The Discover India Podcast by Professor Pankaj Jain: Bhārat Darśan

The Mahāvīra Biography Series explores the life, philosophy, and civilizational impact of Bhagavān Mahāvīra, the 24th Tīrthaṅkara of the Jain tradition and one of the greatest spiritual revolutionaries of India. Through research-grounded storytelling and contemporary analysis, this documentary series situates Mahāvīra within the broader framework of Dharma — a living civilizational ethos shaping e...

Mahāvīra Biography Series | Dr. Pankaj Jain The Mahāvīra Biography Series explores the life, philosophy, and civilizational impact of Bhagavān Mahāvīra, the 24th Tīrthaṅkara of the Jain tradition and one of the greatest spiritual revolutionaries of India. Through research-grounded storytelling and cultural analysis, this documentary series situates Mahāvīra within the broader framework of Dharma....

Is there a surprising connection between Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and the Hindu myth of Bhasmasura? Both stories warn about the dangers of power without responsibility. This short explores a fascinating comparison between Western literature and Indian mythology. Through this lens, we see how ancient wisdom and modern science fiction sometimes share the same moral insight. #Frankenstein#MaryShel...

Mahāvīra Biography Series | Dr. Pankaj Jain The Mahāvīra Biography Series explores the life, philosophy, and civilisational impact of Bhagavān Mahāvīra, the 24th Tīrthaṅkara of the Jain tradition and one of the greatest spiritual revolutionaries of India. Through research-grounded storytelling and historical depth, this documentary series situates Mahāvīra within the broader framework of Dharma —...

Earth Day, April 22, 2026, invites us to rethink how we relate to nature. Western Deep Ecology argues that all life has equal value and that wilderness must be protected. But is that enough? In many Indian traditions, nature is not separate from human life—it is sacred. Communities like the Bishnois and sacred grove traditions have protected ecosystems for centuries through dharma, everyday ethics...

Why is there a Shiva Nataraja statue at CERN? This short explains the connection between Sanatana Dharma and modern particle physics at the world’s largest scientific laboratory. Discover how the cosmic dance of Shiva symbolises the dynamic universe studied at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider. #CERN #Shiva #Nataraja #SanatanaDharma #QuantumPhysics #IndianPhilosophy #ScienceAndSpirituality #Hinduism #C...

Late-Victorian and modernist writers have been famously preoccupied with ideas of personal and poetic discipline (or the lack thereof). How are such notions of askesis articulated within the global contexts of the twentieth century? This talk examines how two prominent twentieth-century writers—Sri Aurobindo and Rabindranath Tagore—engage with askesis in their works. Both writers were deeply fasci...

Mahāvīra Biography Series | Dr. Pankaj Jain The Mahāvīra Biography Series explores the life, philosophy, and civilisational impact of Bhagavān Mahāvīra, the 24th Tīrthaṅkara of the Jain tradition and one of the greatest spiritual revolutionaries of India. Through research-grounded storytelling and historical analysis, this documentary series situates Mahāvīra within the broader framework of Dharma...

The Mahāvīra Biography Series explores the life, philosophy, and civilisational impact of Bhagavān Mahāvīra, the 24th Tīrthaṅkara of the Jain tradition and one of the greatest spiritual revolutionaries of India. Through research-grounded storytelling and philosophical depth, this documentary series situates Mahāvīra within the broader framework of Dharma — a living civilisational ethos shaping eth...

Is April Fool’s Day just about pranks, or does it reveal something deeper about human perception? In this 60-second #DiscoverIndia Short, Dr. Pankaj Jain connects April Fool’s Day with the Indian philosophical concept of Maya—the idea that reality can sometimes appear deceptive. Drawing from the Upanishads and Dharma traditions, this video explores how ancient Indian wisdom encourages us to look b...

A global analysis by the World Wide Fund for Nature found that the traditional Indian diet is among the most sustainable dietary patterns worldwide . Compared with meat-heavy diets, Indian food traditions rely on grains, lentils, vegetables, fruits, and dairy — resulting in a significantly lower environmental footprint. As we observe World Health Day , this insight becomes even more relevant. Heal...

What does it take to conquer the self? In this episode of the Mahāvīra Documentary Series, Dr. Pankaj Jain explores the twelve extraordinary years of tapas (austerity) undertaken by Vardhamāna after his great renunciation — a period of intense discipline that culminated in Kevala Jñāna, absolute knowledge. This episode examines:• The meaning of tapas in the Dharmic traditions• Mahāvīra’s life as a...

