Global IndianstoryShivali Bhammer: Blending East with the West through devotional fusion music

Shivali Bhammer: Blending East with the West through devotional fusion music

Compiled by: Charu Thakur

(August 4, 2023) The nondescript bhajans, which were once confined to temples and pujas at home, are now charting a new path, thanks to the devotional fusion music genre. It’s the amalgamation of mantras with jazz and hip-hop music that’s grabbing the attention of the younger generation, and one such artist who is making this genre a hit in the UK is Shivali Bhammer. The British-Indian singer, who calls herself a spiritual being, is blending the beats of the West with the bhajans of the East and how.

Brought up in a family that’s quite spiritual, Shivali started making music at the age of 15. But it was devotional music that pulled her and she was keen to give it a modern twist so that people could identify with it. This Global Indian has achieved that with her music.

Shivali Bhammer | Global Indian

From equity trading to devotional music

Born in London to Gujarati parents, Shivali comes from a family that delves deeper into the philosophy of life. It was her great grandmother and great aunts who introduced her to spiritual music and at 15, she started making her own music. For the 35-year-old, her musical talent wasn’t something that she discovered instead it was a gift bestowed upon her. “Singing comes naturally to me than anything else I do, to me it is like breathing. I can’t separate it from who I am. I began nurturing it when I was 15 years old with my best friend Arjun. We didn’t think of talent then, we just thought of what makes us happy and what we enjoy doing,” she told a magazine. For the next few years, the duo kept making devotional music and titled their collection Basement Bhajans, however, not without adding a bit of zing with their fusion.

It wasn’t until she was 22 that she dipped her toes into the world of music as a professional. Before exploding into the music scene, Shivali, a graduate in Economics and Philosophy, worked as an analyst for global investment firm Goldman Sachs, and even contributed articles to the Financial Times and other major publication. However, the 9 to 5 grind made her realise her true calling – music.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SHIVALI BHAMMER (@shivalibhammer)

While she loved devotional music, she wanted to layer it with new melodies and modern instruments in order to make it accessible to the youth. At 22, Shivali pitched the idea to Sony Music and this was the beginning of her musical journey.

A musician in the making

“I felt passionate about music, and about devotion, and that the two should merge and include more than just a harmonium. It was only when I was 22 that I got signed with Sony Music BMG and suddenly my work that I had called Basement Bhajans became The Bhajan Project and it changed my life,” the singer said in an interview.

Her maiden album wasn’t just a collection of mantras but a blend of beats and sounds from the genres of R&B, soul, rock and pop sprinkled with a generous dose of acoustic guitar. This fusion worked wonders for this talented singer who grabbed eyeballs with The Bhajan Project.

The album earned her two nominations at the Global Indian Music Awards at the age of 23, and soon she was listed among the Top 25 under 25 South Asian Artists in England. “When I look back on that it was a magical moment, where the universe did most of the just done the preparation and arrived on time,”
she added.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SHIVALI BHAMMER (@shivalibhammer)

Blending East with West

Since then, Shivali has been busy perfectly blending Western instruments with her Eastern rhythm. The singer, who calls herself a blend of the East and West, believes that merging the two worlds come naturally to her as she is an Indian who grew up as a British girl.

Without any formal training in music, Shivali has managed to cast a spell on music lovers especially in the devotional music genre with The Bhajan Project and Urban Temple, both of which reached No 1 on the iTunes World Chart. In fact, the 35-year-old has made devotional fusion music quite popular in the UK. “London has a big Asian network and it really embraces people with a different sound. It is receptive of talented young artists – we see them sprouting every day,” she told DNA.

The singer is also a motivational speaker who never misses a chance to talk about mindfulness and meditation. Interestingly, she is the only Indian artist to be invited to the prestigious De Doelen Theatre in the Netherlands to story-tell Hindu Mythological love stories. For her, music is art which is an expression of one’s creative love.

Her East meets West sound has put her music at the centre of the world fusion movement in the devotional genre. Her albums are a soothing reminder that devotion exists in every action, and that’s what makes her music appealing to most of the people. Her intention with her music has been to deliver a message with love. When Shivali stepped into the music world, she wanted to change the landscape of the devotional music industry and take it to new heights. And a decade after her first album, Shivali has been able to create a niche for herself in the music world.

