Frontline Conversations

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Frontline Conversations

  1. 1d ago

    Sukhdeo Thorat on caste prejudice in India’s top colleges and universities | Frontline Conversations

    The death of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay student Sahil Wakode has renewed questions about caste discrimination in India’s higher educational institutions. Eminent sociologist and former UGC Chairman Sukhadeo Thorat discusses the issue and the need for stronger mechanisms to address discrimination on campuses. In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Thorat draws on his 2007 AIIMS inquiry to describe discrimination faced by SC students in classrooms, examinations, hostels and campus life. He discusses the limits of the Prevention of Atrocities Act and the UGC’s 2026 equity regulations, and argues that campus discrimination needs a dedicated legal framework with enforceable penalties. The conversation also covers the debate over merit and reservation, greater SC/ST representation among teachers, the importance of constitutional values on campuses, Thorat’s proposal for an independent body to address discrimination across the education system, and caste discrimination in schools. Chapters: 00:00 | Caste Discrimination in Higher Education 01:38 | AIIMS Caste Discrimination Report: What Went Wrong? 05:56 | Can Policy Stop Caste Discrimination on Campuses? 07:52 | Why India Needs a Law Against Campus Discrimination 10:41 | Merit vs Reservation: Rethinking Merit in Education 12:33 | Reservation, Equal Opportunity and Caste Inequality 16:56 | UGC Equity Regulations 2026: Key Gaps and Concerns 23:02 | University Reservation Roster: What Is the Problem? 26:03 | How Can Universities Address Caste Discrimination? 29:02 | Should India Have an Independent Anti-Discrimination Body? 29:51 | Caste Discrimination in Schools: The Overlooked Crisis 31:10 | IIT Bombay Case: Caste Discrimination and Atrocity Act 33:13 | Caste Discrimination in IITs Perfect for viewers interested in: - Caste discrimination - Higher education in India - Sukhadeo Thorat - UGC equity regulations - SC/ST students - Reservation policy - Dalit rights - IIT Bombay - Caste and education - Social justice Credits: Host: Amey Tirodkar Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Muhammed Mukhtar If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, share and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations on politics, society, education and democracy. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook - /frontlineindia X - Frontline (@frontline_india) on X Instagram - /frontline.magazine LinkedIn - /frontline-magazine-b12921295 #SukhadeoThorat #CasteDiscrimination #HigherEducation #UGC #SC/ST #Reservation #DalitRights #CasteAndEducation #IITBombay #SahilWakode #SocialJustice #IndianEducation #FrontlineConversations #FrontlineMagazine

  2. Sep 26

    Why 2024 won’t predict the UP election in 2027 | Sanjay Kumar

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Sanjay Kumar, political analyst and former director of the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), discusses the political dynamics shaping Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 Assembly election and what they could mean for national politics. Kumar examines the Samajwadi Party’s Pichhada-Dalit-Alpsankhyak (PDA) strategy and its core support among Muslims, Yadavs and Dalits, and whether the party can expand its social coalition enough to challenge the BJP. He also discusses the decline of the BSP, the changing Dalit vote, the possibility of new political forces emerging in Uttar Pradesh, and the increasingly bipolar nature of the State’s electoral politics. The conversation looks at the BJP’s bid for a third consecutive term in Uttar Pradesh, the role of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the party’s campaign, and the significance of Brahmin voters. Kumar also explains why he believes the 2024 Lok Sabha election should not be used as a straightforward guide to the 2027 Assembly election. Chapters: 0:00 | UP Politics 2027: What to Expect 2:51 | Samajwadi Party’s PDA Vote Base Explained 5:19 | SP’s MY Factor: Muslim-Yadav Vote 6:48 | Can BJP Win a Third Term in Uttar Pradesh? 10:19 | BSP Decline: Where Did the Dalit Vote Go? 13:32 | UP Politics: BJP vs Samajwadi Party 15:13 | Can a New Political Party Rise in UP? 18:17 | Why Uttar Pradesh Matters to Congress 20:45 | Women Voters and UP Election Politics 22:38 | Yogi Adityanath and BJP’s UP Strategy 24:00 | UP Politics and the 2029 Lok Sabha Election 26:00 | Brahmin Vote in Uttar Pradesh 28:16 | Can SP Expand Its PDA Alliance? 32:16 | Why BJP and SP Need Smaller Caste Allies 35:13 | Will 2027 UP Results Predict 2029? 36:44 | Future of UP Politics Perfect for viewers interested in: Uttar Pradesh politics UP Assembly election 2027 Samajwadi Party BJP Yogi Adityanath BSP and Mayawati Dalit politics Indian elections Credits: Host: Anand Mishra Camera: Deepanshu Chhabra and Parveen Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Muhammed Mukhtar T H If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, share and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations on politics, society and democracy. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook - / frontlineindia X - Frontline (@frontline_india) on X Instagram - / frontline.magazine LinkedIn - / frontline-magazine-b12921295 #SanjayKumar #UttarPradesh #UPPolitics #UPElections #SamajwadiParty #BJP #YogiAdityanath #AkhileshYadav #BSP #Mayawati #DalitPolitics #CastePolitics #IndianPolitics #FrontlineConversations #FrontlineMagazine

