Your latest episode reminded me that when I was in high school, I wished I could study the history of the South Asian region in as much depth as I was studying U.S. and European history.

of course, because I did attend a spiritual school (on the weekends) growing up, I did learn about the epics, and the Vedas and Geeta and all that wonderful lore, but Desi history (when taught at my religious school) was bland compared to how well it was taught at public school...

However, your show was also successful in that you made me want to argue with you! While I agree with some of your ideas, I think you mostly focus on promoting only the positives of Indian culture. We need to learn about everything, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

Also, when you say Indian culture, it seems that you mean mostly Hindu culture... I know that you're not speaking from a Hindutva stance, but I think it's critical that we give our young people not just "rah rah, we are just fabulous; the most ancient culture, etc." kind of knowledge, but also the opportunity to examine difficult facts in an intelligent way. For example, we need to talk to them about the riots that happened in Gujarat, and about the negatives of fanaticism in *any* religion... And give them intelligent ways to answer questions about the inequalities that exist in India (and other South Asian countries) today, whether they be socio-economic, religious, or gender-related.

Though it would be difficult, I think we can do this if approach these topics with sensitivity.

at any rate, great show. See, you got me talking! Maybe we can debate each other in the future for a co-podcast! (Hmmm....)

--yesha aka Former Middle school Teacher
aka Generation 1.5