Global IndianstoryKhyati Trehan’s Oscar ‘22 creative aside, her 3D projects are the talk of the artsy world

Khyati Trehan’s Oscar ‘22 creative aside, her 3D projects are the talk of the artsy world

Written by: Namrata Srivastava

(April 29, 2022) The 94th Oscar Academy Awards, the greatest galas of 2022, had an august array of creative spirits. Among them was an Indian graphic designer whose 3D artwork was among eight creatives invited to contribute to the Oscars. 3D artist Khyati Trehan, a well-known fluid digital artist was no doubt thrilled to be selected, even wishing she had been invited to the ceremony. However, her body of work earlier has included working with the biggest names in the industry – New York Times, Apple, WeWork, Adobe, etc.

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“I am still in disbelief,” shares Khyati laughing, during an interview with Global Indian. Expressing her love for 3D graphics, Khyati adds, “While working on a project in college, looking for an image, I realised I was spending more time on searching for a photograph, than designing. I started exploring possibilities of making all the pictures, rather than hoping that someone had clicked an image suiting my requirements. That’s how I discovered 3D. It seemed like magic,” recalls the Forbes 30 under 30 2022.

Freedom to learn

Born in Jalandhar, Khyati moved to Delhi with her parents at a young age. As the family welcomed another daughter, it was struck with tragedy when Khyati’s father passed away in an accident when she was nine. “My mother, a college teacher in genetics and embryology before marriage, had to leave her job to look after the family,” shares the graphic designer, adding, “After my father passed away, she raised us, and it was a difficult period,” she remembers. Eventually, Khyati’s mother entered the world of haute couture, managing luxury fashion brands.

Khyati with her mother and sister, Kavya

Raised by a single parent, Khyati has a special bond with her sister Kavya, and her mother. “We spent a lot of time together. There was a lot of feminine energy. Yet, as a family of three women, I came across misogyny way sooner – People who worked for us wouldn’t take us seriously without a paternal figure,” recalls Khyati, adding, “My mother is a great parent, more of a friend to me and my sister. Frankly, a lot of my work and who I am today is defined by being raised by a single parent.”

An alumnus of a remarkably interesting school in Delhi, Mirambika – Free Progress School, the 3D designer had a unique childhood. “Mirambika is based on the integral philosophy of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. We were given a lot of freedom and exposed to all kind of subjects. It was a great place to understand my skillset,” shares the once shy girl. “My sister is the opposite. Yet, I was aggressively protective of her. In fact, I named her,” she laughs.

The world of 3D

Mirambika helped Khyati realise her true potential. After school, the artist toyed with the idea of studying economics or languages. “I wasn’t interested in designing. People around me told me about this whole world of design and 3D,” the graphic designer adds.

Khyati’s art, Are Viruses Alive, for New York Times

She fell in love with a new world of shapes, colours and design after joining National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad). “NID was a whole new world. A focus on craft – we were asked to draw to help us see things in a certain way. A mindset change, and gaining skills to become a designer, the most amazing was being surrounded by creative people,” says the 3D designer Khyati, who also met her now-husband Sanchit Sawaria during her NID days.

After NID, a few stints at graphic designing companies in Delhi led her to a big change in 2017 – she shifted to Berlin to work at one of the leading European online platforms for fashion and lifestyle, Zalando. “Design is one of those industries that allows one to have different careers. So, if I am working for hospitality, I get to learn how to run a hotel, and if I switch to designing for a musician I might hang out with the artist and learn about his craft. I needed to be versatile, and I absolutely loved it,” the graphic designer smiles. The same year Khyati was named as one of Print Magazine’s 15 new visual artists under 30.

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In 2019, Khyati joined award-winning global design and innovation firm IDEO. The sky was the limit as she worked on projects with NYT, New Yorker Magazine, Apple, Adobe, Absolut, Instagram and Snapchat. The successful graphic designer won several awards and recognitions too – Artistry Creator of the Year at Adweek’s Creator Visionary Awards, ADC Young Guns 19 – 2021, etc.

Back to India and straight to Oscars

Having worked without a break for eight straight years, and with the pandemic, the 3D designer decided to return home, and spend some quality time with my loved ones,” the graphic designer adds.

That was when an email from the Academy popped up asking if she was interested in participating on a project. The theme focused on the intersection of storytelling and technology, inviting eight artists from around the world to each create a representation of the Oscar statue inspired by their personal appreciation of movies and ‘how do movies transform and inspire?’

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“My concept was of the Oscar statue as a movie viewer amidst the action,” shares the Forbes 30 under 30, and she immediately got a “go ahead.” “It was a dream project and I drew inspiration from the immersive power of movies. I wanted to create an overwhelming sense of feeling,” she shares, adding, “I just wished they has called us to the US for the ceremony when my design was selected,” laughs the artist, who has many interesting projects on the anvil.

