Ganesha's Tusk: A Fresh Take on Ancient Tales

In this episode, Samara and Amani tackle the topic of war. They take us through the 18 devastating days that marked the Battle of Kurukshetra, the central event of the Mahabharata. They then apply the lessons of that terrible battle to the ongoing suffering in Sudan, Israel-Palestine, and Ukraine-Russia. This episode asks listeners to reflect on why we fight wars. Who starts these wars? Who pays the price? And what happens when we let egos of a few determine the fate of many?

Back by popular demand! After the last episode of Ganesha's Tusk, Manu's Flood, many you asked questions about Bonobibi, who protects the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, and who is revered by Hindus and Muslims alike. In this episode, Samara and Amani takes us on a deeper dive into the syncretic origins of Bonobibi's legend. They connect this to Hinduism's long-standing commitment to respecting the intersections between human life and the environment. Samara and Amani take us from ancient Persia to modern-day India Bangladesh; they tell us about the time Lord Vishnu cleaned a polluted river and they inspire us with the story of youth groups in northeastern India today, who are working on sustainable tourism practices. Join us on this fascinating journey!

It's monsoon season in India--and with the welcome rains also come fearsome floods and landslides. In this episode, Samara is back with Amani to talk about the story of Manu and how Lord Vishnu helps him cope with rising river waters. As India gets ready to celebrate its 76th year as an independent nation, our young podcasters remind us of some of the syncretic traditions of Hindu - and Indian- society. They draw parallels with the Biblical story of Noah's Ark-- and also take us to the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, shared between Indian and Bangladesh, where both Hindus and Muslims revere Bonobibi, the guardian spirit of the forest. They then talk about Trinidad, where Catholics and Hindus have intersecting traditions. Let's set sail!

In this episode, Amani joins Samara to reflect on Seasons 1 and 2 of  Ganesha's Tusk. They revisit the stories of Sita, Draupadi, Kannagi and Eklavya and share their thoughts on what we can learn about how and when to speak up against injustice. Challenging the authority of those of who have power over us is not easy and can come with a heavy price.  But, as Samara and Amani remind us, if someone is being a Jerkus Maximus, and you have the tools to tell them to stop, do it! That's the only way the world will change for the better.

That's a wrap for Season 2 of Ganesha's Tusk! We hope you have enjoyed these tales and that you will come back next year. 

We are all told that it is bad to lie....but what if it is to win a war? What if it is just a half-truth? And what about the lies we tell ourselves? In this episode, Samara wrestles with the morality of truth-telling in the fight between Yudhistira and Drona in the Mahabharata.

Abduction, war, mistrust, exile, and falling into a sinkhole -- you could say Sita had it tough and that would be an understatement. In this episode, Samara discusses Sita's decision to walk out on Rama after a literal trial by fire. Was she in the right, in the wrong? Was he wrong to mistrust her? How much can one woman take -- and how much should she put up with? 

Join Samara as she dives into one of the most hotly debated stories in Hinduism.

Who's hungry? On today's episode of Ganesha's Tusk, we talk about our favorite elephant-headed god's favorite foods. I hope you have a sweet tooth!

We had a long break, but we are back to discuss a tale of love, vengeance, justice, a woman scorned, and destruction. In this episode Samara discusses the story of Kannagi  and the early foundations of the south Indian city of Madurai. 

You've been waiting for it -- this episode is the origin story! In this segment, Samara discusses Ganesha, his lovable elephant head, and why he has only one tusk. Join Samara for a tale of anger, perseverance, and promises. And learn the story behind this podcast's name. 

Many thanks to Dadi, aka Sudha Desai, for insights and guidance. 

In this episode, Samara reflects on the relationship between Eklavya and Dronacharya in the Mahabharata. Dronacharya was the teacher of the Pandava princes and a high-born Brahmin. Eklavya was a low-caste tribal leader and self-taught expert archerer, who sought to become Dronacharya's student--with surprising and tragic consequences. Join Samara as she reflects on this story and its lessons for modern living.