Chats Over Chai

In the latest episode of Chats over Chai, Head of Cultural Diplomacy Sudip Chakraborty sits down with the artists behind the Indo Jazz-Fusion band The Three Seas - a dynamic collaboration between Indian folk musicians and Australian Jazz musicians - to explore how music can bridge cultures and create new soundscapes.Artists Matt Keegan, Raju Das Baul, Gaurab Chatterjee, Deo Ashish Mothey and Amy Curl reflect on the bands formation, their Australian tour for their new album Antahkarana and the growing cross-cultural artistic exchange between Australia and India.

In the latest episode of Chats Over Chai, Research Fellow Dr Alice Garner is joined by Helene Rooks, CEO of the Vocational and Applied Learning Association and Jaynifer Iqbal, teacher at Delhi Public School to discuss how teachers can learn from each other to deliver more practical, skills-based education.Drawing on a bilateral collaboration between India and Australia, the conversation reflects on the development of the Tools for Applied Learning in Secondary Schools, an initiative that helps teachers design engaging lessons, assess real-world skills, and build confidence in applied learning. Alice, Jaynifer and Helene also discuss the importance of teachers sharing ideas, experiences and support through professional networks to improve classroom practice.

In the latest episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO Lisa Singh sits down with Dr Preeti Mudliar, CAIR Maitri Fellow, to explore how digital infrastructure is reshaping welfare systems, food security and concepts of citizenship.Lisa and Preeti unpack India’s biometric-mediated food security system, examine the growing role of technology in governance, and discuss how digital infrastructure is redefining the concept of substantive citizenship globally. 

The Institute hosted an panel discussion on ‘Two Decades of Australia-India Relations: Insights from High Commissioners Past and Present’ in Delhi on Thursday, 5 March.Moderated by CEO Lisa Singh, the panel featured current Australian High Commissioner to India, His Excellency Philip Green OAM (2023 – present) and former Australian High Commissioner’s to India, Mr Patrick Suckling (2013-2016) and Mr John McCarthy AO (2004 – 2009). This first-of-its-kind event provided rare insights into the minds of Australia’s leading diplomats through a high-level discussion exploring the evolution of the Australia India relationship across education, economic cooperation, security development and broader areas of bilateral interest over the past two decades.

In the latest episode of Chats over Chai, Research Fellow Alice Garner sits down with Piyali Somaia, founder of Kahini, for a conversation on culture, community and creative pathways to wellbeing. Piyali reflects on her family’s migration journey to Australia and how it has shaped her work through Kahini, an organisation that brings together art, health, community and collaboration to deliver innovative solutions. Alice and Piyali delve into how creative spaces can support newly arrived and diverse communities, and why art is such a powerful tool for wellbeing and connection. 

In the first episode of Chats over Chai for 2026, CEO Lisa Singh sat down with Victorian Member for Mulgrave, Eden Foster MP, for a thoughtful and timely conversation about cultural diversity in Australia’s democracy.As the first woman of Indian heritage elected to Victoria’s Legislative Assembly, Eden shares her personal journey into public life and reflects on what meaningful representation looks like in practice. Together, Lisa and Eden explore how we can build stronger connections across communities and foster a genuine sense of belonging in multicultural Australia.Tune in for an insightful discussion on how cultural diversity in democracy has evolved - and why inclusive representation remains essential for a thriving, multicultural society.

Ahead of the 10th edition of the Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa, CEO Lisa Singh sits down with Melbourne based artists, Nuala Furtado, CEO of The Substation, and Vijay Thillaimuthu, a Tamil-Australian audio-visual and laser artist to discuss their practice.In this episode, Lisa explores how their work is shaping global conversations on art and inclusivity. Together, they delve into what is needed to take Australia and India collaboration to the next level to ensure that marginalised voices are not lost in new narratives.

Cricket isn’t just a game; it is a powerful cultural bridge between Australia and India. In our latest episode of Chats Over Chai, we asked author and technologist Nikhil Kulkarni what inspired his debut book 'My Summer of Cricket', and how the stories and memories in it capture the joy, humour and emotion of being a fan.Tune in to hear why cricket continues to resonate across both countries and how Nikhil’s reflections offer a fresh lens in Australia–India relations. 