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Published on 29, Apr 2022

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The Asian God: Following the trail of Lord Ganesha

(August 31, 2022) Java 2019: He had almost finished ploughing half of his paddy field. The plan was to finish the rest of the land before breaking for lunch. But just as he moved ahead, the machine got stuck and refused to budge despite several attempts. What he initially thought to be a big rock turned out to be a 140 cm high and 120 wide Lord Ganesha statue which took four days and 300 men to be excavated. Made of andesite, this 700-year-old headless and armless statue is one of the largest in the world. [caption id="attachment_28745" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Ganesha statue unearthed in Java[/caption] This is one of the many incidents where archaeologists have excavated full or parts of Lord Ganesha's statues in various parts of the world. From far eastern Japan to Central America and South-East Asian island countries to Afghanistan - the trail of the elephant god can be traced back to about 2500 years. Interestingly, the god who is today revered before any auspicious event in Hindu households, first emerged only in the sixth century CE and was considered to be 'Vighnakarta' or the creator of obstacles. However, over time, he evolved into ‘Vighnaharta’ or the

vent in Hindu households, first emerged only in the sixth century CE and was considered to be 'Vighnakarta' or the creator of obstacles. However, over time, he evolved into ‘Vighnaharta’ or the remover of obstacles, who is revered to by the followers of many religions - including Buddhism, Jainism, Shinto and even Aztec.

[caption id="attachment_28746" align="aligncenter" width="466"] Lord Ganesha | Global Indian Tibetan Ganpati[/caption]

Global Indian sheds light on some uncovered trails of the god, who symbolises the universal concepts of knowledge, strength, and reverence.

From India to the far eastern shores

Way before the Europeans began their sea explorations, several empires in the Indian subcontinent had already established sea routes to various far eastern countries. Many merchants and scholars from these countries arrived on the Indian shores in search of wealth and knowledge. One such person, who came to the Kalinga Empire (present-day Odisha) in 8th Century CE, was a Japanese scholar named Kukai, who was keen to learn the secrets of Tantric Buddhism.

[caption id="attachment_28748" align="aligncenter" width="548"] Lord Ganesha | Global Indian Japanese god, Kangiten[/caption]

During his stay in Kalinga, Kukai met the noted Gandharan Buddhist scholar Pranja, who introduced him to various Hindu deities, some of whom later became a part of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. While most of these deities disappeared over time, only one survived over centuries and is still worshipped in over 250 temples across Japan. Named Kangiten, this god is depicted to have a head of an elephant and is otherwise famous among the locals as Lord Ganabachi or Binayaka Ten.

[caption id="attachment_28749" align="aligncenter" width="488"] Lord Ganesha | Global Indian A 12th Century stone sculpture of Ganesha found in Cambodia[/caption]

It is no secret that Thailand, Myanmar, and Indonesia is home to several temples that are dedicated to various forms of Lord Ganesha, but very few know that China is home to one of the oldest Ganesha statues in the world. Tucked away in the lush green forests of Kung-sin province, inside a Buddha temple is a rock-cut statue of Lord Ganesha, with the inscription 531 - referring to the year it was made in.

Land of the Méxica

When world-renowned European anthropologist Alexander Von Humbolt first postulated that the Aztec people worshipped a human deity, whose head resembled an elephant, many thought it to be a whimsy of a brilliant mind. The theory of Aztec symbols having any connection with an Indian deity then seemed unlikely to many as first, there were no sea routes connecting the two worlds, and second, elephants are not common in Central America.

[caption id="attachment_28750" align="aligncenter" width="457"] Lord Ganesha | Global Indian The Aztec elephant god[/caption]

However, later researchers found that Aztec depictions of the elephant had some religious significance. While it still remains unclear, the papers of prolific historian Donald Alexander Mackenzie (1873-1936) does throw some light on the connection between Central American and South Asian civilizations, and the possible exchange of cultures.

The Roman connection

In the 18th century British philologist, Sir William Jones drew close comparisons between the two-headed ancient Roman god Janus, and a particular form of Lord Ganesha, known as Dwimukhi-Ganesha. Calling Lord Ganesh the "Janus of India", Sir Jones felt that there was a strong resemblance between the elephant god and the Roman god of beginnings.

[caption id="attachment_28751" align="aligncenter" width="577"] Lord Ganesha | Global Indian
Two-Faced Janus at the Vatican Museum[/caption]

Interestingly, the speculation was repeated by Volney in his 1791 publication, Meditation on the Revolutions of Empires, in which he pointed out the phonetic similarity between the names "Ganesha" and "Janus". Later in his 1810 published book The Hindu Pantheon, Moor too expanded the claims of an association noting that Janus, just like Lord Ganesha, was invoked at the beginning of any undertakings.

