In India, public policies surround the circumference of our daily lives. 

Despite their omnipresence, citizens of the country adopt a rather nonchalant attitude of ‘Jo dikhta nahi hain, woh hume affect nahi karta.’ (What we don’t notice won’t affect us.) 

The government in India makes, enforces, and changes laws without much scrutiny from its people. The elite tend to overlook the government's actions because they no longer expect the unexpected. On the other hand, less privileged groups seek immediate gains from the government instead of asking for lasting solutions. 

Nonetheless, neither side is fully satiated and seldom have time to think about how public policies affect their lives.

Watch this educational masterclass of a conversation with Pranay Kotasthane, Deputy Director at Takshashila Institution, about India’s policy making since the colonial era to learn more about what entails policy making in India, how it affects each of us and what role the government plays in your life… Tune in NOW!

This week is in conversation with A.K. Bhattacharya, the Editorial Director of the Business Standard, about India’s economic reforms of the 90s through a close-up view of the many disruptions that took place in that decade!

Most Iconic Finance Minister Of India?

How Can Government Incentivize Billionaires To Stay?

Why Couldn’t India Match Singapore/China’s trajectory?

Banking System Scam Of 1992 EXPLAINED

Watch this fascinatingly insightful conversation about the role that the finance ministry plays in India's economic growth and how they have shaped up the lives of crores of people in India… Tune in NOW!

Sponsor Shout Out

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To know more, visit https://primevp.in/!

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CHAPTERS

00:00 - Precap
01:04 - Introducing A.K. Bhattacharya To The Neon Show!
02:02 - The Role Of The Finance Ministry In India
04:48 - Most Iconic Finance Minister Of India? 
10:05 - Banking System Scam Of 1992 EXPLAINED
16:48 - Why Demonetization In India Happened in 1978!
24:29 - Balance Of Payments Crisis in The 80s!
27:12 - Sanjay Gandhi’s Role In Indian Political History
30:59 - Was The 1991 Finance Team The Best?
33:24 - Why Couldn’t India Match Singapore/China’s trajectory?
40:05 - The History Of Taxation In India
42:51 - How Can Government Incentivize Billionaires To Stay?
45:17 - The Role Of The RBI
52:21 - Sanjay Gandhi’s Role In Maruti’s Inception!
1:00:03 - P. Chidambaram & Pranab Mukherjee As Finance Ministers
1:04:01 - Issues Of Duopoly In The Telecom Industry 
1:10:15 - How Aspirations Have Changed India’s Rate Of Growth

This week’s episode is about the UPSC, Working With PM Modi, Incredible India & Amrit Kaal as we welcome G20’s Sherpa, Amitabh Kant to the Neon Show!

Will Next 25 Years Be India’s Amrit Kaal?

Heterogeneity In India: Challenge or Opportunity?

What Are The Biggest Inequalities That India Currently Faces?

His Message To The Youth Of India!

All these juicy topics and more in this COMPELLINGLY DETAILED conversation about how much India has grown over the last 60 years and what the country’s future plans are to become the world’s largest superpower… Tune in NOW!

Sponsor Shout Out

Looking to build a differentiated tech startup with a 10X better solution? Prime is the high-conviction, high-support investor you need. With its fourth fund of $120M, Prime actively works with star teams to accelerate building great companies.

To know more, visit https://primevp.in/!

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CHAPTERS

00:00 - Precap
00:59 - Introducing Amitabh Kant To The Neon Show!
02:05 - Will Next 25 Years Be India’s Amrit Kaal?
04:28 - What Did India Look Like In The 60s? 
06:15 - How Digital Infrastructure Has Changed India!
08:51 - Is Public Infrastructure Catching Up?
14:00 - What Was P.C. Mahalanobis’s Impact on India?
17:07 - Is The UPSC A Waste Of Time?
22:24 - India’s Evolution From Doordarshan Era to Cable TV!
25:13 - India’s 10 Year Plan Explained
29:20 - Why Are Bihar & Jharkhand Lagging Behind?
33:01 - Amitabh Kant’s Journey From IAS To Thought Leader
39:39 - His Secret On Staying Mentally & Physically “Young”
41:28 - Biggest Inequalities That India Currently Faces
43:39 - Why Indian Thought leaders Are Data Driven!
47:29 - Heterogeneity In India: Challenge or Opportunity?
48:41 - Inefficient Allocation Of Resources In India
50:28 - Experience Working With Narendra Modi?
53:12 - Institutions’ Role In Economic Growth Of India?
55:55 - Can India Create Its Own Microsoft/Apple?
1:01:10 - His Message To The Youth Of India!
1:02:10 - Concluding Remarks

This week’s episode is about whether quick Commerce could eat Amazon, Flipkart’s business as we welcome Rainmaker Group founder, Kashyap Chanchani to the Neon Show!