In the lead-up to Australia Sports Innovation Week 2025 and the Australia India T20 cricket match, Andrew Walton, Managing Director of Sports Tech World Series, joins Head of Cultural Diplomacy Sudip Chakraborty to explore how technology is transforming the global sports landscape. In this episode, Andrew shares insights on Victoria's vibrant sports ecosystem and discusses the exciting opportunities for collaboration between Victoria and India in sports technology and innovation, particularly as India pursues its bid for the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In this new episode of Chats Over Chai, Dr Alice Garner sits down with genealogist and record agent Rachel Croucher to explore the fascinating world of tracing Indian and South Asian heritage in Australia.Rachel brings over 20 years of experience in historical research and genealogy, specialising in helping families uncover their ancestral stories. Her personal journey of discovering her own Punjabi Sikh ancestry has informed her deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by diaspora communities in reconnecting with their roots.As part of the Indian and South Asian Special Research Group launched at the Society of Australian Genealogists during National Family History Month 2025, Rachel's work provides crucial support for Australians of South Asian heritage seeking to explore their family histories, particularly those impacted by historical events like partition.The pair delve into the emotional and practical aspects of genealogical research, the parallels with other global diaspora communities, and how exploring family history can strengthen cultural identity and community connections for South Asian Australians.

Indian-born, Melbourne-based chef Helly Raichura and author of The Food of Bharat sits down with CEO of the Australia India Institute, Lisa Singh to discuss her passion for cooking authentic Indian regional cuisine with Australian produce which led to her opening her restaurant, Enter via Laundry. In this episode Helly shares her migrant story from India to Australia, and how food diplomacy serves as a powerful bridge that transcends borders, builds understanding, and strengthens relationships through the universal language of sharing a meal and culinary traditions. 

How is AFL bringing together Australian and Indian communities and how can sports can be used as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy, identity and stronger bilateral ties?CEO Lisa Singh joins incoming Head of Cultural Diplomacy at the Australia India Institute, Sudip Chakraborty, to discuss the impact of AFL on his journey to Australia, from founding the national governing body of AFL India to leading cross-cultural sports initiatives across both countries.Sudip was instrumental in leading Essendon Football Club’s Embracing India Strategy and later contributed to a range of initiatives at the AFL Headquarters focused on expanding the game’s reach both in India and among the rapidly growing Indian diaspora in Australia. 

In this new episode of Chats Over Chai, Research Fellow and Director of Security and Geopolitics, Dr Samuel Bashfield, sits down with Dr. Robert Mizo, a visiting Japan Foundation Fellow from the University of Delhi, to discuss the critical intersection of maritime security and climate change. The pair explored how climate-related challenges reshape security paradigms in the Indo-Pacific region, the role of climate refugees and climate-induced migration and the future of the climate agenda for the Quad. They also delved into the potential collaborative approaches between Australia, India, and other regional partners to address these pressing environmental security concerns. Dr Robert Mizo holds a PhD in Climate Policy studies. His research interests include Climate Change and Security, International Climate Politics, and Environmental Security.     

In this new episode of Chats Over Chai, Aii’s defence researcher, Dr Samuel Bashfield, sits down with Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO of Space Machines Company, who has held various roles as an investor, advisor, founder, director and executive across technology-driven sectors and has trained as an aerospace engineer. The pair delve into the evolving space domain, the key opportunities and challenges faced by Australian space firms, collaborations with Indian players to alleviate these challenges, Space MATRI and the current projects of the company. The space domain is constantly evolving— it is transformative, dynamic, and expansive. What are key challenges for space operators in 2025? India is considered one of Australia most significant strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific. Why was India selected and what opportunities exist in India for Australian space-firms?  

