Fashion designer | Kriti Tula | Global Indian

Global IndianstorySustainable designer Kriti Tula is changing the ways of the fashion world

Sustainable designer Kriti Tula is changing the ways of the fashion world

Written by: Namrata Srivastava

(July 9, 2022) Fashion is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, and also one of the sectors that generates tonnes of harmful waste every year. When I ask fashion designer Kriti Tula, what I can as an individual do to help reduce this waste generation, she advises, “Consume consciously. One can make a difference just by the way they shop.” Connecting with Global Indian for an interview, the young sustainability champion adds, “Consumers, the key drivers of sustainability, need to be willing to slow down and pay the right price for consciously creating clothing. Bringing a change is a lot more difficult when everyone is just looking for discounts and we are all paying a heavy price to produce things cheaper and faster.”

Kriti Tula, founder Doodlage

The Delhi girl, who started Doodlage in 2012, has been a vocal environmental activist and has brought forward the impact of the fashion industry on the environment. For her efforts to upcycle the waste produced by the garment industry, Kriti was recognised by the Lakme Fashion Week Gen Next Platform and won the ‘Green Wardrobe Initiative’ by HUL and Grazia Young Fashion Award. In 2012, the 33-year-old fashion designer was also one of 17 climate champions selected by the United Nations.

Socially conscious

Born and brought up in the national capital, Kriti was introduced to the concept of consuming things consciously very early in life. Coming from a middle-class family, the fashion designer says “it was just a way of life back in the day.” Apart from being brilliant academically, Kriti took part in various voluntary works. “I have enjoyed volunteer work growing up – from helping out at blind schools to old age homes,” says the fashion designer, adding that organising such drives is still a big part of Doodlage.

Attracted to art since her childhood, it was during her school days that Kriti was first introduced to doodling. “Growing up, I have been that kid in the art room who explored various mediums that they enjoy. That’s when I started doodling, and in fact, I still try to doodle every day,” shares Kriti, who pursued her under graduation in apparel designing at Pearl Academy in Delhi. “I developed an interest in designing at the age of 13. However, a lack of awareness at the time led me to fashion,” shares Kriti.

Fashion designer | Kriti Tula | Global Indian

After her graduation, the youngster moved to the London College of Fashion for four years to pursue a master’s in design management on a full scholarship. The fashion designer speaks very fondly of her years in London. She says, “Understanding another culture, learning from a new market and getting exposed to a different education system was a great experience. I credit a lot of my growth to these years.”

Visiting various production houses at the time made Kriti think hard about the kind of wastage created by the fashion industry every year. “More than 50 percent of textile waste ends up in landfills, as there are no ways to reuse them,” shares Kriti, adding, “A mix of my background growing up, being exposed to waste at export houses and just the overall culture of mass production was enough to drive me away from it. I have worked since then to educate myself about various alternatives to fast fashion, meet numerous ethical production units, and the culture that could prevail if we humanise the supply chain. I think that has been enough to motivate me to work towards it.”

Making sustainability fashionable

In 2012, after earning her masters in London, Kriti decided to return to India. Having gained a global perspective on the fashion industry, Kriti shares that as a designer she was always inclined to find solutions, and Doodlage started with exactly that agenda. “We aimed to start a conversation around ways to bring circularity in fashion and raise awareness around the impact of a linear fashion model. As we were a bootstrapped firm, we decided to work with one problem at a time. I carefully curated our small supply chain,” shares the 33-year-old fashion designer.

Kriti during a field trip

Doodlage started collecting fabric waste from factories around Delhi, which had been rejected because of minor defects but which were big enough to be stitched back together to cut more pieces. This allowed them to create limited edition collections, saving tonnes of fabric from ending up in landfills. As the company grew, Kriti found herself “more committed to building a social enterprise making sustainable clothes.”

Doodlage’s collection is simple and yet quite unique

Armed with 20 employees, the majority of Doodlage’s sampling, designing, and marketing happens at the studio in Delhi where they employ local artisans. Shedding light on the production process at the fashion house, Kriti shares, “We collect factory waste, fix our material, patch panel and embroider to optimise the use of the fabric we source. We save all resources that would go into making virgin material. What we waste in our supply chain goes to NGOs to create small products like accessories and toys for kids. What is left over is recycled to make paper for our notebooks and packaging.”

Long road ahead

Her sustainable fashion brand started earning profits from the first year of operations, however, Kriti expresses that every year came with a new set of challenges. “Our organic reach accounts for almost 16-20 percent of our sales. But there still is a lot to be done to make Doodlage a global brand,” says the fashion designer. She has recently expanded the company’s operations to Bengaluru and Jaipur, where they are looking to make recycled handloom material, using yarns that are made from shredded post-consumer garments.

