Ganesha’s Tusk Podcast
Ganesha’s Tusk: A Fresh Take on Ancient Tales
Inspired by Lord Ganesha's dedication to transcribe the Mahabharata and share these tales with the world, this podcast provides fresh perspectives on ancient Hindu tales. Samara and Amani, two Indian-American high school students, discuss Hindu epics, history, mythology, and how these tales inform and influence the youth of today.
This is a Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR) initiative to dialogue with youth on their reflections on Hinduism. If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, or if a young person in your life would like to offer an episode, we would love to hear from you! Please write to us at info@hindusforhumanrights.org .
Season Four
Season Four, Episode One: Women of Bollywood
Did you know that the first movie directed by a woman was made in 1926 — almost 100 years ago? Samara and Amani are back for Season 4 of Ganesha’s Tusk, but they are switching things up and focusing on the role of Bollywood in Indian culture!
Season Three
Season Three, Episode Four: Caste and Color
Did you know that Martin Luther King Jr. went to India to study the caste system and other forms of discrimination? There are deep connections between the caste system in India and racial discrimination in the U.S. Join Amani and Samara as they explore how systems of discrimination work and how they have been used to divide society in both countries.
Season Three, Episode Three: Caste, Race, Labor — and Us
Season Three, Episode Two: Whose War?
Samara and Amani tackle the topic of war, taking us through the 18 devastating days that marked the Battle of Kurukshetra, the central event of the Mahabharata. They 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 prays the price? What happens when we let the egos of a few determine the fate of many?
Season Three, Episode Two: Bonobibi’s Forest
Samara and Amani take 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 and Bangladesh, tell us about the time Lord Vishnu cleaned a polluted river, and inspire us with stories of youth groups in Northeastern India working on sustainable tourism practices today.
Season Three, Episode One: Manu’s Ark
In this episode, Samara and Amani 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 India and Bangladesh, where both Hindus and Muslims revere Bonobibi, the guardian spirit of the forest. Lastly, they talk about Trinidad, where Catholics and Hindus share intersecting traditions. Let’s set sail!
Season Two
Season Two, Episode Seven: Standing up and Speaking Out
In the Season 2 finale, 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 who have power over us is not easy and can come at a heavy price.
Season Two, Episode Six: Bheem’s Ladoos
Do you like sweets? Do you get along with your extended family? What if your family tried to poison you with your favorite dessert? That would be some picnic! In this episode, Samara tells the tale of the childhood rivalry between Bheem and Duryodhan in the Mahabharata. Grab your favourite sweet and have a listen!
Season Two, Episode Five: Shikhandi’s and Ardh’s Genders
In this episode, Samara is joined by a guest star, Amani, to discuss gender fluidity in Hindu tales. We learn about Shikhandi, whose quest for revenge takes him through multiple gender identities. And we learn about Ardhanareeswaran, who i sa beautiful composite of the male and female parts of our nature. Through the stories of S and Ardh, Samara and Amani show up that the struggle against rigid gender barriers is as old as time itself.
Season Two, Episode Four: Yudhistira’s Lie
We are told that it is bad to lie … but what if it is to win a war? What if it’s 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.
Season Two, Episode Three: Sita Walks Away
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, or in the wrong? Was he wrong to mistrust her? How much can one woman take — and how much should she put up with?
Season Two, Episode Two: Ganesha’s Favorite Foods
Who’s hungry? This episode discusses our elephant-headed god’s favorite foods. We hope you have a sweet tooth!
Season Two, Episode One: Kannagi’s Anklet
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.
Season One
Season One, Episode Three: Ganesha’s Tusk
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.
Season One, Episode Two: Eklavya’s Thumb
In this episode, Samara reflects on the relationship between Eklavya and Dronacharya in the Mahabharata. Dronacharya was the teacher of the Pandava princess and a high-born Brahmin. Eklavya was a low caste tribal leader and a self-taught expert archer, who sought to become Dronacharya’s student — with surprising and tragic consequences.
Season One, Episode One: Draupadi’s Sari
In this episode, Samara reflects on the scene in Mahabharata where Yudhistira gambles away Draupadi in a dice game and the Kauravas try to disrobe her. She discusses different versions of the story and their interpretations.