What India Needs with Shutapa Paul

Shutapa Paul
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Join Shutapa Paul as she delves into social, economic, and environment issues that should matter, speaks to inspiring individuals, while diving deep into every conversation.Shutapa Paul is an anchor, commenter, author, and media entrepreneur. She has spent almost two decades within the media space, first as a journalist, and now as a media entrepreneur. Currently, she is Founder of award-winning brand-building and communications company, Dharma Media Consultants, where she has been working closely within the investing, startup, and impact ecosystem.Shutapa has been recognised as:- BW 40 Under 40 (PR & Corp Comm)- BW Excel Communications Personality of the Year- Social Samosa 40 Under 40- Agency Reporter 40 Under 40- LinkedIn ‘Top Voice’- ‘100 Women Faces’ by the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs- ‘Woman of the Year in Media and Journalism’ by Woman Times- Sattva Nation’s Iconic Wellness AwardSubscribe to our channel for insightful conversations

  1. What India Needs: The Financial Literacy Deficit with Karthik Rangappa

    FEB 15

    What India Needs: The Financial Literacy Deficit with Karthik Rangappa

    Send a text Only 27% of Indians have basic financial literacy, and that gap becomes dangerous as more people enter the stock market and rely on digital financial tools. In this episode of ‘What India Needs’, Shutapa Paul speaks with Karthik Rangappa, Chief of Education at Zerodha and Curator of Varsity, India’s largest open-source financial education initiative. Together, they discuss why financial literacy remains low in India, how digital scams are becoming more sophisticated with AI, and what individuals can do to make smarter, long-term financial decisions. From unrealistic expectations in stock markets to the importance of simple, common-sense investing, this conversation cuts through the noise. Catch the full conversation on YouTube or listen on Spotify.  #WhatIndiaNeeds #Podcast #FinancialLiteracy #PersonalFinance #Investing #IndianStockMarket #MoneyManagement #FinancialEducation — 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:16 - Gaps in financial literacy in India 00:04:07 - Linguistic diversity in financial education 00:07:00 - The rise of demat accounts 00:10:05 - Women's in Trading and Financial Initiatives 00:14:50 - Financial fraud, digital scams, and regulatory efforts 00:21:55 - Finfluencers: Controversy and the Need for Sensible Advice 00:25:47 - Making Money Vs Managing Money 00:28:35 - The purpose and need for Varsity 00:34:00 - Karthik Rangappa’s personal journey 00:39:10 - Advice for First-Time Investors 00:48:18 - Outro — #LongTermInvesting #YoungInvestors #DigitalScams #AIFraud #WealthBuilding  #FinancialLiteracy #Zerodha #Varsity Subscribe to our channel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapapaulpodcast  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shutapa_paul  Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-shutapa-paul-podcast  To know more: Follow Shutapa Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shutapapaul/  Twitter X: https://x.com/ShutapaPaul  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapa?igsh=MWZ5cHB3aDg3b21jcQ==  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shutapapaulpage/  Follow Karthik Rangappa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karthik-rangappa0001/  Twitter X: https://x.com/karthikrangappa?s=20  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karthikrangappa/