Kriti with her team

Although the awareness about the impact of the fashion industry on the environment has grown manifold since she started her company, Kriti feels there is still a long way to go. Explaining that multiple stakeholders have to work together to bring about a larger change, the fashion designer feels that the government also needs to enforce laws to hold brands and production houses accountable for the waste created. “Solutions have to be created at the design stage using the right material and thinking about the end of the life of a garment is necessary. Also, cleaning the supply chain to pay our artisans a better wage is very important,” Kriti says, as she signs off.

Follow Kriti Tula on LinkedIn
Follow Doodlage on Instagram and its website

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Published on 09, Jul 2023

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Jay Sean: The British-Indian artiste completes 20 years in hip-hop music world

(April 16, 2024) Who can forget the peppy song Dance With You from the early 2000s? Then a 22-year-old, Jay Sean was among the few South Asian artistes who exploded on the music scene with a chartbuster that was set to change the course of his life. The song made the British-Indian artiste an overnight star, and as they say, the rest is history. Despite the changing time, he has kept himself relevant and the proof of it is that this year he completes 20 years in the music industry. "To be able to have 20 years in the music industry and have songs that have stuck as classics now, to me is always a blessing. The challenge is really just understanding how to evolve," he said in an interview. [caption id="attachment_50752" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Jay Sean[/caption] In the last two decades, the poster boy of the UK's Asian underground music scene has truly put Indian music and hip-hop on the global map. He was among the first few Indian artistes who opened the doors of South Asian music to the world, and is continuing to bring joy to music lovers across the world with his work. His latest song Heartless,

bal map. He was among the first few Indian artistes who opened the doors of South Asian music to the world, and is continuing to bring joy to music lovers across the world with his work.

His latest song Heartless, which was released a week ago, has already grabbed the attention of music lovers, and he knows his music works because he is being true to himself. "I understand what I have to offer to the industry, that if I write and deliver a song, it will always be a Jay Sean song. Regardless of how the production is changing, or even the melodies of the times are changing, it will still have my signature stamp on it," he added.

Growing up with music

Born as Kamaljit Singh Jhooti in London to Indian immigrant parents in a Punjabi Sikh family, Jay was raised in the Asian community of South Hall. From a young age, he was drawn to music, leading him to form a hip-hop band Compulsive Disorder with his cousin at the age of 11. A young Jay attended Latymer Upper School in the morning and wrote songs in the evening. "I remember watching Yo! MTV Raps from a young age. And that put me into writing because I just wanted to write raps. I used to go and find instrumentals when I was around 13, and I would write my own rhymes and record my own mixtapes. Me and my crew were making mixtapes, writing original lyrics over other people's beats, and that's what really got me into writing," he had said.

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A post shared by Jay Sean (@jaysean)

But for his parents, music wasn't a traditional occupation and they encouraged him to focus on his studies. Someone who excelled in academics, he won himself a scholarship at the Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry to train as a doctor only to drop out in 2003 to pursue a career in singing. To kick start his career in music, he chose Jay Sean as his stage name. "Jay comes from my last name Jhooti and my grandmother used to call me ‘Shaan’ which is where Sean comes from," he revealed.

The poster boy of the UK's Asian underground scene

Life took a beautiful turn when one of his tracks One Minute fell into the hands of producer Rishi Rich, thus giving birth to the Rishi Rich project in 2003 that had Sean, Juggy D and Rich as its prime members. The trio exploded on the UK's Asian Underground scene with Dance With You, a chartbuster that made it to Top 20 hit. Such was the mania that even Virgin Records couldn't miss the chance of signing a £1 million deal with this rising star. Under Relentless Records, Jay belted out his first solo outing Eyes On You. The peppy beats and his velvety voice cast its spell on music lovers across the globe, making the song a Top 10 hit among all the Indian artists.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8uztB31eUw

Global hip-hop icon

2004 came with the promise of Jay Sean being the next big thing. Each of his singles made the right noise in the music circle and soon he was hailed as the Asian sensation. His experimental and creative fusion of contemporary R&B and Indian music hit the right chord with music lovers across the globe. But his fallout with Virgin Records gave him time to self-reflect and use it to write songs. After a hiatus of almost two years, Sean returned with a bang with his second album My Own Way, which debuted at number six in the UK with its hit song Ride It smashing records. He soon found himself nominated at MOBO Award for Best UK Male and Best R&B/Soul among music heavyweights like Chris Brown, Estelle and Ne-Yo, which spoke volumes about him gaining popularity as a household sensation.

Champion of diversity

In 2008, Jay scripted history when he bagged a deal with Cash Money Records becoming the first South Asian singer and among few Indian artists to achieve the feat. The accomplishment opened an opportunity for the world to witness South Asian culture from close quarters. The deal bagged Jay his first collaboration with Lil Wayne, and the single became an instant hit zooming its way up the Billboard. This made him the first Asian British artiste to top the Hot 100 since Freddie Mercury of Queen in 1980.

