International award-winning author, poet, musician, and publisher Jeet Thayil joined us in Zurich for a wide-ranging conversation on his work, his observations of the sudden disappearance of Bombay’s opium world, the growing role of politics in Indian literature and the ways poets, novelists, and essayists engage with today’s political developments, to ongoing debates around language in Indian literature, the conversation made clear just how significant a role literature can play in society.

Plus: readings from his latest book The Elsewhereans and recent poems.

Jeet is in conversation with political geographer Jasnea Sarma during this live Asia Society Switzerland event.

Find all information on our flagship STATE OF ASIA Address and Conference, taking place on Nov.4/5 in Zurich, on our website here.

Stay up-to-date on all events and activities at Asia Society Switzerland: subscribe to the newsletter and support our work by becoming a member.

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STATE OF ASIA is a podcast from Asia Society Switzerland.
Published: September 25, 2026
Host/Editor: Remko Tanis, Managing Editor, Asia Society Switzerland

Qing Wang talks with Remko Tanis about the changing ways people in China confront and talk about their mental health.

Qing's eye opening essay on the topic, is available to read and download here.

Qing, a multi-award winning journalist, podcaster, and social media influencer, shares her insights as China and the World Fellow at Asia Society Switzerland, made possible through the generous support of MoneyMuseum Zurich.

See Qing in conversation with other Asia Society experts on how China's young people are redefining mental health care in this video.

Find all information on our flagship STATE OF ASIA conference, taking place on Nov. 5 in Zurich, on our website here.

Stay up-to-date on all events and activities at Asia Society Switzerland: subscribe to the newsletter and support our work by becoming a member.

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STATE OF ASIA is a podcast from Asia Society Switzerland.
Published: September 3, 2026
Host/Editor: Remko Tanis, Managing Editor, Asia Society Switzerland

Qing Wang talks with Remko Tanis about what's really behind China's falling birth rate: it's about a lot more than just money, or lack thereof.

Qing's eye opening essay on the topic, is available to read and download here.

Qing, a multi-award winning journalist, podcaster, and social media influencer, shares her insights as China and the World Fellow at Asia Society Switzerland, made possible through the generous support of MoneyMuseum Zurich.

Stay up-to-date on all events and activities at Asia Society Switzerland: subscribe to the newsletter and support our work by becoming a member.

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STATE OF ASIA is a podcast from Asia Society Switzerland.
Published: June 10, 2026
Host/Editor: Remko Tanis, Managing Editor, Asia Society Switzerland