In this fourth episode of Paani with People, I sit down with Neeraj Shetye – a policy professional at the Oxford India Centre, former election fieldworker, conflict studies graduate, and someone deeply reflective about power, identity, and belonging.

We talk about growing up in Thane, moving out at 17, navigating language shifts from Marathi to Hindi to English, and studying politics of conflict and justice at SOAS. Neeraj shares what it was like working on the ground during Indian state elections – witnessing intimidation, rural political ecosystems, and the realities you only understand when you are physically there.

The conversation moves through Hindu nationalism, social policy, queer identity, migration, family, and the complicated question many of us carry: Do we go back home, or do we build a life where we feel safest?

We also talk about overcommitting, learning to say no, calling parents once a week for four hours, and what it means to be rooted in language even when you are geographically elsewhere.

This episode is layered, honest, and had layered giggles sandwiched between valuable conversations!

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