    45 min
  2. What India Needs: Reading India’s Past Today with Dr. Vikram Sampath

    JAN 19

    What India Needs: Reading India’s Past Today with Dr. Vikram Sampath

    Send us a text India’s past has many versions. Which version of history do you believe? In this episode of What India Needs, Shutapa Paul deciphers bygone times with historian and acclaimed author Dr. Vikram Sampath. From Mahatma Gandhi and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar to Jawaharlal Nehru and B R Ambedkar, the conversation touches upon many controversial Indian leaders. They also discuss the realities of being a contemporary historian in India, challenges of writing biographies amid political pressure, cinema’s overarching influence on public memory, and why parts of India’s freedom struggle remain missing from textbooks.  Dr. Sampath also speaks about truth and reconciliation, the dismal state of Indian archives, and how technology and AI can help democratise access to knowledge. Watch the full conversation on YouTube or listen on Spotify. #WhatIndiaNeeds #WhatIndiaNeedsPodcast #IndianHistory #PublicHistory #FreedomStruggle #TruthVsNarrative #Historians — 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:08 - The Challenges and opportunities of being a contemporary historian 00:05:22 - History, Politics, and the Role of the Historian 00:12:18 - Handling Criticism and Trolling as an Author 00:16:20 - The Politicalisation of Historical Debates 00:17:07 - History in Cinema and the Problem of Whitewashing 00:19:53 - Biographer's Approach 00:22:34 - Debunking Myths: V.D. Savarkar's Petitions 00:28:52 - The Armed Struggle for Independence and its Erasure 00:34:57 - Savarkar vs. Gandhi: The Conflict 00:37:57 - Controversies in History Curriculum 00:40:59 - History, Politics, and Healing 00:44:03 - Truth and Reconciliation process 00:46:34 - The state of Indian Archives 00:52:36 - Overcoming Bureaucracy: FIHCR 00:59:05 - NAAV AI: Using AI Translation and Content Accessibility 01:12:52 - From corporate life to history 01:14:10 - Outro — #Podcast #IndianHistory #HistoryAndPolitics #Savarkar #Gandhi #FreedomStruggle #PublicIntellectuals #Archives #HistoricalMemory #IndianIdeas Subscribe to our channel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapapaulpodcast  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shutapa_paul  Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-shutapa-paul-podcast  To know more: Follow Shutapa Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shutapapaul/  Twitter X: https://x.com/ShutapaPaul  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapa?igsh=MWZ5cHB3aDg3b21jcQ==  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shutapapaulpage/  Follow Dr. Vikram Sampath on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-vikram-sampath-frhists-056910/  Twitter X: https://x.com/vikramsampath

    1h 14m
  3. What India Needs: Building Equitable Workplaces with Shreya Krishnan

    11/18/2025

    What India Needs: Building Equitable Workplaces with Shreya Krishnan

    Send us a text 36% of India’s tech workforce is women, but only 8% reach senior leadership. What’s keeping women from leading the future of work? In this episode of the What India Needs Podcast, Shutapa Paul speaks with Shreya Krishnan, Managing Director - India, of AnitaB.org, a global non-profit working to advance women in technology. Together, they explore how India can build equitable workplaces where inclusion drives innovation. Join the conversation as we unpack the numbers, the systemic challenges women face, and the roadmap for creating inclusive workspaces. Catch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify. #WomenInTech #GenderEquity #FutureOfWork #Inclusion #Leadership #WhatIndiaNeeds ____ 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:02:43 – Women in India’s tech workforce 00:04:00 – Representation versus inclusion 00:05:28 – Academic Conditioning & STEM Bias 00:12:00 – Post-COVID Crisis & The Loss of Agency 00:19:17 – Pay Gap & Performance Bias 00:24:03 – Choosing Our Bias Over Data 00:31:19 – Why Tech Isn't Built for Women 00:34:44 – About ‘Words Matter’ 00:37:30 – AnitaB.org's Vision and Programs 00:41:30 – Outro ____ #WorkplaceCulture #CareerGrowth #WomenEmpowerment #Sustainability #WordsMatter #Mentorship #WorkplaceInclusion #BreakingBias Subscribe to our channel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapapaulpodcast  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shutapa_paul  Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-shutapa-paul-podcast  To know more: Follow Shutapa Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shutapapaul/  Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShutapaPaul  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapa?igsh=MWZ5cHB3aDg3b21jcQ==  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shutapapaulpage/  Follow Shreya Krishnan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-krishnan-3190098/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/shreyakrishnan_?s=20 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drama.rani/

