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Beyond Borders Podcast

Beyond Borders Podcast

Written by: Aakriti Dhawan
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About this listen

Beyond Borders is a podcast series that takes you on a thrilling journey across the globe, unraveling stories that transcend boundaries and cultures. The aim is to share the experiences and narratives of individuals who have worked or been involved in any cross-border activities. From living abroad as a student to research accomplishments, we bring exciting journeys for you to listen to.

Hosted by: Aakriti Dhawan

Aakriti Dhawan
Social Sciences
Episodes
  • “Our People Are Buried Under the Debris” | Palestinian Ambassador on Reconstruction & India’s Role
    Feb 17 2026

    In this episode of Beyond Borders Podcast X The Wire, Aakriti Dhawan speaks with the Palestinian Ambassador to India, Abdullah Abu Shawesh, on the humanitarian devastation in Gaza, the politics of “ceasefire,” and the role of international actors. The Ambassador challenges the language used around the conflict, shares personal accounts from his family in Gaza, and outlines the scale of destruction — with reconstruction estimated at $57 billion. The conversation also examines India’s position on the two-state solution, its diplomatic leverage with Israel, divisions within Palestinian politics, and whether meaningful peace is still possible. Referencing international law, UN Resolution 181, and global anti-colonial struggles, this interview brings a direct Palestinian perspective to Indian audiences in an urgent and deeply political moment. #beyondborderspodcast #Gaza #GazaWar #Palestine #IsraelPalestine #HumanitarianCrisis #Ceasefire #TwoStateSolution #MiddleEast #IndiaForeignPolicy #GlobalPolitics #WarInGaza

    / @thewirenews

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    54 mins
  • Anjali Gopalan on LGBTQ+ Rights, HIV Myths & Why India Is Failing Its Citizens
    Feb 15 2026

    In this powerful episode of Beyond Borders Podcast, Aakriti Dhawan sits down with Anjali Gopalan — founder of the NAZ Foundation and one of India’s most prominent human rights activists, and All creatures great and small — for an unfiltered conversation on LGBTQ+ rights, HIV stigma, animal welfare, and the state of citizenship in India. From the fight to decriminalize Section 377 to the ongoing denial of marriage and inheritance rights, Anjali explains why decriminalisation was only the beginning — not the victory. She challenges the idea that LGBTQ+ rights are a “Western ideology,” calls HIV a “virus of blame,” and breaks down persistent myths that still exist decades later. 00:00:00 - 00:01:27 Introduction 01:28 - 04:09 Founding the NAZ Foundation and Decriminalizing Section 3 7:35 The Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights and Societal Misconceptions 11:20 NAZ Foundation's Continued Efforts and the Denial of Citizen Rights 13:00 Misconceptions and Prevention of HIV 15:00 HIV Transmission, Prevention, and the Virus of Blame 17:00 HIV Treatment, Myths, and the Role of Counselling 18:30 Support for Children with HIV and Commitment to Prevention 20:00 Hope and Government Support for HIV Treatment 22:00 Transition to Animal Welfare: All Creatures Great and Small 24:00 Challenges Facing Animal Shelters and the Sanctuary Approach 28:00 Recommended Shelters and the Subjectivity of "Good" and "Bad" 30:00 Concerns about the Supreme Court and Animal Welfare 36:00 Class, Caste, and Societal Attitudes 38:40 Recognition as a Top 100 Influential Person 40:00 The Amalgamation of HIV with LGBTQ 46:00 Cultural Pressures and the Acceptance of Sexuality 50:00 Overcoming Paralysis and Focusing on Small Actions 52:00 Advice for anyone going beyond borders Anjali also reflects on being named one of the world’s most influential people, why she believes no act of giving is truly selfless, and why helping even one person — or one animal — is enough. This is a conversation about rights, responsibility, and refusing to stay silent. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & all audio platforms 📲 Follow Beyond Borders for weekly conversations that challenge comfort zones. #AnjaliGopalan #LGBTQRights #Section377 #HIVAwareness #AnimalRights #HumanRights #BeyondBorders #nazfoundation #india #podcast Disclaimer: This content is created for entertainment and conversational purposes only. We do not intend to hurt, offend, or target any individual or group. All views expressed are respectful and considerate. Aakriti Dhawan is a journalist and storyteller bridging India and Germany. Her podcast brings raw, thoughtful conversations on politics, gender, culture, animals, and the world we live in. #BeyondBordersPodcast#PodcastForChange#InspiringStories#WomenEmpowerment#IndoGerman#GlobalPerspectives#conversation #Indiansingermany#AnimalWelfareIndia#MeaningfulConversations 🔔 Subscribe for more 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YR7... 📲 Follow us on Instagram: / beyond_borderspod

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    53 mins
  • Indian Olympian Reetika Hooda Speaks Out on Doping Allegations, Wresting & Paris Olympics
    Jan 17 2026

    In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary journey of Reetika Hooda, an Indian Olympian who turned struggle into strength and dreams into global recognition. She speaks about competing at the World Championships and making history as the first Indian woman wrestler to qualify in the heavyweight category for the Paris Olympics 2024. She also opens up about the ongoing doping allegations, the pressure of being prematurely labelled a failure, and the intense scrutiny created by sections of the Indian media and fellow sportspersons. Watch now. 00:00 intro 1:20 journey to becoming a wrestler 15:00 Advice for anyone wanting to go beyond borders ✨ Routing for her journey to Los Angeles 2028. 📌 Watch till the end to feel the motivation, understand the reality of Indian athletics, and get inspired by a true sporting warrior. 👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe If you believe in Indian sports and Olympic dreams, this story is for you. Disclaimer: This content is created for entertainment and conversational purposes only. We do not intend to hurt, offend, or target any individual or group. All views expressed are respectful and considerate. Aakriti Dhawan is a journalist and storyteller bridging India and Germany. Her podcast brings raw, thoughtful conversations on politics, gender, culture, animals, and the world we live in. #BeyondBordersPodcast#PodcastForChange#InspiringStories#WomenEmpowerment#IndoGerman#GlobalPerspectives#conversation#ReetikaHooda #OlympianJourney #RoadToLA2028 #IndianAthletics #OlympicDream #StruggleToGlory #PremanandMaharajJi #SportsMotivation #AthleteLife #IndiaAtOlympics #Indiansingermany#AnimalWelfareIndia#MeaningfulConversations 🔔 Subscribe for more 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YR7... 📲 Follow us on Instagram: / beyond_borderspod

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    17 mins
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