The Australia India Institute hosted a webinar on ‘Democracy Decoded: Australia's Election and the Indo-Pacific' on Wednesday, April 30 2025 at 5pm AEDT.As geopolitical tensions rise with US President Donald Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy and current trade wars, the result of the Australian election in May will have consequences far beyond Australia’s borders. This timely webinar will explore how the outcome of the Australian election will impact relationships with India, the US and Australia’s role in the Indo-Pacific region. Moderated by CEO of the Australia India Institute, Lisa Singh, attendees heard from the diplomatic editor of the Hindu, Ms Suhasini Haidar, Foreign Affairs (Asia Pacific) Reporter of ABC Australia, Stephen Dziedzic, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of The University of Melbourne, Prof Michael Wesley and Director of Kubernein Initiative, Ambika Vishwanath. 

In a special live recording of Chats Over Chai, CEO Lisa Singh sits down with the authors of the Institute's landmark defence report, "Building a Resilient Australia India Defence Relationship: Options for the next decade", Mr Kim Heriot-Darragh and Dr Gaurav Saini, to discuss the future of the Australia India defence relationship, amidst the geopolitical uncertainty facing the Indo-Pacific.This recording was part of the official launch of the report in Parliament House, Canberra on March 27. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles MP launched the report and India's High Commissioner to Australia, Mr Gopal Baglay gave closing remarks. 

In the first 2025 episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO Lisa Singh is joined by India’s Consul General in Sydney, Dr S Janakiraman, a career diplomat, who shares insights on the growing business ties between India and Australia. From the surge in trade to the rise of Indian tech startups, and the strategic role of the Indian diaspora, there's plenty to look forward to in 2025.The pair deep dive into the opportunities in clean energy, agribusiness, and tech collaborations and how India’s growing startup ecosystem is set to play a key role in this evolving relationship. What will the new Trump administration mean for the bilateral relationship? And will the target of $100 billion in India-Australia bilateral trade be met by 2030?

With the election of Donald Trump to the White House, the Quad stands at a critical juncture as the incoming US administration presents significant geopolitical shifts for US engagement in the Indo-Pacific. In this webinar, leading experts in foreign policy examined how these shifts in US foreign policy could reshape one of the region's most consequential multilateral groupings.Drawing on their extensive diplomatic and security expertise, the panel discussed pressing questions about the resilience of the Quad partnership, the future of technology sharing, and implications for the Indo-Pacific security architecture.Moderated by CEO of the Australia India Institute, Lisa Singh, attendees heard from the diplomatic editor of the Hindu, Ms Suhasini Haidar, Professor of International relations at Griffith University, Prof Ian Hall and Fellow (non-resident) at the Hudson Institute, Dr Satoru Nagao. This webinar built on from the 'Quad Leader’ Summit 2023: Predictions and Possibilities.'

In this episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO Lisa Singh is joined with Professor T.V. Paul, an expert on international security and South Asian geopolitics at McGill University, Canada to discuss India’s rise as a major global power.  Drawing on his recent book The Unfinished Quest: India’s Search for Major Power Status from Nehru to Modi, Professor Paul offers a nuanced analysis of India's trajectory toward global influence.They delve into India’s strategic challenges in a changing global order, emphasizing the India-China dynamic, India’s bilateral relations with the United States, and the complexities of its foreign policy shaped by a multi-alignment approach. They discuss India’s role as a 'swing power', its strengthening ties with Western powers, including Australia, and the evolving role of the Quad in the Indo-Pacific region.Tune into this episode as Lisa and Professor Paul unpack the historical and contemporary factors shaping India’s quest for a prominent role on the global stage.

Recorded live at the University of Melbourne, CEO Lisa Singh hosted award-winning author, diplomat, and politician Dr Shashi Tharoor on November 13.They delve into Dr Tharoor's political views, leaders who have influenced him, India and its place in the world, the current global geopolitical shifts and impact of the US election outcome, and the growing significance of the Australia-India relationship. Listen to this insightful panel discussion Shifting Perspectives: The State of the World in 2024, hosted in partnership with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.

Recorded in Chennai, India, Lisa Singh visits Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan (PTR), Tamil Nadu's Minister of Information Technology and Digital Services. Dr Rajan brings deep insights into Tamil Nadu’s impressive growth story and its growing connections with key states of Australia. They dive deep into Tamil Nadu’s transformation into becoming India’s top investment hub, its leadership in renewable energy and Dr Rajan’s vision for Tamil Nadu as a future IT powerhouse and his efforts in digital transformation. They also discuss the impact of Dravidian philosophy on politics, linkages of social justice and women’s rights through technology and Tamil Nadu’s strategy for fostering tech innovation, including a new deep tech fund. Tune in as they explore Tamil Nadu’s dynamic journey and its promising future with one of its key visionaries.  