    42 min
  4. What India Needs: Crafting Change with Emily Chakraborty

    10/24/2025

    What India Needs: Crafting Change with Emily Chakraborty

    Send a text 67 lakh handloom weavers in the 1980s; just 31 lakh today. In this episode, Shutapa Paul speaks with Emily Chakraborty, founder of Kaisori, on the challenges facing India's weaving communities, including supply chain struggles, low wages, and middlemen that threaten artisanal livelihoods. They discuss the importance of treating craft as a serious business and how rediscovery is key to preserving our heritage. Tune in to hear Emily's insights on empowering artisans, scaling handmade businesses, and supporting women weavers. Catch the full conversation on YouTube or listen on Spotify. #WhatIndiaNeeds #Podcast #IndianCraft #Handloom #WomenInBusiness #SustainableCraft #RediscoverIndia ______ 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:29 - Decline of weavers in India 00:03:59 - Treating craft as a business 00:06:09 - Challenges of input cost 00:08:17 - Health & wellbeing of weavers 00:11:22 - Women at the heart of Indian craft 00:13:30 - Policy gaps & much-needed interventions 00:15:27 - Uniqueness & respect for craft  00:16:58 - GI tags & consumer education 00:18:22 - Competing with fast fashion  00:25:18 - Building Kaisori: origin and purpose 00:27:57 - Kaisori’s business model & cluster work 00:34:58 - Advice to entrepreneurs 00:38:16 - Buyer’s role 00:39:52 - Outro ______ #IndianArtisans #HandmadeHeritage #WomenEntrepreneurs #CraftBusiness #SustainableFashion #Rediscovery Subscribe to our channel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapapaulpodcast  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shutapa_paul  Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-shutapa-paul-podcast   To know more: Follow Shutapa Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shutapapaul/   Twitter X: https://x.com/ShutapaPaul  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapa?igsh=MWZ5cHB3aDg3b21jcQ==   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shutapapaulpage/  Follow Emily Chakraborty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-chakraborty-b696636/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chakrabortyemily/?hl=en

    40 min
  5. What India Needs: Cracking the Startup Survival Code with Dr. Subhrangshu Sanyal

    09/25/2025

    What India Needs: Cracking the Startup Survival Code with Dr. Subhrangshu Sanyal

    Send us a text The Indian startup ecosystem may be thriving but over 28,000 startups have failed in recent years.  In this episode, Shutapa Paul speaks with Dr. Subhrangshu Sanyal, CEO of IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, about the challenges facing the Indian startup ecosystem and how innovation and entrepreneurship can bridge the urban-rural divide, empower women, and solve grassroots problems.  From success stories in the Northeast to bold experiments in social entrepreneurship, this discussion unpacks what it will take to create a real Viksit Bharat from the ground up.  Catch the full conversation on YouTube or listen on Spotify.  #WhatIndiaNeeds #Podcast #ViksitBharat #Startups #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #SocialImpact #India2047  —   00:00:00 - Intro  00:02:36 - Challenges startups face  00:05:50 - India’s $34.7 trillion dream and the gaps  00:07:56 - Bridging the urban–rural innovation divide  00:11:19 - Scaling social entrepreneurship  00:13:27 - Wishlist to the government on policy  00:16:18 - Building entrepreneurship ecosystem in North east  00:19:24 - India’s Startup Future  00:23:35 - Women entrepreneurs driving livelihoods  00:31:04 - Eastern India’s startup potential  00:32:27 - Innovative startups at IIMCIP  00:41:30 - Learnings as the CEO of IIMCIP  00:44:56 - Outro  —  #InclusiveInnovation #GrassrootsEntrepreneurs #RuralInnovation #MSMEs #SocialEntrepreneurship #ImpactInnovation #FutureOfBharat Subscribe to our channel:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapapaulpodcast  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shutapa_paul  Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-shutapa-paul-podcast To know more:  Follow Shutapa Paul on  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shutapapaul/  Twitter X: https://x.com/ShutapaPaul  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapa?igsh=MWZ5cHB3aDg3b21jcQ==  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shutapapaulpage/  Follow Subhrangshu Sanyal on  LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/in/subhrangshu-sanyal-774a128