Did you know the Ramayana is deeply connected with forests and ecology? Much of the epic unfolds in the forests of Dandakaranya and Panchavati, where Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana spend fourteen years in exile. This short explores the ecological dimension of the Ramayana and its message of dharma, harmony with nature, and respect for all life. #Ramayana #RamNavami #Ecology #IndianEpics #Dharma #Indian...

Discover the deeper meaning and significance of this powerful topic rooted in Dharma, Indian knowledge traditions, and timeless wisdom. In this video, we explore key insights, historical context, and practical relevance for today’s world. Whether you are a student of Indian philosophy, a seeker of spiritual knowledge, or simply curious about our rich heritage, this video will offer valuable perspe...

Kazi Nazrul Islam (1899–1976), known as the Rebel Poet, was one of the most influential literary voices of Bengal. His revolutionary poetry challenged British colonial rule and inspired the freedom movement. The Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore supported Nazrul during his imprisonment and dedicated his play Basanta to him. Nazrul’s message of justice and harmony echoed the spirit of India’s stru...

India celebrates many regional New Year festivals based on ancient lunisolar and solar calendars. Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Cheti Chand, Navreh, Sajibu Cheiraoba, Vishu, Puthandu, Baisakhi, Bohag Bihu, and Pohela Boishakh all mark the arrival of spring and renewal. These festivals reflect the Dharmic understanding of cyclical time found in Hindu and Jain traditions. #IndianNewYear #Ugadi #GudiPadwa #Chet...

March 14 (3.14) is celebrated worldwide as the International Day of Mathematics, also known as Pi Day. But did you know that ancient Indian scholars were already exploring mathematical ideas related to pi centuries ago? In this video, Professor Pankaj Jain explains the significance of International Day of Mathematics, the importance of the number pi, and how ancient Indian mathematical traditions...

What compels a prince to renounce power, privilege, and comfort in search of the ultimate truth? In Episode 2 of the Mahāvīra Documentary Series, Dr. Pankaj Jain explores the transformative moment of Vardhamāna’s renunciation — the decisive turning point that shaped him into Bhagavān Mahāvīra, the 24th Tīrthaṅkara of the Jain tradition. This episode examines:• The socio-political world of 6th cent...

Bon Bibi is the forest guardian revered in the Sundarbans region of India. For generations, local communities have invoked her before entering the mangrove forests, asking permission and pledging to take only what they need. This tradition reflects a deep ecological ethic that connects respect for nature with feminine authority. As the world celebrates International Women’s Day on 8 March, the sto...

As the world observes World Wildlife Day on 3 March, India stands out as the only country where lions, tigers, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses, cheetahs, bears, wild water buffalo, gaur, and dholes coexist in the wild. This extraordinary biodiversity reflects not only conservation efforts but also a deeper cultural tradition of coexistence with nature. #WorldWildlifeDay #IndianWildlife #Biodiver...

This episode explores the historical and philosophical context of Mahāvīra, the 24th Tirthankara of Jain Dharma. Drawing on the Kalpa Sutra, the Acharanga Sutra, and historical scholarship, we examine the India that produced one of the most radical teachers of nonviolence in world history. Subscribe for a full 20-episode series on Mahāvīra and the evolution of Dharma. About the Presenter: Dr. Pank...

On National Science Day (28 February), we revisit an unexpected intellectual bridge. Nobel Prize–winning physicist Erwin Schrödinger engaged deeply with Vedanta and the Upanishads while reflecting on consciousness and reality. This short explores how Indian philosophical thought influenced a modern scientist’s worldview, without collapsing science into mysticism. National Science Day in India comm...

Who was Mahāvīra beyond the icon? In this cinematic documentary series, Dr. Pankaj Jain explores the life, philosophy, and civilisational impact of Bhagavān Mahāvīra — the 24th Tīrthaṅkara of the Jain tradition and one of India's greatest spiritual revolutionaries. Episode 1 traces:• The historical India into which Mahāvīra was born• The political and intellectual ferment of the 6th century BCE• T...

This short examines the historical significance of Maharashtra and Shivaji Maharaj's role in transforming a regional identity into a sovereign polity. Drawing from inscriptional history, Sanskrit etymology, and early modern state formation, this episode situates Shivaji within a broader civilisational framework. Shivaji Maharaj, Maharashtra etymology, Swarajya, Raigad coronation 1674, Maratha stat...

What is the connection between Shivaratri and sustainability? In this brief reflection, we examine how Bhagavan Shiva, as Pashupati, symbolises ecological consciousness, minimal consumption, and harmony with nature. From sacred rivers to Himalayan asceticism, Shivaratri offers a profound Dharmic model of conscious living in an age of climate crisis. #Shivaratri #Sustainability #Dharma #HinduEcolog...