Reading Time: 7 mins

Antarctica’s Mount Sinha: Named after a Bihar-born scientist in the USA

(August 22, 2024) In 2013, Professor Akhouri Achyutanand Sinha, was searching online for information to write a tribute to a former team member, who had passed away. The late team member had accompanied Professor Sinha on an Antarctic expedition in the 1970s. The professor had been on a scientific expedition focused on researching and documenting the populations of seals, whales, and birds that inhabit the pack ice - a floating layer of sea ice - within the Bellingshausen and Amundsen seas of Antarctica. That research had helped establish critical baseline data for future research, climate change debates and United Nations population conservation efforts of wildlife. 40 years later, to Professor Sinha’s surprise, he discovered a Wikipedia entry, revealing that a 990 metres high mountain, located at the southeast end of Erickson Bluffs in the southern region of McDonald Heights in Antarctica, was officially named ‘Mount Sinha’ in recognition of his contributions in the Antarctic expedition. "Named by US-ACAN for A.A. Sinha, member of the biological party that made population studies of seals, whales and birds in the pack ice of the Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas using USCGC Southwind and its two helicopters, 1971-72," the entry reads. [caption id="attachment_54206" align="aligncenter" width="775"]

s in the Antarctic expedition.

"Named by US-ACAN for A.A. Sinha, member of the biological party that made population studies of seals, whales and birds in the pack ice of the Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas using USCGC Southwind and its two helicopters, 1971-72," the entry reads.

[caption id="attachment_54206" align="aligncenter" width="775"] Indian Scientist | Professor Akhouri Achyutanand Sinha | Global Indian Image extracted from Google Maps[/caption]

Memorable experiences

Following this discovery Professor Sinha shared with the press, "I went to Antarctica on two expeditions lasting for about 22 weeks on the US Coast Guard cutters, Southwind and Glacier, during 1972 and 1974. We were often dropped via helicopter atop vast sheets of pack ice to research and capture resident fauna, and I was even attacked once by predatory Skua birds near Palmer Station.”

Given his background and expertise in reproductive biology, the US National Science Foundation had invited Dr Sinha to conduct research on the reproduction of Antarctic seals, as part of their Antarctic Program. His work encompassed cataloguing of native seal, whale, and bird species along nearly 100,000 nautical square miles of the Antarctic coast.

Carrying out the studies in the remote and challenging environments, the scientist was mesmerised by the pristine beauty of the place and the superb adaptability skills of the Antarctic animals to the harsh weather conditions.

Along with his team he had even visited countries like Argentina and New Zealand on their way to Antarctica. Between expeditions, Sinha and his crew members aboard their U.S. Coast Guard ship would play poker, rummy and eventually bridge.

Raising alarms on climate change

In addition to his work with animals, Sinha has been one of the key people to first raise the alarm on Antarctica’s depleting ice shelf. According to the University of Minnesota, “Records of population sizes, types and behaviours created by Sinha and his teammates have established critical baseline data that remain relevant in today’s climate change debates.”

[caption id="attachment_54207" align="aligncenter" width="403"] Indian Scientist | Professor Akhouri Achyutanand Sinha | Global Indian Professor Akhouri Achyutanand Sinha[/caption]

Research conducted by Professor Sinha helped in establishing the continent as an international scientific preserve to protect it from drilling and exploitation for oil, minerals, and other valuable natural resources. The scientist's research was also used for the United Nation’s early conservation policies to preserve native wildlife of Antarctica.

Professor Sinha had highlighted that since Antarctica is rich in resources such as animal populations, gas, oil, minerals, and freshwater, India and the United States could form a strong research collaboration to tap into these valuable assets and advance scientific understanding to protect the continent’s resources. “India can play a constructive role with a tie-up with the US and can protect habitats and mineral resources of Antarctica," he had remarked during a seminar in India.

Since the Global Indian scientist’s pioneering biological research expedition provided critical data and insights, the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names (US-ACAN) and the US Geological Survey had named an Antarctic mountain after him within a few years of the expedition - a tribute he discovered decades later.

From Buxar to Minnesota

Sinha who served as an adjunct professor in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, and a professor in the Department of Urology at the University of Minnesota - had moved to the United States in 1961 as a PhD scholar.