CEO Lisa Singh was joined by stalwarts of foreign policy and the Australia-India relationship, Ambassador Anil Wadhwa, Mr Peter Varghese AO, and Dr Pradeep Taneja at a panel event at the University of Melbourne on September 4, 2024, exploring the burgeoning partnership between the two nations amidst the evolving strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific. They delved into how both nations navigate the contested Indo-Pacific region, balancing Beijing-Washington tensions while fostering a trusted partnership grounded in shared democratic values. They also discussed the Pacific and regional implications, strategic collaborations, and the shifting political landscapes in India and Bangladesh. Listen to our panel discussion on “Australia, India, and the World”, hosted in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Faculty of Arts.    

🎙️The unique cross-border impacts of climate tech start-ups 🎙️How can a bilateral partnership successfully support start-ups pioneering sustainable change?   The India Australia Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion (RISE) Accelerator is a purpose-built program that helps Indian and Australian start-ups fast-track their cross-border impact. The start-ups focus on solutions to challenges felt by both countries, including clean energy, waste and the circular economy; and climate-smart agriculture.  In this Chats Over Chai conversation, CEO Lisa Singh speaks to Pramit Dash, Program Director at the Atal Innovation Mission and Tamara Ogilvie, Program Director at CSIRO for a fascinating look at the intricacies of business diplomacy and the exciting and innovative start-ups looking to make their mark in Australia and India through the RISE program. The next round of applications for the RISE Accelerator open soon! For more information, go to https://riseaccelerator.org/ 

In this episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO Lisa Singh is joined by the Australia India Institute’s new Director of Security and Geopolitics, Darshana Baruah, to discuss the latest geopolitical developments in the Indo-Pacific, Australia-India, and the Quad as well as her visions for the Institute’s Security and Geopolitics program.Lisa and Darshana explore the criticisms behind the Quad, discuss perspectives on the alliance system, Australia’s foreign policy priorities, and the missing links in the Indo-Pacific debate. Their conversation delves into the evolving challenges and strategic imperatives that define our oceans today.Darshana’s extensive knowledge is on full display, as the pair also discuss her upcoming book, a compilation of her ten years of experience exploring the complex world of maritime security.Tune into this episode to hear more about developments in the Indo-Pacific and how AII’s Security and Geopolitics program plans to contribute to the interlinkages between think tanks and foreign policy debates.

Following the success of the inaugural Australia India Renewables Dialogue in Sydney, this episode of Chats Over Chai features a key delegate at the dialogue, Mr JP Chalasani, Group CEO of leading Indian wind energy firm, Suzlon. Lisa and JP Chalasani discuss his rich experience in the renewables sector and how Australia and India can continue to place themselves as renewable energy superpowers in the Indo-Pacific. The pair delve into the importance of policymakers and thought leaders in the renewables space and their thoughts on how the government's approach, ambition and response to the climate crisis has evolved. Join us for an insightful conversation on the Australia-India clean energy partnership. 

In this episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO Lisa Singh is joined by Australian-Indian writers hailing from different parts of the diaspora in a powerful panel discussion celebrating our country’s diversity and their unique experiences growing up.  The discussion was conducted at the book launch event of “Growing Up Indian in Australia” by Aarti Betigeri in Melbourne. The anthology is a colourful and energetic collection of stories that offers reflections on identity, culture, family, food, and expectations, delving into the deep truths about the Australian and Indian identity. Preeti Maharaj, Shreya Tekumalla, and Tasneem Chopra, three of the 29 contributors to the book, along with author Aarti were panellists, exploring the importance of diaspora voices in our national identity. Lisa and the panellists unpacked the motivation and inspiration behind their stories and their legacy. They discussed their fears with raw honesty, revealing the constant struggle of navigating between cultural and national identity while sharing more about the clash of their Indian heritage with the Australian landscape in shaping the way they approached every personal challenge.  The conversation explored the journey of reconciling the two distinct worlds that ultimately forged their current identities, blending the richness of their ancestral traditions with the expansive spirit of the land they called home. 

