In this interview, Shashi Ranjan Kumar is in conversation with Hindol Sengupta, exploring India’s civilizational legacy and its relevance in today’s conflicted world. Moving beyond simplistic narratives, the discussion examines how ancient Indian thought engaged deeply with statecraft, political realism, science, mathematics, love, and war not as abstract ideas, but as practical frameworks for society. The interview challenges the common notion that ancient India was only spiritually inclined and disconnected from worldly affairs. From maritime powers like the Cholas to sophisticated traditions of diplomacy and governance, Hindol Sengupta makes a compelling case for India’s longstanding global engagement. The discussion also revisits the Kamasutra, often reduced to caricature, and examines it as a serious intellectual text dealing with love, relationships, social order, and human behavior which can be called the science of love in ancient India. This conversation also delves into: •⁠ ⁠India’s tradition of statecraft and political realism •⁠ ⁠Debunking the myth of ancient India’s disengagement from the world •⁠ ⁠Maritime power, diplomacy, and global interaction in ancient India •⁠ ⁠The invention of zero as a multidimensional mathematical breakthrough •⁠ ⁠Why nations go to war: ancient insights for modern conflicts •⁠ ⁠Dharma and pragmatism in the Mahabharata •⁠ ⁠Strategic wisdom from Sri Krishna and Kurukshetra 📌 Watch to understand: •⁠ ⁠How ancient Indian thought combined ethics with real-world strategy •⁠ ⁠Why history matters for India’s present and future •⁠ ⁠What modern policymakers, thinkers, and citizens can learn from India’s civilizational past 📖 To purchase Shashi Ranjan Kumar’s book, please click here: https://www.amazon.in/Decline-Hindu-Civilization-Lessons-Past/dp/9370035753 Chapters- 0:00-1:40 Opening 1:51 - 4:19 Why India cannot ignore the decline of its Hindu civilisation 4:52- 9:07 Zero: India’s greatest mathematical gift 10:01- 12:55 Statecraft and political realism in Ancient India 13:40 - 16:54 The science of love and Kamasutra 17:40 - 23:57 Why nations go to war: lessons from Dharmic history 24:39 - 31:53 The balance of Dharma and Artha 32:24 - 38:06 Key learnings and reflections 38:12-38:50 Closing #IndianHistory #IndianCivilization #PoliticalRealism #AncientIndia #StrategicThinking #Podcast #LongFormInterview #IndianAuthors #BooksThatMatter #HistoryPodcast

Sadiq Raisani asserts that while global support could help secure the future of the Baloch people, their struggle will continue regardless. He highlights what he describes as widespread atrocities and crimes against Baloch civilians and youth in both Iran and Pakistan. He calls on the international community, including the United States, Europe, and other global actors, to acknowledge these abuses and listen to the voices of the Baloch people. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7YlyA23oxQ

Sadiq Raisani highlights that many countries have built strong economies by investing in education and by utilizing natural resources such as oil and gold. He argues that Balochistan is similarly rich in resources and has the potential for progress, security, and self-sufficiency. He concludes by expressing hope that Balochistan’s future lies in self-determination and freedom, enabling its people to build a strong and prosperous society. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7YlyA23oxQ

Sadiq Raisani emphasizes that the Baloch people believe their natural resources are being extracted without their consent and that these arrangements systematically exclude them from any benefits. He warns that continued disregard for Baloch rights will leave the Baloch with no option but to rely on themselves. He concludes by reaffirming that resistance will continue as long as exploitation persists. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7YlyA23oxQ

Sadiq Raisani states that no one truly sympathizes with the Baloch, which is why Baloch movements rely on their own people. He asserts that the Baloch people will continue to resist projects such as CPEC that utilize their land and resources without serving Baloch interests. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7YlyA23oxQ

Sadiq Raisani says the Baloch will continue to resist any exploitation of their land and resources, highlighting decades of injustice where Balochistan’s wealth was taken without consent while local people remained deprived. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7YlyA23oxQ

In this interview, Hindol Sengupta is in conversation with Sadiq Raisani, Advocate and Head of the Tribal Affairs Department for the Free Balochistan Movement. They explore the complex realities of Balochistan, its struggle for autonomy, and the aspirations of the Baloch people. There is news that with a new commitment of $1.25 billion in EXIM Bank financing, the U.S.-Pakistan partnership will drive economic growth in Balochistan, BUT the Baloch have their own opinion about this development. See the tweet here - https://x.com/usembislamabad/status/1998654886850773219 From historical grievances to modern-day challenges, this discussion delves into: •⁠ ⁠The impact of foreign investments and geopolitical interests on the region •⁠ ⁠CPEC and the History of Chinese Projects in Balochistan •⁠ ⁠Issues surrounding natural resources, mining, and economic exploitation in Balochistan •⁠ ⁠Iran’s Approach to the Baloch Question •⁠ ⁠Local Resistance and Opposition to CPEC •⁠ ⁠Global Attention and Support for the Baloch Movement •⁠ ⁠Rising Radicalisation and Societal Opposition in Pakistan •⁠ ⁠Development Prospects in an Independent Balochistan Sadiq Raisani shares first-hand insights into the current state of the movement, the strategies being discussed internally, and how Baloch voices are reaching international platforms despite immense pressure. This conversation provides a rare, nuanced perspective on one of South Asia’s most sensitive and underreported issues. 📌 Watch to understand: •⁠ ⁠Fight for Independence Political Activism, and Advocacy in Balochistan •⁠ ⁠Tribal Networks and Their Role in Decision-Making and Mobilisation •⁠ ⁠The Future of the Baloch Movement in the Geopolitical Context Please note: the audio is in Hindi/Urdu. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth discussions on politics, social movements, human rights, and regional affairs. Chapters - 0:00-0:58 Introduction 1:49-3:40 Who profits from Balochistan? Mining, American investment and Pakistan 4:14-5:31 CPEC didn’t deliver- Will American investment be any different for Balochistan? 5:53-6:12 Are there negotiations between the Baloch movement and Pakistan? 6:43-8:41 Why CPEC face deep resistance in Balochistan 9:02-11:05 Iran and the Baloch question 11:50-13:56 How did the Baloch community react to news of U.S. investment in mineral extraction 14:41-15:28 How Baloch resistance has evolved 16:07-17:05 How global attention for the Baloch movement has changed 17:42-18:23 Balochistan and the Pakistani military under Asim Munir 18:37-20:07 Independent Balochistan - How mineral wealth could drive development 20:32-21:31 Transnational repression- Pakistan, Iran and the Baloch movement today 22:06-24:19 Should the Baloch movement rethink its strategy for independence 24:48-26:40 Rising radicalisation in Pakistan and its effect on the Baloch movement 26:42-27:00 Closing #Balochistan #SadiqRaisani #HindolSengupta #TribalAffairs #BalochFreedomMovement #HumanRights #Geopolitics #SouthAsia #Activism

Watch the full conversation - https://youtu.be/1HailQfocJE