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A post shared by Jay Sean (@jaysean)

"Me getting to this point provides me the opportunity to show people what our culture is all about. Our community is just as or even more so musically inclined and now is our time to show the world that we are just like everybody else. The fact that my grandfather and my father had to hide their identity to assimilate into culture was unjust. They did not think that such barriers could be broken in their lifetime. I take it very seriously that I have one shot to make it – not just for myself, but my community," he said in an interview.

Smashing stereotypes

After winning three awards including Best Male, Best Urban Act and Best Album at the 2009 UK Asian Music Awards, he performed with Akon at the Grammy same year. Such was the craze around this British Asian sensation that he found himself on Number 35 in Billboard's Hot 100 Artists of the year. The year came to a stunning end for the artiste as he became the first South Asian to perform at the Madison Square Garden in New York. For the next few years, he belted out hits after hits with The Mistress, Do You Remember and All or Nothing. It was in 2015 that he reunited with Rishi Rich and Juggy D to restart the Rishi Rich project with their new single Freak.

In 2020, Jay resurfaced with a bang with Eyes on You 2 which reached No 1 on BBC Asian Chart. While his journey has had its shares of ups and downs, like any Asian, he too felt stereotyped in the initial years of his career. "I have experienced stereotypes and lack of equal opportunities. The reason being that certain people don’t look at you as an artist but take the whole package into mind and put you in a box. I experienced it a lot but I also took it upon myself to show people very early on in my career that there was no stopping me. When they would label me as a specific type of artiste, I would break out of that box and do something completely different every single time. It’s something I really love doing. Hopping onto different genres and expanding on what I can do as an artiste," he said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idMkbS6LWA8

And now he is back with yet again foot tapping number Heartless, which coincides with his 20th year in the music industry. "I feel so blessed when I think about completing 20 years in this music industry. That is such a blessing because now everything is so disposable," he said.

Giving back

When he is not busy making music, he lends support to organisations and causes that resonate with him. For someone who was training to be a doctor in his graduation, medical field is closer to his heart. In 2004 and 2009, he supported the Aga Khan Foundation in the charity event Partnership Walk and Run by performing in Regent's Park. Around the same time, he performed at Justin Timberlake's charity concert to raise funds for the Shriners Hospital for Children, thus raising more than $9 million along with artistes like Taylor Swift and Alicia Key. In 2012, he joined Child Hunger Ends Here campaign, and recorded a song Here's Hope to create awareness.

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How Lord Karan Bilimoria turned Cobra Beer from an Indian to a global brand

(April 4, 2024) In 1990, Lord Karan Bilimoria, launched Cobra Beer, a legacy he has crafted over the last three decades. Cobra Beer, rooted in a traditional Indian recipe with a contemporary twist, stands out amidst the UK's diverse beer portfolio earning 101 gold medals at the prestigious Monde Selection, the quality awards. The entrepreneur holds a prominent position in the House of Lords, bearing the title of Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea. He is also the Chancellor of the University of Birmingham since 2014, and is a trustee at the Cobra Foundation. With various board memberships in educational institutions and charitable organisations, Bilimoria champions renowned institutions like the British Library and serves as an international envoy for London. After completing his undergraduate studies in commerce in India, Karan Bilimoria moved to the United Kingdom to take a job at Ernst & Young. In the UK he qualified as a chartered accountant (CPA), and then went to Cambridge University to pursue law. He was planning to become a barrister or an adviser in the world of mergers and acquisitions. However, fate had some other plans in store. “Sitting in a traditional British pub one evening after classes, wondering whether to have

world of mergers and acquisitions. However, fate had some other plans in store.

“Sitting in a traditional British pub one evening after classes, wondering whether to have a too-fizzy lager or a too-heavy ale, I had an idea: I wanted to create a more balanced beer, one that would pair well with food, especially the spicy curries from home. It would appeal to both men and women. And I could eventually sell it around the world,” he mentioned in a column that he wrote for the Harvard Business Review. “That was the dream. Today it is a reality.”

[caption id="attachment_50483" align="aligncenter" width="532"] Indians in UK | Lord Karan Bilimoria |Global Indian Karan Bilimoria[/caption]

The beer brand Cobra that Bilimoria eventually launched in 1990 has been generating over $250 million annually in global retail sales. “The journey required a great deal of creativity. It also demanded vision, flexibility, and integrity—not just from me but from everyone who helped me build the business,” Bilimoria mentioned.

From dream to reality

Bilimoria was always a beer lover but often found lagers to be bland, gassy and bloating; while he found ale too heavy and bitter to drink with food. “I wanted something in between—cold and refreshing but also smooth,” the entrepreneur reminisced. He spent many nights experimenting - mixing available brews to find the right blend. Although he was following his heart, his mind was firm that launching a beer brand as one’s first business venture was an ambitious plan – not a very practical thing to do without any business experience.

