The middle Road

Episode 42: The Future of Climate Finance: An Introduction with Nishant Malhotra

Welcome to the first episode in our series on climate finance. I'm Nishant Malhotra, the sole founder of The Middle Road, a platform focusing on global development and financial services. In this episode, I explore how climate finance is reshaping our global ecosystem. 
Lets begin by defining climate finance and discussing its importance in climate action, including investments in clean technologies and climate resilience projects. I also look into innovative financial tools such as sustainable development bonds and carbon pricing mechanisms.
Key actors in the climate finance sector, such as governments, public institutions, and asset managers, are highlighted, along with the role of multilateral development banks like the World Bank and its divisions.
Discussion about a milestone in the ESG sector, the MSCI KLD 400 Social Index, and its impact on sustainable finance. Additionally, I introduce my business consulting initiative, focusing on ESG and sustainable investment strategies.
Finally, discuss the rapid growth of renewable energy capacities worldwide, driven by significant investments and subsidies. Stay tuned for more insights in upcoming episodes!

Episode 41: The middle Road -Celebrating Social Impact: The Inaugural Kusum Social Impact Award Winners

In this inspiring episode of "The Middle Road" podcast, host Nishant Malhotra engages in a thought-provoking discussion with one of the winners of the inaugural Kusum Social Impact Award - Dr O.P. Bhalla Foundation. This prestigious award, sponsored by the Center for Theory of Change in New York, recognizes individuals and organizations making significant strides in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and environmental conservation.
Nishant takes a moment to acknowledge the passion and dedication of all the participants, including those who did not win, emphasizing that their efforts are equally valuable and appreciated. The spotlight then turns to the inaugural winners: Dr. Simi Mishra from Connecting Dreams, Shruthi Iyer from FMCH India, and the Dr. O.P. Bhalla Foundation.
A captivating interview with Dr. Vishali Mathur from the Dr. O.P. Bhalla Foundation delves into the organization's impressive work, including health camps, philanthropic initiatives, skill development programs, and environmental projects. Dr. Mathur shares valuable insights into the challenges and taboos faced while working in the social impact sector, as well as the heartening outcomes and milestones achieved through their tireless efforts.
Throughout the episode, listeners gain a profound understanding of the dedication and perseverance required to drive social change. The winners' stories serve as a powerful reminder that, despite obstacles, it is possible to make a meaningful difference in society. As the episode concludes, Nishant expresses sincere appreciation for all the participants, winners, and sponsors, underscoring the collective spirit of social good that underpins the Kusum Social Impact Award.
Tune in to this uplifting episode of "The Middle Road" podcast and be inspired by the incredible work being done by changemakers across various fields. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for more engaging discussions on social impact, and join the conversation on social media using the #SocialImpactAward
Read AI generated. 
 

Episode 40: The middle Road Sandeep Rai & Mohammad Shoeb enabling K12 education within India

