The Gyaan Project

In this episode of The Gyaan Project, Kedar Nimkar sits down with Manisha Pande, Editorial Director at Newslaundry and the writer and host of TV Newsance, to break down what news really means in today's noisy, polarized India.Manisha walks us through the basics of journalism, the inner workings of newsrooms, the rise of TV anchors as circus masters, and the business model that makes Newslaundry one of India's only ad free, subscription driven independent news platforms. She also unpacks fake news, misinformation, disinformation and propaganda, and shares practical tips on how to design a healthier news diet.Whether you are a journalist, a student, a designer, a content creator or simply a citizen trying to make sense of the news, this conversation will sharpen the way you consume information.About the guestManisha Pande is the Editorial Director at Newslaundry and the writer and host of TV Newsance, a weekly satirical critique of Indian television news. Previously with DNA and Business Standard, she has won the Ramnath Goenka Award and the Laadli Media Award for her reporting.Chapters(00:00) Introduction(03:03) What is news?(06:36) Roles of different journalists in the news ecosystem(11:35) What is Newslaundry?(16:56) Why critique news and not just report news?(21:34) How do you define misinformation, disinformation and fake news?(25:49) What travels faster in India?(32:22) How to read news?(40:29) What is the future of independent news?Reference readinghttps://www.thegyaanproject.com/https://www.youtube.com/@thegyaanprojecthttps://www.instagram.com/thegyaanprojectpodcast/https://www.instagram.com/manisha.pande/https://www.newslaundry.com/author/manisha-pande This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

SummaryIn this episode, architect Rajeev Kathpalia of Vastu Shilpa Sangath shares timeless wisdom on designing with empathy, slowness, and stewardship. From public space to net-zero campuses, we explore what young architects must unlearn to create meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable environments. A must-listen for architecture students and urban thinkers. Presented in partnership with The Drawing Board 2025 and Rohan Builders. Submission deadline: 6th Sept. More at thedrawingboard.in.Topics discussed in this episode* What does stewardship mean to you, and how can public spaces be designed for shared benefit in a country like India?* How can sites like Sadahalli Quarry be opened to the public while still attracting private investment?* What does “net zero” mean beyond metrics, and how can young architects start thinking in that direction?* What’s the least that needs to be built in a public space to make it meaningful and adaptable over time?* How do you observe how people use space, and how does that influence your design process?* What does building “slow” mean to you, and how can young architects balance slowness with the urgency of development?Reference links* Rajeev Kathpalia – LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajeev-kathpalia-35418099* Vastu Shilpa Sangath – Rajeev Kathpalia bio: https://www.sangath.org/rajeev-kathpalia/* Beyond Smritivan – Architectural Legacy (Elev8 2025): https://thearchitectsdiary.com/beyond-smritivan-rajeev-kathpalia-on-architectural-legacy-elev8-2025/* Community-Centric Architecture | Rajeev Kathpalia | TADPod: https://thearchitectsdiary.com/community-centric-architecture-ar-rajeev-kathpalia-vastushilpa-sangath-tadpod/* Designing Humane Cities – Sangath Interview: https://www.sangath.org/news/architect-rajeev-kathpalia-talks-about-the-need-to-create-humane-cities/* The Drawing Board – Official Website: https://thedrawingboard.in/* The Drawing Board 2025 Announcement (World Architecture): https://worldarchitecture.org/architecture-news/fpzhe/the-drawing-board-2025-–-10th-edition.html* Instagram – The Drawing Board: https://www.instagram.com/thedrawingboard.in/* Instagram – Rajeev Kathpalia: https://www.instagram.com/kathpalia_r/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

SummaryIn this insightful conversation, Kirti Trivedi reflects on the concept of order in design, drawing from his experiences at IDC and the Ulm School. He explains order as the relationship between elements, discusses hierarchy, mapping, and the interplay of inner and outer order. Drawing parallels with Indian philosophy, aesthetics, and spiritual ideas like dharma and Vishnu’s iconography, he emphasizes that true beauty emerges from well-formed internal order, not superficial styling.Join the new journey* YouTube Channel – Join 4K+ subscribers. 🎥* TGP SamaChar – A newsletter with 4 curated finds across episodes.* Instagram – Stay updated with episode updates and more* LinkedIn Page - A new dedicated page for TGP* WhatsApp Channel – One-way episode updates for now. With your support, it could soon become a vibrant community.* Recommend a guest - Have someone in mind who would be a great fit for The Gyaan Project? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

SummaryVeteran filmmaker Arunaraje discusses learning as a lifelong journey where everyone is both student and teacher. She emphasizes staying open to new perspectives, the power of unlearning rigid beliefs, and cinema's educational impact. Key insights include the importance of questioning everything, distinguishing between knowledge and wisdom, filmmaker responsibility in shaping society, and the need for film appreciation in schools to enrich young minds. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

