From political game-changers to voices of resilience, South First brought you exclusive insights from those shaping India’s socio-political and cultural landscape in 2024.
Published Dec 31, 2024 | 3:00 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 31, 2024 | 3:00 PM
Nara Lokesh, Parakala Prabhakar and Gowry Lekshmi
In a year marked by seismic political shifts, cultural reckonings, and personal triumphs, South First engaged with some of the most influential figures of the year. These in-depth conversations spotlighted battles for justice, resilience against systemic challenges, and visions for a better India.
From Nara Lokesh’s quiet confidence ahead of the Andhra Pradesh elections and Rasheeda Banu’s long fight for citizenship, to singer Gowry Lekshmi’s defiance through art, here’s a look back at some of our most compelling conversations of 2024.
Rasheeda Banu’s story is one of hope and a quest for belonging. Born in Karachi, present-day Pakistan, and now residing in Kerala’s Thalassery, Banu endured 16 years of bureaucratic hurdles to secure Indian citizenship. Her story, defined by the scars of Partition and her longing to reconnect with her ancestral homeland, illustrates the toll of displacement. In an interview with South First, she shared her struggles and the relief upon achieving citizenship in November 2024, even as questions of identity and belonging linger.
Before the TDP’s decisive victory in Andhra Pradesh, party general secretary Nara Lokesh shared his vision for governance and reform in a candid conversation with South First. Then contesting from Mangalagiri, he went on to secure the constituency on his second attempt. Lokesh, often seen as the “party heir,” discussed the TDP’s alliance with the BJP, plans to revitalise the Visakhapatnam steel plant, and strategies to challenge YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s administration in the election. His confidence ahead of the elections was vindicated by his victory and subsequent appointment to key portfolios in the Chandrababu Naidu government, including Human Resource Development, IT, and Elections.
Sasikanth Senthil, the former IAS officer who became Congress’s candidate for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur constituency, brings a unique perspective to politics. Often credited with Congress’s pivotal victory in the 2023 Karnataka elections, Senthil shared with South First his journey from civil service to electoral politics. For him, the fight was ideological—shaping a future rooted in progress and justice. Campaigning in Tiruvallur, he championed grassroots organisation over digital tools, connecting directly with voters. Senthil also offered sharp insights on key issues, from Katchatheevu to India’s foreign relations, in this fascinating interview.
From resolving crises in the Congress ranks to championing development in Karnataka’s Kalyana-Karnataka region, NS Boseraju has built a reputation as a problem-solver. A four-decade veteran in politics and now Karnataka’s Minister for Minor Irrigation and Science and Technology, Boseraju spoke to South First about his government’s determination to deliver on promises despite alleged resistance from the Union government. Known for his behind-the-scenes leadership, he played a pivotal role in uniting the party during the 2023 Telangana Assembly elections. Now at the forefront, he oversees key initiatives such as the KC and HN Valley projects, aiming to transform water resources and development in the region..
After its crushing defeat in 2019, many believed the TDP’s political relevance in Andhra Pradesh was over. Fast forward to 2024, and the party staged an extraordinary comeback, securing 135 Assembly and 16 Parliament seats. At the heart of this revival was Showtime Consulting (STC). In a conversation with South First, STC’s Andhra Pradesh Director-Head of Operations, Shantanu Singh, shed light on the strategies that revitalised the TDP, his views on the overhype surrounding political strategists, and the evolving role of political consultancy in Indian electoral politics.
BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy stepped into the spotlight as the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council earlier this year. With over four decades of political experience, including a long stint with Congress, Narayanaswamy’s transition to the BJP marked a significant career shift. In a conversation with South First, the senior Dalit leader discussed the MUDA scam, SC/ST reservation policies, and his concerns over what he alleged to be the eroding sanctity of the council.
With over four decades of experience in computer science applications, Madhav Deshpande raised serious concerns about the integrity of India’s Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) just campaigning for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was beginning to pick up pace. Speaking to South First, the veteran technologist argued for a complete redesign to enhance transparency and restore public confidence. Known for his groundbreaking innovations, including pioneering low-level storage management for mobile phones, Deshpande has also advised US state and local governments. Drawing on his vast expertise as a CEO and CTO, he made a compelling case for urgent reforms to safeguard the credibility of India’s electoral system.
In the colourful world of Kerala’s art scene, singer-songwriter Gowry Lekshmi stands out as a powerful example of the challenges faced behind the spotlight. Following the revelations of the Hema Committee report earlier this year on the struggles faced by women in the film industry, Lekshmi’s story has offered many a playbook on navigating systemic oppression. She has endured sexual assault, cyber-attacks, and racism in Kollywood, all while grappling with mental health challenges and pursuing her career as an artist. In a candid conversation with South First, Lekshmi shared how she channels her personal pain into evocative music and much more.
With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections looming large, political economist and author Parakala Prabhakar delivered sharp criticism of the electoral bonds scheme, labelling it as “ModiGate” – a scam he argued disproportionately benefits the BJP. In an exclusive conversation with South First, Prabhakar, notably the spouse of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, called for a judicial inquiry, asserting that the scheme had “fully exposed” the ruling party’s alleged efforts to tilt the political playing field. Confident of public backlash, he predicted voters would punish the BJP in the general elections. As it turned out, Prabhakar’s prediction proved accurate, with the BJP falling short of a majority in parliament despite polls forecasting a historic victory for the party.
“Most heart attacks can be reversed if treated within the golden hour,” says Dr Devi Shetty, the visionary cardiac surgeon behind Narayana Health. On World Heart Day, Dr Shetty spoke to South First about common pitfalls in heart care, including misinterpreting chest pain as acidity and neglecting regular check-ups. He emphasised the transformative role of technology in cardiac treatment and offered practical tips for maintaining a healthy heart. Dr Shetty also addressed criticisms of Narayana Hrudayalaya’s pioneering health insurance scheme, among other pressing issues.
For decades, Manda Krishna Madiga, founder president of the Madiga Reservation Porata Samiti (MRPS), has been a tireless advocate for the categorisation of Scheduled Castes. His movement, which began in 1994, has faced countless challenges, but in an interview with South First ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election, Krishna Madiga expressed belief that the end of his struggle was near. He explained why he views Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the saviour of Madigas, citing Modi’s unprecedented support, including a historic address in Secunderabad and the formation of a high-level committee to address the issue. Campaigning for the BJP with conviction, Krishna Madiga was confident that Modi would fulfil the long-standing demands of his community.