Today, I (Nishant Malhotra) welcome Sandeep Rai, CEO & Founder of The Circle India, and Sayed Mohammad Shoeb, Founder & Project Head of The Panaah Communities, for an insightful discussion about their impactful work in the education sector.
A brief introduction:Sandeep Rai - An alumnus of Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, Sandeep has worn multiple hats within the global development sector, serving in leadership roles at Teach For India, where he currently serves on the advisory board. He is the author of the book 'Grey Sunshine,' which explores the existential education crisis in India. The Circle India, founded by Sandeep, is revolutionizing the country's education system with best-in-class pedagogy, preparing less privileged students for the future.
Sayed Mohammad Shoeb - A chemical engineer turned educator and social entrepreneur, Sayed has over 7 years of experience transforming educational outcomes in underserved communities. As the founder and project head of The Panaah Communities, his work focuses on providing quality learning through community mobilization, parental literacy, and employability skill-building.
Welcome, Sandeep and Shoeb. I look forward to our meaningful conversation about your impactful work. Let's begin with Sandeep's initiatives at The Circle India.
Sandeep, your journey in the global development sector, culminating in your book 'Grey Sunshine,' has been remarkable. The book delves into the existential education crisis in India, where, according to a 2019 UNICEF report, around 30 percent of students drop out before reaching upper primary levels (Grade 8). UNESCO's data further reveals that India has over 6 million children aged 6-13 who are out of school, accounting for a quarter of the global out-of-school population in that age group.
Could you share what prompted your journey from Columbia to Teach For India and ultimately inspired you to author this eye-opening book?
While India has made remarkable progress in reducing extreme poverty to less than 3 percent in 2022, as per the World Bank Poverty Clock, millions still live on less than $6.85 per day, the benchmark for upper-middle-income countries. The Circle India strives to bridge this educational gap by providing quality K-12 education to underprivileged students nationwide. I am keen to learn more about your impactful undertakings and the pathways you are addressing to drive this transformative change.
You are building a community focused on educating and uplifting underprivileged sections of society, including establishing after-school training centres and empowering teachers. Could you elaborate on the initiatives and approaches you have adopted to create a sustainable educational ecosystem?
Sandeep, your book 'Grey Sunshine' sheds light on the existential education crisis in India. According to UNICEF, around 30 percent of students drop out before reaching upper primary levels, and UNESCO data reveals that over 6 million children aged 6-13 are out of school, accounting for a quarter of the global out-of-school population in that age group.
➢ Share with audience what prompted your journey from Columbia to Teach For India and ultimately inspired you to author this thought-provoking book.
Inequality remains one of the biggest drivers of poverty and social discontent globally. According to the World Bank, nearly 700 million people worldwide live in extreme poverty, earning less than $2.15 per day. Additionally, almost half of the world's population subsists on less than $6.85 per day – the measure used for upper-middle-income countries. While India has made remarkable progress in reducing extreme poverty to less than 3 percent in 2022, as per the World Bank Poverty Clock, millions still remain below the poverty line, especially when measured against the $6.85 per day benchmark. The Circle India is striving to bridge this educational gap by providing quality K-12 education to underprivileged students across the country.
Sandeep, we would be keen to learn more about the impactful work you are undertaking and the strategies you have implemented to address this pressing issue sustainably.Now, Shoeb, let's turn our attention to your wonderful work at The Panaah Communities. Your venture is addressing inequality in formative quality education through The Panaah Communities. Could you share how The Circle India has supported your endeavor and provide examples of how you are invigorating the K-12 learning experience?
With 4 centers, 11+ programs, and over 2,500 enrolled students, your venture significantly impacts its target audience. You've achieved an impressive 80.06 percent average attendance and 75.27 percent average mastery across programs for students.
• How did you manage to have such a profound impact within these communities? • I like your idea of involving parents within the community. Speak about the parental education. • What motivated you to work on this idea? Could you share some of the struggles you faced while setting up the venture?Shoeb, I know you have a focus on STEM education. Speak more about this initiative.
• Sandeep, could you share any poignant experience from your book that left a lasting impression on you?Finally, an "Aha!" question for both of you: Could you share an experience, either personal or professional, that brightens your life and serves as a source of inspiration?
I thank you both for sharing your time and insights about your remarkable work. The Middle Road offers highly discounted products and services to development organizations, and honored to explore potential collaborations.

Episode 39 : The middle Road - A Discussion with Dr. Sathyeshwar Subbakrishna

Nishant Malhotra interviews Dr. Sathyeshwar Subbakrishna, Principal of Jyothy Institute of Commerce and Management. The Middle Road briefly interacted with the institute for the paid inaugural roll-out of the corporate subscription package. The interview follows the "Jobs to Be Done" methodology and uncovers the utility desired by the academic institute. In this thrilling conversation,  Dr. Sathyeshwar shares his experience with Middle Road, an online educational platform. As the Principal of the Institute of Commerce and Management, he discusses how his institution integrates Middle Road to better align with its educational objectives and ultimate aspirations. The conversation reveals how Middle Road, with its targeted course offering, meets the unique needs of commerce and management students, providing the much-needed solution to enhance their learning capabilities.
Examining the pedagogical gap experienced by students in accessing online platforms, the conversation underscores the potential of Middle Road in delivering specialized, affordable, and high-value courses. A major highlight is the discussion around students' career progression and Middle Road's potential role as a 'finishing school'- bridging the gap between academic learning and practical job-sensitive skills.
 Dr. Sathyeshwar's frank, insightful perspective showcases the effectiveness of Middle Road not just as an online course platform, but a significant partner in revolutionizing commerce and management education. Tune into this inspiring conversation to explore the intersection of commerce and education, and the transformative role of digital learning platforms like Middle Road.