[caption id="attachment_54209" align="aligncenter" width="758"] Indian Scientist | Professor Akhouri Achyutanand Sinha | Global Indian Professor Akhouri Achyutanand Sinha[/caption]

Born in the village of Churamanpur in Buxar district, a village established in 1739 by his ancestor Akhoury Churaman Singha (later Sinha), the research enthusiast earned a BSc degree from Allahabad University and an MSc in Zoology from Patna University. Before moving to the US for his PhD at the University of Missouri at Columbia, he taught in the Department of Zoology at Ranchi College.

After completing his PhD, he took up postdoctoral work, and his first teaching role as an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin before being accepted to teach at the University of Minnesota in 1981. Professor Sinha taught graduate level courses for more than two-and-half decades.

"In spite of my stay in the US, I have preserved my perspectives in life," Sinha had shared during one of the felicitation ceremonies of his alma mater, Patna University adding "Earning money is not enough. I know many Indians brag how rich they are. You cannot take money with you, but a good deed will last forever."

Pioneering work in cancer research

Professor Sinha, who has authored hundreds of research papers, conducted critical studies on the characteristics of prostate cancer stem cells, the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, and cell proliferation and death. He was affiliated with the University of Minnesota’s Masonic Cancer Centre, a comprehensive cancer centre recognised by the National Cancer Institute.

Some of his research works were efforts which were not even funded by grants. He had hired student researchers, paying them out of his own pocket to assist him in his work. “I will do what is right - if you don’t give me money, that’s OK,” the scientist with deep dedication towards his work and life’s purpose had remarked.

Apart from his responsibilities as a professor and cancer research scientist, he held a long-term association as a researcher at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis dedicated to the needs of veterans, their families and caregivers. "After I moved to VA, I was nudged to work on something relevant to veterans' diseases,” he had remarked.

[caption id="attachment_54210" align="aligncenter" width="652"] Indian Scientist | Professor Akhouri Achyutanand Sinha | Global Indian Professor Akhouri Achyutanand Sinha[/caption]

Matters of the heart

Despite being deeply engaged in his work in the US, Professor Akhouri Achyutanand Sinha had not lost touch with his village in Bihar’s Buxar, visiting almost every year to escape the Minnesota winters. The scientist with a fascination for cross-country skiing, travelling, reading, and photography, had met his wife Dorothy K. Pamer at a party in Dinkytown. “He just loves what he does and he says he’s never going to retire,” Dorothy had remarked in an interview.

Encouraging the students in Patna, the alumni of Patna University's 1956 batch had said during a felicitation ceremony, "Show the world what you are capable of and do not be afraid to talk to people about your research work, and take help from experts."

Reading Time: 5 mins

Metal meets mettle: How Deepikka Jindal forges the future from tradition with Arrtd’inox

(November 27, 2023) When Deepikka Jindal began Arttd'inox as a passion project, she hadn’t anticipated its transformation into a pan-India eco-conscious lifestyle business. The project grew quickly into a distinguished brand under the JSL Lifestyle umbrella and Jindal now operates 10 stores across the country. The high-end lifestyle brand works with hand-beaten stainless steel and precious metals, employing and empowering heritage artisans from across the country and incorporating ancient methods like hammering, Dhokra, Tarkashi and metal raising, to create a blend of traditional and contemporary designs. The Creative Head and Managing Director of Jindal Lifestyle Ltd, Deepikka Jindal talks to Global Indian about her journey. Hailing from a quintessential Kolkata-Marwari family, her early years were deeply rooted in the rich cultural traditions of her community. She attended Loreto Convent, a renowned school in the city with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and admits she was a shy and timid girl, navigating life quietly. “One of the most important things I learned growing up was my family’s deep respect and a strong desire to carry forward the 'Sanskaras' we were taught. They instilled the belief that 'We are only as good as what we have learnt from those before us

e 'Sanskaras' we were taught. They instilled the belief that 'We are only as good as what we have learnt from those before us and what we do for those who come after us.' This principle has been a guiding force throughout my journey,” she says.

[caption id="attachment_47067" align="aligncenter" width="270"] Image courtesy: Deepikka Jindal[/caption]

Finding her path

Immersed in this traditional upbringing, being an entrepreneur wasn’t part of the plan at first for Deepikka Jindal. Her primary focus was on nurturing her family, and when the time came, she wholeheartedly embraced her role as a homemaker. At the age of 19, Deepikka married into the illustrious Jindal Steel family. It transformed her life profoundly, and introduced her to a new, diverse set of roles and experiences.

“While fulfilling my duties as a wife and mother, I also had the privilege of travelling extensively with my husband, and gaining exposure to a wonderful tapestry of cultures and environments,” Jindal says. “It enriched my global perspective and broadened my horizons.” These were pivotal life experiences, marking a period of growth and learning.

All the while, she continued to nourish her deep passion for art and culture, first through her upbringing in the culturally vibrant city of Kolkata, and later through her extensive travels. She would channel this by creating beautiful and inviting spaces for special occasions and family gatherings.

