The Chicken-Neck Podcast Shubham, Neil, Animesh

In the second episode of Season 4, we had the pleasure of hosting Mr. Samrat Choudhary, a prominent journalist and author from Shillong, India. Samrat is known for his insightful work, including editing the anthology "Insider Outsider" on the divide in India’s Northeast, which received positive reviews. His literary accomplishments also include his novel "The Urban Jungle," nominated for the Man Asian Literary Prize, and various short stories, essays, and a graphic novella turned play.

During our conversation, Samrat shared insights from his latest book, "Northeast India: A Political History," which offers an accessible introduction to the political history of the region. We delved into the historical journeys of Northeast Indian states into modern India, including the shaping of their boundaries, often influenced by neighboring countries. Identity politics, particularly based on language and religion, remain central to the region's political landscape, making the emergence of print vernaculars and the introduction of major religions significant aspects of its history.

As we navigate questions of nationalism and identity globally, this episode provides a deep dive into Northeast India's history, exploring its unique journey into nationhood since 1947. Samrat Choudhary's narrative weaves together the stories of diverse tribes and peoples, from remote hill-tribes to those inhabiting the valley of the Brahmaputra River, illustrating how they became integral parts of India's diverse fabric. Join us as we unravel the captivating history of one of the world’s most intriguing regions, Northeast India.

 

Find the book at amazon: - Buy Northeast India: A Political History Book Online at Low Prices in India | Northeast India: A Political History Reviews & Ratings - Amazon.in 

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the individual podcasters. Listener discretion is advised.

 

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can listen to our show on all streaming platforms by clicking on the link:- https://bingepods.com/podcast/the-chicken-neck-podcast 

Welcome to the highly-anticipated Season 4 of The Chicken-Neck Podcast, where we kick off with a riveting exploration into the covert history of one of India's most influential separatist organizations – the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). In our first episode, we are joined by senior journalist and Chevening Fellow, Mr. Rajeev Bhattacharya.

Rajeev Bhattacharya, a veteran journalist with an extensive background working for reputable publications such as The Telegraph, The Indian Express, The Times of India, and Times Now, brings his wealth of experience to our podcast. As the managing editor of Seven Sisters Post, Bhattacharya has delved deep into the heart of India's northeast, reporting on the intricate dynamics of the region's borderlands with Myanmar, Bhutan, China, and Bangladesh.

In his latest groundbreaking work, "ULFA: The Mirage of Dawn" (2023), Bhattacharya unravels the clandestine history of ULFA, a separatist force that has left an indelible mark on India's Northeast since the early 1980s. Join us on this compelling journey as our host engages in an exclusive conversation with Bhattacharya, shedding light on his investigative journalism process, the challenges faced, and the extraordinary encounters he experienced while peeling back the layers of ULFA's stronghold. Through this captivating podcast episode, we seek to delve into the intricate web of ULFA's influence, discovering the untold stories that have shaped the region's history.

Don't miss out on this thought-provoking episode that promises to leave you with a deeper understanding of ULFA's complexities and the mirage that has veiled its dawn for decades.

Find the book at amazon: - https://www.amazon.in/ULFA-Mirage-Dawn-Rajeev-Bhattacharyya/dp/ 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the individual podcasters. Listener discretion is advised.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can listen to our show on all streaming platforms by clicking on the link:- https://bingepods.com/podcast/the-chicken-neck-podcast 

In the final episode of Season 3 of our podcast, we are joined by Dr. Arupjytoi Saikia,  a professor of history at the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati. 

Prof. Saikia is the author of -  Forests and Ecological History of Assam, 1826-2000 (OUP, 2011), A Century of Protests: Peasant Politics in Assam since 1900 (Rutledge, 2014), and The Unquiet River: A Biography of the Brahmaputra (OUP, 2019). His A Century of Protests won the Srikant Dutt Book Prize awarded by the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi in 2015. The Unquiet River was short-listed for the Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay Book Award in 2020 and long-listed for the Atta Galatta-Bangalore Literature Festival Book Prize in 2020 and got ‘Honorable Mention’ for Ananda Kentish Coomaraswamy Book Prize in 2021 given by the Association of Asian Studies.

In this episode, we embark on a captivating journey through Assam's rich political history, unveiling its pivotal role in shaping the modern Indian subcontinent. We delve into the historical tapestry that has intricately woven Assam's identity, examining the profound impact of the struggle for independence and India's partition on its trajectory.

Our discussion is centered around the compelling insights from the latest book, "The Quest for Modern Assam: A History," which meticulously explores the interconnected realms of politics, environment, economy, and culture, shaping Assam since the 1940s. This authoritative account not only redefines the writing of regional political history but also offers an unmissable opportunity for those intrigued by Assam, India, Asia, or global history in the twentieth century.

Join us as we unravel the intricate layers of Assam's past, tracing back to ancient dynasties that once governed the land and examining the pivotal moments that led to its integration into the Indian Union. From the majestic reign of the Ahom Kingdom to the complexities of the British colonial era, and from the fervent fight for independence to the challenges posed by partition, we untangle the threads that compose Assam's exceptional political narrative.

