KarāmaSūtra
With karāma standing for geography or dignity, and sūtra being stories, KarāmaSūtra will capture the memories & musings of individuals who ultimately shape the collective fabric of our society. A narrative podcast that chronicles the communities we've grown up with.
S2 E3 · Tue, July 06, 2021
Introducing: Tell Me More
We think you'll enjoy a new podcast from Amaeya Media, Tell Me More , a show for kids and adults. Join 8-year-old Spatika, who's lived in Dubai all his life, and Liz McEnaney, who've moved here recently as they uncover what the city looked like in the beginning. As fans of KaramaSutra, we think you'll love it—check it out and let us know what you think. Stay safe and we'll be back soon!
S2 E3 · Sun, June 27, 2021
Introducing: Tell Me More
We think you'll enjoy a new podcast from Amaeya Media, Tell Me More, a show for kids and adults. Join 8-year-old Spatika, who's lived in Dubai all his life, and Liz McEnaney, who've moved here recently as they uncover what the city looked like in the beginning. As fans of KaramaSutra, we think you'll love it—check it out and let us know what you think. Stay safe and we'll be back soon!
S2 E2 · Thu, December 17, 2020
The Dubai Framer
Someone once joked that the national expat hobby of people in Dubai was framing. And in that famous hobby, Hammad Co plays an important role. For almost 4 decades, the shop has framed people's memories and memorabilia; their frames sometimes becoming an important piece of the artwork. In this year-ender episode, we connect with Fadi Hammad and his father, Ahmed, to hear about their story and their musings on the art of framing. We also dialled into Toronto to speak to an old customer of theirs--Canadian-Indian artist Mazarine Memon, who lived in Dubai, where she discovered her calling as an artist and framing as an art. Credits Special thanks to Fadi Hammad, Ahmed Hammad and Mazarine Memon. Hosted & Produced by Vinita Bharadwaj and Chirag Desai. With support from Abhishek Venkatasubramanian and Zaina Ujjaini.
S2 E2 · Thu, December 17, 2020
The Dubai Framer
It's that time of year, when the spotlight shines on memories. For years, Ahmed and Fadi Hammad in Dubai have made their way into people's homes by framing people's memorabilia, memories and moments. Hammad Co, the shop founded and run by the Jordanian father and son are a piece of nostalgia in Dubai's Karama district, and we captured their musings as part of this year-ender episode.
S2 E1 · Sun, October 18, 2020
Howzat! (Bonus)
A little bonus episode for the fans of Test cricket, from our season two premiere with Ron Bagnulo and Dr. Hooriya Kazim, who share their love for the original version of the game that is all about the strokes, movement, play & poetry. You can find the episode [here](https://amaeya.media/karamasutra/10), or in your podcast player. **Credits** Hosted by Vinita Bharadwaj. Produced by Chirag Desai.
Bonus · Sun, October 18, 2020
Howzat! (Bonus)
A little bonus episode for the fans of Test cricket, from our season two premiere with Ron Bagnulo and Dr. Hooriya Kazim, who share their love for the original version of the game that is all about the strokes, movement, play & poetry. You can find the episode here, or in your podcast player. Credits Hosted by Vinita Bharadwaj. Produced by Chirag Desai.
S2 E1 · Sun, October 18, 2020
Howzat!
Season 2 takes off with a cricket theme. A sport that was invented in England, found an obsessive following in South Asia, is nurtured in the streets of the Gulf, and even led to a fateful meeting between an American journalist and an Emirati surgeon.
S2 E1 · Sun, October 18, 2020
Howzat!
With the Indian Premier League being played out in the UAE, the first episode of the season finds us hanging out with the men who are keeping the gentleman's game alive on the streets of the UAE, talking to the producers of The Friday Game , a BBC audio documentary that took the men's story to an international arena, and catching up with an Emirati surgeon and her American journalist husband, who met at the unlikeliest of places, the Sharjah cricket stadium. Credits Special thanks to Freddy Boswell, Zoi Constantine, Ron Bagnulo, Dr Houriya Kazim and the many men who keep the gentlemen's game alive in the UAE. Hosted by Vinita Bharadwaj. Produced by Chirag Desai with support from Abhishek Venkatasubramanian and Zainab Ujjaini.
S1 E9 · Fri, June 19, 2020
The Lives of Our Fathers
On the season finale of KarāmaSūtra, we touch upon a specific kind of Indian experience in the Gulf. Featuring a special guest--Abu Dhabi-based writer Deepak Unnikrishnan--we remember our fathers, without whom it's highly improbable we would have ended up in the cities we're in. Ahead of Father's Day, this marks the end of a 9-episode season and we will return with new stories on October 8, 2020. **Credits** Special thanks to Deepak Unnikrishnan for sharing his story and joining us in the studio earlier this year. Hosted & Produced by Vinita Bharadwaj & Chirag Desai. With support from Abhishek Venkatasubramanian, Sukayna Kazmi and Zainab Ujjaini. Piano by Spatika Caranobe.
