In this episode of the Det Moderne India Podcast, we speak with Dr. Sulagna Chattopadhyay — a pioneer in climate journalism, environmental advocacy, and polar policy. As the Founder-Editor of Geography and You and the driving force behind the SaGAA think tank, Sulagna has spent over two decades shaping India’s climate discourse.

Her journey has not been easy. From facing exclusion in academic circles to building her own research and advocacy platforms, Sulagna shares what it means to be “the first and only” woman in male-dominated fields — and how perseverance, purpose, and quiet resilience helped her create space where none existed.

This episode is part of a special podcast series connected to the book The First and Only: India & The Nordics – Breaking Barriers, Building Futures, launching in Oslo on May 14, 2025.

Listen in as Sulagna reflects on her challenges, breakthroughs, and the urgent need for inclusive leadership in environmental policy.

Welcome to a new episode of Det Moderne India, where we explore leadership, diversity, and the evolving role of women in STEM across borders.

This episode delves into the intersection of Indian and Nordic leadership through the lens of lived experience. Our guest is Vidya Basarkod, former Director of Ramboll in India. With over four decades of experience in civil and structural engineering, Vidya has broken barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field—both in India and Scandinavia.

Together, we explore:

- The cultural contrasts between Indian and Nordic leadership styles

- What it means to be “the first and only” woman in the room

- How engineering and infrastructure sectors can become more inclusive

- Lessons learned from working within a global company like Ramboll

- Advice for the next generation of women in STEM and leadership

Join us as we navigate leadership across borders and break new ground for the future of inclusive workplaces.

India has one of the largest youth populations in the world, yet digital accessibility remains a challenge—only 54% of households have computers, and nearly 40% lack access to one. However, with 88% of the population using smartphones, mobile technology presents an opportunity to bridge this gap.

In this episode, The Rise of Gen Z Girls in Tech, we sit down with Mayank, the visionary behind Coding Pro, to explore how AI-driven learning and innovative mobile applications are ensuring equal access to coding education for students, regardless of their background.

We discuss the impact of social norms on STEM careers, the challenges of parental hesitation and cultural expectations, and how AI-powered tools are helping families embrace digital education. Mayank shares how Coding Pro’s scholarships and mentorship programs are supporting underprivileged girls, fostering a future where young women take the lead in tech.

We also explore Iraaj, India’s first humanoid robot, and its role in equipping students with real-world skills, as well as the emergence of AI-powered universities and Techno Schools that will redefine learning over the next decade.

This conversation is about breaking barriers, reshaping education, and preparing India’s youth—especially Gen Z girls—for the digital revolution.