Metal Allure

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Deepikka Jindal may not have imagined then where this passion would lead her. As she approached her 40s, she founded Arttd’inox as a passion project. Her idea took off. Today, with 10 stores across the country, Arttd’inox is a distinguished company in its own right under the JSL Lifestyle umbrella. Her mission is to transcend the ordinary, which she does by taking everyday objects and transforming them into elegant works of art. “This journey allowed me to seamlessly merge my lifelong fondness for design with a newfound entrepreneurial spirit, creating a harmonious fusion of passion and business,” she says.

Jindal’s mission does not end with aesthetics. She is committed to the revitalisation of India's craft traditions by partnering with artisans from diverse regions. Arttd’inox partners with heritage artisans across India, weaving traditions like chasing, metal raising, hammering, Dhokra, Tarkashi, and stone inlay into their stainless-steel creations. “We are empowering artisans to delve deeper into their crafts, encouraging them to explore different materials and techniques while showcasing their work in the global market,” Jindal explains. The artisans are also brought up to date with new designs, motifs, materials and colour combinations, so that their work can meet contemporary demands as well. “This also sparks new product ideas for diverse markets,” she remarks. “By enabling artisans to access new markets and create innovative products, we have contributed to increasing their income, thereby improving their living standards, and supporting their families,” says Jindal.

An eventful journey

With over ten state-of-the-art Arttd'inox stores across India, Jindal admits that her entrepreneurial journey has allowed her to blend her profound commitment to crafting beautiful spaces with her newfound entrepreneurial spirit. This she says is a harmonious fusion of passion and business, and it has been extremely fulfilling. “Through this journey, I have come to realise that we are not merely products of our past but also architects of our future.”

The journey has helped her gain valuable insights into overcoming challenges to achieve a higher purpose. A deeply spiritual person, she has learned to maintain her connection to her spiritual, physical and mental well-being, as she makes strides in the business world. “As I look back on the path that brought me to where I stand today, I am brimming with gratitude for the unique mix of opportunities, challenges, and personal growth that have moulded both my life and me,” says Jindal.

Balakncing act

Deepikka Jindal | Jindal Lifestyle Ltd | Global Indian

A firm believer that neglecting self-care is unsustainable, both in business and personal life, Jindal is clear that taking time for oneself, engaging in activities that bring happiness and inner peace, is imperative. “For me, spirituality is the cornerstone of this self-care journey. Through my spiritual endeavours, I have experienced a profound impact on my personal and professional growth. It has brought a sense of calmness, enhanced my ability to prioritize, and provided clarity for making decisions,” says Jindal who is a staunch follower of Raj Yoga meditation, deeply rooted in the Brahma Kumaris tradition. By prioritising what truly matters and shifting her mindset, she has consistently found a harmonious balance between work and life. This approach has always been her way of dealing with challenges.”

Life lessons

Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, she has picked up some valuable life lessons that have truly shaped her perspective towards work and life. “I have learned that tough times are not roadblocks; they are stepping stones to personal growth,” says Jindal. Maya Angelou’s words, ‘You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated’, have been her “guiding star.” Learning to face challenges directly and keep a constant check on herself is an essential part of her journey. “It helps me adjust, reconfigure and make progress towards my goals, step by step.”

Deepikka Jindal has transformed herself from a timid young woman, to a go-getter, showing resilience when times are tough, and being patient always. “Challenges are not setbacks; they are opportunities to build character and become stronger. I have also come to understand the immense value of working together as a team. Building and nurturing a strong, united team is key. Success is often a group effort, and a cohesive team can achieve much more than an individual.”

Advice for budding entrepreneurs

Build a lasting brand rather than chasing trends, Jindal believes. Resilience and persistence are often the keys to success. “Exercise caution against impulsive decision-making and opt for well-considered choices informed by research and insight,” she says. “Moreover, understand the profound power of teamwork in achieving your entrepreneurial goals. Also, never underestimate the sigknificance of your physical and mental well-being; it not only guides optimal business decisions but also contributes to your long-term health and success. Lastly, incorporate practices like yoga and meditation into your routine, cultivating the calm and focus essential for navigating the entrepreneurial journey,” says Jindal.

[caption id="attachment_47072" align="aligncenter" width="460"] Tiara Centerpiece by Arttd'Inox[/caption]

In the pipeline

Jindal’s plans involve a concentrated effort to solidify the brand’s presence within the national market, focusing on Arttd'inox's reputation as a high-end lifestyle brand celebrated for intricate handcrafted designs, eco-consciousness, and opulent offerings. “We are also enhancing our online presence and collaborating with global artisans and designers for limited edition merchandise. Ultimately, our vision is to make stainless steel a consumer lifestyle brand rather than just an industrial material, enriching everyday life with its exceptional artistry and quality,” she concludes.

