Founders: Akshar Manyal (National Institute of Technology, Srinagar ) & Somil Bakshi (Rajiv Gandhi National Law University, Punjab)
The Initial Concept (2022)
The idea for a podcast series was born in 2022 in the minds of two teenagers, Somil Bakshi and Akshar Manyal, who were both passionate about amplifying unheard voices. As students from distinct fields—Akshar from technology and Somil from law—their collaborative vision aimed at creating a space for deeper discussions. This was not just a fleeting idea; it represented their shared goal to provide insights, entertain, and educate through meaningful conversations. However, it wasn’t until 2024 that the execution took shape.
The Launch of “The Unheard Mehfil” (2024)
In May 2024, after two years of planning, Akshar and Somil launched the podcast series called The Unheard Mehfil. They created the podcast to offer a platform where unheard stories, especially from influential individuals in the political and social sectors, could be shared. The goal was clear: to bring fresh perspectives, give people a voice, and educate listeners on important socio-political topics.
First Season: Breaking Ground
Guests: The debut season of The Unheard Mehfil featured high-profile guests, including Shri Raman Bhalla working President of the Jammu and Kashmir Indian National Congress (INC). and Shri Ravinder Raina Former President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Jammu and Kashmir. These episodes set the tone for the podcast, establishing it as an important space for political discourse.
Launch: Despite starting with just two episodes, both guests were able to engage audiences effectively through YouTube and social media, creating excitement and anticipation for more content.
Reach: Within a short span, the podcast achieved significant success, with the episodes collectively amassing over 3.5 lakh views across YouTube and social media platforms, marking a strong start.
Recognition and Growth
The rapid success of the podcast caught the attention of the BJP Home Secretary Office. Their recognition played a crucial role in further shaping Akshar and Somil’s vision. The support from such a prestigious office not only validated the podcast but also opened new avenues for collaboration and future content development.
Expansion Plans: Relaunching the Podcast With the positive feedback and growing recognition, Akshar and Somil decided to relaunch The Unheard Mehfil with an expanded vision. Their plan included:
Diversified Content: Moving beyond political interviews to include more diverse topics, such as youth empowerment, technology, social issues, and more.
Broader Reach: Utilizing multiple platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and potentially new ones to maximize audience engagement.
New Formats: Incorporating panel discussions, thematic episodes, and interactive sessions to keep the content dynamic.
Engagement with Viewers
Social Media: The use of Instagram and YouTube helped The Unheard Mehfil build an interactive community. Short content, behind-the-scenes footage, and interactive stories allowed viewers to connect more personally with the hosts.
Feedback: Engaging listeners through Q&A sessions, comments, and polls on social media helped refine future content and strengthened the podcast’s listener base.
Monetization and Future Prospects
With the growing viewership, Akshar and Somil began considering monetization strategies. This could include partnerships, sponsorships, exclusive content, and merchandising, expanding their influence and revenue streams.
The relaunch would offer opportunities for exclusive episodes or even live shows, where listeners could interact with hosts and guests.
The Road Ahead
Akshar and Somil aim to create a podcast series that not only brings influential voices but also empowers the next generation with knowledge and dialogue. They envision a community-driven podcast that evolves with its audience’s interests and the changing landscape of socio-political discourse.
Catch the relaunch of The Unheard Mehfil on YouTube and Instagram – the place for insightful conversations, untold stories, and untapped perspectives.