    45 min
  6. What India Needs: Hospitality’s Big Bet with Dr. Suborno Bose

    08/21/2025

    What India Needs: Hospitality’s Big Bet with Dr. Suborno Bose

    Send us a text India wants tourism and hospitality to fuel a $3 trillion economy by 2047. But here’s the truth: only 1% of the 37 million people employed in the sector are formally trained. In this episode of What India Needs!, Shutapa Paul speaks with Dr. Suborno Bose, hospitality educator and Founder of IIHM, on the future of hospitality, including skills gaps, sustainability, women in the workforce, policy hurdles, and AI-powered solutions like NamAIste. Catch the latest episode now on YouTube or Spotify!  #WhatIndiaNeeds #WhatIndiaNeedsPodcast #Hospitality #Tourism #AI #SkillingIndia #IndianEconomy #WomenInWorkforce #SustainableTourism _______________ 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:33 - Acute shortage of talent in the sector 00:07:40 - Long hours, lifestyle & retention 00:12:10 - The $3 trillion goal 00:14:05 - Homestays, agro-tourism & new growth engines 00:16:33 - Women in hospitality 00:20:30 - Policy challenges & regulatory inconsistencies 00:23:32 - Why training cannot stay in classrooms 00:27:45 - Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities: The next hospitality hubs 00:32:15 - Sustainability & Responsible Tourism 00:36:45 - Dr Bose’s journey 00:39:32 - Technology in Hospitality: AI for Today, Not Tomorrow 00:48:22 - Ratan Tata & International Hospitality Day 00:57:12 - Outro ______________ #WomenInHospitality #TravelIndia #SustainableTourism #AgroTourism #Homestays #HotelIndustry #IndianEconomy #IndiaGrowthStory #TourismEconomy #AI #AIinHospitality #NamAIste Subscribe to our channel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapapaulpodcast  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shutapa_paul  Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-shutapa-paul-podcast  To know more: Follow Shutapa Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shutapapaul/  Twitter X: https://x.com/ShutapaPaul  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapa?igsh=MWZ5cHB3aDg3b21jcQ==  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shutapapaulpage/  Follow Dr Suborno Bose on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-suborno-bose/  Twitter/X: https://x.com/subornobose  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsubornobose/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suborno.bose/

    57 min
  7. What India Needs: Inside India's Central Bank with Alpana Killawala

    07/16/2025

    What India Needs: Inside India's Central Bank with Alpana Killawala

    Send us a text Since April 1, 1935, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been protecting India’s economy. Printing currency, managing banks, controlling inflation, and handling the Rupee — the nation’s central bank has been doing it all. But the inner workings of this carefully guarded institution has remained an enigma. In this episode of What India Needs, Shutapa Paul is joined by Alpana Killawala, former Principal Advisor at the Reserve Bank of India, and an insider who gives us a ‘fly on the wall’ view of the RBI.  From UPI scams and fintech regulation to inflation control and autonomy debates, this conversation sheds light on what the RBI can and cannot do. Alpana shares her personal experiences from landmark events, including demonetisation, the Harshad Mehta scam, and the shift to digital banking, offering unmatched insight into an institution that shapes every Indian’s economic reality. Watch it now on YouTube or listen to it on Spotify. #WhatIndiaNeedsPodcast #RBI #UPI #cyberfraud #fintech #inflation #demonetisation #centralbank #indianeconomy #publicpolicy #financialregulation ______ 00:00:00 - Intro  00:02:18 - India’s economic challenges 00:04:15 - The skipped manufacturing phase   00:06:56 - Responsible innovation & regulating fintech   00:10:18 - UPI’s rise and the scam problem   00:14:20 - Idle youth and job creation  00:15:40 - View on Rupee value and exchange Rate 00:20:12 - The Tussle within RBI   00:24:56 - AI in RBI’s supervisory process  00:26:09 - The Harshad Mehta Scam 00:31:22 - Learnings from six RBI Governors 00:44:20 - What made her write the book 00:48:08 - Recalling the demonetisation days   00:56:32 - What it’s like to work at the RBI 00:59:33 - The compartmentalised RBI 01:06:17 - Stress and pressure in banking career 01:10:28 - Is RBI’s autonomy at risk?   01:12:11 - Advice for future RBI aspirants   01:13:23 - Outro ______ #CyberThreats #FinancialFraud #RBIInsights #FinancialInnovation #FintechRegulation #DigitalIndia #Demonetisation Subscribe to our channel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapapaulpodcast  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shutapa_paul  Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-shutapa-paul-podcast  To know more: Follow Shutapa Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shutapapaul/  Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShutapaPaul  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapa?igsh=MWZ5cHB3aDg3b21jcQ==  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shutapapaulpage/  Follow Alpana Killawala on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alpana-killawala-8991074a/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alpana.killawala/