Why Quick Commerce Is Future Of Retail In India!

Will An Indian Company Be Top 3 In International Markets?

Why Are Public Markets Punishing PayTM?

What Are The Future IPOs In India?

All these juicy topics and more in this DATA-ORIENTED conversation about where Indian companies stand in regards to the International public markets and whether quick commerce is the future of retail in India… Tune in NOW!

Sponsor Shout Out

Looking to build a differentiated tech startup with a 10X better solution? Prime is the high-conviction, high-support investor you need. With its fourth fund of $120M, Prime actively works with star teams to accelerate building great companies.

To know more, visit https://primevp.in/!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________
CHAPTERS

00:00 - Precap
01:04 - Introducing Kashyap Chanchani To The Neon Show!
02:00 - How Many Startups Are Listed In India Today?
04:31 - % Of Startups That Occupy Public Markets In US & China? 
06:09 - Will Startups Reach 10% Public Market Space In India?
08:48 - Decoding 2021/22 Startup IPOs In India
14:57 - Why Has Public Sentiment Changed Around Zomato?
20:26 - Why Quick Commerce Is Future Of Retail In India!
25:22 - Will An Indian Company Be Top 3 In International Markets?
28:16 - Why Are Public Markets Punishing PayTM?
31:53 - Public Market Investors’ Biggest Concerns!
33:50 - How Does The Public Market View Mamaearth?
41:37 - Future IPOs In India
46:53 - How Can Startups Help Unlock Wealth For Indian Masses?
50:52 - Concluding Remarks

This week’s episode is in discussion with one of India’s most promising AI content creators who talks about India Vs America, AI Creators, Job Loss, & Life Post Acquisition as we welcome Varun Mayya to the Neon Show!

Why Is The U.S. Culturally Declining?

Why Capitalism Should Be Celebrated In India!

Will India Ever Produce An Apple or Microsoft?

How Much Do You Need To Retire In India?

All these juicy topics and more in this CHARISMATIC conversation about why capitalism should be celebrated in India. A dive into the inner workings of the current Indian mentality and what the future of AI will be in India… Tune in NOW!

Sponsor Shout Out

Looking to build a differentiated tech startup with a 10X better solution? Prime is the high-conviction, high-support investor you need. With its fourth fund of $120M, Prime actively works with star teams to accelerate building great companies.

To know more, visit https://primevp.in/!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________
CHAPTERS

00:00 - Precap
01:12 - Welcoming Varun Mayya To The Neon Show!
01:51 - Why The U.S. Is Culturally Declining
04:04 - India vs America: Growth Story
08:34 - Why You Shouldn’t Leave India!
10:25 - Truth Behind Unemployment Rates In India
16:06 - Decoding Sanjeev Sanyal’s UPSC Comments
21:50 - Why Capitalism Should Be Celebrated In India!
27:58 - How Much Do You Need To Retire In India?
31:45 - Will AI Replace Creators?
36:23 - Is Sora AI A Gamechanger In Content Creation?
39:47 - What Sectors Will Be Most Affected By AI?
48:03 - Will India Ever Produce An Apple or Microsoft?
54:53 - Which AI Stocks Does Varun Invest In?
57:00 - Unreliability of AI: Gemini’s Racial Profiling Case In India
1:02:21 - Apple vs The U.S. Justice Department
1:05:12 - Is EdTech Dead In India?
1:10:30 - Varun’s Advice About Following His Career Path!

This week’s episode is in discussion with Bihar’s First Lady IPS officer who talks about Bihar’s Decline, Working With Lalu Prasad, & The 1984 Bokaro Riots Tragedy as we welcome Manjari Jaruhar to the Neon Show!

UNTOLD 1984 Bokaro Riots Story!

What Was Bihar Like In the 1960s?

Is The Indian Police Force Corrupt?

Do IPS Officers Get Influenced By Politicians?