Follow Shivali Bhammer on Linkedin and Instagram

Name*

Email*

Name*

Email*

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Published on 04, Aug 2023

Share with

ALSO READ

Inspiring young minds: Dr. Balasubramanian Ramani is building bridges between India and Germany

(July 4, 2022) About 10 minutes into the interview, I asked Dr. Balasubramanian Ramani what drew him to pursue a degree in zoology. "It was actually cricket," he said. When I asked him if he was talking about cricket 'the game', the scholar laughed and added, "Yes. Not unlike other kids in India, I grew up playing cricket. No matter how busy I was with my studies, I would always find time to play the game. I was a part of my school team, and eventually, I played for the district. After I finished my XII standard, I wasn't so sure about what next, but I knew that I had to join a University that had a good cricket team, so that I can continue playing." His start might have been unusual, but it was cricket that set this scholar on a path to glory. Today, a member of staff of Leibniz University of Hannover (LUH), Germany, Dr. Balasubramanian Ramani is the founder of Indian Association Hannover, an initiative that has attracted numerous members of all ages, organises many events and provides support with administrative aspects, doctor's appointments or childcare issues. The Global Indian, who is also a member of

University of Hannover (LUH), Germany, Dr. Balasubramanian Ramani is the founder of Indian Association Hannover, an initiative that has attracted numerous members of all ages, organises many events and provides support with administrative aspects, doctor's appointments or childcare issues. The Global Indian, who is also a member of the Hannover Mitte district council of the Social Democratic Party and acts as an advisory member in the international committee of the city of Hannover, was awarded the coveted Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award for his work in the field of collaboration between India and Germany. "I am glad that I could extend my stay at the Institute of Botany in Hannover, which allowed me to expand my exciting field of work at the International Office of LUH" the scholar said.

An academic marvel

Born and brought up in a small village in Tamil Nadu, Dr. Ramani's life was surrounded by lush green forest. "I was born in a small village called Kalancheri, in the Thanjavur district. I still vividly remember my time there, and whenever I go to India even now, I try to be involved in the various activities - be it agriculture, land, or anything else," said the scholar, adding, "My family also runs a school, which celebrated its 100 years in 2019; I am taking care of the school now."

"Not the brightest child in the classroom," in his word, it was his father who inspired Dr. Balasubramanian Ramani to study biology, which later helped him carve his career path. "My father is a veterinary doctor. We owned about 10 cows and I grew up around various animals. I would join my father during his visits to the sick animal and observe how gently he took care of them. So I was drawn to biology," shared the scholar, who earned a Gold medal during his undergraduate course in zoology at Bharathidasan University in 1997.

With a plan to continue to be with his friends, Dr. Ramani joined Annamalai University, the same year to pursue a post-graduate course in marine biology and oceanography. And this proved to be a turning point for him. "It was after joining the course that I realised how interesting life beneath oceans is. We would often visit the ocean and also go for scuba diving to collect samples - and it was quite a breathtaking view. My teachers motivated me a lot and that was when I started working on my thesis - Desalinization of seawater using cyanobacterium - which won the Best Student Project that year," the scholar said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXX28fkkePY

After finishing his master's in 1999, Dr. Ramani - a little unsure about what next - took the advice of one of his professors about his future. "About two or three months after I finished my master's, I received a call from a professor of mine saying that he had received an invitation letter from a German University, for a student who would be interested to do a Ph.D. training. He informed me that he thought that I was the best candidate and he had already given his acceptance on my behalf for the project," he shared, adding, "When your guru says something, you have to do it. And so I started packing up and a few weeks later I arrived in Germany."

The Deutschland

It was the first time that this village lad had taken a flight, but a greater challenge awaited him when descended in Germany. Shared the scholar, "I didn't know that language - and that is a huge barrier for anyone. I knew English, but not a single word in German. The other thing that I had to deal with was the harsh German winter. I had landed there in January and while I knew about the weather, nothing prepares you for the winter here."