Episode 38: The middle Road Innovations in Green Energy, Climate Action & Finance - An Interview with Peter Fusaro

In this episode of The Middle Road, host Nishant Malhotra talks with Peter Fusaro, a renowned leader in green energy and environmental finance. The conversation offers a deep insight into the evolving landscape of sustainable finance and the transition to green energy. Fusaro, with his extensive experience in clean tech startups, discusses the vital role of innovative financial solutions like impact and catastrophic bonds in contributing to global development.The episode explores the transformative potential of microgrid projects in providing electricity to billions and facilitating resilience against catastrophic events. Peter underlines the critical role of energy storage in empowering renewable energy sources and talks about new technologies in the Advanced Battery field. The critical spots in decarbonizing the global economy, such as the hydrogen industry and sustainable agriculture, are also highlighted.The dialogue delves into future prospects of sustainable practices worldwide, like reforestation, agroforestry, sustainable fishing, and vertical farming. In the backdrop of climate change, the need for adaptation and innovation in energy, food, and water sectors is emphasized. Discussing the emerging significance of impact investing, the conversation highlights the role of venture capital, sovereign wealth funds, startups.The talk concludes with the importance of measuring carbon footprints and reducing them and a vibrant discussion on the prospects of the carbon credits market. This episode provides listeners an inside look into the sustainable initiatives globally, including carbon markets, sustainable finance, and green technology. The role of public-private partnerships in driving innovative solutions to address climate change issues gets a notable mention.Exploration of alternative sustainable energy sources like hydrogen, prospects in the mobility and transportation space, and the lack of standardization and benchmarking in sustainable finance are some of the many points discussed. The vision for a greener future where clean energy, education, and water are accessible to all closes the conversation on a hopeful note. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide to the potential of green energy and environmental finance globally.

Introduction to The middle Road Kusum Social Impact Award

Hello Everyone,
 
I hope you're all doing well. I'm Nishant Malhotra, the Solo Founder & CEO of Middle Road OPC Pvt Ltd – The middle Road platform, which focuses on upskilling in the social impact sector. While my startup is a for-profit organization, The middle Road is deeply committed to driving sustainable social impact on a global scale. Learn more at www.themiddleroad.org. Now, I'm excited to introduce the inaugural Kusum Social Impact Awards from The middle Road. 

Episode 37: The middle Road with Kinsley Godwin on Impact Investing in Nigeria

Welcome to The middle Road podcast where Nishant Malhotra your host dives deep into the stories and experiences of individuals who are shaping a brighter future through their work in impact investing and social innovation. I'm your host, Nishant Malhotra, and today, I have a remarkable guest whose journeyembodies the spirit of positive change and innovation. Kingsley Godwin is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience across diverse sectors, from development to blockchain, and he's been at the forefront of driving impact on both local and global scales. Tune into this podcast as I uncover howKingsley, as a Country Ambassador at Impact Market Nigeria and Chairperson of the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (CYPAN), is not just participating in change but driving it. His journey serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for those who aspire to create positive change in Africa and beyond. So, if you're curious about the intersection of finance and socialgood, and if you believe in the immense potential of Africa to lead the way in impact investing, you're in the right place.
Get ready for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation that promises to unveil the true essence of impact investing in Africa.
 
Check out The middle Road cart here. 
Hello Kingsley welcome to the podcast show.
Let’s begin with a Global Impact Investing Overview before I dive into impact investing in Africa.
 
