Stepwell Radio

Ahmedabad University

Ahmedabad University's Non-Commercial Radio Station managed by the students from different disciplines

  1. Voices from the Bookshelf, with University Library System

    23 APR

    Voices from the Bookshelf, with University Library System

    The Stepwell Radio and The Ahmedabad University Library are delighted to present a special World Book Day 2026 edition of Voices from the Bookshelf, featuring distinguished scholars Aparajith Ramnath, Neeraja Sankaran, and Rahul Sarwate.This engaging conversation moves beyond academic obligations to rediscover the joy of reading as a deeply personal and creative act. The panel reflects on how books are not only read for analysis but for conversation, imagination, and intellectual companionship. Drawing from writers such as Mahatma Gandhi, P. G. Wodehouse and J. R. R. Tolkien, the discussion invites listeners to see history not as a sequence of events, but as an experience to be felt and reimagined. A particularly rich thread explores the world of languages and translation, touching upon works across traditions, including those of Naguib Mahfouzand Haruki Murakami, and raising compelling questions about whether translations can sometimes carry new meanings, even surpassing the originals. The panel celebrates the coexistence of languages such as English, Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati, emphasising their rhythms, diversity, and shared cultural resonance. From storytelling and biography to writing practices shaped by beloved authors, the discussion gently reminds us that while histories never truly end, a book must. And in that ending lies its power to leave us thinking, questioning, and returning to the world with renewed curiosity.

    42 min
  2. The Rise and Fall of Empires, by RJ Anaira

    22 APR

    The Rise and Fall of Empires, by RJ Anaira

    This show looks at how everything happening right now—wars, trade tensions, rising inequality—might not be random, but part of a bigger pattern. It explores how global power is shifting, and how democracy today often exists more in form than in reality, with decisions shaped by elites and strategic interests.  Instead of a dramatic collapse, the show suggests we’re living through a transition into a more uncertain, messy world order.

    23 min
  3. The Mirror In The Mess by RJ Anagha

    22 APR

    The Mirror In The Mess by RJ Anagha

    Somewhere between right and wrong, the most honest stories live. We grew up on perfect heroes—clean choices, clear morals, predictable endings. But the characters that stay with us? They lie. They fail. They cross lines they can’t uncross. This episode dives into why anti-heroes feel more real than the “good guys”—and why their flaws make us uncomfortable in a way that’s hard to look away from. Because maybe it’s not about who’s right… it’s about who feels human. And if we’re being honest, we don’t see ourselves in heroes. We see ourselves in the ones who fall.

    17 min
  4. Is Trekking Culture Being Westernized? by RJ Khyati

    15 APR

    Is Trekking Culture Being Westernized? by RJ Khyati

    Trekking has always been more than just reaching the summit—it’s about the journey, the people, and the stories you collect along the way. But is that changing? In this episode, we dive into a thought provoking question: is trekking culture slowly being westernised? We explore the contrast between traditional Indian trekking styles—simple, immersive, and deeply connected to local culture—and a more packaged approach where everything is pre planned, from gear to food. While one embraces conversations with locals and the spirit of discovery, the other often prioritises comfort, convenience, and minimal interaction with the surroundings. Is this evolution making trekking more accessible, or are we losing the essence of what it truly means to explore?

    31 min
  5. Inventing The Classical: Tradition, Revival and Re-invention

    11 APR

    Inventing The Classical: Tradition, Revival and Re-invention

    Ever thought about what we call “classical” and whether it’s really as ancient or untouched as it seems?Society often presents traditions like Bharatanatyam as timeless and unchanging, passed down intact from a distant past. Tradition, however, can’t be reduced to simple inheritance; and neither is the question of who shapes it a new one.Join us as we trace Bharatanatyam’s journey from temple rituals and devadasi traditions to the modern stage and ask the uncomfortable but fascinating questions that come with it: who decides what becomes “heritage”? What gets preserved, and what quietly disappears?

    21 min
  6. The Idea of Intelligence: An Evolution, by RJ Hetvi

    8 APR

    The Idea of Intelligence: An Evolution, by RJ Hetvi

    What do we really mean when we talk about intelligence? Is it an inherent trait, a measurable ability, or a concept shaped by society itself? In this episode, we trace the evolution of intelligence as an idea beginning with the early 20th century work of Alfred Binet and Théodore Simon, who designed intelligence tests to support children’s learning, not define their potential. Over time, however, intelligence came to be viewed as fixed and hereditary, often intertwined with notions of race, geography, and genetic “fitness.” This discussion critically examines how scientific concepts like intelligence are not developed in isolation, but are influenced by social hierarchies, political contexts, and cultural frameworks. How did a tool for educational support transform into a marker of inherent ability? And what does this shift reveal about the relationship between science and society?

    18 min
  7. Recipe-Fication of Education, with Prof. Miglani & RJ Mahi

    4 APR

    Recipe-Fication of Education, with Prof. Miglani & RJ Mahi

    We’ve traded intuition for instructions and aesthetics for reality. This week, we’re looking at how "finishing" became the enemy of "learning" and how "beautifcation' of food and standarization of education interlap. From the sterile precision of modern recipes and supermarket food to the transactional nature of the 4-year degree, we discuss why the obsession with the end goal is stripping the art out of our lives. Is it possible to find the joy again? Let’s get back to the "why" and leave the "how-to" behind.

    22 min
  8. Behind Every Purchase Part-2, The Psychology of Choice, by RJ Sunethra

    1 APR

    Behind Every Purchase Part-2, The Psychology of Choice, by RJ Sunethra

    We like to believe that every purchase we make is logical and well thought out but is it really? In this episode, we step into the world of behavioural economics to uncover why people often buy things they don’t actually need. Challenging the idea of the “rational consumer,” we explore how our decisions are shaped not just by price or utility, but by emotions, habits and subtle psychological triggers. From impulse buys to brand loyalty, we break down how cognitive biases, social influence, and even the way choices are presented can quietly steer our decisions. Whether it’s a limited time offer or the fear of missing out, every purchase has a story behind it and it’s not always as rational as it seems.

    19 min
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About

Ahmedabad University's Non-Commercial Radio Station managed by the students from different disciplines

Information

  • Creator
    Ahmedabad University
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    113
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ahmedabad University
  • Show Website
    Stepwell Radio