The Gyaan Project (formerly Audiogyan) is a podcast exploring creative wisdom. Since 2016, it has chronicled ideas, philosophies, and stories of Indian luminaries—bridging the past with the present to inspire the future. www.thegyaanproject.com
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Summary Created in collaboration with Godrej Design Lab, this episode explores how electricity moves across India and why the India Energy Stack could change how energy is produced, bought and shared. Rahool Gadkari explains peer to peer energy, smart meters, clean power markets and what this shift could mean for businesses, architects, designers, consumers and the homes and cities we build in the…
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…
Summary Amit Das, SVP of design at Urban Company, has spent years understanding how Indians actually live with their appliances. In this episode, he breaks down what designing for India's plurality really means, from durability and shared usage to what premium looks like across different households. He also challenges the popular idea of smart living and makes a case for convenience over…
Every building has a story. Every crack, every stain, every surface holds a memory of someone who was there before you. The question is — are you looking? In this episode of The Gyaan Project, host Kedar Nimkar sits down with Mumbai-based artist Vishwa Shroff for a slow, rich, and deeply thoughtful conversation about the art of drawing, urban observation, and what it means to build a creative…
Summary What does it really mean to teach design in India today? In this powerful conversation, Dinesh S, an architect with 35 years of practice and founder of Bangalore School of Design and Technology, challenges everything we think we know about design education. From the factory-like classrooms stuffing 90 students together to architecture syllabi unchanged since the 1980s, Dinesh unpacks the…
In this concluding episode of the Craft series, I (Kedar Nimkar, Host of The Gyaan Project Podcast) speak with Randy Hunt, Head of Design at Notion and Chair of the MFA Design program at SVA. Randy reflects on craft as a combination of skill, practice, and judgment, and shares how taste shapes meaningful software experiences. The conversation explores speed versus quality, scale versus care, and…
In this episode of The Gyaan Project, I speak with Lucy Datyner, Principal Designer at Canva, about craft, taste, and the future of product design in the age of AI. Lucy shares how craft goes beyond polish into problem solving, why simplicity is always informed by context, and how designers can build taste through curiosity, critique, and making. The conversation explores AI as a co-creator, the…
In this episode of the Craft series, I speak to Caio Orio, Principal Brand Designer at Wise, about the role of craft, taste, and practice in modern digital product design. Drawing from his advertising background and work on global fintech products, Caio explains how craft goes beyond visuals to include strategy, care, and attention to detail. The conversation explores taste, open mindedness, brand…
Tom Harman, a design leader with twenty years of experience at Monzo and BuzzFeed, joins The Gyaan Project to explore craft, taste and the role of AI in modern product teams. He explains how clarity, judgment and shared language shape high quality work. A useful episode for designers, PMs and founders who want to sharpen decision making, move with speed and build trust through thoughtful design.…
Today, The Gyaan Project turns 9. And honestly, it feels surreal. Since 27th December 2016, I have been documenting Indian creative wisdom across disciplines and ways of thinking. After 318 episodes, I found myself wondering how to mark this moment and the answer came naturally. So here it is. A small celebration. A warm offering. 9th Anniversary Soup 9 bites from 9 conversations. This is…
Summary This episode of The Gyaan Project features Harish Kumar and Anurag Bartarey who shaped Ather Energy’s groundbreaking EV dashboard. Recorded just before Ather’s IPO, we dive into the design process, challenges, and the nuances that make the dashboard so unique. It is ideal for designers, technologists, and EV enthusiasts curious about how hardware and software come together on two wheels.…
Summary In Ep. 317 of The Gyaan Project, Tanuj Goenka, Director at Kerry Hill Architects and jury member for The Drawing Board 2025 , shares how emotion, context and conversation shape timeless architecture. From Bhutan to Kyoto, AlUla to Sadahalli, he reflects on slowing down the design process, listening to the land and building meaningfully. A must-listen for architecture students and young…
Summary In this episode of The Gyaan Project, architect Manjunath dives deep into the power of observation, the role of intensity in creative work, and the beauty of the unseen. A must-listen for young architects, designers, and creatives participating in The Drawing Board 2025 competition. Set against the backdrop of Sadahalli Quarry, this conversation explores how to approach design with…
Summary In 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…
Summary (Hindi) अब्दुल कलाम शेख, एक अनुभवी इलेक्ट्रिशियन, के साथ विस्तृत बातचीत। एपिसोड में कवर किया गया है कि इलेक्ट्रिशियन कैसे बनते हैं, 12 हजार से शुरू करके 45 हजार तक कैसे कमा सकते हैं, कॉन्ट्रैक्टर्स और आर्किटेक्ट्स के साथ नेटवर्किंग कैसे करते हैं, सेफ्टी गाइडलाइन्स क्या हैं, और इस प्रोफेशन का फ्यूचर क्या है। परफेक्ट है उन सबके लिए जो अल्टरनेटिव करियर एक्सप्लोर कर रहे हैं। (English) Detailed…
Summary In 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…