Around that time his polo team at Cambridge planned a tour to India. Bilimoria saw an opportunity in this. While he went to India with his team, he procured some Indian-made polo sticks and started selling them in the UK. It was the year 1989 when he teamed up with Arjun Reddy, one of his friends from Hyderabad and launched their polo stick import business. The business venture served two purposes - while Bilimoria was trying to develop some business acumen, he was also facilitating commerce between his country of origin and the country he emigrated for his higher studies. In due course Bilimoria and Reddy expanded their business with import of traditional Indian goods, including garments, silk and leather in addition to the polo sticks.

Within nine months of starting their business they got introduced by chance to India’s largest independent brewer, in Bangalore which employed the country’s finest brew master, an Indian biochemist who had studied in Prague. The brewery had never exported its product.

[caption id="attachment_50487" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Indians in UK | Lord Karan Bilimoria |Global Indian Karan Bilimoria[/caption]

“I seized the opening and explained my idea. The company first suggested that we import two of its brands to the UK: Pals and Knock Out. But the former shared the name of a British dog food, and the latter—suggesting a boxer’s punch—wasn’t what we had in mind,” he shared. Luckily the company agreed to let Bilimoria and Reddy develop their own brand using its facilities in Bangalore. “I already had the taste in my mind; the brew master and I just needed to sit in the laboratory and come up with the recipe,” shared Bilimoria.

He stayed in India for several months while his business partner, Reddy was in London, managing business operations there. When finally, Bilimoria developed the right brew he returned back to the UK, drove around in a battered old car to all the top Indian restaurants introducing their proprietors to his beer. He received good response, and the beer business scaled up. Bilimoria and Reddy even found an angel investor.

They hired a few more salespeople, and started investing in marketing. “We created pint glasses featuring a map of India and gave them to restaurants, whose owners reported that customers liked them so much they were taking them home,” shared Bilimoria.

Scaling up despite odds

By the time their venture turned five Cobra beer’s revenue was a whooping £2 million. Bilimoria’s partner, Reddy, didn't want to continue further. He was happy with what he had achieved so far and moved out of the venture. “But I wanted to stick with Cobra. I strongly believed that it could become a global brand, so I bought him out on his terms, and we remain good friends,” Bilimoria shared. “Happily, sales doubled the next year.”

Until then Cobra beer was being produced at the Bangalore but the brewery had started to struggle in coping up with the growing demands. Bilimoria moved the production to Bedford, in the UK. With time Cobra beer’s reach expanded even further in the UK - to all types of restaurants, not just pubs and bars.

During this whole process, the business witnessed significant challenges but Bilimoria persevered. “I wanted to create the finest Indian beer and sell it everywhere. With determination, my team and I turned Cobra into a household name in Britain, and that strength of brand helped us through tough times; during none of the crises did our sales decline,” Bilimoria shared.

[caption id="attachment_50484" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Indians in UK | Lord Karan Bilimoria |Global Indian Karan Bilimoria[/caption]

Turning global

In 2009, Molson Coors, a Canadian-American multinational company which has been brewing for two centuries recognised Cobra’s potential and formed a joint venture with Bilimoria, facilitating expansion into numerous European countries, as well as Japan, Canada, and Australia.

We’ve been creative and flexible—willing to constantly adapt, learn, grow, and innovate. That’s the heart of successful entrepreneurship: knowing where you want to go but staying open to different ways of getting there.

Lord Karan Bilimoria

In 2018 Cobra launched Cobra Malabar, an Indian Pale Ale (IPA) that comes from a complex, top-fermented recipe, adding an Indian touch to the global brand.

Beyond entrepreneurship

While Bilimoria was working on the continued success of Cobra, he also got involved in the broader UK business and political community, and served as deputy lieutenant of Greater London. In 2006 he was named an independent crossbench life peer in the House of Lords. In 2014 he was appointed as the Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, and became a board member of several educational and charitable organisations. “I’ve tried to bring my entrepreneurial experiences and approach to these roles, too,” Bilimoria mentions.

ALSO READ | Rupee Beer: Van and Sumit’s flavourful journey to introduce Indian craft beer to the world

Giving back through Cobra Foundation

Established in 2005 on the occasion of 15th anniversary of Cobra Beer Ltd, Cobra Foundation operates as an independent charity registered in the United Kingdom. Its primary goal is to empower young people in South Asia by focusing on health, education, and community support, with a special focus on access to safe water.

The foundation is also committed to providing aid for disaster relief efforts. Whether it was Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh, Bihar floods in India, floods in Pakistan, earthquakes in Nepal, or cyclone in Tamil Nadu, India, Cobra Foundation has contributed generously to aid relief efforts.