All these juicy topics and more in this EYE-OPENING conversation about the lives of India’s civil servants. A dive into the inner workings of the Indian police force, from the perspective of a woman & how much Bihar as a state has changed since the 60s… Tune in NOW!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Siddhartha Ahluwalia, Founder, Neon Fund & Host, The Neon Show
Twitter: https://twitter.com/siddharthaa7
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddharthaahluwalia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siddhartha_a/
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Sponsor Shout Out*

Looking to build a differentiated tech startup with a 10X better solution? Prime is the high-conviction, high-support investor you need. With its fourth fund of $120M, Prime actively works with star teams to accelerate building great companies.

To know more, visit https://primevp.in/!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________
CHAPTERS

00:00 - Precap
01:04 - Welcoming Bihar’s First Lady IPS, Manjari Jaruhar!
01:45 - What Was Bihar Like In the 1960s?
05:13 - Life As A Lady IPS In Bihar!
09:24 - Was The System Pulling Down Lady officers?
11:23 - UNTOLD 1984 Bokaro Riots Story!
17:37 - How Did Manjari Ma’am Deal With Emotional Trauma?
22:05 - Is The Indian Police Force Corrupt?
26:36 - Why Bokaro Was Her Most Challenging Posting!
31:54 - Do IPS Officers Get Influenced By Politicians?
34:31 - UNTOLD Operation Gangajal Story!
40:54 - Reality Of 1990s Bihar Kidnappings!
45:12 - Downfall Of Bihar’s Education System DECODED!
49:35 - Experience Working During Lalu Prasad’s Reign!
55:13 - Why Was The Central Government Posting Life-Changing?
1:03:39 - Current Government vs 90s Government
1:09:35 - The Importance Of Giving Your Daughters “Freedom”!
1:13:37 - Concluding Remarks

This week’s episode is once again in discussion with PM Narendra Modi’s Economic Advisor who talks about Kolkata’s Downfall, Bihar’s UPSC Craze & The Indian Dream as we welcome once again, Sanjeev Sanyal to the Neon Show!

The Reason Behind India’s Rapid Growth

The West’s Problem With India!

Why Did Jyoti Basu Get Elected As CM?

What Led To Bihar’s Downfall?

All these juicy topics and more in this UNFILTERED conversation about India’s growth story. A dive into the “poverty of aspiration” that has limited India in the past till recently & why it is now a country that is to be reckoned with… Tune in NOW!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Siddhartha Ahluwalia, Founder, Neon Fund & Host, The Neon Show
Twitter: https://twitter.com/siddharthaa7
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddharthaahluwalia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siddhartha_a/
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Sponsor Shout Out*

Looking to build a differentiated tech startup with a 10X better solution? Prime is the high-conviction, high-support investor you need. With its fourth fund of $120M, Prime actively works with star teams to accelerate building great companies.

To know more, visit https://primevp.in/!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________
CHAPTERS

00:00 - Precap
01:14 - Welcome Back Sanjeev Sanyal!
01:40 - What Is Sanjeev Sir Up To Now?
03:00 - Kolkata’s Downfall EXPLAINED In Detail
09:04 - Why Did Jyoti Basu Get Elected As CM?
10:31 - How “Poverty Of Aspiration” Affected India’s Growth
14:31 - Are India’s “Zero Food” Kids A Real Problem?
18:10 - REALITY Behind India’s Gender Selective Abortions Crisis
23:32 - “1/6th Of The World’s Billionaires Should Be Indian!”
25:52 - The Reason Behind India’s Rapid Growth
30:52 - The West’s Problem With India
32:11 - What Led To Bihar’s Downfall & Its Craze Of Civil Service?
35:11 - How Middle-Class India’s Aspirations Are Evolving!
37:04 - The Great Indian Dream
40:32 - Conclusion

This week’s episode is an EXTENSIVE BREAKDOWN about Dark Indian SCAMS - Jamtara, Aadhaar Data, and Dark Web Secrets as we welcome Rahul Sasi, founder of CloudSEK, to the Neon Show!

Why Are Scams Originating From Tier 2/3 Indian Cities?

The Jamtara Scam DECODED

Is Your Aadhaar Data Safe?!

How Many Hackers Are There In India?