In this episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO Lisa Singh discusses India's rapid modernisation with Dr. Reuben Abraham, CEO of Artha Global. The pair delve into India’s increasing urbanisation and digitalisation and how this transformation is advancing India’s goal of becoming a developed economy by 2047- the 100th year of India’s independence.  Lisa and Reuben converse on how urbanisation is unfolding in India through smart cities and people-to-people links. They also discuss how digitalisation has become ubiquitous across India, considering the drivers of India’s rapid digitalisation and the effect it has on lifting people out of poverty. Saliently, the pair also examine what Australia can learn from India’s extensive financial digitalisation including the competition fueling interoperable digital ecosystems, the emerging concerns accompanying increased digitalisation, and the necessary safeguards that could be implemented.  

In this episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO Lisa Singh and British-Bangladeshi author Mohammad Chowdhury discuss his book “Border Crossings – My Journey as an Outsider”, a life story that intersects cultural and societal differences within countries as well as across borders. Lisa and Mohammad trace the journey that migrants face as they move from one country to another, exploring how it feels to chase down queries and curiosities about one’s ethnicity and faith in the cosmopolitan world. They dive deep into the kaleidoscope of different narratives and experiences the author has collected during his travels; stories that have helped him unravel the layers of his origin, beliefs and heritage, and to story tell his life in a way that sheds light for the rest of us.  Tune into this episode as Lisa and Mohammad unpack his story celebrating the beautiful mosaic of cultures that has helped shape who he is, and how learning how to deal with “not” belonging can, in fact, be a superpower in making a distinct impact in this world.  

In this episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO Lisa Singh unpacks the Indian Election results with India’s High Commissioner to Australia, His Excellency, Gopal Baglay. In his first interview on the subject, High Commissioner Baglay discusses the surprise election result for Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. The 2024 Indian Election was the largest-ever democratic exercise in the world and saw more than 642 million people voting over a six-week period, to elect 543 MPs to the Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament). While Prime Minister Narendra Modi won a historic third consecutive term in office, the result was much tighter than most were predicting. Ms Singh and High Commissioner Baglay also unpack what this third-term Modi government means for India, Australia and the world, they cover India’s development agenda and its foreign policy among other topics.

In this special episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO Lisa Singh joins Ela Gandhi, a peace activist, politician and granddaughter to Mahatma Gandhi, at the Phoenix Settlement in Durban.Ela Gandhi has devoted her life to carrying forward the legacy of her grandfather, and his values of truth and non-violence. She fought tirelessly to end apartheid and achieve social justice in South Africa.Lisa and Ela Gandhi discuss the significance of the Pheonix settlement in Mahatma Gandhi’s transformation as an individual, his way of thinking and lifestyle. They touch on her upbringing with parents who actively fought against discrimination. Her early involvement into political activism, the experience of her father being jailed during apartheid and her continued efforts to fight discrimination despite her own political bans all arise in this powerful episode. Ela sheds light on her involvement with the United Democratic Front and Natal Organisation for Women and her experiences visiting Nelson Mandela in prison.Ela spoke of being inspired by women leaders including her grandmother Kasturba Gandhi and how she continues to work to inspire and educate other women through her work at the Natal Organization for Women.During the visit, Ela shares with Lisa the house she grew up in at Phoenix and the exhibitions that showcase the story of Mahatma Gandhi's political activism in South Africa, his legacy of peace and nonviolence on other global movements for freedom.

This episode of Chats Over Chai discusses the story of  the Anzac-India friendship forged amidst the trials of Gallipoli in 1915.   Australia’s most distinguished military social historians, Professor Peter Stanley and the Institute’s defence researcher, Samuel Bashfield unpack the little-known details of the Australia-Indian military connection.   This episode builds on Professor Peter Stanley’s book ‘ Die in Battle, Do Not Despair: The Indians on Gallipoli, 1915’.  