Over the years, Cobra Foundation has impacted hundreds of charities and initiatives, offered financial grants and donated complimentary Cobra beer for fundraising events. Among the popular incentives is a complimentary case of Cobra beer every month for a year, accompanied by responsible drinking guidelines.

In collaboration with Belu, a UK based social enterprise and drinks company Cobra Foundation supports WaterAid, an international non-governmental organisation, focused on water, sanitation and hygiene.

The foundation also facilitates educational opportunities by hosting Indian doctors for three-month attachments at prominent training hospitals in the UK.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU1xtYmdUb0

Influence of India’s diversity on Bilimoria’s personality

Lord Karan Bilimoria comes from a Zoroastrian Parsi family in India. His father and both paternal as well as maternal grandfathers had worked for the Indian armed forces. So, there were frequent transfers that the family was accustomed to. Bilimoria has stayed in several cities and has studied in schools across India. He calls this experience ‘transformative.’

“My parents used to say, wherever you go you always find interesting people and you will always find something of interest in that place that will be special.” Looking back on his life he finds their words to be true. “India is the most diverse country in the world in every way, whether it's in terrain, religion, races and languages. I've been lucky from my childhood onwards to have experienced the diversity of India,” remarked the British Indian entrepreneur and philanthropist crediting his trait of adaptability and flexibility in both personal and professional life to his rich childhood experiences.

Follow Lord Karan Bilimoria on LinkedIn and X

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Durga Puja, art, and activism: The world of Bhabatosh Sutar

(October 20, 2023) Bhabatosh Sutar is a highly skilled artist with two-and-a half decades of experience in Western painting techniques and a wide array of artistic expressions, including sculpture, and installation art which grace prestigious museums, galleries and public places. He is renowned as a Durga Puja artist, crafting exclusive themes for pujas that showcase not only his artistic design and sculpting expertise but also his architectural, sound and light acumen, and passion to highlight community based issues. This year Sutar achieved a significant milestone in his career with the creation of an exclusive fiberglass idol for a Durga Puja celebration in New Jersey. However, it’s not his first creation that went abroad, many of his works, mostly paintings and sculptures, have found place in homes of art lovers in distant lands like Germany and UK. In September-October, all of eastern India, and West Bengal in particular, comes alive with the festive energy of Durga Puja. The masterfully designed pandals and crafted idols of the Goddess are a spectacle to behold. In 2021, UNESCO recognised Durga Puja as an 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity', a source of pride for artisans, designers, cultural event organisers, as well as for the enthusiastic

-puja-inscribed-unesco-representative-list-intangible-cultural-heritage-humanity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNESCO recognised Durga Puja as an 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity', a source of pride for artisans, designers, cultural event organisers, as well as for the enthusiastic communities who celebrate this grand festival. The festival also holds a special place in the hearts of the diaspora worldwide. While artists and organisers in India have explored innovative themes, diaspora communities have largely stuck to traditional idols and designs.

In East Brunswick, New Jersey, the Utsov club, a prominent organiser of Durga Puja in Edison town, has taken a unique approach this year. To help them in their endeavour to do things differently, they engaged Bhabhatosh Sutar, the reputed Durga Puja artist acclaimed for his fusion of innovation and tradition, to conceptualise and create exclusive theme-based pujas, captivating audiences with experiential designs.

[caption id="attachment_46094" align="aligncenter" width="820"] Indian Art and Culture | Bhabatosh Sutar | Global Indian Bhabatosh Sutar[/caption]

“I chose to collaborate with them because they were seeking innovation, which aligns with the kind of creative ideas I specialise in,” says Sutar, as he connects with Global Indian. This collaboration marks a new milestone in the career of the artist who is now in talks with a UK based club for their next year’s celebration.

“For me, my Durga Puja creations go beyond mere economic benefits. They are a manifestation of my passion for conceiving exclusive Puja themes. This is why my focus is less on the foreign market as they tend to favour traditional designs," he adds.

Building a brand of his own

The esteemed Durga Puja artist, who has recently launched his second book, modestly remarks, "I have had the privilege of conceiving 50 one-of-a-kind pujas, each driven by original ideas, in collaboration with some of Kolkata and Odisha’s most distinguished clubs revered for their theme-based festivities.”

Durga Puja-related art consumes half of his year, while the other six months are dedicated to a diverse array of artistic pursuits. “I have not confined myself to single medium of art, rather love to explore different mediums to express my ideas to give voice to community issues,” he says. “I love challenging myself by redefining myself through my work,” he adds. Beyond his creative work, Sutar loves reading, writing, and actively engages in art for activism.