Braving the odds, Dr. Balasubramanian Ramani joined the Leibniz University of Hannover to pursue his Ph.D. in marine botany with a scholarship from the state of Lower Saxony. "My initial plan was that I would take the one-year training in Germany and then fly back to India to pursue my Ph.D. However, the professors here requested me to continue my work there, and so I stayed back. I worked on marine cyanobacterium, also called blue-green algae, which are an ancient group of photosynthetic microbes that occur in most inland waters and that can have major effects on the water quality and functioning of aquatic ecosystems," he said.

[caption id="attachment_41045" align="aligncenter" width="606"] Dr. Ramani with S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India[/caption]

While he stayed back for his Ph.D., Dr. Ramani had planned that he would return to his homeland after earning his doctorate. A plan that failed due to a natural calamity. "I planned that I would return soon after I receive my degree - which was in 2004. However, during the same time that I was to return the tsunami in the Indian Ocean destroyed large parts of my institute where I was to continue my work," said the scholar, who joined the Leibniz University's Office for International Affairs. He assumed a permanent role in the University in 2011 and has been the regional coordinator for Indian/South Asian as well as African students. In the last few years, the scholar has been able to significantly expand the cooperation between the LUH and universities and research institutions in India.

Community before self

Dr. Ramani initiated a program in 2010 at LUH in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), facilitating a rotational exchange of chairs between Indian and German professors. During the same year, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Centre for Modern Indian Studies (CMIS) at the University of Cologne. This center was dedicated to fostering Indo-German research on Vocational Education and Training, and it received funding from the German Ministry of Education and Research.

"We focussed on the apprenticeship education or vocational training in Germany for these young foreign students. Germany had its own successful model, called the dual system through which students spend three days in class and two days on the field every week. I wanted the same exposure for the kids who were coming from India to have similar experiences and learn better," shared the scholar.

Dr. Ramani established the Indian Student Association in Germany in 2015, receiving a recommendation from the Indian Embassy in Berlin. He is also the founder of the Young Professionals Platform for Agricultural Research for Development (YPARD), which is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Government of Switzerland. "As the Global Coordinator of YPARD, I had the opportunity to travel to over 33 countries, where I personally established a platform aimed at inspiring young professionals to address global agricultural challenges. Additionally, I successfully negotiated for YPARD's inclusion as a part of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation."

Devoted to helping students, Dr. Balasubramanian Ramani has been supporting African higher education institutions through capacity-building activities for students in writing research projects, arranging contacts with prospective professors for research projects, and also providing small financial support for projects. "The best way the world can develop today is by sharing the knowledge base. We need to create an environment where all the students, across the globe, can access the information and knowledge that will help them grow," said the scholar as he signed off.

Follow Dr. Balasubramanian Ramani on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his website

Reading Time: 6 mins

Spices, splendor, and sizzle: Indian chefs elevating the dining experience around the world

(June 29, 2023) Over the past two decades, a league of visionary young chefs from the vibrant Indian diaspora has masterfully tapped into the latent potential of regional Indian fare. In a remarkable study conducted by German food ordering connoisseurs, Lieferando, the irresistible allure of Indian cuisine has surged to astonishing heights, cementing its position as the second most sought-after culinary indulgence on social media. Armed with an unwavering passion for their heritage, these chefs have elevated traditional recipes to dazzling new heights, infusing every dish with a mindful blend of consciousness, innovation, and boundless creativity. In fact, several Indian-American chefs and restaurateurs, dazzling beacons of culinary brilliance, ascended the grand stage of The James Beard Foundation Award 2022. Renowned as the Oscars of the food realm, this prestigious annual ceremony has long been enchanted by the artistry of Indian chefs. Now, these trailblazers are preparing to etch their names into the annals of gastronomic excellence. Global Indian showcases a few exceptional chefs, who are poised to rewrite the narrative surrounding Indian cuisine on the global stage. Their unrivalled talent and sheer audacity have dismantled the shackles of convention, unravelling the perception of Indian food as mere spice-laden fare. Chef

have dismantled the shackles of convention, unravelling the perception of Indian food as mere spice-laden fare.

