Prem & Arati look back at episodes, pulling out key issues from each. 10:14: Pranay Lal: • From The Marginlands Ep4 Ft PranayLal 16:46: S Vishwanath : • From The Marginlands E5 Ft Vishwanath (Zen... 24:02: Yuvan Aves : • From The Marginlands Ep 6: Ft. Yuvan Aves 31:14: Dr Roxy Koll: • From The Marginlands Episode 9: Dr Roxy Koll 38:04: Pradip Krishen: • Busting The Afforestation Myth...

Nachiket Kelkar, Head of Riverine Ecosystems and Livelihoods at the Wildlife Conservation Trust, shares his experiences and insights on the Ganges River, particularly focusing on the ecological changes observed in Bihar over the years. Kelkar takes us into the multifaceted challenges and cultural dynamics surrounding the Ganges River dolphin and the fisher folk communities in India. It explores the socio-economic transitions of fisher folk, the unique characteristics of the Ganges Rive...

This conversation delves into the Great Nicobar Project, a massive infrastructure initiative at the southern end of the Nicobar Islands, focusing on its economic viability, ecological impact, and the implications for indigenous communities. Pankaj Sekhsaria and M Rajshekhar break down and analyze the project, which includes a transshipment terminal, airport, and township, raises significant concerns regarding ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA0teTB0msU for detailed Show notes Pankaj Sekh...

Photojournalist Ed Kashi and documentary filmmaker Julie Winokur have spent decades telling urgent, human stories — from climate injustice to ageing, migration, and forgotten coastlines. In this episode of From the Marginlands, Arati and Prem talk to them about the art of long-form storytelling, the patience it demands, and why bearing witness matters now more than ever. Show Notes: Ed Kashi's website: https://www.edkashi.com/ Julie Winokur's Talking Eyes website: https://talkingeyesmedia.or...

In this episode, Dr. Abi Tamim Vanak discusses the misclassification of vital ecosystems as "wastelands" in India. Championing the importance of recognizing Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs), and the role of pastoralists in managing these landscapes, he emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Through the One Health approach he highlights the need for adaptive governance in policy-making. The conversation also touches on zoonotic diseases and the challenges f...

In this episode, featuring ecologist Pradip Krishen, Prem and Arati explore the restoration of ecosystems. Pradip shares his journey and insights into the importance of native plants, observation, and community involvement in restoration efforts. The discussion highlights the challenges faced in restoration projects, the impact of government policies, and the need for ecological literacy among the public. The episode emphasizes that restoration goes well beyond a "tree planting project" -- it...

This episode focuses on the importance of environmental storytelling, emphasizing the need to go beyond surface-level reporting and explore deeper narratives that connect individual experiences to broader community and global contexts. Prem and Arati discuss various aspects of crafting compelling environmental stories, including research methods, data collection, and narrative techniques, while highlighting the significance of incorporating historical perspectives and indigenous knowledge. Th...

In this episode, Prem and Arati discuss our warming oceans with Dr. Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist and winner of the prestigious National Science Award, in 2024. What are the implications of increasingly intense and frequent marine heat waves? Why should we care? Who bears accountability of historical emissions? What does the interconnectedness of oceans and climate mean for tackling this crisis? The conversation emphasizes the need for local adaptation strategies, comprehensive data c...

In this episode, Prem Panicker and Arati Kumar-Rao discuss significant updates regarding environmental incidents off the coast of Kerala. The conversation then turns to The State Of India's Environment through Figures, a study released by the Center for Science & Environment (CSE) on June 5, 2025. Prem & arati focus on increasing Air pollution, Forest Diversion, Shrinking Farmlands, and our warming world and its implications. Contact us: Arati Kumar-Rao on Instagram: https://www.in...

On May 23, 2025, the MSC Elsa 3, a 28-year-old container ship, left Vizhinjam Port for Kochi, carrying 640 containers—13 of them packed with hazardous cargo, including calcium carbide, a chemical that can ignite with a spark. Less than 24 hours later, 38 nautical miles off Kerala’s coast, it sent out a distress call after developing a 26-degree list to starboard and flooding in a cargo hold. By dawn on May 25, the ship had sunk 50 meters below the Arabian Sea, taking with it over 450 tonnes o...

In this episode, Arati and Prem dive into the heart of Bangalore’s flood crisis and the intricate dance between humanity and nature. We unpack the city’s recent flooding woes, echoing themes from our previous conversation with S Vishwanath on urban planning and his six pillars of water conservation. Our guest for this episode is Yuvan Aves, a passionate naturalist, writer and activist, who shares his early adventures in the wild, reflects on the nature of co-existence with creatures that can ...

In this episode, Arati Kumar-Rao and Prem Panicker explore the intricate relationship between visual storytelling and the narratives behind images, particularly in the context of nature and rivers. They discuss the importance of language in nature writing, emphasizing how evocative prose can connect readers to the land. The conversation shifts to the concept of rivers as living entities, touching on the rights of nature and the challenges of environmental activism. Their guest for this episod...

In this episode, Aarti Kumar Rao and Prem Panicker focus on the ongoing extreme heat waves and their implications. They critique the media's coverage of the issue, highlighting a lack of urgency and depth in reporting. The conversation explores the impact of heat on urban planning, the rural workforce, and public health, emphasizing the need for a more interconnected understanding of environmental challenges. The episode features Pranay Lal, biochemist, nature writer, caricaturist, and enviro...

In this episode, Arati Kumar-Rao and Prem Panicker navigate the complexities of grief following Arati's recent loss of her mother. They reflect on the profound influence of Arati's mother on her life, particularly in storytelling and communication. The conversation transitions into a discussion on environmental issues, focusing on the detrimental impact of development on Mumbai's mangroves and the broader implications for climate change. They emphasize the importance of understanding local ec...

From The Marginlands hosts Prem & Arati scour the mainstream India newspapers to find news about the environment and then sit down with acclaimed author Nilanjana Roy to discuss writing landscapes.

About us: Arati Kumar-Rao, photojournalist and author of Marginlands: Instagram Prem Panicker, journalist and editor: X and Substack From The Marginlands on Substack On why we are doing this podcast Our email: marginlands@gmail.com Headlines: 05:06: WWF helps facilitate trade in polar bear fur, investigation reveals 06:37: Ammonia level rises in Yamuna yet again, may hit water supply and related: Why Yamuna in Delhi has high ammonia levels 08:28: Is the Ganga self-cleaning? Here's what ...

In From The Marginlands, we -- Prem and Arati -- explore storytelling and elemental connections between us and the world around us. We will converse with carefully curated guests on the art of telling stories about the environment and on climate change as it manifests around the world.