Maadhyam

In a compelling episode that charts the journey of resilience, adaptability, and purpose, we had the privilege of hosting Ms. Nidhi Patel, News Producer at Zee 24 Kalak, for an insightful podcast that spoke to the heart of journalism in the modern world. Transitioning from an engineering background into the dynamic world of media, Nidhi Patel’s story is a powerful reminder that career paths are not always linear, but they are always transformative when driven by purpose. Reflecting on her early career with Sandesh News, she shared how this foundational experience honed her skills in news delivery and content moderation on matters of both regional and national relevance. With a firm belief in journalism as one of the cornerstones of democracy, she emphasized that a journalist’s duty extends far beyond delivering headlines, it lies in enabling awareness, asking the right questions, and holding space for the truth. In this enriching dialogue, she discussed navigating role transitions, emb

A powerful conversation unfolded at Parul University as we hosted Mr. Aditya Menon, one of India’s most respected political journalists for an insightful session on the realities of media, politics, and communal narratives in contemporary India. Drawing from his extensive career across platforms such as The Quint, News18, and now The Wire, Mr. Menon took the audience through the intricate landscape of Indian politics, emphasizing the journalist’s role in navigating the truths that often go unspoken. He spoke on the necessity of ground reporting, the growing weight of misinformation, and how journalistic integrity must be guided by empathy, facts, and unwavering commitment to public interest. Through thought-provoking discussions and candid reflections, he unpacked the complexities behind communal violence, election dynamics, and the challenges young journalists must confront in a deeply polarized society. For the students of journalism and political science, this session served not mer

In an incredible dive into the journey of Kedar Gaekwad, an accomplished director and cinematographer with over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry, we got an insight into the director's table. Starting without formal film education in 2001, Kedar carved his path from assistant cameraman to becoming the director of Netflix's first Indian original production, "Chopsticks." During this engaging session, Kedar shared fascinating insights into his breakthrough projects, including the historical epic "Farzand," political drama "Dharmaveer," and his latest international venture "Match Fixing," shot across six countries. He revealed the secrets behind successfully managing dual roles as both director and cinematographer, emphasizing how thorough pre-production planning transforms shooting from chaos into smooth execution. What made this conversation particularly valuable? Kedar's candid discussion about learning on the job, the critical importance of mentorship, and how hi

In a thought-provoking session at Maadhyam 2025, Priya Katariya, the visionary founder of Forest Salon, offered powerful insights into the evolving landscape of the beauty industry. Drawing from her personal journey, including her academic years in New York, she spoke about discovering her passion for makeup and hairstyling, which eventually led her to conceptualize a salon that would go beyond superficial aesthetics. Forest Salon was born from a vision to bridge creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity, ushering in a new era of conscious beauty practices. During the session, she highlighted how the salon was built on the belief that nature and mankind can coexist, and that beauty services should be accessible and welcoming to all, regardless of age, gender, or background. Addressing the influence of celebrity-driven social media marketing, she critically unpacked how it often distorts beauty expectations and impacts self-esteem, especially among the youth. She stressed the importan

In this gripping episode of our podcast, bestselling thriller author Sandeep Sharma joins us for a candid, thought-provoking conversation about storytelling, darkness, and dual identities. With eight compelling novels to his name including The Coin, The Stalker, and the recent Caught in a Web, Sandeep opens up about his creative process, the emotional toll of writing dark fiction, and how he balances a full-time career in banking with his passion for writing. Explore how he navigates complex themes like ambition, cruelty, and the hidden horrors of the internet, particularly through the lens of Caught in a Web, a chilling exploration of the dark web, AI-generated realities, and societal corruption. Sharma explains how deep research and empathy help him portray disturbing truths often from a child’s or victim’s point of view without losing authenticity. Writing in the quiet hours of night to handle the pressures of marketing and public speaking post-publication, Sharma offers rich insigh

Step into the world where creativity meets strategy in this exclusive podcast episode featuring Shrey Doshi, Founder, CEO, and Creative Director of the globally celebrated branding agency Yellow. This insightful conversation dives deep into the art and science of building brands that don’t just sell but leave a lasting impact. With over 14 years of experience and a portfolio that spans industries and geographies, Shrey opens up about his journey of founding Yellow, the ethos that drives his agency, and the evolving role of creativity in shaping meaningful brand identities. From decoding consumer behavior in a digital-first world to navigating the rise of AI in the creative space, he shares a grounded perspective on what it truly takes to lead a successful branding firm today. This episode explores the nuances of storytelling, design thinking, strategic content creation, and how the modern definition of luxury is shifting. Shrey also sheds light on why offline brand experiences are rega

In a world dominated by screens, soundbites, and scrolls, what truly makes a voice stand out? This episode of the Madhyam Podcast features none other than RJ Sumit, a renowned name in radio and media, as he takes the stage at Parul University to share an eye-opening and deeply relatable perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of journalism and mass communication. The session dives deep into the role of education in shaping informed, ethical journalists and how academic foundations can amplify one’s ability to tell impactful stories. With years of hands-on experience behind the mic, RJ Sumit opens up about the challenges that media professionals face, from misinformation and pressure to keep up with trends, to the need for mental resilience in a competitive space. He also brings to light the art and science behind creating content that resonates with real people moving beyond mere virality to making meaning. Through candid conversations and honest anecdotes, the session uncovers how

The world behind the lens came alive as students from Parul University had the incredible opportunity to engage with one of India’s foremost wildlife photographers, Rathika Ramasamy. Known for capturing untamed wilderness with poetic precision, she led an immersive session that went far beyond photography tips and technicalities. With decades of experience tracking elusive creatures and preserving fleeting moments in nature, she shared her journey of transforming a passion into a purpose-driven profession. Her session focused on how storytelling in wildlife photography is not just about framing animals but about conveying the soul of the wild something that demands empathy, patience, and immense respect for the environment. She also guided budding photographers on building a sustainable career in nature photography, discussing everything from equipment basics to publishing, exhibitions, and competitions. As someone who broke barriers in a male-dominated field, Rathika also encouraged s