Chef Rohit Ghai

Born amidst the flavours that whispered in his mother's kitchen in Gwalior, a young Rohit Ghai discovered his passion for the culinary arts. Guided by an insatiable love for food, he embarked on a gastronomic pilgrimage, immersing himself in the vibrant world of Indian cuisine. His journey led him to Institute of Hotel Management in New Delhi, where he honed his skills, breathing life into the very essence of Indian culinary finesse. With unwavering determination, he embarked on a culinary voyage that saw him gracing the kitchens of renowned hotel groups such as the legendary Oberoi Hotels and Resorts and the iconic Taj Hotels and Resorts.

[caption id="attachment_26090" align="aligncenter" width="609"] Chef | Rohit Ghai | Global Indian Chef Rohit Ghai[/caption]

Today, Chef Ghai stands tall as a beacon of culinary brilliance, reigning over his own gastronomic realm at the acclaimed Kutir in London. His culinary prowess has been awarded the prestigious Michelin Star, an accolade that solidifies his status as one of the United Kingdom's most accomplished and imaginative Indian chefs. In a dazzling display of culinary innovation, Chef Ghai unveiled Koolcha, a street food concept that beckons guests to indulge in authentic Indian favourites such as the tantalising kulchas and the iconic Chowpati vada pav. Yet, he also infuses the menu with ingenious creations like the irresistible chicken popcorn masala, elevating street food to unparalleled heights.

[caption id="attachment_26092" align="aligncenter" width="611"] Chef | Rohit Ghai | Global Indian A glimpse of Chef Ghai's table[/caption]

To further enrich the culinary world, Chef Ghai recently unveiled his debut cookbook, a treasure trove of innovative vegetarian and vegan Indian dishes that transcend boundaries and touch the soul. Titled Tarkari: Innovative Vegetarian and Vegan Indian Dishes with Heart and Soul, this literary masterpiece encapsulates his passion, his artistry, and his relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.

Follow Chef Rohit Ghai on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

Chef Manoj Sharma

In the heart of Paris, where culinary dreams intertwine, this maverick chef from Delhi unveils his revolutionary creation - Jugaad. This avant-garde establishment marries the charm of a Parisian bistro with the vibrant allure of Indian kitsch. With a bold vision in mind, this culinary maestro sought to redefine the Indian dining experience, urging guests to relinquish their preconceptions and embark on a tantalising journey of the senses.

[caption id="attachment_25594" align="aligncenter" width="612"] Indian Chef | Global Indian Chef Manoj Sharma[/caption]

At Jugaad, the kitchen becomes an arena of culinary alchemy, unlike any other - with its menu, an exquisite tableau of innovation and tradition, showcases the chef's ingenuity. “I try to use my childhood memories with food and twist them with local produce and tectonics. I use local favourite dishes for inspiration and try to connect them with Indian flavours. Hence even one dish can consist of different regions of India," the chef had said during a press interaction. Interestingly, about 75 percent of his customers are local French.

Follow Chef Manoj Sharma on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

Chef Srijith Gopinathan

From the hallowed halls of the illustrious Taj Campton Place Hotel in San Francisco, where he reigned as executive chef for over a decade, to the dawning of a gastronomic kingdom entirely his own, Chef Srijith Gopinathan has orchestrated a symphony of flavours at his opulent California establishment, Ettan. A true luminary of the culinary realm, Chef Sri stands tall as one of the most revered Indian chefs in the United States today, a culinary virtuoso whose voyage began amidst the fragrant embrace of his grandmother's kitchen in a humble town nestled within Kerala's verdant embrace.

[caption id="attachment_29089" align="aligncenter" width="645"] Chef | Srijith Gopinathan | Global Indian Chef Srijith Gopinathan[/caption]

Championing the revolutionary Cal-Indian culinary genre, Chef Sri has commanded the prestigious Taj Campton Place kitchen since 2008, weaving culinary enchantment that has consistently earned him the covetable distinction of two Michelin stars. Embarking upon his culinary education at the esteemed Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, his fervent passion led him to further refine his artistry through captivating "stages" at the legendary Michelin two-star Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in the heart of England. There, amidst the clinks of copper pans and whispered secrets of classical European techniques, he honed his repertoire to perfection.