All these juicy topics and more in this DETAILED conversation. An eye-opener about the millions of cyber threats around us & what danger they carry… A crisp & efficient discussion about everything in the cyber space. Tune in NOW!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Siddhartha Ahluwalia, Founder, Neon Fund & Host, The Neon Show
Twitter: https://twitter.com/siddharthaa7
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddharthaahluwalia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siddhartha_a/
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Sponsor Shout Out*

Looking to build a differentiated tech startup with a 10X better solution? Prime is the high-conviction, high-support investor you need. With its fourth fund of $120M, Prime actively works with star teams to accelerate building great companies.

To know more, visit https://primevp.in/!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________
CHAPTERS

00:00 - Precap
01:13 - Welcoming Rahul Sasi, co-founder of CloudSEK!
02:27 - What Is Dark Web & CloudSEK's Role?
08:50 - Why Dark Web Is So Difficult To Take Down!
11:35 - Bangladesh Bank Heist DECODED
16:08 - The Role of AI In Cyber Crimes!
19:31 - How Many Hackers Are There In India?
22:14 - Country With The Best Cyber Security Talent!
24:45 - In India, Which Is The Best Cyber Security Company?
25:46 - Jamtara Scam DECODED
29:09 - Why Are Scams Originating From Tier 2/3 Indian Cities?
31:53 - Chinese Loan App Scam EXPLAINED
34:46 - How Does Money Laundering Work? 
37:06 - Other Deadly Cyber Scams
40:01 - Is Your Aadhaar Data Safe?!
41:46 - How Do You Gain Practical Knowledge of Cyber Security?
44:01 - What Inspired Rahul Sasi To Create CloudSEK?
50:23 - Will AI Machines Attack Humans In The Future?
52:46 - How Many Jobs Will Be Lost To AI In The Future?
55:00 - Understanding What Privacy Entails Legally
58:53 - Concluding Remarks on Future of Cyber Security!

This week’s episode is a HEARTFELT conversation between 2 women founders who discuss beauty standards in India, healthy living, career & much more as Nansi takes over hosting duties while welcoming Yoga Bar founder, Suhasini Sampath, to the Neon Show!

How Has The Beauty Industry Impacted India?

The TRUTH Behind Low & No-Added-Sugar Products!

Prioritising “Needs” Over “Wants”

Biggest Lesson Learnt From ITC Acquisition?

All these juicy topics and more in this SINCERE conversation. A dive into the mind of one of India’s brightest female founders & one who has beautifully balanced her career & family commitments… Wishing you all a very Happy International Women’s Day! Tune in NOW!

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Precap
01:26 - Welcoming Suhasini Sampath, founder of Yoga Bar!
04:51 - Life Growing Up As A “Tam-Brahm”
07:52 - Prioritising “Needs” Over “Wants”
11:55 - Turning To A Minimalist Lifestyle
14:54 - How Does She Balance Her “Multiple Lives”?!
15:49 - Beauty Industry’s Impact On India
22:23 - Social Media’s Impact On Mental Health
26:58 - “Health Taste Ke Bina Nahi Bikega!”
28:35 - Unhealthy Products Indians Eat
30:35 - “Diabetes Is A REAL PROBLEM In India!”
34:36 - 5 Poor Diet Choices Indians Are Making
38:04 - The TRUTH Behind Low & No-Added-Sugar Products!
41:22 - SECRET Behind Suhasini’s Drive!
44:23 - Motherhood vs Career
47:13 - Biggest Lesson Learnt From ITC Acquisition
48:55 - Difference Between Institutions vs New-Age Brands
54:28 - 5 Brands That Changed Indian Consumer Habits For The Better
56:40 - Concept of “VC Hallucination” Explained
1:01:12 - Importance Of Supportive Men
1:06:00 - Concluding Remarks

This week’s episode is an assortment of INSIGHTFUL INFORMATION about stocks in the banking sector, PayTM vs RBI & Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s strategies to becoming generationally wealthy as we welcome once again Deepak Shenoy, founder of CapitalMind, to the Neon Show!

What Happened To PayTM?

What Is The State of Banking Stocks & Sector in India!

Is PM Modi Right About PSU Stocks?

Are Startups Going IPO A Good Trend?

All these juicy topics and more in this DETAILED conversation. A dive into the psyche of the man who manages over Rs. 1700 crore in the Indian markets… One of the rare times where the conversation never stops being informative & gripping. Tune in NOW!