  3. Sep 21

    Why Aga Ruhullah Mehdi is resigning from the National Conference | Frontline Conversations

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) MP from Srinagar, confirms that he will resign from the party on November 3, 2026, saying Farooq Abdullah’s recent statement on Article 370 left him with no reason to reconsider. Mehdi speaks about his growing differences with JKNC over Article 370, 35A and the demand for restoration of constitutional protections for Jammu and Kashmir. He accuses the party leadership of abandoning the political agenda on which it sought the people’s mandate. The conversation also looks at Mehdi’s criticism of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s political positions, the contrast between the National Conference and Congress on constitutional protections, minorities and Kashmir, and his possible political path after leaving the party, including continued engagement with the Congress. Highlights: Ruhullah Mehdi on his differences with the JKNC Why he says the party has abandoned the fight for Article 370 Farooq Abdullah’s statement and Ruhullah’s decision to resign Omar Abdullah’s political positions and alleged inconsistencies The JKNC manifesto and the promise of constitutional protections Congress’ position on Kashmir and constitutional rights Ruhullah’s response to allegations that he is backed by outside forces His plans after resigning from JKNC Possible political understanding with Congress His position on the rights of Indian Muslims and other oppressed communities Why he believes he can win a fresh mandate from Srinagar Agha Saeed Ruhullah Mehdi Jammu and Kashmir politics National Conference Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah Article 370 and Article 35A Congress Constitutional rights Minority rights Indian politics Perfect for viewers interested in: Credits: Host: Gowhar Geelani Camera: Idrees Abbas Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Muhammed Mukhtar T H If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, share and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations on politics, society and democracy. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook - / frontlineindia X - Frontline (@frontline_india) on X Instagram - / frontline.magazine LinkedIn - / frontline-magazine-b12921295 #AghaRuhullahMehdi #KashmirPolitics #JammuAndKashmir #Article370 #Article35A #NationalConference #OmarAbdullah #FarooqAbdullah #Srinagar #IndianPolitics #ConstitutionalRights #FrontlineConversations #FrontlineMagazine

  4. Sep 9

    Kashmir, India-US ties, and the new regional security order | Michael Kugelman

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Gowhar Geelani speaks with Michael Kugelman, resident senior fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council, about US policy towards India in the context of US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor's recent visit to Kashmir and Leh. Kugelman discusses whether Gor’s remarks in Srinagar, including his description of "Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India", signal a shift in Washington’s longstanding position on Kashmir. Kugelman also examines the implications for India of China’s close relationship with Pakistan and the recent defence pact between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. He discusses how the emerging security architecture in West Asia could affect India’s strategic interests, whether Delhi should be concerned about the new defence alignment, and what role the US and China could play in the region. The conversation also looks at India-US relations amid recent tensions, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), India’s position in a more multipolar world, and Russia’s continuing role in South Asia. Highlights: Sergio Gor’s Kashmir and Leh visit Has US policy on Kashmir shifted? What Gor’s remarks mean for India-US relations The Türkiye-Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence pact The US security role in West Asia China’s growing role in the regional security architecture India’s strategic interests in the Middle East The future of India-US relations CPEC and the China-Pakistan relationship India-US relations India-Pakistan relations Kashmir and US policy Saudi Arabia-Pakistan-Turkey relations Middle East geopolitics China-Pakistan relations China-Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC and the Belt and Road Initiative India and the Gulf India-Israel relations US foreign policy Perfect for viewers interested in: Credits: Host: Gowhar Geelani Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Muhammed Mukhtar T H If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations. Subscribe to Frontline Digital: ⁠https://frontline.thehindu.com/online...⁠ Follow us on: Facebook - ⁠  / frontlineindia  ⁠ Twitter - Frontline (@frontline_india) / X Instagram - ⁠  / frontline.magazine  ⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠  / frontline-magazine-b12921295

