Ep 39. Feminism: What a Hindu Family Needs to Know

Ep 39. Feminism: What a Hindu Family Needs to Know

Author: Hindu Parenting March 8, 2024 Duration: 1:09:45

Episode 39: A conversation about feminism with Prof. Madhu Purnima Kishwar (Founder, Manushi Trust and one of India’s most distinguished academics in the social sciences).

The social sciences are a black box for most Hindu parents. The western social sciences hold a disproportionate influence on our lives and our collective future, hence it is essential to talk to our children about feminism and other western movements. This conversation will help bring clarity to feminism and situate it in the Hindu context.

Feminism is derived from the Abrahamic thought system which is binary and rooted in perennial conflict. It is different from the dharmik worldview which is based on harmony, balance and consensus. What explains the rise of Marxism, feminism and other theories? What is the danger in viewing dharmik cultures through these modern lenses? Are feminists happy? What is the effect of feminism on women, on men, and on the family as a unit? How can Hindu families navigate through this landscape?

Please listen and share!

Prof. Madhu Kishwar started her academic career as a lecturer in a DU college and in 1991 was invited as a professor in CSDS, a leading social science research centre based in Delhi. She was awarded national professorship of ICSSR followed by senior fellow at Nehru Memorial Centre for Contemporary Studies. She has also made several documentary films for Doordarshan.

Note: If you find our work valuable, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription. It will help us cover the costs of reaching many more Hindu parents.

General Information:

For comments and podcast suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.org

Please note that questions will not be answered on email.

Do subscribe to our Substack and follow our social media handles:

Twitter: hinduparenting

Instagram: hinduparenting

Telegram: t.me/hinduparenting

Threads: hinduparenting

Facebook: facebook.com/hinduparenting

Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparenting

Koo: hinduparenting

The opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.

Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting.



Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Finding your footing as a parent within a rich cultural tradition can feel both deeply meaningful and surprisingly complex. The Hindu Parenting Podcast sits with you in that space, offering thoughtful conversations that go beyond simple advice. Each episode explores the everyday realities of raising children while consciously nurturing their connection to Hindu values, philosophy, and heritage. You’ll hear from parents, educators, and community members sharing their personal journeys, practical challenges, and small victories. The discussions might cover how to naturally introduce concepts like dharma or seva into family life, navigate festivals and stories in a modern context, or foster a genuine sense of identity and belonging. This isn’t about dogma, but about building a thoughtful, resilient framework for your family. Hosted by Hindu Parenting, the podcast serves as a companion for those wanting to raise informed, grounded children who feel a sense of pride and continuity as part of a living civilization. Tune in for authentic dialogue that acknowledges the questions as much as it seeks answers, all centered on the real-world work of nurturing the next generation.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Hindu Parenting Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Ep 36: Hindu Festivals - Lohri [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:28
The Lohri episode features a conversation around stories and lived experiences from the Punjab area of India. One of our guests is Charu Uppal ji, media scholar and storyteller. You can find her articles at charuuppal.su…
Ep 35: The Family Today [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:53
In this podcast, Shri Pankaj Saxena helps us understand the role of the family in the overall context of Hindu cosmology. He explains that the Hindu worldview is based on Kartavya Bodh, a sense of duties toward one anoth…
Ep. 34: Sadhana - Rituals in Hinduism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:41
In Episode 34, we look at rituals in Hinduism, in a conversation with Shri PVR Narasimha Rao. The English word ritual does not really capture the sense of sacred or meaningful action that is the core of Hinduism. What is…
The Hindu Temple [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:11
This episode features Shri Ramakrishna Kongalla, a researcher on temples and the Asst. Prof. at the Department of Travel and Tourism Management.Shri Kongalla brings his expertise in understanding temples to help us decod…
Ep 32: Hindu Festivals - Durga Puja [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:14
In this episode on Hindu festivals, we converse with Monidipa Bose about Durga Puja as it is celebrated in Bengal. Monidipa Bose writes about history and heritage. She traces the history of Matrika worship and the ritual…
Ep 31: International Bindi & Tilak Day, Oct 15 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:20
In this episode, we talk to the concept creators behind a global initiative called the International Bindi & Tilak Day, celebrated on October 15 every year. Listen to their story and vision.We need these rallying points…
Ep 30: How to Talk with Children [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:10
This podcast is a conversation with Prof. Vamsee Juluri who teaches Media Studies at the University of San Francisco. We address the challenge of communicating with young people and children who are being told by everyon…
Strength Training & Fitness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:36
In this podcast, we talk to Abhinav Kadambi & Krishna Rajaganesan - Founders of a Bharatiya strength training startup - about the important but neglected area of physical fitness & strength training, from a Bharatiya POV…
Ep-28: Hindu Festivals - Ganesh Chaturthi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:59
Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the most important festivals for Hindus and especially loved by children. In this podcast, we converse with Dr. Arathi V.B., Founder and Chairperson of Vibhu Academy. We cover a lot of topics…
Shri RB Ramesh: Founder, Chess Gurukul [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:08
In this podcast, we talk with Shri R.B. Ramesh, internationally renowned chess coach and trainer of many successful youngsters like R. Praggnanandhaa. He is the founder of Chess Gurukul, a chess coaching academy.The Dron…