[caption id="attachment_46095" align="aligncenter" width="726"] Indian Art and Culture | Bhabatosh Sutar | Global Indian Bhabatosh Sutar with West Bengal CM, Mamta Banerjee in 2017[/caption]

His bilingual books Mathe Ghate Shilpo: Art on Ground Zero, written in two parts, is based on his experiences in the Durga Puja industry of two and a half decades. Talking about his second book that got launched this Mahalaya, he says “It’s a coffee table book illuminating the journey of artisans who migrate from villages to towns for three months during Durga Puja, showcasing how their indigenous art becomes an integral part of contemporary celebrations. It highlights the mutual learning and knowledge exchange that takes place between these artisans and the modern artists in town.”

Art for activism and beyond through Chander Haat

Bhabatosh Sutar is a key member of Chander Haat, a collaborative hub that supports cross-disciplinary endeavours, creating an expansive stage for community-driven art initiatives.

“Chander Haat has rapidly gained popularity for dedication of artists who are not just deeply committed to their craft but make use of it for making the society a better place by working on issues such as women’s empowerment, and empowerment of the downtrodden communities, and migrant labourers” he tells. They make use of art for activism.

“Both local community and art enthusiasts benefit from this holistic approach, enjoying the creative process without being confined to the exclusive sphere of the high-end art world,” he remarks.

Chander Haat's multi-faceted approach also includes engaging in Durga Puja festivals, where artists create idols that resonate with the wider community. It's not just about serving the gallery circuit; the primary focus is on enlightening the common people about the visual arts' connection to life.

[caption id="attachment_46114" align="aligncenter" width="517"] Indian Art and Culture | Bhabatosh Sutar | Global Indian Bhabatosh Sutar[/caption]

The course of life

Born in 1974 in Bangladesh, Sutar migrated to Kolkata as a seven year old. He and his siblings grew up in financial hardship as their father worked as a daily wage labourer.
“As early as the age of five, I realised that I had an artist within me. I loved to draw and paint” says the versatile artist, whose mother was creatively inclined and was very good at handicrafts and music.

Bhabatosh Sutar graduated from the Government College of Art and Craft, Calcutta in 2000, as a student of Western painting. After passing out, the talented artist did not remain confined to just painting, and built his speciality in a wider spectrum of artistic expression.

He has several unique art exhibitions in his repertoire, including the 2022 solo exhibition ‘Celebration’, which was a kind of a memorial to the difficulties faced by people like vegetable vendors, rickshawallahs and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) workers during the pandemic. He recorded the stories of 64 such people and made their terracotta portraits. Their stories were even audible when one placed the ear near each portrait.

[caption id="attachment_46112" align="aligncenter" width="766"] Indian Art and Culture | Bhabatosh Sutar | Global Indian Bhabatosh Sutar's work[/caption]

Sutar’s works grace prestigious museums galleries and public places in Kolkata, such as the Behala Archaeological Museum, Open Museum, Eco Tourism Park, and the pavilion of prestigious hotel, ITC Sonar Bangla.

Since Durga Puja is a central focus of life in West Bengal, he developed expertise in crafting idols of the Goddess. “I am not just confined to creating clay idols but make use of a diverse array of materials like metal, wood, fibreglass and more,” he says.

With his magnificent fusion of tradition and innovation, and meticulous attention to detail, Bhabatosh Sutar has been crafting Durga idols that are not just religious symbols but also exquisite works of art. His idols are known for their lifelike expressions and striking aesthetics, capturing the essence of divinity and feminine strength. The themes surrounding these idols stimulate contemplation for both the locals and the tourists who flock in lakhs to witness the festivities.

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

Follow Bhabatosh Sutar on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
Visit his website for additional information

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Vandana Luthra the businesswoman who brought the winds of change to the Indian wellness industry

(October 16, 2021) In the late 1980s, when Vandana Luthra came up with the idea of a transformation center – offering beauty services, wellness and weight management programs for men and women all under one roof – many, including her financiers, were apprehensive. Some even dismissed her idea as too futuristic. Back then, the health and wellness industry were doing well abroad but were still unheard of on Indian shores. After all, it was an era when most women would head to their friendly neighborhood parlor, one would that often be tucked into the owner’s home, for their beauty needs. She painstakingly convinced people that her venture as a business model was both scalable and sustainable. Despite the naysayers, Vandana stayed persistent. The convincing took a while, but she secured a bank loan and the first VLCC transformation center opened up in Safdarjung development area in New Delhi in 1989. [embed]https://twitter.com/Vandanaluthra/status/1440666809519067155?s=20[/embed] Woman with a vision Fast forward to 2021 and the numbers speak for themselves. The VLCC health care operates in 326 locations in 153 cities and 13 countries in South Asia, South East Asia, the GCC region and east Africa; the company manufactures and markets 170 hair care, skin care and body care products along with functional and fortified foods, which are sold through one lakh outlets in India and over 10,000 outlets across various countries and e-commerce channels.

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Fast forward to 2021 and the numbers speak for themselves. The VLCC health care operates in 326 locations in 153 cities and 13 countries in South Asia, South East Asia, the GCC region and east Africa; the company manufactures and markets 170 hair care, skin care and body care products along with functional and fortified foods, which are sold through one lakh outlets in India and over 10,000 outlets across various countries and e-commerce channels.