  5. Sep 6

    Delhi SIR: The human cost of mass voter deletions | Frontline Conversations

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Sagrika Rajora of Voters’ Adhikar Manch discusses the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Delhi and the large-scale deletion of voters from the electoral register. She speaks about the impact of the exercise on migrants, working-class people, residents of slums and resettlement colonies, minorities and people with unstable housing. The conversation also looks at the discretion given to BLOs, the difficulties of tracing voter records from earlier electoral rolls, and the use of Form 6 for people whose names have been excluded. Rajora questions whether the process provides adequate notice, due process and safeguards against arbitrary deletion. She also discusses concerns about selective exclusion, including the experiences of Muslim voters, transgender people and other marginalised groups, while stressing the need to investigate such patterns carefully. The discussion examines the relationship between SIR and citizenship concerns, the constitutional implications of disenfranchisement, and why the scale of deletions matters in a democracy. Highlights: Delhi’s SIR and the deletion of around 47.5 lakh voters How mass deletions affect migrants and working-class voters Voters marked as permanently shifted, untraceable, dead or duplicate Problems with enumeration forms and Booth Level Officers The difficulties of tracing voter records from the 2002 electoral roll Form 6, voter deletion and questions of due process Claims of selective exclusion and the experiences of marginalised communities Concerns over the treatment of Muslim and transgender voters Why the scale of deletions matters after the 2025 Delhi Assembly election The need for transparency, accountability and safeguards in electoral-roll revision Delhi SIR Special Intensive Revision Election Commission of India Voter deletion Electoral reforms Migrants and voting rights Citizenship and voting rights Right to vote Election Commission Political disenfranchisement Indian democracy Perfect for viewers interested in: Credits: Host: Soni Mishra Camera: Dipesh Arora and Deepanshu Chhabra Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Mridula Vijayarangakumar and Muhammed Mukhtar T H If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, share and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations on politics, society and democracy. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook - / frontlineindia X - Frontline (@frontline_india) on X Instagram - / frontline.magazine LinkedIn - / frontline-magazine-b12921295

  6. Aug 19

    Periyar, Ambedkar, Gandhi and the fight to democratise temples | Manuraj Shunmugasundaram

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Manuraj Shunmugasundaram, lawyer and author of "The People's Sanctum", discusses the 100-year struggle to democratise temples in India, particularly temple entry, caste, social justice and constitutional equality. Manuraj traces the story from the Vaikom Satyagraha of 1924 to contemporary debates over temple administration, priesthood and religious freedom. Shunmugasundaram discusses how temples became centres of social and political power in South India and how movements led by Periyar, B.R. Ambedkar, Gandhi and others challenged caste-based exclusion. He explains the emergence of the Self-Respect Movement from the Vaikom struggle and argues that the idea of self-respect offers a distinct political language of equality and dignity. In the interview, Shunmugasundaram also explains the “Madras model” of secularism and landmark decisions such as the appointment of non-Brahmin priests and the Sabarimala case in the context of continuing tension between constitutional morality and social morality. Highlights: The 100-year struggle to democratise temples in India The Vaikom Satyagraha and its place in the anti-caste movement How temple entry became a question of equality and self-respect Periyar, Ambedkar and Gandhi and their differing approaches to caste and religion The historical relationship between temples and political power State control of temples from the Chola period to modern Tamil Nadu The “Madras model” of secularism and state intervention in religion Article 25 and the constitutional right to equality within religious institutions The appointment of non-Brahmin priests and the continuing struggle over priesthood The Sabarimala judgment and the constitutional limits on religious discrimination Caste, Manusmriti and the persistence of hierarchical practices Why temple equality remains unfinished after a century of reform The meaning of fraternity in Ambedkar's constitutional vision The future of secularism and religious equality in India Caste and social justice in India Temple entry movements Periyar and the Self-Respect Movement B.R. Ambedkar and constitutional morality Temple administration by the State Non-Brahmin priests and archaka appointments Sabarimala and religious freedom Madras model of secularism Caste discrimination and Hinduism Religion and politics in India Constitutional equality Social reform movements in South India Perfect for viewers interested in: Credits: Host: R.K. Radhakrishnan Editing: Razal Pareed Camera and production: Kavya Pradeep M and Muhammed Mukhtar T H If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations. Subscribe to Frontline: Subscribe to Frontline Digital: Renewals / New Subscriptions for Unlimited Access Follow us on: Facebook -   / frontlineindia   Twitter - Frontline (@frontline_india) / X Instagram -   / frontline.magazine   LinkedIn -   / frontline-magazine-b12921295

  7. Aug 19

    Wages for housework: Can cash transfers empower Indian women?

