Interview: Ashutosh Joshi

I had the pleasure of speaking with Ashutosh Joshi, an Indian photographer and writer whose recent memoir “Journey to the East”, chronicles his 1800-kilometer walk through the heart of India, from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal. 

Initially a project document the issues plaguing rural India, the project unfolded to become an unforgettable voyage of self-discovery. In this interview, Ashutosh reflects on human kindness, philosophical insights, religious perspectives, and societal issues he encountered during his travels. He talks about his background, the influence of Western philosophy, and his academic experiences in England and Scotland. Key themes include environmental degradation, farming crises, caste dynamics, and the impact of digitization on human connectivity. The dialogue also touches on the challenges faced by India under nationalistic pressures and the role of art, journalism and freedom of speech in highlighting these issues, his thoughts on spirituality and society. A story of universal human optimism and connection forged step by step, person to person.

Ashutosh's dialogue reveals both optimism for humanity's intrinsic kindness and concerns about societal trends driven by technology and politics. His upcoming projects and thoughts on cross-cultural learning cap a conversation that is both a personal narrative and a broader cultural critique.

00:00 Introduction to Philosophical Insights

02:33 Life in India: Family and Background

05:51 Journey to the West: Education and Experiences

10:02 Cultural Observations and Reflections

15:42 Philosophical and Religious Explorations

16:03 The Concept of Kali Yuga

21:31 Western Philosophers and Psychedelic Influence

26:19 The Walking Journey Across India

34:08 Living Arrangements and Language Barriers

34:47 Caste and Social Dynamics in Rural India

37:08 Safety Concerns and Gender Differences

38:35 Media and Press Relations 

40:12 Philosophical Reflections and Book Summary

41:47 Optimism and Human Kindness

45:15 Religious Polarization and India’s Diminishing Press Freedom

49:28 The Fallacy of Western Freedom and COVID-19 Reflections

54:11 Photography and Social Documentation

59:00 Migration and Cultural Diversity

01:02:14 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

The Book of Ptah

Journey to the East

www.ashutoshjoshi.in

Interview Transcript, More @

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