    1h 14m
  8. What India Needs: Inside India's Green Cover Crisis with Vaibhav Raje

    06/05/2025

    What India Needs: Inside India's Green Cover Crisis with Vaibhav Raje

    Send us a text India’s green cover is increasing… or is it a facade? In this episode, Shutapa Paul engages with Vaibhav Raje, India’s first ISA-certified arborist, and together they explore the truth behind India’s forest cover statistics. From saplings replacing centuries-old canopies to tree protection policies that rarely work in practice, we examine the growing gap between perception and reality. Tune in to hear Vaibhav’s sharp insights, on-ground experience, and candid perspectives on the future of sustainability in India.  Watch it now on YouTube or listen to it on Spotify. #WhatIndiaNeeds #podcast #urbanforests #treepolicy #greencover #vaibhavraje #arboriculture #sustainabilityIndia #cityplanning #forestcover #environmentIndia #indiancities #climatecrisisIndia #WhatIndiaNeedsPodcast ________ 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:11 - Green Cover: Myth vs reality 00:04:00 - The 33 percent goal and policy disconnect 00:10:01 - Suggestions for policymakers 00:12:47 - Development and sustainability 00:14:29 - What is Arboriculture? 00:16:40 - Case study 00:20:05 - Role of technology in saving trees 00:23:06 - Policy gaps, governance challenges, and public awareness 00:26:02 - Concerns about pruning 00:30:37 - What to do when trees outgrow their space 00:35:55 - Urban forest and Miyawaki plantation 00:40:44 - How citizens can take responsible steps 00:44:26 - Outro ________ #urbanforests #treepolicy #greencover #indiancities #environmentIndia #sustainabilityIndia #arboriculture #climatecrisisIndia #cityplanning #forestcover Subscribe to our channel: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shutapapaulpodcast⁠  YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@shutapa_paul⁠  Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-shutapa-paul-podcast⁠  To know more: Follow Shutapa Paul on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shutapapaul/⁠  Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/ShutapaPaul⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shutapa?igsh=MWZ5cHB3aDg3b21jcQ==⁠  Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/shutapapaulpage/⁠  Follow Vaibav Raje on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaibhav-raje-a383b117⁠  Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/vaibhav_raje⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/vaibhavraje?igsh=ZWJvZ211cGpnMWts⁠  Treecotech: ⁠http://www.treecotech.com/⁠

    45 min
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About

Join Shutapa Paul as she delves into social, economic, and environment issues that should matter, speaks to inspiring individuals, while diving deep into every conversation.Shutapa Paul is an anchor, commenter, author, and media entrepreneur. She has spent almost two decades within the media space, first as a journalist, and now as a media entrepreneur. Currently, she is Founder of award-winning brand-building and communications company, Dharma Media Consultants, where she has been working closely within the investing, startup, and impact ecosystem.Shutapa has been recognised as:- BW 40 Under 40 (PR & Corp Comm)- BW Excel Communications Personality of the Year- Social Samosa 40 Under 40- Agency Reporter 40 Under 40- LinkedIn ‘Top Voice’- ‘100 Women Faces’ by the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs- ‘Woman of the Year in Media and Journalism’ by Woman Times- Sattva Nation’s Iconic Wellness AwardSubscribe to our channel for insightful conversations

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