Today, her chain of transformation centers VLCC is a brand to reckon with. Vandana’s work also earned her the Padma Shri in 2013, the Enterprise Asia Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2010, and the Asian Business Leaders Forum Trailblazer Award in 2012. She was also ranked 26th in the Forbes Asia list of 50 Power Businesswomen in the APAC Region and was featured in Fortune’s 50 Most Powerful Women in Business in India list for five straight years.

Indian businesswoman Vandana Luthra

Long road ahead

But she is not done yet. "By nature, I am a restless person. Though I certainly take great pride in what the VLCC family has achieved, we have much more to accomplish," says Vandana during an exclusive chat with Global Indian. She says that the incidence of obesity continues to rise alarmingly and its related issues are a huge public health challenge. "The COVID-19 crisis has heightened awareness about proactive and preventive healthcare across age groups and that has made a leading Wellness & Beauty services and products player like VLCC even more relevant today. We have a significant role to play in this area," she says.

Vandana says she realized quite early in her entrepreneurial career that there were certain stereotypes that needed to be challenged. "Nutrition is the key aspect of providing wellness, weight management, skin and hair treatments for a 360-degree transformation. Though there were women out there who had very impressive qualifications in dietetics, very few had taken up that academic qualification to make a career in the nutrition domain," she says. Most women would only opt for these courses to attract good matrimonial prospects.

[caption id="attachment_13281" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Indian businesswoman Vandana Luthra Vandana with her husband Mukesh[/caption]

The Delhi girl with a mission

Born in New Delhi in July 1959, Vandana’s father Ram Arora was a mechanical engineer, while her mother Kamini an Ayurvedic doctor. Vandana did her schooling from Mater Dei School before graduating from Lady Shriram College in 1979. She then chose to move to Karlsruhe in Germany for her higher studies in cosmetology and nutrition.

Ask her what she makes of her journey when she looks back, and she says, "Over the years, I have become far more aware about issues than I otherwise would have had I been focusing only on the transactional aspects of creating and nurturing successful businesses," says the 61-year-old.

Recalling her own experiences, the entrepreneur says that one of the first issues that a woman grapples with when embarking on a professional journey is self-doubt with respect to work-life balance. "This issue may be less acute today when compared to two-three decades ago but women continue to struggle with it. If one takes a look at the traditional, stereotypical role of women as homemakers, they will realize that women are inherently good managers, balancing work and home. So, one need not obsess too much about balancing different priorities, it comes naturally to women," says Vandana, herself a mother of two.

"Our 3,000-odd colleagues across 12 countries are the torchbearers of VLCC's success," smiles Vandana. She credits her husband Mukesh and their two daughters who helped her ride the tide throughout her entrepreneurial journey. "Then came along my VLCC family which has grown over the years and has always been my strength," smiles Vandana, who was appointed the first chairperson of the Beauty and Wellness sector skill council, an initiative that provides training under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana scheme, in 2014.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4WHiAs2WAM[/embed]

Giving Back

While her work keeps Vandana busy, it is the Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust, of which she is the patron, that is close to her heart. Founded by her mother, the trust pioneered the concept of educating children with and without disability in equal numbers from nursery to class eight; it has over 800 children in its two schools. Vandana is also the vice chairperson of the NGO Khushii which has projects like telemedicine centers and a remedial school catering to 3,000 children.

On Brand India, Vandana explains how it has evolved over the years to become a multi-faceted icon. "Today, brand India stands tall among the community of nations for its reputation as a unique tourist destination, splendid in its diversity, for its status as a growing economic powerhouse, for its attractiveness as a large and lucrative market of over 1.3 billion consumers, for the respect it commands as a talent nurturing pool for outstanding leaders in the global corporate world. The list is long," says Vandana, who has authored two books on wellness and fitness.

Follow Vandana on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Reading Time: 8 mins

Frank Islam: The Indian American visionary is bridging worlds through philanthropy, leadership and influence

(March 2, 2024) A few years ago, prominent Indian American investor Frank Islam, donated $2 million to his alma mater, Aligarh Muslim University. An ace philanthropist, Islam and his wife Debbie established the Frank Islam and Debbie Driesman Charitable Foundation in 2007 and have transformed millions of lives with their initiatives. Frank is the chairman, CEO, and founder of FI Investment Group LLC (FIIG). He has served on numerous boards and advisory councils supporting the arts, higher education, and civic engagement, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Strathmore Center for the Arts, UN Foundation's Global Leadership Council, Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government, the U.S. Institute of Peace, American University; Johns Hopkins University, George Mason University; and the University of Maryland Smith School of Business among others. Frank is also the founding chairman of Potomac Charities. In 2022, he was appointed as a member of the Commission on Presidential Scholars by President Joe Biden. A series of striking images featuring Frank Islam alongside prominent world figures such as Biden, Barack and Michelle Obama, Narendra Modi, and Bill and Hillary Clinton open the documentary narrating Frank’s multifaceted life. The journey of the investor who is also a

en.