[caption id="attachment_29090" align="aligncenter" width="613"] Chef | Srijith Gopinathan | Global Indian Sea bass collar spice roasted with coconut, turmeric, tamarind and curry leaves[/caption]

A maestro of flavours, Chef Sri's culinary artistry transcends borders, effortlessly melding the rich tapestry of Eastern and Western influences into a harmonious and captivating gastronomic symphony.

Follow Chef Srijith Gopinathan on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Chef Hari Nayak

In the enchanting realm of the epicurean, one name shines bright, encompassing the roles of chef, restaurateur, author, and culinary consultant. Let us immerse ourselves in the extraordinary journey of Hari Nayak, a luminary who wears many hats and leaves an indelible mark on the culinary landscape.

[caption id="attachment_25597" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Indian Chef | Global Indian Chef Hari Nayak[/caption]

Embarking upon his odyssey at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Hari Nayak emerged as one of the most coveted Indian chefs of our time. His magical touch has graced the finest establishments in India, and his culinary artistry has mesmerised the discerning palates of the New York metro area. Beyond the realm of the kitchen, Chef Hari's influence extends far and wide, his astute expertise as a restaurateur shaping the triumph and prosperity of acclaimed establishments across the globe. From the irresistible Sona in New York to the tantalising Charcoza in Riyadh, from the mystical Alchemy in Bangalore to the vibrant Jhol in Bangkok, his visionary guidance leaves no corner of the world untouched by his culinary brilliance.

Beyond the world of sizzling pans and aromatic spices, Chef Hari weaves tales through his renowned cookbooks. A revered author, his literary creations showcase the elegant simplicity and eclectic allure of his dishes.

Follow Chef Hari Nayak on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter

Chef Prashant Chipkar

Emerging from the sun-kissed shores of Goa, Chef Prashant Chipkar embarks on a gastronomic odyssey that captivates palates across the globe. With a degree in Hotel Management from Mumbai as his foundation, he takes his first steps into the culinary realm under the prestigious Taj Group of Hotels. Today, as the esteemed executive chef of the renowned Masti restaurant in Dubai, he unveils a culinary symphony that transcends borders, elevating Indian cuisine to astonishing heights.

[caption id="attachment_25589" align="aligncenter" width="504"] Indian Chef | Global Indian Chef Prashant Chipkar[/caption]

His culinary masterpieces have won the hearts of Indian cuisine aficionados, who flock to indulge in the allure of his signature creations. Delight in the smoky elegance of the salmon khakhra, revel in the harmonious union of saag paneer lasagna, and surrender to the tantalizing marriage of khandvi prawns moilee. These culinary gems showcase his visionary approach, an innovative fusion of tradition and contemporary finesse.

“We began by thinly slicing paneer and layering it with sautéed spiced spinach,” he said about the saag paneer lasagna, in an interview, adding, “To add a new dimension of flavour, we served it on a base of coconut and lemongrass makhana sauce. This dish is served with mashed potatoes coated in raw mango powder to add another element of texture.”

Follow Chef Prashant Chipkar on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube

Reading Time: 6 mins

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

Fondly called the Indian James Bond, Ajit Doval ensures nation’s security as national security advisor to PM

(October 7, 2022) The fifth and current National Security Advisor (NSA) to the Prime Minister of India, Ajit Doval was the youngest police officer in the country to be awarded the Kirti Chakra, one of the highest defence gallantry awards. He has always been the determined achiever. When he was in school, his teacher chose him to be part of the school boxing team because even as a kid, he never did accept defeat. The retired Indian Police Services (IPS) officer of the Kerala cadre and a former Indian intelligence and law enforcement officer started off his police career in 1968. He retired as director of Intelligence Bureau in 2005. Due to his exemplary services over the years, Doval is fondly known as the James Bond of India. His list of achievements is impressive. He was actively involved in anti-insurgency operations in Mizoram and Punjab. The officer played a key role as one of the three negotiators in the release of passengers from the hijacked IC-814 in Kandahar in the year 1999. Between 1971 and 1999, Doval successfully terminated at least 15 hijackings of Indian Airlines aircrafts, becoming a hero of the nation. Difficult projects handled successfully Doval successfully supervised

er played a key role as one of the three negotiators in the release of passengers from the hijacked IC-814 in Kandahar in the year 1999. Between 1971 and 1999, Doval successfully terminated at least 15 hijackings of Indian Airlines aircrafts, becoming a hero of the nation.