Apply for The middle Road Kusum Social Impact Awards here. 
According to a GIIN report titled “Sizing the Impact Investing Market 2022” supported by Nuveen, the global champion of impact investing, the worldwide market size of impact investing stood at $1.164 trillion. This is figure of direct invested AUM (Asset Under Management) reported as of December2021. Keep in mind, this analysis includes Green Bonds and other specialised bond issuance.
Kindly refer to the report for more details. For this report GIIN’s research team rigorously screened and analysed data from over 3,000 public and private market asset owners and managers screening is based on their criteria. However, only 2 percent of the impact investing AUM is allocated to Middle East and North Africa and 1percent to the sub-Saharan Africa. 1 This is to share a holistic perspective on the present state of impact investing in Africa.
✓ Let’s begin with your work experience. You have a very varied and diverse experience within the social impact sector in Africa. How did your work shape your interest in impact investing example as a Regional Program Officer at the West Africa Civil Society Forum (WACSOF).
Howdid this build your interest and your approach for impact investing sector?
✓ How do you perceive the stage of impact investing in Nigeria and its impact within the development sector compared to other countries in Africa example Kenya or other regions example commonwealth nations globally? Speak about the limitations you perceive example low impact driven investment within the region and how to enhance the inclusion through impact investing.
✓ Impact Market uses a community driven model to crowd source for generating capital for your members. As a Country Ambassador at Impact Market Nigeria, speak about how web3 drives financial solutions keeping in mind blockchain especially among the underprivileged section of the society?
o Also, how it differs from competitors example Kiva platform?
 You are test marketing your product in microcredit in Uganda and Brazil. Do share the similarities and differences between consumers in both these countries?
Finally, kindly share a Aha moment that you want to share with the audience that brings happiness to you.
I thank you for sharing time and speaking with me. Keep in touch.
References:1. Sizing the Impact Investing Market 2022 by GIINImpactMarket.com

Episode 36: The middle Road with Mrinal Kapadia - Charting Mumbai’s History

     "The Middle Road: Enabling Social Change and Impact"
Welcome to "The Middle Road" podcast with Mrinal Kapadia. "The Middle Road" is a thought leader upskilling platform within the social impact sector that blends media with edtech to promote affordable quality higher education.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am Nishant Malhotra, your host for The Middle Road podcast, and today I am delighted to have Mrinal Kapadia with us. Mrinal is a connoisseur of art and history with a particular interest in chronicling the history of Mumbai. He is an alumnus of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, US where he studied and researched various aspects of Indian art and history, and nearly completed a minor degree in classical European archaeology.
After a short stint as a business management consultant, he is now involved across different business verticals, including film production. In 2020, he formalized his interest in history by founding the India Visual Art Archive, a collection of antique art and images that endeavors to link visuals through history and vice-versa. Through independent research, the archive is currently focused on colonial works from the erstwhile Bombay Presidency.
Mrinal's passion for exploring the rich cultural heritage of Mumbai has led him to undertake several projects and initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting the city's history. Through his extensive knowledge and research, he has developed a deep understanding of Mumbai's evolution, from its early days as a fishing village to its present-day status as one of India's most vibrant and dynamic cities.
Today's chat is to understand Mrinal's interest in art, culture, and heritage as both a hobby and work. We'll start with his academic learning at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he took a minor in history and how it fostered his work as a researcher and collector of historical collectibles. We'll also discuss the areas of global history that inspired him to take up history, archaeology, and culture as a keen aspect of his work.
Check out the Online Courses on The middle Road here.
As a resident of Mumbai, Mrinal grew up in the city and is a keen connoisseur of its art and history. He has been researching this topic for many years and has conducted sessions on the British and Portuguese maritime connection with Mumbai, we explore the British and Portuguese maritime connections with Mumbai, tracing the city's history from a fledgling village to Bombaim and finally to Mumbai. Mrinal delves into the significant events and developments that have shaped Mumbai's history, including the story behind the iconic Chowpatty in Marine Drive. Learn more about the origins of the word "Mumbai."
Check out the Podcasts on The middle Road here.
In terms of his professional career, Mrinal plans to continue his work as a researcher and collector of history. He encourages others to develop their hobbies into the highpoint of their lives. He also shares an "aha moment" that brings a smile.
Check out the Cart to buy Subscriptions, Stand alone Online Courses and Advertising Services.
Check Cart here.                                                                                                                                                                                                                Image: Chowpatty  
Thank you, Mrinal, for sharing your time and insights with us. Art and history are some of my favorite topics, and it's always good to be connected to one's roots. To learn more about Mr. Kapadia's work, check out his newspaper articles. 
"The Middle Road -www.themiddleroad.org" website, where you can find publications, articles, online courses, podcasts, and more. A lot of material is free, so register and access the free material, including many online courses. You can also buy a monthly subscription plan, purchase a couple of stand-alone courses, and advertise on "The Middle Road
The post was revised after initial publication. 
 