In this episode of Chats Over Chai, Head of Communications, Shuba Krishnan sits down with Melburnian comedian, writer and actor Urvi Majumdar to discuss the impact of the Indian diaspora in Victoria.  Urvi moved from India to Australia at the age of 6 and has openly talked about the struggles of juggling two words, having to live up to her parent’s expectations while fill fitting in with the Australian crowd.  The pair delve into the findings of the Institute’s report on 'Victorians’ Perceptions on India and the Indian Diaspora’ and Urvi shares her personal reflections on growing up as a diaspora member in Melbourne and how these experiences have helped shape her unique flavour of comedy. Urvi and Shuba connect over the overwhelming value of the Indian community in Victoria, and how India culture can be positively promoted to wider audiences through the media, arts and culture industry. 

The Australia India Institute with CUTS International delivered an ‘In Conversation’ for CUTS 40th anniversary on Critical Minerals for Security and Prosperity: The role the Quad should play. This insightful panel featured Mr Pradeep S Mehta, Secretary General at CUTS International and Associate Professor Mohan Yellishetty from Monash University and was moderated by Australia India Institute CEO, the Hon Lisa Singh.There is unprecedented interest in critical minerals and how these will help Australia and India to foster new commercial partnerships. This podcast discusses the role the Quad should play in building a prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific, what the main risks are in the critical mineral supply chain, how multilateral agreements could minimise inherent vulnerabilities and more. Tune in to find out more.

In this episode of Chats Over Chat, CEO Lisa Singh hosts a delegation of Indian female MPs and delves into inclusive governance and women’s political empowerment. Joining Lisa is Agatha Sangma; from Tura, Meghalaya; Heena Gavit from Nandurbar, Maharashtra; and Fauzia Khan from Maharashtra. Under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Canberra Fellowships Program, this visit aims to foster a deeper understanding of Australia’s policymaking context around women’s political participation and leadership from grassroots politics in local communities through to state and federal governments.  Listen to this insightful conversation on the challenges for women in politics and the advice for young women aspiring to enter politics and make an impact in governance. 

In this episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO, Lisa Singh and Federal Member for Parramatta, Dr Andrew Charlton MP, delve into his new book, ‘Australia’s Pivot to India’, recently launched by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Recorded in one of the hearts of the Indian diaspora in Australia, Parramatta, they trace the Australia-India relationship from "Acquaintances to Friends to Family to Partners”, and some of the key initiatives required at a business level to increase Australian investment into India.A powerful declaration for the shared future between Australia and India underscores Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, as this timely book discusses the growing relations between Australia and India and how India is successfully positioning itself as a new global power. Anyone wanting to build an understanding of our relationship with India and why it is just so important for our security and prosperity in the 21st century? Tune in to this episode!

The Institute is honoured that this episode of Chats Over Chai comes to you from the spiritual city of Dharamshala in the Indian Himalayas.  The beautiful Himalayas are home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetan diaspora, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and our special guest, Sikyong Penpa Tsering.This follows from the visit the Sikyong made to the Institute earlier this year. Penpa Tsering has had various roles within the Parliament of the Central Tibetan Administration spanning back to the mid-1990s. Before being elected as Sikyong of the CTA, he was notably the North America Representative of the Dalai Lama.This episode explores the deep historical and cultural connections between India and Tibet and the Tibetan people’s close spiritual connection to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Penpa Tsering sheds light on the Sino-Tibetan conflict and the issues of human rights, peace, cultural identity and territorial integrity facing Tibetans. We explore the mission of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile and the role Australia can play to support the Middle-Way approach. Join us as we discover how we can continue to support an autonomous Tibet. 

In this episode of Chats Over Chai, the institute hears from a Nagaland leader and senior lecturer in Modern Asia at the University of Edinburgh, Dr. Arkotong Longkumer, who highlights intercultural learning and shares Naga stories and experiences. The journey of repatriation of Naga ancestral human remains from the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford invites a process of peace, healing and reconciliation. This is a journey that is initiated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), and the Recover, Restore and Decolonise (RRaD ) research team.   The podcast follows from the Institutes hosting of a delegation of 15 Naga elders and leaders who shared their stories that focused on social justice and decolonisation, allowing the delegation to share their perspectives, and heal from the burdens of a violent colonial past. We delved deep into the region's historical contexts, its rich cultural heritage, and the contemporary issues it grapples with. Dr. Longkumer's expertise sheds light on the intricacies of this fascinating region in India. 