Follow Deepikka Jindal on LinkedIn and explore Arrtd'inox through their website.

Rajni Kumar: The remarkable tale of an educator with British roots and Indian heart

(October 15, 2023) In 1946, a young girl named Nancie Joyce Margaret Jones embarked on her very first journey from England to India to reunite with her lover, Yudister Kumar. Yudister, who had completed his studies in the UK, had returned to India but was battling tuberculosis, a perilous ailment in that era. Nancie and Yudister had crossed paths in England as fellow students at the London School of Economics. Little did Nancie know that the foreign land she was travelling to would eventually become her cherished home for the next 76 years of her life, and she would end up winning one of the highest civilian honours of the country – The Padma Shri. From United Kingdom to India Rajni Kumar, born as Nancie Joyce Margaret Jones, was a revered British origin educator who passed away last year at the age of 99. Affectionately addressed as ‘Aunty Kumar’ by those who had the privilege of knowing her, Rajni was the visionary founder of the Springdales Group of Schools. The group has two campuses in Delhi, one in Jaipur, and another in Dubai. Starting from a kindergarten from her living room at East Patel Nagar in Delhi with 24 children

nk" rel="noopener">Springdales Group of Schools. The group has two campuses in Delhi, one in Jaipur, and another in Dubai. Starting from a kindergarten from her living room at East Patel Nagar in Delhi with 24 children and three teachers, Springdales Group now caters to thousands of students in India and Dubai.

[caption id="attachment_45968" align="aligncenter" width="329"] Indian Education | Rajni Kumar | Global Indian Rajni Kumar[/caption]

Although Rajni retired at the age of 88, she remained deeply involved with the Springdales Education Society as its chairperson and continued her association with the Delhi schools’ literacy project, an initiative aligned with the National Literacy Mission.

Additionally, she played a significant role as one of the founding members of the National Federation of Indian Women that was established in 1953.

During her illustrious career in education, Rajni Kumar also served as the chairperson of Lady Irwin College and held the position of vice president at National Bal Bhavan. Her exceptional contributions to the field of education was acknowledged with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2011 by the Government of India.

Flashback

“No doubt the greatest event in my life was leaving England, the country of my birth, to follow the stirrings of my heart and to make my home in this wondrous and fascinating country – India – with the man I loved. So this is where I shall begin my story,” she wrote in the introduction of her memoir ‘Against the Wind: A life’s Journey’, which was published in 2019, three years prior to her death.

Born in London in 1923, Rajni graduated from the London School of Economics in 1941. There, she had also met Yudister Kumar, who would be her husband. Love blossomed between them and they spent their carefree days as students enjoying each other’s company.

Yudister Kumar graduated from LSE, trained as a barrister at Lincoln’s Inn in London and earned himself the distinction of ‘extra-mural scholar’ from Cambridge University. He returned to India and to his family’s dismay, chose to align himself with the left-wing faction of the Indian freedom struggle, a decision that deeply upset his mother. In fact, his mother's opposition to his political involvement was so vehement that she resorted to sending him to a sanatorium upon learning about his ‘illness’.

During that period Nancie had enrolled herself at the London Institute of Personnel Management and took up her first assignment as a personnel officer in the Morgan Crucible Company situated on the banks of the Thames.

[caption id="attachment_45973" align="aligncenter" width="376"] Indian Education | Rajni Kumar | Global Indian Cover image of Rajni Kumar's memoir[/caption]

All for love

When Rajni learned about Yudister’s unfortunate condition, she was irresistibly drawn by the powerful force of love. Unable to resist, she followed her heart and set out on her journey to India by sea, arriving on a ship that docked in Bombay.

“It had been a novel experience to travel by sea from London. Apart from a short ferry trip across the English Channel to the Netherlands in 1938, on a school exchange programme, I had never been able to travel abroad,” she wrote in her memoir.

Upon Yudister’s recovery from the illness, at the young age of 23, she exchanged vows with him, and adopted the name - Rajni.

Stumbling upon the calling of her life

Two years after her wedding, while Rajni was living in Kasauli, she received a surprising request from Indian Army officers. They asked her to establish and manage a school for the children of the Indian Army in Kasauli, a proposal that left her quite astounded.

“Me? I said in astonishment. But I don’t know anything about running schools! I have run some classes for young workers in a factory as part of their extension education. But that is about all,” she wrote in her memoir.

Nonetheless, she accepted the challenge and proceeded to run the school. Just two years later, in 1950, she further expanded her educational endeavour by assuming the role of a principal at the Salwan Girls School in Delhi, a position she held until 1955.

