Nitin is embracing a new beginning by mentoring future engineers. As a Visiting Professor of Practice at his alma mater, IIT-Mumbai, he teaches Advanced AI Architecture under the institution’s SemiX initiative, beautifully illustrating how navigating life's transitions fosters renewed purpose and life long fulfilment. 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

    S6E1: New Beginnings

  4. 13 Aug

    S5E8: The Next Level

    "Take it to the next level" is an idiom that means - to significantly improve, expand a skill, business or relationship, making it more successful, advanced, or professional than it was before. This requires a vision, goal, focus, hard work, commitment and perseverance. It is however easier said than done. What self-doubts does this endeavour trigger? How does one navigate the path while remaining grounded? How does one remain open to possibilities in order to - up the game! To explore this subject, here’s a conversation with Dr.(Maj) Ameya Kagali, Chief Team Physician for the Indian contingent at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games and the 2024 Paris Paralympics. A former regimental medical officer in the Indian Army, Dr.(Maj) Ameya specialises in sports and exercise medicine. He is the founder of ‘Krida Human Performance Center,’ Bangalore and has consulted with Karnataka State Cricket Association & the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. He is also the 1st guest of Wings podcast and enjoys the distinction of being the only come-back guest, after four-and-half years, with this episode #108. 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

    S5E8: The Next Level

  5. 16 Jul

    S5E7: Pilgrimage

    Merriam-Websters dictionary defines ‘pilgrimage’ as a journey to a shrine or a sacred place with words such as travel, trek, journey, voyage being synonyms. In simple terms though it brings together a path, a traveller, a goal and a call to adventure. Many a discoveries await the one who responds to this call. For some - achieving the goal is significant whereas for some it’s the journey that matters. Irrespective of nature of pilgrimage, what experiences and (in)sights awaits a pilgrim? What questions do they trigger? How does it satiate one’s feeling of curiosity and wonder? To explore this subject, here’s a conversation with Manjiri Latey, an outdoor aficionado and a wild-lifer having spent most of her life travelling and working in forests, mountains and in the plains. Through her solo pilgrimages like - El Camino de Santiago Compostela across North-Western Spain, Adi-Kailash Yatra in the Himalayas, Pancha Bhoota Sthalam in South India and through her community volunteering work in parts of Asia, Central & South America, Manjiri brings forth unique possibilities for anyone seeking meaning & fulfilment though embodied work.  Song credits: Film: Swades (2004); Director: Ashutosh Gowariker Lyrics: Javed Akhtar; Music: A.R.Rahman 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

    S5E7: Pilgrimage

  6. 25 Jun

    S5E6: Wheels & Wings

    "Today, life on wheels has become longer than one on the feet. An innocent, bubbling life of an 18 year old got constricted by shoulder down paralysis caused by a surprise accident, bringing it to a standstill. Freedom & joy got replaced by shock, helplessness, anger, agony and pain. How did I and my dear ones deal with this darkness? How did I find hope, meaning and purpose?” a wave of melancholy swept over her as she penned these words when she turned 36! A stage when ‘Wheels’ became her ‘Wings’, taking her far and wide, bringing her respect and recognition, making her a beacon of hope to many. To unravel this real life story, listen in to Ekta Bhyan, a renowned Indian para-athlete from Hisar, Haryana. Despite being rendered quadriplegic, she completed her Bachelor’s and Master's degrees in English, a Bachelor’s in Education and then went on to crack the highly competitive Haryana Civil Services exams which earned her a job as a State Government Employment Officer. Competing in the F51 para sports classification, she has excelled nationally & globally, clinching a historic gold medal at the 2018 Asian Para Games and representing India at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Beyond sports, Ekta actively advocates for rights of persons with disabilities. 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

    S5E6: Wheels & Wings

  7. 30 Apr

    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

    S5E5: (Com)Passionate Vet

  8. 27/06/2025

    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

    S5E4: Her Reflections
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About

Year 1991 marked the beginning of a New India, a year that kick started a democratisation process of a new kind, one that rode the waves of Internet, Television Broadcast Networks & Mobile Telecommunications. This has shaped a new generation of youth deeply anchored in Indian values yet having global aspirations, a cohort for whom the world is a playground.  Wings podcast is an attempt to bring forth stories of these youth where they share how they see themselves and the world they inhabit, their hopes and fears, their dreams and aspirations.  The storytellers in Wings podcast are Young Indians across socio-economic strata, from urban and semi-urban India, living across the globe, ones who have found their own Wings or are in the process of discovering them with an aim to take them far and wide. Wings podcast began its journey in January 2022. After 108 episodes over 5 seasons that have been listened to in about 114 countries, the podcast is now entering its 6th season. The first 5 seasons were focused on the theme - 'Celebrating India's Youth,' while the 6th one, starting September 2026, is focused on the theme of ‘Transitions.’  The idea behind Season 6 is to express & explore transitions that our podcast guests, mostly seniors, have lived through in their personal, professional, social contexts. These are people who have lived a rich life - full of diversity, value creation, outreach & impact.  Across all its seasons, basic tenets of Wings podcast remain same - to 'discover the extraordinary in the ordinary' and a belief that ‘the future is born in the web of human conversations'. Podcast Creators: Asha & Milind Agnihotri. Podcast Host: Milind Agnihotri.  DISCLAIMER: This Wings Podcast is conceptualised and created by Asha & Milind Agnihotri. Entire contents and design of this Podcast are the property of Asha & Milind Agnihotri. Listeners are welcome to download and play the Podcast and share with others for personal use. Please acknowledge Wings Podcast as the source of the material. You may not, except with express written permission of Asha & Milind Agnihotri, distribute or commercially exploit the content. This Podcast is for general information purposes only and should not be considered as a piece of any professional advice. Views and opinions expressed in the episodes of this Podcast are those of its guests. 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

Information

  • Creator
    Asha & Milind Agnihotri
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    113
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wings
  • Show Website
    Wings