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Prabha Kotiswaran, Professor of Law and Social Justice at King’s College London, speaks about her book "Wages for Housework: India’s Experiment with Unconditional Cash Transfers to Women". The book looks at India’s growing use of unconditional cash transfers to women through the lens of feminist social reproduction theory, with field research in Goa, Assam, and West Bengal. Kotiswaran discusses the feminist history behind the idea of “wages for housework” and explains why recognising women’s unpaid domestic and care work does not necessarily mean reinforcing it. She argues that unconditional cash transfers can be redistributive even when they are not fully transformative, particularly when women have little control over household finances or are excluded from paid employment. She also addresses the criticism that these schemes are primarily electoral tools, arguing that women beneficiaries exercise agency in how they understand welfare, the state and their voting choices. Kotiswaran explains why feminist participation in policymaking is necessary when designing cash transfer programmes and why unconditional cash transfers must remain part of a broader agenda for gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and transforming the care economy. Highlights: The feminist history of “Wages for Housework” Why recognising unpaid domestic labour matters Whether cash transfers are primarily electoral tools The relationship between cash transfers and the gender division of labour Rural and urban differences in how women experience cash transfers How cash transfers affect women’s bargaining power within households The role of feminist movements in welfare policymaking Cash transfers to women in India Women’s unpaid labour Feminist economics Wages for housework Women’s economic empowerment Gender and welfare policy Perfect for viewers interested in: Credits: Host: Ayesha Minhaz Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Muhammed Mukhtar T H If you found this video insightful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations. Subscribe to Frontline: Subscribe to Frontline Digital: Renewals / New Subscriptions for Unlimited Access Follow us on: Facebook -   / frontlineindia   Twitter - Frontline (@frontline_india) / X Instagram -   / frontline.magazine   LinkedIn -   / frontline-magazine-b12921295

  8. Aug 19

    Gen Z Protests: How digital surveillance and censorship are changing India’s internet | Apar Gupta

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Apar Gupta, lawyer, digital rights activist and founder-director of the Internet Freedom Foundation, discusses the recent GenZ protest at Jantar Mantar where the Delhi Police and the government used digital surveillance along with censorship and online repression. Gupta speaks about the use of facial recognition technology, CCTV networks, drones and other forms of surveillance to monitor protesters, and the legal and constitutional questions raised by such practices. He discusses how surveillance can create a chilling effect on the right to protest, the lack of a clear legal framework governing facial recognition and the risks of using inaccurate technology to identify protesters. Gupta also examines the role of Instagram and other social media platforms in transforming the protests into an online movement, the vulnerabilities created by dependence on privately owned platforms, and allegations of content suppression and account restrictions. Highlights: Digital surveillance at Jantar Mantar and the use of facial recognition How surveillance can deter people from participating in protests The legal and constitutional questions around police surveillance Facial recognition, government databases and the risks of false matches The CJP protests and the rise of Instagram-led political mobilisation How Gen Z is changing the language and form of political protest Government pressure, online censorship and social media takedowns The Sahayog portal and the use of the IT Rules Online harassment, doxxing and attacks on young women protesters The growing distrust of traditional news media among young people Algorithmic amplification, surveillance capitalism and digital bubbles Why India needs greater transparency and institutional oversight of social media platforms Digital rights in India Gen Z protests Jantar Mantar protests Digital surveillance Facial recognition technology Social media censorship Internet freedom Freedom of speech Right to protest Instagram and political mobilisation IT Rules and online censorship Surveillance and privacy in India Perfect for viewers interested in: Credits: Host: Soni Mishra Camera: Dipesh Arora and Deepanshu Chhabra Editing: Razal Pareed Creative Assistance: Vedaant Lakhera Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Muhammed Mukhtar T H If you found this video insightful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations. Subscribe to Frontline: Subscribe to Frontline Digital: Renewals / New Subscriptions for Unlimited Access Follow us on: Facebook -   / frontlineindia   Twitter - Frontline (@frontline_india) / X Instagram -   / frontline.magazine   LinkedIn -   / frontline-magazine-b12921295   #FrontlineConversations #DigitalRights #GenZProtests #JantarMantar #DigitalSurveillance #FacialRecognition #OnlineCensorship #InternetFreedom #SocialMediaCensorship #FreedomOfSpeech #RightToProtest #GenZPolitics #InternetFreedomFoundation #IndiaPolitics #YouthPolitics

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Frontline Conversations

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  • Creator
    Frontline
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    130
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Frontline
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    Frontline Conversations