[caption id="attachment_45969" align="aligncenter" width="639"] Indian Education | Rajni Kumar | Global Indian Rajni Kumar with school children[/caption]

During her tenure at Salwan Girls School, Rajni Kumar played a pivotal role in the establishment of the National Federation of Indian Women in 1953.

1955 proved to be a turning point in Rajni’s career as she went on to establish her own school - Springdales. Initially, it operated as a kindergarten from the living room of her home. Over time, this modest beginning evolved into a renowned institution, with three schools in India and one in Dubai.

Striding ahead with success

With her emphasis on ‘holistic development of a child, not just marks’, Springdales Group has achieved many milestones in its 48-year journey.

The institution introduced Russian as a third language under the Indo-Soviet cultural programme - the first school in the country to do so in 1971. Springdales squad was chosen as the first flag bearers to lead the school children of Delhi in the Republic Day Parade of 1974.

In 1980, none other than the President of India, Shri Sanjeeva Reddy presided over the silver jubilee celebrations of Springdales.

[caption id="attachment_45971" align="aligncenter" width="454"] Indian Education | Rajni Kumar | Global Indian Rajni Kumar with Dalai Lama[/caption]

Throughout her career, the Global Indian received numerous awards and accolades for her outstanding contributions in the sphere of education. In 1983 Rajni Kumar received the Nehru Soviet Land Award by Rajiv Gandhi, for her initiatives to promote international friendship and understanding among children of the world. She received a gold medal and a two-week tour of the USSR as part of the award.

Widening her spectrum the educator assumed the role of chairperson at Lady Irwin College, Delhi and served as vice president at National Bal Bhavan. Also, she actively participated in global events such as the Global Peace Conferences in Geneva and the World Congress for the Rights of Children in Moscow.

The Government of South Africa bestowed a special honour upon Rajni on International Women's Day in 2005. In 2011, she became the recipient of the Gr8! Women Award instituted by the Indian Television Academy. The same year, the Government of India recognised her exceptional work with the Padma Shri, and in 2012, she was bestowed with the Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo by the Government of South Africa.

Best foot forward

Sadly, her husband Yudister, who was a pillar of strength for Rajni and helped her grow Springdales, was not there to celebrate many of her successes. He passed away in 1976 after battling cancer. Rajni continued to be of service to the Springdales Group that she had fondly established with Yudister, until she retired in 1988.

In her farewell message to the Springdales fraternity on the last day of her role as the founding principal on March 31st 1988, Rajni wrote – “The late Dr Gyan Chand, the well-known economist and good friend of the school once said to me, “Rajni, the real test of your success will be when the school runs better without you. I am confident that my successors will allow me to pass that test with flying colours and that Springdales will not only maintain its great traditions but will transcend to greater heights in the future.”

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Following her retirement she remained deeply involved with the Springdales Education Society as its chairperson and continued her association with the Delhi schools’ literacy project. Upon requests of her well-wishers who fondly referred to her as ‘Aunty Kumar’ she came up with her memoir in 2019, at the age of 96, three years prior to passing away.

Always a jovial human being, who considered India as her country, Rajni passed away peacefully on November 10, 2022, at the remarkable age of 99, leaving behind a strong legacy in the sphere of education and social service.

“I feel joyful because I know that Springdalians have not only become good doctors, engineers, artists, musicians, or film directors but above all they are good human beings, inspired, perhaps, by the words of the late President of India Dr Zakir Hussain when he inaugurated our school building and said – ‘Be proud of the building but let the building be proud of you,’ she had remarked in a message to her students in whose hearts the loving memories of Aunty Kumar are etched forever.

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Eye of the tiger: Dr Latika Nath is India’s first female wildlife biologist

(September 28, 2024 ) Dressed in the elegant chiffon sarees that were fashionable among upper crust Indians of her time, equally at ease at high society events and in the depths of the forests of Madhya Pradesh, Latika Nath was an unusual personality, both in social circles and among her conservationist peers. Known as the 'Tiger Princess', Latika Nath is India's first female wildlife biologist, and the first to acquire a Ph.D. dedicated to tiger preservation. Her recognition spans from securing support from the Save the Tiger Fund for developing camera traps to receiving scholarships from prestigious entities such as the Overseas Research Student Awards Scheme and the Chevening Scholarship, reflecting her academic excellence and dedication to environmental causes. Her efforts in conservation and environmental protection were acknowledged with the Karmaveer Puraskaar and an accolade from ATOI in 2007 for her impact on ecotourism in India. Nath's expertise and dedication have been spotlighted in documentaries by BBC Wildlife, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic, which gave her the moniker 'Tiger Princess'. Tryst with the Royal Bengal Tiger When she was one year old, Latika received a golden retriever puppy and a Siamese cat. Born into an Indian royal family, Latika grew up

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Tryst with the Royal Bengal Tiger

When she was one year old, Latika received a golden retriever puppy and a Siamese cat. Born into an Indian royal family, Latika grew up amongst wildlife - her father, a doctor at AIIMS and the health advisor to Indira Gandhi until the time of her passing, also set up India's animal conservationist movement in the 1970s. An avid wildlifer, he also enjoyed hunting big game and would sometimes take his daughter along.