 

Full Episode of The middle Road with Dr Ed Cohen

This is the full episode of the conversation of Dr Ed Cohen. Combines both episodes 34 and 33 as listed on The middle Road website - The middle Road podcast link here. 
 
Correction; Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery in 1 January, 1863 not 1862. In the episode Nishant mentioned 1862. Kindly note the correction. 

Episode 35: The middle Road discussion with Dr Ed Cohen - Author, Educator, Thought Leader & Healer Part 2

 
In episode 2, Dr. Ed Cohen discusses the economics of medicine with a focus on multiple frameworks for healing. The discussion is on various facets of healing, significant healing counsel therapy of Ed, chat about Ed's recent book On Learning to Heal or What Medicine Doesn’t Know. An interesting note on Dr. Franz Anton Mesmer on animal magnetism, the origins of single-blind test i.e., the first blind experiment conducted to investigate the claims of mesmerism and field effect. One of the research papers cited is listed below. Nishant highlights the positive attitude of Americans toward many aspects of healing and the Aha question. 
Correction: Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery in 1863 not 1862. Nishant mentioned by mistake 1862, its corrected. 
It's important to listen to episode 1 of Nishant Malhotra’s discussion with Dr. Ed Cohen and then listen to this podcast.
 Q). Nishant Malhotra Your paper The Placebo Disavowed: Or Unveiling the Bio-Medical Imagination is articulate and eloquent written with artistic flair exploring the scholarly topic of the efficacy of interventions example placebo, a key concept for understanding clinical trials and attitude towards alternative medication. In the Impact Evaluation Online Course, I have taught and introduced the concept of Randomized Controlled Trials. In the mentioned research piece, you mentioned positively about alternative medicines. According to Precedence Research, the global complementary and alternative medicine market size was valued at $92.65 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach over $411.4 billion by 2030, poised to grow at a CAGR of 18% from 2021 to 2030.  
Dr. Ed Cohen website ✓ Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies |Rutgers University ✓ On Learning to Heal or What Medicine Doesn’t Know by Dr. Ed CohenThe Placebo Disavowed: Or Unveiling the Bio-Medical Imaginationwww.precedenceresearch.com 
 
YouTube | LinkedIn | Twitter 
 
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12450026/
 

Episode 34: The middle Road discussion with Dr Ed Cohen - Author, Educator, Thought Leader & Healer

The middle Road is a thought leader platform enabling social change and impact. The startup blends Media with EdTech to promote and upskill the audience through publications, articles, online courses, podcasts, and videos across various topics example Economics & Development Economics, Finance & Sustainable Finance, Impact Evaluation & Statistics, etc. The mantra of the company is to spread affordable quality higher education. 
Check out The middle Road. 
 
Check out The middle Road podcast section for a detailed read with embed video podcast of the full episode here. 
Nishant Malhotra fireside chat with Dr. Ed Cohen. This podcast has two episodes. In the first episode with Dr. Ed, Nishant discusses his struggle and triumph over Crohn’s illness. Ed discusses the self-awareness he developed due to the ailment, his role model especially Michel Foucault, who influenced his thinking. In this first riveting episode, understand Modern Thought and its practical implications. 
 
Foucault’s wisdom according to Dr Ed Cohen “what’s the point of writing a book if you are the same person when you finished writing the book and when you started writing the book.”
 
Dr. Ed Cohen, is a Professor at Rutgers University and a Psychagogue at Healing Counsel, a therapeutic practice for healing. An accomplished author, Ed’s recent book On Learning to Heal or What Medicine Doesn’t Know talks draws on fifty years of living with Crohn’s to consider how Western medicine’s turn from an “art of healing” toward a “science of medicine” deeply affects both medical practitioners and their patients. Ed has a Ph.D. from the Stanford University in Modern Thought, A.B. summa cum laude, and Honors from English and Mathematics, Georgetown University. 
 
Hello Dr. Ed Cohen, thank you for joining The middle Road platform.
 
Nishant: First, Ed lets first understand the term Psychagogue. I loved the way you have described the term in your LinkedIn profile. How is psychagogue different from pedagogy?
 
Second episode covers the topic of healing and much more. 
 
# Note: There is a correction, I read through one of his book and few research papers. During the introduction I mentioned books, the statement is corrected.
Best
Nishant Malhotra
 
YouTube | LinkedIn | Twitter