In this enriching conversation, filmmaker and educator Mazhar Kamran shares his journey across fiction, documentary, cinematography, and teaching. He discusses storytelling as a way to make sense of the world, the impact of early influences like Herzog’s Enigma of Kaspar Hauser , and his work on films like Satya , Mohandas , Nilani , and Safar Mein Sheher . The dialogue explores the role of…
Summary Veteran 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…
In this eye-opening conversation, Vivek Kant shares insights from his interdisciplinary journey spanning electrical engineering, cognitive science, and human-centered design. He explores the critical intersection of humans and technology in complex systems, emphasizing the need for designers who can balance technical requirements with human capabilities. Perfect for young Indian designers seeking…
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…
In this episode, philosopher Sundar Sarukkai explores what it truly means to learn—beyond exams, skills, and academic performance. We discuss curiosity, ego, indigenous knowledge, and why education often misses the point. A must-listen for students, parents, teachers, and anyone rethinking the purpose of learning in today’s world. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with…
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…
Summary What does it really mean to learn in today’s world of reels, AI, and short attention spans? In today’s episode of “The Gyaan Project”, I’m joined by Prof. Dilip Menon. A global historian, Mellon Chair of Indian Studies at the University of Witwatersrand, and a Science Breakthrough winner—who’s spent years exploring how knowledge travels across time, oceans, and cultures. If you're a…
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
This episode is for Interior Designers, Architects, and allied work streams . We’ll try and understand Design trends or innovations in the furniture landscape, how Hettich incorporates eco-friendly practices and materials, and of course, how do they support designers in implementing their visions within the systems framework. Andre Eckholt joins us on Audiogyan. He is the managing director of a…
Introduction Welcome 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…
Introduction Welcome to a new series, “Footprints of History”. This series is brought to you by, The Drawing Board, with whom I am partnering for the 3rd consecutive year. 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…
Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “We should be a mirror of being: we are God in miniature.”. I Had Srijan Jha in Ep. 258 on “ How mini can a miniature art be ’ and a case study of ‘ Green humor ’ with Rohan Chakravarty in Ep.253. And today’s episode is an amalgamation of both. Today’s guests do a lot of work in the realm of nature in miniature. I am pleased to have Nayan Shrimali & Venus Bird…
John Pathrose interviews me in this 300th Episode. The Host becomes the guest. John is an old friend and a media professional. The following topics were covered in our conversation. Power of Design What is design (your definition)? What is the impact of design (beyond visual – socio/economic/political)? What is the current opportunity in the design world – past, current, or future? How would you…
We're delving into the exciting yet complex world of African architecture, with a particular focus on Nigeria. We'll explore trends that hold valuable lessons for India, a nation grappling with similar challenges. Nigeria is experiencing rapid urbanization, with the urban population projected to reach over 200 million by 2050. A significant portion of this urban population lives in slums and…
This is the last episode of the #designersdigest series where we have Daniel Burka and co-host Shreyas Satish. We talk about blurring lines between product and design, the importance of being a generalist in design, and the role of product managers in the design process. This series is created by Audiogyan in partnership with @godrejdesignlab Designer's Digest series is about Design as a…
Tune into this 9th episode of a 10-part series, "Designer’s Digest” with Chandrashekhar Wyawahare. We talk all about Industrial Design, Make in India, and the skills required to become an Industrial Designer. This series is in partnership with @godrejdesignlab. Designer's Digest series is about Design as a profession, its daily grind, the secrets to climbing the design career ladder, and what edge…
Tune into this 8th episode of a 10-part series, "Designer’s Digest” with Akanksha Sethi. This series is in partnership with @godrejdesignlab. Designer's Digest series is about Design as a profession, its daily grind, the secrets to climbing the design career ladder, and what edge we’ll need to thrive in the captivating design world. Starting with a few numbers collected from SIAM, (Society of…
Tune into this 7th episode of a 10-part series, "Designer’s Digest” with Ruchita Madhok. Audiogyan creates this series in partnership with @godrejdesignlab Designer's Digest series is about Design as a profession, its daily grind, the secrets to climbing the design career ladder, and what edge we’ll need to thrive in the captivating design world. Ruchita has been a guest on episode 159, named “…
Tune into this 6th episode of a 10-part series, "Designer’s Digest” with Dhruv Jani. This series is created by Audiogyan in partnership with @godrejdesignlab Designer's Digest series is about Design as a profession, its daily grind, the secrets to climbing the design career ladder, and what edge we’ll need to thrive in the captivating world of design. Dhruv Jani joins us on Audiogyan as we talk…