In this episode of Chats over Chai Ambassador Vohra and CEO Lisa Singh unpack India’s journey since independence, how its relationship with Australia has evolved since that time, and the incredible future for India and its people. Ambassador Vohra's remarkable journey as the Indian High Commissioner to Australia has left an indelible mark on the bilateral relationship. Appointed to role in April 2021, his role in Canberra has been at a crucial time as the world grappled with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Along with the Australian government, he helped restore two-way mobility, advocated for the return of Indian students and reinforced the strong educational bond between our nations.

In this episode of Chats over Chai, we're celebrating the International Day of Yoga! Join us for a special conversation with Alan Goode, the Director of Yoga Mandir in Canberra, as we dive into his yoga journey. Hosted by Dr. Surjeet Dhanji, Director of Cultural Diplomacy at the Australia India Institute, this episode explores Alan's experiences, teachings, and profound reflections on the transformative power of yoga.As we commemorate the International Day of Yoga under the theme of "Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" - One Earth, One Family, and One Future - we invite you to listen to Alan's inspiring stories and insights. Uncover the origins of yoga in Australia, Alan's connection with BKS Iyengar, and the practical application of yoga philosophy in our everyday lives.

In this episode of Chats over Chai, Dr Surjeet Dhanji, Director of Cultural Diplomacy at the Australia India Institute interviews Poornima Garg, the Country Director of Room to Read India. Room to Read is a global non-profit organisation dedicated to improving literacy and promoting gender equality in education. With a focus on early childhood literacy, Room to Read empowers teachers to teach children to read and write during their early school years, laying a strong foundation for future learning. They also provide support to at-risk girls, ensuring they complete secondary education and acquire essential life skills.The discussion looks at Room to Read's efforts in India, a country where education and gender equality remain critical challenges. Poornima sheds light on the collaborative approach that Room to Read adopts, working closely with local communities, governments, and other stakeholders to drive sustainable change. Tune in to gain inspiration from her personal journey and the transformative power of education in the lives of women and children in rural communities.

In this special episode of the Australia India Institute’s podcast, we explore the life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi with Professor Bindu Puri, one of the foremost Gandhian scholars in the world. As part of the Institute’s Visiting Fellows Program, Professor Puri visited Australia from Jawaharlal Nehru University for a conversation with Lisa Singh titled ‘Gandhi: on the Good Human Life’ hosted at the Australia India Institute on 20 April 2023.In this live recording, Professor Puri shares her valuable insights on the continuity between Gandhi’s ideas and classical Indian philosophy and how these ideas can be applied in the modern world. With global uncertainty, displacement, conflict, and change in the world order, Professor Puri’s talk is more relevant than ever before.Join us as we explore the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi with one of the foremost scholars in the field, and discover how his ideas can continue to inspire us in our modern world.

In this episode of Chats over Chai, Lisa Singh interviews Nitin Pai, co-founder and director of the Takshashila Institution – an independent think tank and school of public policy based in Bangalore.  Nitin delves into high tech in geopolitics, Australia-India tech cooperation, U.S-China competition, what AUKUS means for India and the importance of open-source technologies in today’s Information Age.

 In this episode of the Australia India Institute’s Chats over Chai podcast, Surjeet Dhanji interviews Ateev Dang, a multilingual stand-up comedian based in Melbourne. Dang shares his experience as a Hindi-speaking comedian in Australia and gives insights into his creative process for writing and performing new material. Join Surjeet and Ateev for a conversation on the importance of stand-up comedy in the diaspora, and find out more about Ateev's upcoming Hindi stand-up comedy show in Melbourne.  

