Episode 1 – India: Between Spirituality and Politics
In this episode, we dive into the recent tensions between India and Pakistan and the impact of Modi’s leadership on the Hindustani community in the Netherlands. Together with guest speakers Jaswina Elahi and Bikram Lalbahadoersing, we explore how the rise of Hindutva can create a tension between spiritual connection and social critique. We reflect on discussions around Kashmir and the ideological framing of Hindu identity, while also looking at how these dynamics resonate in the diaspora. Finally, we consider ways in which the community can engage with these ideological developments critically and constructively, with a focus on justice and solidarity.
The podcast is hosted by Pravini Baboeram and Maurice Dharampal. Artwork by Ruby Joemai from Kaam Kari La.
Shownotes:
● “India: Citizenship Amendment Act is a blow to Indian constitutional values and international standards” by Amnesty International. [Click here to read the article.]
● “Understanding Fascism in India – Hindutva is not Hinduism” by Rohan Davis. [Click here to watch the video.]
● “No to war between India and Pakistan” by South Asia Solidarity Group. [Click here to read the article.]
● “In conversation with Kashmiri pandit scholar Mona Bhan” by Kashmir Action. [Click here to read the interview.]
Episode 2 – Suriname: Ethnic Voting or Ideological Choice?
In this episode, we explore the meaning of the Surinamese elections of May 2025, in which the NDP narrowly surpassed the VHP with 18 seats, reclaiming power. Together with Tanja Jadnanansing and Sandew Hira, we discuss what this outcome reveals about voting behavior in Suriname, and particularly among Hindustanis: how much influence does ethnicity still have? What role does socio-economic position play? And how do ideological choices relate to solidarity and structural change?
We also reflect on how these dynamics resonate in the Netherlands, where the Surinamese diaspora grapples with questions around ethnic tensions, political consciousness, and the pursuit of justice and connectedness. Finally, we consider how the community, both in Suriname and in the diaspora, can move forward stronger and more united.
The podcast is hosted by Pravini Baboeram and Maurice Dharampal. Artwork by Ruby Joemai from Kaam Kari La.
Shownotes:
● “Analysis of the final results of the Surinamese elections of 2025” by Sandew Hira. [Click here to read the article.]
● “Afro-Surinamers & Hindostanis in conversation” by Sarnámihuis. [Click here to listen to the podcast series.]
● “The Brown in Black Power: Militant South Asian Organizing in Post-War Britain” by Jamhoor. [Click here to read the article.]
● “Black Power Scholar Illustrates How MLK And Malcolm X Influenced Each Other” by NPR. [Click here to read the article.]
Episode 3 – The Netherlands: Between Margins and Power
In this episode, we turn our focus to the Netherlands, where Hindustanis have been part of society for generations yet continue to struggle as a minority for recognition and representation. Together with Feroz Amirkhan and Triwish Hanoeman, we discuss the growing attention to the issue of “Hindu discrimination”—a theme that stems on the one hand from real experiences of exclusion, but on the other hand is also instrumentalized by right-wing conservative forces within the community.
How does this affect the social position of Hindustanis? What role do representation, ideological frameworks, and solidarity with other marginalized groups play? And how can we, as a community, continue to act critically, strategically, and in solidarity in order to move forward stronger and more justly?
The podcast is hosted by Pravini Baboeram and Maurice Dharampal. Artwork by Ruby Joemai from Kaam Kari La.
Shownotes:
● “Hindustani Dutch: Strikingly little attention to our history” by Oneworld. [Click here to read the article.]
● “Hindustani & Queer: Indian History Month x Pride 2022” by Hindostani & Queer. [Click here for more information.]
● “South Asian Stereotypes in Film and Television” by Sruchi Patel. [Click here to watch the video.]