Tune into this 5th episode of a 10 Part series, "Designer’s Digest” with Saif Faisal, A new breed of bold Contemporary designer and founder of SFDW This series is created by Audiogyan in partnership with @godrejdesignlab Designer's Digest series is about Design as a profession, it’s daily grind, the secrets to climbing the design career ladder, and what edge we’ll need to thrive in the captivating…
Tune into this 4th episode of a 10 Part series, "Designer’s Digest” with @chitrav89 (Chitra Vishwanath) - Principal Architect and Managing Director of BIOME Environment Solutions (@biomearchitecture) This series is created by Audiogyan in partnership with @godrejdesignlab Designer's Digest series is about Design as a profession, it’s daily grind, the secrets to climbing the design career ladder,…
This is the 3rd episode of a 10 Part series, "Designer’s Digest” with Dr. Susmita Mohanty, an Indian spaceship designer and a serial space entrepreneur. This series is created in partnership with Godrej Design Lab - a platform that encourages and advances design excellence and exploration. Godrej Design Lab believes in the power of design to make a meaningful change. I am so happy and proud that…
This is the second episode of a 10 Part series, "Designer’s Digest” with Hardik Pandya, Sr. VP of Design at Unacademy Group. This series is about Design as a profession, it’s daily grind, the secrets to climbing the design career ladder and what edge we’ll need to thrive in the captivating world of design. I have a co-host with me, Shreyas Satish. He is the founder of ownpath.com , ownpath is a…
This is the first episode of a 10 Part series, "Designer’s Digest”. This series is about Design as a profession, it’s daily grind, the secrets to climbing the design career ladder and what edge we’ll need to thrive in the captivating world of design. We start with Ayaz Basrai. Ayaz has been on Audiogyan’s 104th Episode where we spoke about “ Designing interiors for your city. ” He is the founder…
Einstein once said “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” He also said, “Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you everywhere.” Why I am talking about this? In today’s episode, we’ll documenting all about Play and Work. For this, we have Nitesh Mohanty and Sonal Choudhary with us on…
“The characteristics of jazz help. Its sense of improvisation, individualism, sound, and rhythm are all present and important in graphic design, too.” - Niklaus Troxler, who have been improvising with letterforms like Jazz Musicians since 1960s. In my opinion, a Poster is a mix of typeface and graphics communicating something. In here, typeface matters a lot. To discuss this and more, today we…
Abhinit has been building digital products for past 15 years, he was head of Design at Gojek and scaled the design and research function from 6 designer to 200 plus including research. He is currently on a sabbatical. Questions You wear multiple hats - designer, programmer and Product. Your twitter bio says, App Maker. Pixel Hinter. Leak Checker. Who do you associate the most with? What does scale…
Potter Stewart an associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court once said, “Censorship reflects a society's lack of confidence in itself.” Censoring artists, intellectuals is not a new thing. Today to discuss more about censorship we have Ajit Rai with us on Audiogyan. We’ll be talking about banning and censorship in films in the Indian context. This episode will be bi-lingual but mostly in Hindi.…
In late 1800s, A Spanish architect, Antonio Gaudi, said, “There are no straight lines or sharp corners in nature. Therefore, buildings must have no straight lines or sharp corners”. But where does the nature stop and where does the building begin? Lets explore more about architecture and history in this 3 part series called, “An insert into the history”. This series is brought to you by, The…
Frank Owen Gehry, a Canadian-born American architect and designer once said, “Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness”. How can we long for timelessness in architecture if the place itself keeps changing? Lets explore more about architecture and history in this 3 part series called, “An insert into the history”. This series is brought to you by, The Drawing…
BV. Doshi, once said, “A house is a grain, like a small sapling in the bio-diverse wild forest”. I wonder what a public space like a temple, a monument, museum, a park, an industrial zone, a 80 floor office tower or a man made landscape is? Lets explore more about architecture and history in this 3 part series called, “An insert into the history”. This series is brought to you by, The Drawing…
Friedrich Nietzsche’s famous line - “And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” In today’s episode, we’ll be talking about improvisation in dance with Avantika Bahl. Avantika is a dance practitioner and educator based in Mumbai. As an artist, she works towards creating inclusive performances that can be accessed by a larger community. Over the…
Satyajit Ray once said, “There is always room for improvisation”. I think this needs a lot more investigation. Referring to Ray’s comment on the room of improvisation, today we have the honour to have Dr Trina Banerjee with us on Audiogyan. We’ll talk about improvisation in the context of Theatre, Plays, Playwriting, and performing arts at large. Trina is an Assistant Professor in Cultural Studies…
I quote John McLaughlin “I find Indian music very funky. I mean it's very soulful, with their own kind of blues. But it's the only other school on the planet that develops improvisation to the high degree that you find in jazz music. So we have a lot of common ground.” Pushkar Lele and Kuldeep Barve joins us on Audiogyan and we will be talking about “Improvisation in music”. It’s going to be a…