Difficult projects handled successfully

Doval successfully supervised the September 2016 Uri surgical strike and February 2019 Balakot air strikes across the border in Pakistan. He also contributed towards ending the Doklam stand-off, taking decisive measures to tackle insurgency of the Northeast.

Indian Hero | Ajit Kumar Doval | Global Indian

Talking about the atmosphere of conflict in the world right now, the Global Indian said in a recent conference:

If we want to tackle this atmosphere, it is important to maintain the unity of the country, and move as a united nation. The way India has been developing and progressing over the past few years, it will benefit every citizen of the country.

While answering questions related to his life, art of decision making and his journey to success, his advice for youngsters during a leadership talk with Dr Abhijit Jere, chief innovation officer, ministry of HRD was, “first consider the worst possible outcome and see if it’s affordable in such a way that the country can deal with it. Then work on this outcome by trying to make it better. Also have a backup plan so as to be prepared.”

The veteran of undercover operations

‘India’s James Bond’ spent seven years as an undercover operative in Pakistan gathering intelligence on active militant groups. The master spy managed to stay in disguise all those years, mastering Urdu and expertise in the country's history, culture and politics.

Indian Hero | Ajit Kumar Doval | Global Indian

The veteran had also played a key role in gathering intelligence for ‘Operation Black Thunder’ throttling Khalistan’s militancy in 1984. He worked in disguise of a rickshaw puller in the areas surrounding the Golden Temple, and then later posed as an ISI agent, befriended the militants inside the temple. He managed to earn their trust, and entered the Golden Temple, gathering all information from there and passing it on to security agencies. In 1990s, he went to Kashmir and convinced hardcore militants and troops to become counter-insurgents, for facilitating Jammu and Kashmir elections of 1996.

The major part of Ajit Doval’s career has been spent as an active field intelligence officer with the Intelligence Bureau (IB). His service to the nation has been honoured with several awards, honours, and records to his credit.

His views on the future of war and terrorism are firm. In the leadership talk hosted by the ministry of HRD, he said:

In today’s scenario cyber security and information is the key.

Retired yet super active

Doval became the founder director of Vivekananda International Foundation (a public policy think tank) after his retirement from Indian Police Services in 2009.

The die-hard patriot’s expertise was sought thereafter, for a top-secret mission for which he flew to Iraq in 2014 to understand the position on the ground, made high-level connections in the Iraq government, and ensured release of 46 Indian nurses who were trapped in a hospital in Tikrit, Iraq, after a month of his being there in the country.

Indian Hero | Ajit Kumar Doval | Global Indian

Later, the super cop also headed a successful military operation in Myanmar along with the then Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag against National Socialist Council of Nagaland militants operating out of Myanmar.

Having served from 2014-2019 as National Security Advisor, in the year 2019, Ajit Doval got reappointed to the post for the next five-year term and was offered a cabinet rank in the second term of the Narendra Modi-led government.

Staying away from social media

Interestingly, in this era of the internet, for any personal communication Ajit Doval does not use the computer as ‘it can be compromised’. The top official has never signed up for any social media account. All his social media accounts are created by his fans and well-wishers. He believes that he is more of a solo person and likes doing things differently.

The national security advisor said in the leadership talk:

Live every second as the first second of the rest of your life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZe1DrZ_zdk

Son of an Indian Army officer, Doval grew up in Ajmer, Rajasthan and completed his school education from King George's Royal Indian Military School. He graduated with a masters in economics from University of Agra.

When faced with a choice between what you should do because of your duty and what you should do because of your passion, always choose the second option.

Doval advised students during his recent leadership talk.

Why Ajit Doval enjoys so much respect:

He has worked many years as an undercover agent not only in Pakistan but also in the northeast, Arakan, Myanmar and deep inside China to gather intelligence information on active insurgent groups that were a threat to India.
He managed to win the trust of hardcore Kashmiri militant, Kuka Parray in troubled Kashmir and persuaded him to surrender.
When the security forces charged inside the Golden Temple to get Khalistani terrorists out from there in 1984, Ajit Doval was one among them.
He has prevented 15 hijackings of Indian Airlines aircrafts.
He was the key negotiator which led to the freedom of hostages from Taliban when they hijacked the plane, IC-814 at Kandahar in 1999.

