ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash Asian News International (ANI)

Amish and Bhavna have once again joined forces, following the tremendous success of their collaborative venture, 'Dharma: Decoding the Epics for a Meaningful Life,' which boasts a remarkable 6 million copies in print. Their latest book, 'Idols: Unearthing the Power of Murti Puja,' serves as a companion volume to 'Dharma'. It explores the profound reasons behind idol worship. Amish is one of the best-selling authors in India, renowned for his works such as the 'Shiva Trilogy' and 'Ram Chandra Series'.

In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the brother-sister duo delves into questions surrounding the enduring practice of idol worship. They unravel the mystery of why people continue to embrace this form of worship despite centuries of violence against it.

Amish and Bhavna also discuss the benefits of bhakti and explore the role of religion in individual lives and society. They ponder whether such worship can guide individuals towards discovering their true purpose and ultimately lead to peace and prosperity.

They also share their views on the ongoing debate over Sanatana Dharma. Amish and Bhavna also talk about the impact of foreign invasions on society and reflect on their own family background, and how it nurtured and shaped their careers as authors.

Nripendra Misra, an IAS officer of the 1967 batch, boasts a career spanning over 52 years with diverse roles. He served as the former Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and currently chairs the committee overseeing the construction of the Grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. This move is perceived as part of the Centre's strategy to closely monitor the temple's construction. He also held the position of Chairperson at the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and was honoured with India's third-highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan, in 2021.

In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he discusses the challenges faced by the committee in building the Ram Temple and delves into the project's timeline. He shares insights into the dedicated efforts of the workers, working day and night, and reveals details about the placement of the 'Ram Lalla' idol. He narrates the story of how he was chosen by the PM to lead the construction panel for the Ram Mandir.

Having worked closely with Prime Minister Modi from 2014 to 2019, He sheds light on the PM’s working style, highlighting what distinguishes him from other leaders. He also reveals the reasons behind stepping down as the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and discloses the first person to be informed about demonetisation.

Shaurya Doval is the founder of the RSS-affiliated ‘India Foundation’. He currently serves as a state executive committee member of the BJP in Uttarakhand. He is also the son of India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. Shaurya is an economics graduate from Hindu College of Delhi University and holds two MBA degrees from the University of Chicago and the London Business School. Before establishing a think tank and entering politics, Shaurya worked with GE Capital and Morgan Stanley as an investment banker.

In the latest ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Shaurya Doval shares insights into how think tanks operate in India and where they receive funding. He discusses the multiplicity of views among think tanks in India. He also sheds light on how the battles of narratives between the left and right wings have evolved in India.

He also addresses the widespread nepotism debate in the BJP and emphasizes the need for nationalism in a nation’s development. He also underscores the Hindutva influence in Uttarakhand state politics.

Lieutenant General Vinod G. Khandare, a distinguished former officer of the Indian Army, currently serves as the Principal Adviser in the Ministry of Defence. With a remarkable 38-year career, Gen. Khandare has worn many hats, including roles such as Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff for Intelligence from Nov 2015 to Jan 2018. His extensive experience in the Infantry involved operational tasks in Siachen, Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim, and the North East region.

In the latest ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Gen. Khandare (R) delves deep into the pivotal role of Information Technology in national security. He talks about the Israel-Hamas war, highlighting the impact of the attack as a significant 'blot' on Israel’s intel prowess. He talks about his book 'Data Sovereignty,' asserting that data is integral to national security, serving as a vital tool in identifying, analyzing, and responding to threats.

He also sheds light on Pakistan's nefarious designs against India, revealing the real reasons behind the Kargil war. He addresses the challenges faced by jawans at the daunting Siachen Glacier. Additionally, he shares an untold story from the Indo-Pak War of 1965.

Shehla Rashid is an activist, researcher, and academician who gained prominence in 2016 for advocating the release of then JNU President Kanhaiya Kumar, arrested on sedition charges. Recently, she made headlines for a notable shift, applauding the central government for the 'improved' situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Previously critical of human rights issues in Jammu and Kashmir, Shehla faced sedition charges over tweets against Indian army. She served as the vice-president of JNUSU in 2015–16, was a member of AISA, and completed her graduation from NIT Srinagar.

In the latest ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Shehla Rashid commends the Modi government and J&K L-G Sinha for the 'improved situation' in the valley. She also discusses what changed her perspective on the central government and why she altered her stance on human rights in Jammu and Kashmir. She also delves into her brief foray into mainstream politics with the party founded by Shah Faesal in March 2019, which she left within six months.

Chhaya Sharma is a senior IPS officer, currently serving as Joint CP-Eastern Range in Delhi. With over 23 years of experience, she has served as DGI at the National Human Rights Commission and as the director of the Central Vigilance Commission. She is widely recognised for her pivotal role in apprehending the perpetrators of the infamous 2012 Nirbhaya rape and murder case.

In the latest ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, IPS Chhaya Sharma shares insights into how she achieved the first breakthrough within 18 hours in the Nirbhaya rape and murder case, a shocking incident that deeply affected the nation. She explores the broader implications of the Nirbhaya case and its impact on changing rape laws in India.

IPS Chhaya Sharma also criticises those policemen involved in extra-judicial killings, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law. She discusses navigating political pressure while solving a case and dispels myths about how real police officers operate, distinguishing it from the portrayal seen in movies like 'Singham.' She also commends the 'Delhi Crime' series for realistically depicting the challenges faced by officers while solving a case. The web series is based on her character and investigation into the brutal gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman.

She underscores the need for a shift in societal mindset to promote women's empowerment. Additionally, she sheds light on the tactics used by Conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar to entice female actors with luxury gifts.