Well-being in a tech-first world

We live in an era of infinite scrolls, curated feeds, and algorithms, with each click designed to keep us hooked just a little longer. But the promise of technology has too often become a race for metrics and growth, moving further away from its original purpose: connecting people. In this episod…

Lessons on well-being in activism: Kumi Naidoo and Louisa Zondo

Activism can often feel like a race against time; the gravity of injustice too urgent to look away from. But what does this constant sense of urgency mean for the well-being of those at the frontlines of responding to these crises? In this week’s episode of On the Contrary by IDR, we speak to two v…

Rooting philanthropy in well-being

When we talk about philanthropy, we usually focus on the tangible: what’s being funded, where the money goes, and what results it delivers. But behind every outcome is a relationship—between funders and grantees, between organisations and the people they serve. So what would it take to centre well-…

Centering well-being in conflict: Notes from Colombia and Rwanda

What does well-being mean when systems are built on conflict and violence, and who gets to define what healing looks like? This week’s episode of On the Contrary by IDR brings together two guests who have witnessed conflict up close. Paula Moreno, founder of Manos Visibles (Visible Hands), works on…

Not always breaking news: Well-being in journalism

How does the media function in times of crisis? How do audiences respond to multiple stories of crisis one after another? Is it possible for journalists to cover conflict without causing harm to themselves or others? And what is the emotional cost of journalism in the 21st century? In this episode,…

Women in the workforce part II: What the data doesn't tell us

In this episode, journalist Namita Bhandare, researcher Sharon Buteau, and author and economist Shrayana Bhattacharya, delve into the data on female labour force participation, revealing the truth about Indian women’s engagement in paid work. Host:Saloni Meghani Produced and edited by: Sneha Phil…

Women in the workforce part I: Where women work

In this episode, Gayathri Vasudevan (Chief Impact Officer, Sambhav Foundation and Chairperson, LabourNet Services India), and feminist and queer activist Manak Matiyani discuss how gender norms and masculinities shape women's access to the workforce. Host: Smarinita Shetty Produced and edited by:…

Do climate protests work?

In this special episode, we speak with climate activist Disha Ravi, environmental lawyer Mridula Vijairaghavan, and nonprofit leader Stalin Dayanand. Together, they unpack the dynamics of environmental protests—what works, what doesn't, and whether these movements hold the key to shaping climate ac…

Water security: Community vs Corporate action

Water conservation is the need of the hour, and it requires both community-led initiatives and increased corporate engagement. In this episode, Shraman Jha, CEO of Hindustan Unilever Foundation, and Padma Shri awardee Uma Shankar Pandey, a jal yoddha or water warrior from Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh…

What will the future of farming in India look like?

In this special episode, we travel across India's farming landscape with three experts—Narendranath Damodaran (Pradan), Naseem Shaikh (SSP), and Swapna Sarangi (FES) as they help us envision a more sustainable future for agriculture and farmers in the country. Host: Sneha Philip Produced and edit…