"Ever since she was a little child she had been very fond of animals," Latika's mother said in Tiger Princess, a documentary by the National Geographic. The family lived on a farm in Kashmir, where they had lots of animals. "She loved being outside most of the time. She was also very set in her mind about what she wanted to do, she didn't give us any second choices about her line of interest," she smiles. Latika's greatest love, however, was for the Royal Bengal Tiger. "It's the sheer majesty of the animal," she says, in the documentary. "It's the thrill of seeing something so beautiful, so untamed, left in the wild as it is mean to be."

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The atypical environmentalist

After obtaining her undergraduate degree in environment science from Maitreyi College in New Delhi, Latika received a scholarship for the School of Forestry at the University of Wales. Latika had hoped to do a PhD on the snow leopard, which can be found in her homeland, Kashmir, but this was 1989, the year of the militancy and exodus. "We were one of the first few families to be targeted by the terrorists, and they killed eight people of our staff. They came in, gunned them down, and burned our houses." The family was forced to flee to New Delhi, and Latika left her home and her dreams behind.

In Delhi, Latika met H.S. Panwar, the director of the Wildlife Institute of India, who suggested she do a doctorate on tigers. It was a tough call, and although Latika knew the road ahead would be filled with hardships, she took it on. At the age of 24, with a scholarship from the Wildlife Institute, Latika left home for the first time.

"I just decided what I wanted to do and I did it," she says, "I borrowed a four-wheel drive from a friend in Delhi and went. I had never driven one before." Surprisingly, her parents let her go, giving her a maid and a driver. 'The family thought it was ridiculous," her mother admitted. They drove through the treacherous ravines of Chambal, the 'badlands' ruled by dacoits. At one point, Latika recalled, the driver put up his window, worrying that a bear would put its paw through and get him.

Dr Lathika Nath | Wildlife conservationist | India

The harrowing journey brought her to Bandhavgarh National Park, where she was greeted by a family friend, Nanda Shumshere Rana. The Ranas, who had ruled Nepal for over a century, were also famous for their love of hunting and the outdoors. Nanda Rana, however, had pivoted, from hunting tigers to conserving them. Latika was so relieved to see a familiar face that she burst into tears.

Up against the glass ceiling

Rana and Latika spent their days together in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Rana was taking care of the Bandhavgarh National Park, while Latika did work on her PhD. Her job was to identify the tiger population and map their territory and followed, in particular, a tiger named Sita. She would go fearlessly out into the night, driving on terrible roads, staying out from 8 pm at night to 4 am in the morning. Like a princess, she did this too with a team of servants, and set up 22 camera traps.

However, being a female conservationist was not going to be easy. More so for someone like Latika, who enjoyed her life as a royal to the fullest. "There have been so many people trying to stop me, for so many different reasons," she remarked. "People who are threatened by my ability, my social contacts, my personality, by the fact that I could ask questions." Influential conservationists challenged her research, accusing her of falsifying data, and it resulted in Latika's scholarship, as well as her permission to work in the park, being withdrawn.

Changing the game

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However, Latika was determined not to let her dreams die. She applied to Oxford University, hoping to do a PhD at Christchurch. Her parents supported her, giving her access to her trust fund. She had all the money in the world, and no admission. Then, fate intervened. She met a tourist, Judith Pallow, who happened to be the sole tutor for graduates at Christchurch.

With a PhD from Oxford, there wasn't much her critics could say. Latika returned to India and has been a conservationist for decades. Her work spans research, education, advocacy, and hands-on conservation projects. Her primary focus has been on tiger conservation, where she has delved into studying their behaviour, habitat requirements, and the threats they face due to human activities. Her doctoral research, recognized for its pioneering nature, laid the groundwork for further studies and conservation strategies aimed at preserving tigers in their natural habitats.

The Global Indian's approach involves photography and writing as tools to spread awareness and in 2018, released her coffee table book Hidden India, a collection of photograph taken over years of exploring the country's remote wilderness. Her engagement in exhibitions like "Omo – where time stood still" and "An Eye on the Tiger" at the Royal Albert Hall underscores her influential role in promoting wildlife and conservation awareness.

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