This exploration offers an insight into the legacies, obstacles, and triumphs that have molded Assam's modern identity, providing a deeper comprehension of the region's significance within the broader context of India's history. This episode guarantees an enlightening journey through Assam's timeline, unveiling the defining factors that have sculpted its political landscape and contributed to its place in the nation's overarching narrative.

Find information about his latest book at: - https://www.penguin.co.in/book/the-quest-for-modern-assam-a-history/

Find the book at amazon: - https://www.amazon.in/Quest-Modern-Assam-Arupjyoti-Saikia/dp

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the individual podcasters. Listener Discretion is advised.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can listen to our show on all streaming platforms by clicking on the link:- https://bingepods.com/podcast/the-chicken-neck-podcast 

We would like to start by thanking the International Institute for Asian Studies (Leiden, Netherlands) and Mr. Benjamin Linder for helping us with the recording of this podcast episode. 

In this 8th episode, we are joined by Dr. Aditya Kiran Kakati, who is a Visiting Scholar, at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and an Affiliate Research Fellow, at the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) and at The Highland Institute, Kohima, Nagaland.  Aditya works as an Associate Editor for The Highlander Journal, which seeks to promote conversations on global highlands to push the boundaries of traditional area studies. Aditya’s MA thesis was an ethnographic project titled "Eating Ethnic Enclaves: Cultural Encounters in Liminal Spaces of Eating in the Context of Migrations from the Eastern Himalayan Region". The research was on the emergence of ethnic cuisine, restaurant and labour cultures, identity politics, and socio-cultural relations arising from minority community migration from borderland conflict zones within India. He keenly maintains his culinary pursuits, mostly in the home kitchen and occasionally in public forums. 

In this episode, we delve deep into the intricate and diverse food cultures of Northeast India, exposing the stigma and politics that often overshadow this rich culinary heritage. Join us as we uncover how ignorance about this region gives rise to racism and prejudice, leading to the downplaying of vital issues.

We explore the unsettling disgust directed at the food consumed by Northeastern communities, revealing the intricate web of caste authority, privilege, and politics of purity that underlie these sentiments. Discover how everyday food choices in India intersect with complex issues such as caste violence, ultra-nationalism, and the quest for purity.

Our episode also spotlights the recent ban on dog meat in Nagaland and the passionate debate it has ignited. We examine this issue from multiple angles, including the clash between indigenous practices and animal rights concerns. Join us on a journey that uncovers the flavors, emotions, and politics that are an integral part of Northeast India's eclectic food culture.

You can read more about his work : http://journals.ed.ac.uk/himalaya/article/view/8044

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the individual podcasters. Listener Discretion is advised.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can listen to our show on all streaming platforms by clicking on the link:- https://bingepods.com/podcast/the-chicken-neck-podcast 

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the complex socio-political landscape that impacts Manipur - an Indian State, with the renowned scholar, author, and anthropologist, Ms. Rami Desai. With her expertise in ethnic identity, tribal issues, and insurgency, Ms. Desai offers invaluable insights into the recent and ongoing Manipur violence.

Throughout the episode, we explore the historical context that has contributed to the present state of unrest, shedding light on the fault lines that divide the Meiteis and Kukis communities. Ms. Desai through her on-ground experiences expertly navigates the intricacies of tensions, highlighting the apprehensions and grievances of both sides. We examine how these long-standing grievances have fueled violence and perpetuated a cycle of conflict.

Beyond simply analyzing the situation, we also delve into potential measures that can be taken to address the conflict and foster a peaceful resolution. Ms. Desai's scholarly perspective allows us to consider both immediate solutions and long-term approaches that may help heal wounds and build bridges between communities.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the individual podcasters. Listener Discretion is advised.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can listen to our show on all streaming platforms by clicking on the link:- https://bingepods.com/podcast/the-chicken-neck-podcast 

 

Join us in this compelling episode as we delve deep into the pressing issue of floods in Assam and their catastrophic impact on the captivating island of Majuli. Majuli, one of the largest river islands in the world, is at the brink of being lost forever due to a combination of flooding and erosion, exacerbated by inadequate policy measures. Our guest, Dr. Mitul Baruah, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Anthropology & Environmental Studies at Ashoka University, brings his expertise to shed light on this critical topic.

Dr. Baruah is the author of the thought-provoking book "Slow Disaster: Political Ecology of Hazards and Everyday Life in the Brahmaputra Valley, Assam," which unravels the struggles and everyday lives of rural communities in the hazardous geographies of the Brahmaputra Valley. With a focus on Majuli, his extensive ethnographic research highlights the immense challenges faced by its residents, including the loss of landmass, destruction of livelihoods, and forced displacement and outmigration.

In this episode, we explore the nuances surrounding Brahmaputra Valley's flood crisis, examining the interplay of natural and human factors that have contributed to the valley's vulnerability. We also discuss the historical context of Majuli's transformations, the impact on the local population, and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Through our conversation with Dr. Baruah, we aim to understand the complexities of the flood issue and explore potential pathways towards building a sustainable mechanism for resolving this crisis. Join us as we navigate the waters, raise awareness, and seek actionable steps to rescue Majuli and safeguard its future.

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the individual podcasters. Listener Discretion is advised.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can listen to our show on all streaming platforms by clicking on the link:- https://bingepods.com/podcast/the-chicken-neck-podcast