Reading Time: 5 mins

Meet Dr Mukesh Aghi: A significant pillar of the US-India ties

(May 14, 2023) “This year, United States became India's largest trading partner with trade nearing near the $200 billion mark,” shared a happy Dr Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO of US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) in one of his social media posts last week. Since the inception of USISPF in 2017, Dr Aghi has played a pivotal role, working with business and government leaders in the US and India to promote trade and strengthen ties between the two countries. “It's a remarkable achievement but more can be done, as the Indian government sets policies and executes new schemes to improve and enhance the business environment in India, thereby creating a stronger environment to create more foreign investors,” the business leader added. A recipient of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman 2021 for his outstanding contributions to the Indian diaspora, through promoting economic ties between India and the US, Dr Aghi has immense love for his native country. Although he was born in India, Dr Aghi has lived around the world to study and work. With a distinguished career spanning both the private and public setors, Dr Aghi has held senior leadership positions in companies like IBM (Singapore and India), Steria (France), and L&T

r Aghi has immense love for his native country. Although he was born in India, Dr Aghi has lived around the world to study and work. With a distinguished career spanning both the private and public setors, Dr Aghi has held senior leadership positions in companies like IBM (Singapore and India), Steria (France), and L&T Infotech (USA).

Indian CEO | Dr Mukesh Aghi | Global Indian

As the President and CEO of the nonprofit organization USISPF, Dr. Aghi has been a vocal advocate for the interests of the Indian American community. He has pushed for policies that benefit Indian companies operating in the United States and has been a strong proponent of initiatives that promote education, innovation, and entrepreneurship among the Indian diasporas.

The Global Indian has been recognized for his leadership and contributions through various awards and accolades, including the JRD Tata Leadership Award. He was recognized by the New York-based Esquire Magazine as a Global Leader. For his extensive philanthropic work, he received the prestigious ‘Ellis Island Medal of Honor’ in America in 2018.

Taking US-India strategic partnership forward

“I believe that the US-India relationship is the most important relationship of the 21st century. This has been stated by President Obama, President Trump and President Biden,” Dr Aghi remarked in a chat show conducted by Business World during his recent visit to India.

His non-profit, USISPF serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration between businesses, government officials, and thought leaders from India and USA.

Established with the goal of enhancing bilateral trade and investment ties, fostering economic growth, and advancing shared interests and values between the two countries, USISPF focuses on various sectors including technology, energy, healthcare, defense, education, and agriculture. “India's demographic dividend, (now as the world's largest populous country) and tech talent, and the robustness of the American tech economy enable a synergy in the tech space,” Dr Aghi remarked in a social media post emphasizing how both countries complement each other.

[caption id="attachment_38609" align="aligncenter" width="443"] Indian CEO | Dr Mukesh Aghi | Global Indian Dr Mukesh Aghi with US President, Joe Biden[/caption]

The organisation acts as a forum for stakeholders to exchange ideas, address challenges, and explore opportunities for economic cooperation. It also organizes high-level meetings, conferences, and events that bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and influencers to discuss key issues and promote business partnerships.

USISPF also provides research and analysis on important economic and policy issues affecting the U.S.-India relationship. It produces reports and publications that offer insights and recommendations to policymakers, businesses, and other stakeholders.

Utilizing India’s potential

In his recent conversation with Business World Dr Aghi said, “India has tremendous resources to build AI, while the US has fantastic algorithms on the AI side. If we merge those algorithms with the data of 1.4 billion people, we can come up with fantastic solutions that will be a win-win. However, it is important for policymakers on both sides to sit down and discuss how they can establish certain fences around AI so that it does not become a threat to society.”

Fully invested in his purpose of leveraging the high potential of US-India partnership, he remarked that the time is ripe to enhance the two countries’ collaboration in the space sector, and work towards enhancing supply chain resiliency, ‘a focus for Prime Minister Modi and President Biden ahead of the Quad Leadership meeting’.

