34 episodes

Stimulating conversations at the intersection of art, anthropology, literature, spirituality and sexuality, hosted by Vikram Zutshi, a writer, journalist, cultural critic and filmmaker.

Follow us:
Twitter: @bigturtlepod
Instagram: @thebigturtleshow
Facebook: @thebigturtleshow

The Big Turtle Show with Vik Zutshi The Big Turtle Podcast

    • Society & Culture

Stimulating conversations at the intersection of art, anthropology, literature, spirituality and sexuality, hosted by Vikram Zutshi, a writer, journalist, cultural critic and filmmaker.

Follow us:
Twitter: @bigturtlepod
Instagram: @thebigturtleshow
Facebook: @thebigturtleshow

    The Legend of Himal and Nagrai: Greatest Kashmiri Folk Tales

    The Legend of Himal and Nagrai: Greatest Kashmiri Folk Tales

    Filled with serpent kings, long-lost lovers, magical birds and seductive witches, The Legend of Himal and Nagrai is an enchanting collection of folk tales from a land as beautiful as it is misunderstood—Kashmir. 

    In the title story, the serpent king Nagrai takes on human form to be with his one true love, the princess Himal. But despite Nagrai’s warnings, when Himal doubts her lover’s origins, all hell breaks loose. Will the star-crossed lovers ever be together?

    • 29 min
    The Midway Battle: Modi's Roller Coaster Second Term

    The Midway Battle: Modi's Roller Coaster Second Term

    In 2019, the BJP came into power once again on the back of one of the most significant electoral mandates in recent years. Since then, the Narendra Modi-led government has seen a tumultuous few years as they have implemented far-reaching legislative changes including the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, triple talaq, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act as well as farming laws. These laws, when implemented, caused widespread protests and upheaval across the country.



    While the country grappled with internal strife, it also faced challenges from its neighbours in the form of one of the most intense military stand-offs in decades after an unprovoked attack by China's People's Liberation Army at Galwan as well as a global pandemic. While the Modi government took swift steps to limit the spread of the pandemic in 2020, the second wave of COVID-19 in early 2021 hit the country hard, claiming thousands of lives.



    Bringing a well-researched and nuanced understanding to Modi's second term, The Midway Battle sheds light on the sociopolitical issues facing India as it continues its struggle against enemies both known and unknown, and puts into perspective what lies ahead for the world's biggest democracy.

    • 1 hr 4 min
    The Vivekananda Handbook for Everyday Living

    The Vivekananda Handbook for Everyday Living

    Author Anshul Chaturvedi talks to us about his book which he calls an essential guide to apply the principles of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings to one's everyday life.

    Anecdotal and thought-provoking, The Vivekananda Handbook for Everyday Living unravels the wisdom of Swami Vivekananda's teachings to guide you through your life, whether in personal matters, domestic life, or in the professional arena.

    • 46 min
    'The Girls in Green'

    'The Girls in Green'

    Join us for a chat with author Tanushree Podder about her latest book 'The Girls in Green', about a group of girls from different backgrounds and their experiences at a military academy where they have been admitted to train as soldiers. We also discuss the broad range of subjects explored in her numerous books including 'The Daughter of Nur Jehan' and the adaptation of her new book into an upcoming webseries. Tanushree also tells us what it was like growing up in a military family in India.

    • 38 min
    Naya Kashmir: A New Hope

    Naya Kashmir: A New Hope

    Greater Kashmir columnist and Srinagar resident, Emaad Makhdoomi, weighs in on Article 370, Naya Kashmir, the Separatist movement and responds to Omar Abdullah's recent claims on Times Now channel.

    • 35 min
    Five Iconic Women from Indian Epics

    Five Iconic Women from Indian Epics

    Author Koral Dasgupta talks to us about her 'Sati' series about the lesser known aspects of the lives of five iconic women from the Indian epics: Ahalya, Kunti, Draupadi, Tara, Mandodari

    • 51 min

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

Modern Wisdom
Chris Williamson
Stuff You Should Know
iHeartPodcasts
Philosophize This!
Stephen West
Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Pushkin Industries
No Stupid Questions
Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher