We’re proud to partner with Battle of Voices 2024, a groundbreaking podcast competition that empowers storytellers, encourages collaboration, and strengthens the ever-growing audio and digital content landscape. Vinta Nanda writes…

Battle of Voices 2024, a premier podcast competition and conference, celebrates creativity, storytelling, and digital innovation. This event brings together industry leaders, students, and professionals to explore the power of podcasts in personal branding, content marketing, and business growth. Hosted at the prestigious Jio Institute, the competition promises engaging discussions, expert panels, and transformative voice training sessions. By supporting Battle of Voices as its Media Partner, The Daily Eye continues its mission to amplify diverse voices and support the boundaries of digital storytelling in India’s podcasting community.

In a world where digital storytelling has become an integral part of branding, communication, and self-expression, The Battle of Voices, a pioneering podcast competition and conference, is setting the stage for the next generation of storytellers. Launched as a collaboration between Bloggers Alliance and Voice of Achievers, this event has evolved into a flagship platform that fosters deep discussions between industry professionals, students, and creatives around the growing power of the audio medium.

Embracing Podcasts for Personal and Professional Growth

When the competition was first conceived, its founders, Dr. Amit Nagpal of Bloggers Alliance and Yashika Begwani of Voice of Achievers, envisioned creating a space for professionals, students, and creative enthusiasts to engage in authentic storytelling. Dr Amit reflects on the early days, stating, "Our only focus and endeavour with the first edition was to see how storytellers shape stories and how we could provide a stage for them to pump up their spirits and evolve." Fast forward to today, and The Battle of Voices has grown into a powerhouse that not only showcases the talent of emerging podcasters but also highlights the potential of podcasts as a tool for personal and employer branding, content marketing, and community building.

Yashika Begwani emphasizes the collective strength of this initiative: "If we work in silos, we’ll never be one. And if we’re unable to come together, we’ll never create a strong impact." This guiding principle has led to the cultivation of a podcast community that includes students, professionals, and creatives, all united by their desire to share their unique narratives and perspectives.

An Inclusive Platform for All Storytellers

What sets The Battle of Voices apart is its open and inclusive format. The competition encourages a diverse range of participants—whether they are seasoned podcasters or individuals who are just dipping their toes into the medium. The competition's categories allow everyone from young students to working professionals to tell their stories and have their voices heard. The larger vision, as Yashika explains, is "to support professionals and organizations, students, and individuals in building the audio and podcast community through storytelling and unique narratives."

Participants are invited to submit podcast entries that explore various themes and categories, offering a glimpse into their personal and professional journeys. The entries are then evaluated by a stellar jury of industry veterans who are eager to dive deeper into these stories. The finalists will have the opportunity to present their podcasts at the grand finale, which will take place on October 19, 2024, at the prestigious Jio Institute in Navi Mumbai.

Podcasts as Catalysts for Growth

This year’s edition of The Battle of Voices will focus on several key areas that highlight the importance of podcasts in today's content landscape. A central theme of the event will be "Podcasts and Business Growth," where industry leaders will explore how podcasts can serve as a tool for both personal branding and organizational success. One of the event's highlights is the keynote by renowned advertising guru KV Sridhar, aka Pops, who will offer valuable insights into the intersection of podcasts, communication, and digital storytelling.

The event will also feature panel discussions on "Communications, Branding, & Digital Storytelling," with experts from various fields, including theatre, OTT platforms, and the creative industry. These discussions will shed light on the evolving role of podcasts in shaping modern communication strategies and building strong personal and employer brands. Another unique aspect of this year’s competition is the focus on "Self-Expression & Voice Training," which will be brought to life by the renowned theatre actor and director Tathagata Chowdhury. With over 25 years of experience and collaborations with theatre legends like Alyque Padamsee and Satyadev Dubey, Tathagata will lead an interactive session that explores self-expression techniques and voice exercises, empowering participants to elevate their storytelling abilities.

A Stellar Jury and Industry Collaborations

The strength of The Battle of Voices lies in its ability to bring together some of the best minds in the industry. This year’s jury and panellists include notable names such as Mantra, an actor, podcaster, and director of MnM Talkies; Vineet Kanabar, community head and former VP of Marketing at Matrix Partners; Archana Kapoor, founder of The Radio Collective and SMART, a veteran of community radio; Rima Sadashiv Amarapurkar, a filmmaker, podcaster, and philanthropist; and many more. Their collective experience spans a wide array of industries, from podcasting and voiceover artistry to filmmaking and community radio, ensuring that the participants receive well-rounded and invaluable feedback on their work.

In addition to the impressive lineup of jury members, the event boasts a series of collaborations with leading organizations, including MnM Talkies, BingePods by Ideabrew Studios, Maed in India, and The Radio Collective. These partnerships reflect the commitment of The Battle of Voices to supporting the growth of the podcast industry by offering a platform that connects emerging talent with established professionals.

Shaping the Future of Digital Storytelling  

As we approach the grand finale at Jio Institute, the excitement continues to build. The fourth edition of The Battle of Voices is not just a competition—it’s a celebration of storytelling in its purest form. From young students to experienced professionals, participants will have the opportunity to showcase their creativity, authenticity, and passion for podcasts. And with prizes, trophies, and the chance to have their podcast recognized on a national stage, the rewards are more than just symbolic—they represent a powerful step forward in the evolving world of digital storytelling.

For anyone with a podcast—or even those who are just starting out—this is a unique opportunity to be part of something bigger. As Yashika notes, "I hope you don't think twice before you apply." With the support of an engaged community and a lineup of esteemed professionals, The Battle of Voices promises to continue shaping the future of podcasts in India and beyond.