In this episode, historian Vinay Lal challenges our conventional ideas of learning—moving beyond schooling, exams, and rote memorization. He explores how history, politics, memory, and media shape what we learn and why. If you're a student, parent, educator, or simply someone questioning the purpose of education today, this conversation offers a refreshing and thought-provoking lens on how to truly learn, unlearn, and grow. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

In this special Hindi episode of The Gyaan Project, we spend some time with Jeevaram Suthar, a master carpenter who has worked with some of India’s most renowned architects like Bijoy Jain.This is not just about tools and timber—it's about tradition, livelihood, learning, and the dignity of hands-on work.We discuss:* How one becomes a carpenter in India* What a typical day looks like in this trade* The financial realities of the profession* Career growth and recognition in traditional craftsmanshipJeevaram ji belongs to the Suthar community and brings over three decades of experience, wisdom, and humble pride in his work.🎙 This episode is a bit of an experiment — shot in Hindi, aiming to bring stories from the grassroots. Let me know how it lands with you.🛠️ If this story moved you, do share it with someone who might appreciate the beauty of honest craftsmanship. And hit reply—we'd love to hear your thoughts.Watch the video version of this episode on YouTubeJoin the new journey* YouTube Channel – Join 4K+ subscribers. 🎥* TGP SamaChar – A newsletter with 4 curated finds across episodes.* Instagram – Stay updated with episode updates and more* LinkedIn Page - A new dedicated page for TGP* WhatsApp Channel – One-way episode updates for now. With your support, it could soon become a vibrant community.* Recommend a guest - Have someone in mind who would be a great fit for The Gyaan Project?If you like the episode, please share it in your network. Thanks! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

What goes into making a book cover design? The secrets of book publishing include what goes into making a book, the future of physical books in the digital world, and a few tips if you wish to get into editorial design or publication. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

IntroductionWelcome to a new series, “Footprints of History”. The Drawing Board, with whom I am partnering for the 3rd consecutive year, brings this series to you. The Drawing Board is an international architecture competition based in India where students can test their understanding and skills in shaping how communities live and thrive while preserving local heritage. TDB has been actively running an Architecture competition for undergraduate students since 2016. It is conceptualised by Mindspace Architects and Rohan Builders. This year, which is the 9th edition of the competition, the design brief revolves around redesigning the Pathu Thoon Lane in Madurai (Tamil Nadu, India) also known as "10 Pillar Street”. This site is somewhere between the Meenakshi Temple and Thirumalai Nayakar Place. The design challenge is to restore and integrate the lane's cultural heritage, emphasizing these 10 pillars. The submission deadline is 16th September 2024. More details in the show notes and thedrawingboard.inLudwig Mies, the German-American architect, once said "Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.” And this quote aptly describes our today’s guest. Hans Brouwer. Hans, originally from Hong Kong, is a distinguished architect with a global footprint. He studied architecture in Switzerland and the University of Southern California, where he graduated top of his class. Hans spent his early career with Sir Norman Foster, contributing to landmark projects like the Century Tower in Tokyo and Commerzbank Headquarters in Frankfurt. In 1995, he founded HB Design, later relocating to Singapore, and expanded to regional offices in Phuket and Bangkok. An award-winning architect, Hans also teaches at the National University of Singapore and frequently speaks at industry events.QuestionsWhat do you see when you see the 10 Pillar Street - as an architect and as a tourist or history lover? Which aspects stand out for you?You have a strong emphasis on “the process”. You say this process is truly creative because the end is not known at the beginning. Can you unpack this for us?At HB Design, you emphasize the importance of context and site in shaping architectural outcomes. How do you balance the need for innovation with the preservation of cultural heritage in a project?You deeply engage with clients in the design process, how would you involve a community or stakeholders in a project like the restoration of Madurai’s Pathu Thoon Lane?Assuming Designers or specialists are generally aware of the pros and cons of various solutions and living on tradeoffs. Given the expertise, what amount of community involvement is apt - because, if we go and ask people, they will want faster horses while the solution could be inventing a car.I am very curious to know about BIM - What is building information modeling? How does it help in the process and over all practice at HB Design?With BIM being such an integral part of HB Design’s process, how do you see technology aiding in the preservation and restoration of culturally significant sites?You are working in South east Asia where we are seeing a lot of innovation with great emphasis on green infrastructure. What are a few trends in the technology and architecture industry which can be applied to this complex network of communities and historical 10 pillars?In the future world if AI, which faculty should young architects need to build to accept or reject AI proposals assuming they have the analog context of climate change and other challenges? Especially with AI, machines can simulate and build imaginary landscapes and more…Reference linkshttps://www.hbdesign.biz/https://zakworldoffacades.com/speaker/hans-brouwer/https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-brouwer-70b6b0a7/?originalSubdomain=sghttps://www.designandarchitecture.com/article/hans-brouwer.htmlhttps://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/architect/hb-design/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srX9bcl10MI This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com