Fri, June 19, 2020
The Lives of Our Fathers
We close out our debut season of KarāmaSūtra in conversation with Abu Dhabi-based writer Deepak Unnikrishnan. It's an episode that connects our fathers with our cities, and ultimately ourselves.
S1 E8 · Fri, May 08, 2020
QuaranTimes | Norwalk, CT, United States
It's a strange new world we inhabit. Every single one of us is going to emerge in the post-COVID-19 landscape differently, shaped by how we experience it. Our 'QuaranTimes' episode documents one of numerous personal stories around the world. In this episode, we meet Babar Sheikh, whose story resonates with several conversations in present-day America: immigration, small businesses, and, President Donald Trump. Originally from Pakistan, Babar's family are in the food business, which is struggling like so many others around the world. From processing the pandemic to taking tough decisions for his business, Babar tells us how he's coping in the present; and he also takes us back to his high school years, when he went to school with some famous First Children. **Credits** With thanks to Babar Sheikh. Hosted & Produced by Vinita Bharadwaj & Chirag Desai. With support from Abhishek Venkatasubramanian, Sukayna Kazmi & Zainab Ujjaini.
Fri, May 08, 2020
QuaranTimes | Norwalk, CT, United States
It's a strange new world we inhabit. Every single one of us is going to emerge in the post-COVID-19 landscape differently, shaped by how we experience it. Our 'QuaranTimes' episode, which might end up becoming a series unto itself, documents one of numerous personal stories around the world. Meet Babar Sheikh, whose story resonates with several conversations in present-day America: immigration, small businesses and President Donald Trump.
Wed, April 08, 2020
Touching the pickle (jar)
In India, there are many myths & taboos around menstruation. One of them is that if girls or women on their period 'touch the pickle jar, it will go bad'. The secrecy around the subject has perpetuated myths and mystery around what really is the source of life itself. Stepping out of the UAE, we take the show to India and Australia to find out how people are working to mitigate the 'ick' factor in their societies.
S1 E7 · Wed, April 08, 2020
Touching the pickle (jar)
In India, there are many myths & taboos around menstruation. One of them is that if girls or women on their period 'touch the pickle jar, it will go bad'. The secrecy around the subject has perpetuated myths and mystery around what really is the source of life itself. Around the world, there are many, who are taking these taboos head on and persuading societies to reexamine the way we talk about menstruation. From introducing girls (and boys) to menstruation in a healthy way to stopping the isolation of women on their period, every country has its fair share of work to do. In this episode, we take the show to India and Australia to find out what is being done to mitigate the 'ick' factor in their societies. **Credits** With thanks to Aditi Gupta, Tuhin Paul, Gomathi Seetharaman, Vandana Seetharaman & Carol Morris. Hosted & Produced by Vinita Bharadwaj & Chirag Desai. With support from Abhishek Venkatasubramanian, Sukayna Kazmi & Zainab Ujjaini.
Sun, March 08, 2020
Debt, despair, destiny
For many migrant workers from South Asia, the Gulf dream is meant to be a springboard to a better life and a brighter future. While millions of families have benefited from the presence of their primary breadwinners, there are also many stories of individuals, who have ended up in utter despair—by way of debt, destiny and family demands.
S1 E6 · Sun, March 08, 2020
Debt, despair, destiny
For many, the Gulf dream does not always work out the way it was intended. This month, KaramāSūtra embarks on what will doubtless be one of many episodes that explore the sacrifices made by South Asia's many migrant workers who spend years away from their families in the hope of a better life and a brighter future. Suresh Kumar, an Indian in Ajman, has spent 34 years with little to show for his time away from his family. Deep in debt and driven to the depths of despair, Suresh is one of many individuals that K.V. Shamsudeen, a long-term UAE resident and community mentor, has assisted with financial advice. We visit Suresh at his new tailoring shop in Ajman and Shamsudeen shares a few slices of his observations over 50 years of the South Asian migrant in the Gulf. **Credits** With thanks to K.V. Shamsudeen & Suresh Kumar. Hosted & Produced by Vinita Bharadwaj & Chirag Desai. With support from Abhishek Venkatasubramanian, Sukayna Kazmi & Zainab Ujjaini.
Sat, February 08, 2020
Love, actually
Amna Khaishgi and Ehtesham Shahid's love story is unconventional by most standards. Amna is from Pakistan and Ehtesham is from India. Brought together by work over the internet, their love story bloomed and grew online in the late 1990s. From courting to dating and wedding, their relationship has weathered many a question, challenged existing stereotypes, and even inspired a successful play.