In this episode of Chats over Chai, Sarah Whyte, Head of Strategic Communications, interviews Mr. Manish Gupta on his tenure as Consul General of India in Sydney. CG Gupta shares the extraordinary growth in the bilateral relationship during his posting, the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic brought to both nations and his newly acquired appreciation of the Australian coastline.

In this episode of Chats over Chai, Dr Surjeet Dhanji, Director of Cultural Diplomacy and Manager of Victorian Government Projects at the Australia India Institute, interviews Shwetali Sawant, founder of the Indian Bazaar. The Indian Bazaar is a social enterprise that supports small businesses through events, exhibitions, and pop-up markets.During the interview, Shwetali discusses her background as an entrepreneur and the inspiration behind starting the Indian Bazaar. Shwetali recognised a need for a platform for small business owners and women entrepreneurs who were promoting their products on social media but lacked a physical space to showcase them. The Indian Bazaar was created to address this issue and unite the Indian community through cultural exchange and commerce.This podcast is part of the Institute's Cultural Diplomacy program, which aims to foster positive public opinion and cross-cultural understanding between Australia and India.

In this podcast, the Institute's CEO Lisa Singh sits down with the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs in Australia, Hon. Tim Watts MP at his office in Parliament House to discuss the role of technology in enhancing the bilateral relationship between Australia and India. In this episode, Assistant Minister Watts shares the importance of projecting a modern Australia in India through new tech platforms. He also discusses the strength of the bilateral relationship both at a high strategic level and at a grassroots level through local communities in both Australia and India and how inspiring the younger generations of both nations are.

In this first Chats over Chai podcast for 2023, disability reformer Professor Bruce Bonyhady and disability advocate and researcher Professor Nathan Grills, share valuable perspectives on how Australia and India can work together to improve the lives of people with disability. They explore the economic benefits of investing in people with disability in both countries, and how innovative solutions can be found to create truly inclusive societies, as well as sharing their personal perspectives on the field. We also discuss how the Melbourne Disability Institute has come to work closely with the Indian Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment to empower people with disabilities. 

As a pioneer in her field, Kishwar is contributing to the food tapestry of Australia through cultural exchange. In this podcast, Kishwar sheds a light on roots of South Asian cooking, celebrating Australian produce and local growers. Listen to how Kishwar shares her experience of India, her leadership as a South Asian woman making an impact on India Australia ties through shared produce. As an advocate for food security, Kishwar sees food as a celebration but also a basic human right, a basic need. Her support for ASRC and UNWFP highlights the impact on food systems in refugee camps in Bangladesh and its empowerment for women. Kishwar shares how Australia has come a long way embracing South Asian flavours and a growing South Asian diaspora from the 1980s to feeling comfortable taking a samosa to school, as much as a Vegemite sandwich. She shares how much more confident the current generation is through food and how Australian society has changed over time. Her connection between Australia and India shared through food, family and cultural celebrations is a journey bringing so much life to multicultural Australia through sharing her joy of cooking and cuisine.

Investing in Renewable Energy: Collaborating through Tech  This podcast was recorded live in New Delhi on the sixth of September, during the Australia India Leadership Dialogue. It is conversation between Mike Cannon-Brookes, the co-CEO and co-Founder of Australian founded tech company Atlassian, and Suhasini Haidar, the Diplomatic Editor of The Hindu. It delves into Mike's passion for investing in renewable energy, why there is an urgency to decarbonise our two economies, and how Australia and India can work together to achieve net zero emissions targets.

Tagore is one of the founding fathers of the Republic of India, alongside the likes of Nehru, Gandhi and Ambedkar. He was a world-renowned poet, composer, playwright, painter and social reformer among many other things and was best known outside of South Asia for his collection of poems, Gitanjali, that awarded him the Nobel prize in Literature 1913, the first non-European to win such a prize. Tagore authored around 200 books and made 3000 artworks. He founded an art school, university, and rural development institute and composed the National anthems of both India and Bangladesh. There are a myriad of reasons to study Tagore, so today we are going to explore his work on love in terms of its norm-making and worldmaking. To explore this, CEO Lisa Singh will be joined by two leading Tagore scholars: Dr Liane Hartnett and Professor Bindu Puri for this Chats over Chai podcast episode.