_________________________________________________________________

Siddhartha Ahluwalia, Founder, Neon Fund & Host, The Neon Show
Twitter: https://twitter.com/siddharthaa7
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddharthaahluwalia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siddhartha_a/
__________________________________________________________________

*Sponsor Shout Out*

Looking to build a differentiated tech startup with a 10X better solution? Prime is the high-conviction, high-support investor you need. With its fourth fund of $120M, Prime actively works with star teams to accelerate building great companies.

To know more, visit https://primevp.in/!
___________________________________________________________________

CHAPTERS
00:00 - Precap
01:34 - Welcome Back Deepak Shenoy, CEO of CapitalMind!
01:52 - What Happened To PayTM? Fintechs vs RBI
11:21 - State of Banking Stocks & Sector in India!
28:07 - Should You Buy A Banking Stock?
34:23 - Is RBI Mis Selling Information?
39:07 - Why Are Public Sector Banks Doing So Well?
40:10 - Indian Banks’ Bad Lending History!
45:07 - ArcelorMittal DRAMA Decoded!
52:20 - What Was The Problem With Yes Bank?
58:13 - Is PM Modi Right About PSU Stocks?
1:08:00 - Is The Indian Stock Market Currently Overvalued?
1:11:41 - Are Micro Cap Companies The Best Bet Right Now?
1:15:57 - Are Startups Going IPO A Good Trend?
1:31:03 - Are Jio Financials A Good Stock To Invest in?
1:33:06 - Top 3 Active Stocks In India!
1:39:57 - “The Market Goes Up When You Sleep!”
1:41:11 - Should Financial Advisors Be Held Accountable?
1:48:51 - Is Buying Large Caps The Safe Option?
1:50:18 - Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s Strategies
1:55:52 -

This week’s episode is a case study which explains Bangalore's water crisis and raises the question whether Karnataka government is at fault for how Bangalore has struggled to deal with water issues as we welcome water activist Viswanath Srikantaiah to the Neon Show!

Will WW3 Happen Because Of Water Scarcity?

Has The Karnataka Government FAILED Bangalore?

Why Metropolitan Cities In India Are Unliveable!

“The TRAGIC Reality About India Is…”

All these EXPLOSIVE topics and more in this BRUTALLY HONEST conversation about India’s long standing relationship with water. A deep dive into how water may lead to the waging of the next big war in the world as well as a special focus on Karnataka & Bangalore's struggles with water… Tune in NOW!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Siddhartha Ahluwalia, Founder, Neon Fund & Host, The Neon Show
Twitter: https://twitter.com/siddharthaa7
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddharthaahluwalia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siddhartha_a/
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Sponsor Shout Out*

Looking to build a differentiated tech startup with a 10X better solution? Prime is the high-conviction, high-support investor you need. With its fourth fund of $120M, Prime actively works with star teams to accelerate building great companies.

To know more, visit https://primevp.in/!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________
CHAPTERS

00:00 - Precap
01:46 - Introducing Viswanath Srikantaiah, Bangalore-based water activist!
02:19 - Will WW3 Happen Because Of Water Scarcity?
05:04 - Indo-China Water War On Brahmaputra Explained!
07:22 - Indus Water Treaty Conflict Between India & Pakistan
08:53 - Cauvery Water Dispute Decoded!
15:14 - Geographical Breakdown of Bangalore’s History
22:40 - Has The Karnataka Government FAILED Bangalore?
26:43 - Is Urban Architecture At Fault For Water Issues? 
31:33 - Will Indian Water Quality Reach Levels Of U.S. & Australia?
35:00 - Why Metropolitan Cities In India Are Unlivable!
41:40 - Why Is Bangalore Poor At Dealing With Water Issues?
45:58 - Can India’s Economy Thrive Like Japan & Singapore?
48:26 - History Of Migration In Bangalore!
53:48 - Impact of Green Revolution on India
1:03:22 - Why India Will NOT Leapfrog China’s GDP!
1:06:30 - Social Impact of Water Crisis on Farmers
1:09:53 - Is Migration DESTROYING Kannadiga’s Livelihoods?
1:13:44 - Impact of Population Explosion on India
1:18:42 - “The TRAGIC Reality About India Is…”
1:29:42 - Shining Light On The Well Digging Community In Karnataka
1:36:31 - Concluding Remarks

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