Episode 1: Futility of Global Indexes

This episode explores how global indexes have shaped global perceptions—often at India's expense. Based on Chapter 3 of Dr. N. Bhaskara Rao’s book The Emperor’s Mirror, it questions the relevance, methodology, and intent behind these rankings. Dr. Rao explains why India must build its own research credibility instead of echoing global templates.

Episode 2: India's Research Ascent

Based on insights from Dr. Bhaskara Rao's books, "The Third Eye of Governance" and "The Emperor’s Mirror", explore how research has been a crucial "leveler and enabler" in India's global rise. Discover India's unique research ecosystem, featuring a "fourth leg" of independent institutes and civil society organizations.
Learn how research historically guided India's planned development, governance, and philosophical outlook.
Despite challenges, India's research community remains vital as the "quiet torchbearers," keeping development anchored in knowledge. This episode discusses the impressive role of research in free India.

Episode 3: Research Twists and Turning Points

This episode explores the pivotal, yet often overlooked, role of research in independent India from 1957 to 1967, highlighting both groundbreaking progress and missed opportunities. Discover how research transformed India's agriculture, informed social policies like family planning and child labour initiatives, influenced media development, and set the stage for long-term national planning. We underscore that while research has driven significant national progress, side-lining it has led to persistent challenges, emphasising the crucial need for stable, independent research ecosystems for India to reaffirm its leadership.

Episode 4 - Good Governance: Beyond the Government

Is "good governance" just about having a "good government"? Listen to Episode 4 as we unpack this crucial distinction.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision and Dr. Bhaskara Rao's trilogy emphasize citizen activism for an inclusive, participatory democracy. Essential for achieving 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 and shifting focus from claims to outcomes.

Episode 5: Research as The Leveller and Enabler of a Superpower

Join us to explore the incredible, often overlooked, power of research in shaping post-independence India. This is a profound story of transformation, empowerment, and vision. Discover how research has consistently leveled deep-rooted disparities and propelled India onto the global stage with confidence. Tune in now to hear this inspiring narrative!

Episode 6: India's Electoral Integrity; A Call for Reform

Join us as we tackle a critical question: Has India's electoral process strayed from its founding principle of 'We The People'? Drawing on Dr. Bhaskara Rao's insights from his 1966 work on Indian democracy's unique character and his 2023 book urging electoral streamlining for India's global role, explore why global observers are now questioning the integrity of India's democracy. What has caused this significant shift? Tune in to find out! A related concept on reforming the Indian Elections will further be explored in Episode seven.

Episode 7: Reforming Indian Elections; A Call for Systematic Change

Are we truly addressing the core issues in India's elections? This episode unpacks Dr. Bhaskara Rao's arguments from The Next Big Game Changer in Indian Elections. Dr. Rao contends that without fundamental shifts—making elections routine, shorter, cheaper, and more collaborative—reforms like simultaneous polls could even deepen democratic vulnerabilities. Join us to explore why elections have become "battlegrounds" or "show business" and what is needed to restore them as a process that truly serves the people.

Episode 8: Indian Elections 2025

Episode 8 dives deep into the unprecedented national crisis of credibility that is now threatening the very foundation of India's democratic electoral system.This episode explores the current challenges, including the Election Commission of India (ECI)'s controversial decisions and the increased accusations of its partisanship.

Following our earlier discussions, this episode offers vital insights into how to restore credibility of the electoral process through a more representative electoral system, stressing the need for stakeholders to unite for 'friendly matches' rather than 'battle grounds'. Tune in for a critical analysis and a call for lasting solutions for Indian democracy.

Episode 9: Renewing the Republic of India: Not Without Reviving the Little Republics

This episode delves into the decline of Indian villages, once described as "Little Republics" by Charles Metcalfe in 1830. Drawing on Dr. N. Bhaskara Rao's book, Reviving the Little Republics of India, we explore the deep-rooted, systemic reasons for this decline. In this episode Dr. Rao proposes a path forward: "reviving the essence of a ‘Little Republic’" by freeing villages from bureaucratic and political control, emphasising true autonomy, resource generation, and independent decision-making. He recommends adopting the Gram Swaraj model, resolving the agrarian crisis, empowering elected panchayats, ensuring party-less local elections, and investing in local entrepreneurship.

Episode 10: Caste Census Should Be a Turning Point for India

In Episode 10 of Be the Torch, Dr. N. Bhaskara Rao highlights the need for a credible and transparent Caste Census, warning of risks from shrinking budgets, unclear timelines, and possible overlap with elections. He suggests shifting Census management from government ministries to an independent body such as the Indian Statistical Institute, guided by an advisory board with limited official representation. Done with transparency and independence, the Caste Census could reinforce governance and rebuild public trust as a true turning point for Indian democracy.

Episode 11: Missing Links in India�s Pursuit of Environmental Sustainability

In this insightful episode, we delve into India's complex journey towards environmental sustainability. Discover how the shift from community-led stewardship to government control has led to environmental priorities being sidelined by development agendas. We explore the gap between powerful declarations by leaders, and the often uneven implementation on the ground. Drawing from Dr. Rao’s book, The Green Puzzle, this episode highlights critical "missing links" such as budget cuts and inconsistent policies. Learn about proposed solutions, including the integration of environmental goals across all ministries and the potential for an independent Environment Commission, urging India to reclaim its historic reputation for ecological balance.