Expressing his joy, he added, “India is now becoming a hotbed of innovation which is going to the rest of the world. We have over 326 space startups in India, and they are doing fantastic innovation.”

[caption id="attachment_38610" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Indian CEO | Dr Mukesh Aghi | Global Indian Dr Mukesh Aghi in a meeting with PM Modi[/caption]

At the top of his game

Climbing peaks whether as a business leader or as a mountaineer is the Indian-origin leader’s core competency. While Dr Aghi served as chief executive and member of the board at L&T Infotech, he played a key role in tripling the company’s valuation. He expanded the business on a global level, led the company’s commercial growth strategy, established its global services function, and built the global sales leadership team preparing the organization for an IPO.

During his time as CEO at Steria, a European digital services and software development company, Dr Aghi successfully spearheaded the merging of Xansa and Steria into a more than $2 billion business. He managed P&L, sales strategies, service delivery, strategic partnerships, a global workforce of over 6,000 people, and the top 50 global accounts of the organisation. The business leader also directed the building of innovation labs and business solutions and liaised with the World Economic Forum and lobby groups in India and Europe during his time at Steria.

As the general manager of outsourcing in Asia-Pacific and President of India at IBM, Dr Aghi tripled the company’s revenue in three years and grew the market share, gross margins, and caliber of talent. He helped set up the IBM Lab in India and registered multiple patents from it.

Fluent in many international languages, as well as an avid marathon and mountaineering enthusiast, the business leader has competed in more than 27 international marathons and climbed some of the highest peaks in North America and Europe.

[caption id="attachment_38612" align="aligncenter" width="815"] Indian CEO | Dr Mukesh Aghi | Global Indian Dr Mukesh Aghi with Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal[/caption]

Reaping growth

Dr Aghi is the founding-CEO of Universitas 21 Global, which went on to become one of the world's largest e-learning joint ventures, hailed by global educational bodies as a premier online institution. He was responsible for Building the company from the ground up and spearheading strategies for all aspects.. He also led the board of corporate and academic leaders.

The company's online program became the fastest-growing online program with enrollment growing to more than 7,000 MBA students from 70 countries across the world. Five years after founding Universitas 21 Global, Dr Aghi sold the company to a private equity firm for a profit which was twelve times his investment value.

“We as individuals must decide on our own what our priority is. You must reflect ‘am I being a parasite in the world or am I being a contributor’. It's ok to create wealth but there must be a balance – a balance between accumulating the wealth and bringing change and contributing to society,” he said in a thought leadership conversation organized by Giggr.

[caption id="attachment_38615" align="aligncenter" width="779"] Indian CEO | Dr Mukesh Aghi | Global Indian Dr Mukesh Aghi with industrialist Shiv Nadar[/caption]

Giving back

A noted philanthropist, Dr Mukesh Aghi has been involved with several charitable organisations and supported causes related to education, healthcare and poverty alleviation. He has been at the forefront of relief efforts for issues ranging from the pandemic to the 2018 floods in Kerala. He also works with initiatives aimed at promoting clean energy and sustainability and has served as the CEO of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), a non-profit organization in India that aims to bring transparency to the country’s democratic system.

He has also been involved with the Pratham Education Foundation, one of India's largest NGOs, which works to provide quality education to underprivileged children in India.

Indian CEO | Dr Mukesh Aghi | Global Indian

In 2017, Dr Aghi received the Community Leadership Award by the American India Foundation (AIF) for his philanthropic work. “Indian Americans are the most affluent and most philanthropic minority group in the US. It shows that as a community, we are not just focused on enhancing our own lives, but also the environment around us and the different cities we are staying in,” he said at a conference.

Dr. Aghi holds several degrees, including an advanced management diploma from Harvard Business School, a Ph.D. in international relations from Claremont Graduate University, California, an MBA in international marketing from Andrews University, Michigan and a BA in business administration from the Middle East College, Sultanate of Oman. Though he is based in the US, the business leader extensively travels to India for help power his country's growth.

Follow Dr Mukesh Aghi on LinkedIn and Twitter

Reading Time: 5 mins