S1 E5 · Sat, February 08, 2020
Love, actually
KarāmaSūtra brings you the love story of Amna Khaishgi and Ehtesham Shahid, unconventional by most standards. Amna is from Pakistan and Ehtesham is from India. Both of them are journalists and were introduced to each other through work over the internet in the late 1990s. From courting to dating and wedding, their relationship has weathered many a question, challenged existing stereotypes, and even inspired a successful play. **Credits** Special thanks to Amna Khaishgi & Ehtesham Shahid, and Zainab Ahmed. Hosted & Produced by Vinita Bharadwaj & Chirag Desai. With support from Abhishek Venkatasubramanian, Sukayna Kazmi & Zainab Ujjaini.
Wed, January 08, 2020
To market, to market
Not many know that vegetables can grow in the desert. And yet, they do. Quite deliciously in fact. We visit a farmers’ market in Dubai and a farm in Abu Dhabi to understand the spirit that is unique to a farmer and how a market can bring people together.
S1 E4 · Wed, January 08, 2020
To market, to market
We're kicking off 2020 with a piece that reconnects us with the land. In a world increasingly reliant on deliveries, many of us are far removed from the people who grow our food. On this episode, we're taking you outdoors to a farmers' market in Dubai and a farm in Abu Dhabi, alongwith a few dispatches from Portugal. Through many voices we try to demystify the special spirit that is unique to farmers and how a market can really bring people together. **Credits** Hosted & Produced by Vinita Bharadwaj and Chirag Desai. With support from Abhishek Venkatasubramanian, Zainab Ujjaini & Sukayna Kazmi. Special thanks to Yael Mejia, Ameena Al Tanaiji, Rashid Al Ketbi and Anastasia Stavrianakis.
Sun, December 08, 2019
The yo-yos that started a library
In 1969, a shipment of yo-yos set off a series of events that ultimately led to the creation of what is believed to be Dubai’s oldest community library for English-language books. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Old Library is a testament to the community’s love for reading & books that has helped it maintain a grand old presence in Dubai.
S1 E3 · Sun, December 08, 2019
The yo-yos that started a library
KaramāSūtra meets the 90-year-old Lady Margaret Bullard who, 50 years ago, unknowingly started a movement that led to the creation of Dubai's first community library for English-language books. Join us as we trace the story of a shipment of yo-yos in 1969 that is now a collection of 25,000 books and a loyal band of bibliophile volunteers & members. Today, The Old Library maintains a grand presence in the city's history, held together by members of a community who give their time, love & funds to keep it going. In November 2019, Lady Margaret returned to see the library's newest home at the Gold & Diamond Park in Dubai, which came about after yet another scare that the much-loved space for books might have to shut down. **Credits** Special thanks to Lady Margaret Bullard & Sailakshmi P. Sivaram. Hosted by Vinita Bharadwaj & featuring [Yara Badri](https://instagram.com/people_of_the_pages). Produced by Vinita Bharadwaj & Chirag Desai. Our intern is Abhishek Venkatasubramanian.
Fri, November 08, 2019
The Outliers
Building a relationship with a city is complicated and is often determined by the way we choose to interact with it. When a city transforms quickly and people shift in and out, is it even worth cultivating a relationship with it?
S1 E2 · Fri, November 08, 2019
The Outliers
KarāmaSūtra’s second episode is set in Dubai, a city that has transformed spectacularly in recent decades. The older or more lived-in parts of the city have still managed to retain core characteristcs with an enduring appeal through the years. With special guest Mohamed Somji, we try to deconstruct the Dubai that is much loved and lived in, and meet three outliers--people who are a clear minority in their neighbourhoods of choice. **Credits** Special thanks to Lola Boatwright, Elizabeth Renton, Fabiana Miguel & Mauricio Madruga for sharing their stories. Hosted by Vinita Bharadwaj. Produced by Vinita Bharadwaj & Chirag Desai. Our intern is Abhishek Venkatasubramanian. Music: "People in your neighbourhood" by Sesame Street
Tue, October 08, 2019
40 years, one man, one job.
KarāmaSūtra's first episode looks back at the humble origins of the UAE's first South Indian vegetarian restaurant, which opened its doors 40 years ago.
S1 E1 · Tue, October 08, 2019
40 years, one man, one job.
KaramāSūtra debuts with an episode that somewhat appropriately starts in the district of Karama in Dubai. If you're a long-term Dubai or UAE resident you might have heard about a quaint restaurant called Woodlands. Even if you haven’t, join us as we trace its origins and meet Ashok Kumar, who arrived in Dubai 40 years ago to set it up, and is the one constant in an ever-changing neighbourhood. Credits This episode of KaramāSūtra is hosted by Vinita Bharadwaj & Chirag Desai. We're produced by Chirag Desai. Our intern is Abhishek Venkatasubramanian. With special thanks to Rijosh Joseph.
S1 Enull · Sun, September 15, 2019
Introducing: KarāmaSūtra
Launching October 8, 2019.
Trailer · Sun, September 15, 2019
Introducing: KarāmaSūtra
Launching October 8, 2019.
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