A series of striking images featuring Frank Islam alongside prominent world figures such as Biden, Barack and Michelle Obama, Narendra Modi, and Bill and Hillary Clinton open the documentary narrating Frank’s multifaceted life. The journey of the investor who is also a philanthropist, civic and thought leader, author, TV host, political activist, and art connoisseur, immediately captivates viewers' attention.

His powerful words, serving as the background voiceover in the documentary, draw the audience further into his compelling story:

My story can only happen in America, not anywhere else. I was not born with a silver spoon. I grew up in a middle-class family. I always had the desire, joy, and discipline to take risks and become an entrepreneur. I always believe that if you work hard, if you try to aim high you will be successful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmNwExatdnI&t=244s

From Azamgarh to America

Frank's journey began in a quaint village in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. Born in 1953 as Fakhrul Islam, he hailed from a religious family of modest means. After completing his high school education in Varanasi, he went on to study at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), an alma mater that he holds in high esteem and fondly refers to as ‘a great influence in his life, his story, and his journey.

During his time at AMU, Frank developed a deep appreciation for education, viewing it as a transformative force that not only provided knowledge and skills but also instilled dignity and hope. His love for education motivated him to go to the United States, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science from the University of Colorado in Boulder. There, he also got his name Frank from one of his professors.

From the dusty streets of Azamgarh to Aligarh to America, I crossed the ocean to realize and to achieve and to attain the American dream.

Islam had remarked later in an interview

[caption id="attachment_49591" align="aligncenter" width="663"] Indian Philanthropist | Frank Islam | Global Indian Frank Islam with the US President Joe Biden[/caption]

Taking life in his stride

Despite initial challenges of assimilating into American society, Frank remained grateful for the opportunities the country provided, and excelled with his hard work.

After graduating from university, Frank entered the workforce, gaining experience in various IT companies, while nurturing his ambition to become an entrepreneur. In late 1994, he founded the QSS Group, mortgaging his house to invest in his business. The transition from employee to entrepreneur was daunting at first, but he stayed positive and took the difficulties in his stride.

Under his leadership, QSS Group grew from a one-person operation into a company with more than 3,000 employees’ generating revenues of approximately $300M before its sale.

I started my business in 1994 and those were dark and desperate days of my life. I was only with $500 that I invested into this company, with no insurance, and no place to go. But I believed there was a future. Otherwise, I would’ve never started. So, I was willing to take the risk. And I always believed in taking a risk.

The Indo American visionary said in an interview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwOa0U5ktmM

With decades of experience in IT, aerospace engineering services, and systems integration, Frank successfully made a mark for himself and received recognition in the form of the Ernst and Young Award, Maryland Entrepreneur of the Year award in 1999 and the U.S. Small Business Administration award in 2001.

He sold QSS Group, and established FI Investment Group LLC (FIIG) in 2007. FIIG specialises in offering growth capital to emerging companies and overseeing specialised and branded funds. Frank's investment approach revolves around pioneering strategies for value creation, often leading the way as an early investor in new economic models.

Creating a powerful network and legacy

Frank Islam has played a significant role in supporting the presidential campaigns of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden, dedicating time and raising millions in funds. As a member of Hillary Clinton’s finance committee, he personally contributed one million dollars to her campaign.

Politics has designed the landscape of America. This is how capitalism grows as democracy flourishes. And this is how you have a voice that should be heard, and therefore you have a seat on the table, which is very important.

Frank remarked in an interview

He has cultivated robust friendships with a network of leaders from not just politics but also business, education, and the arts.

[caption id="attachment_49593" align="aligncenter" width="627"] Indian Philanthropist | Frank Islam | Global Indian Frank Islam with Barack Obama[/caption]

Matters of the heart - Norton Manor

Frank Islam hosts several charitable events at his residence, 'Norton Manor' which the Global Indian has built with love as a tribute to his adopted country. Drawing inspiration from The Elms of Newport, Rhode Island and many other iconic sites, his mansion's façade boasts grandeur. Inside, the foyer features a domed ceiling reminiscent of the Capitol Rotunda or Statuary Hall, while the hand-painted murals depict Maryland landscapes. Norton Manor’s library has an exact replica of the iconic presidential desk at the Oval office, which has even garnered appreciation from both Biden and Obama who have been for fundraisers at the house.

Situated on a sprawling 10-acre estate in Potomac, one of the richest suburbs of Washington, 'Norton Manor' has several man-made water streams, fountains, and gardens inspired by historical landmarks such as Hampton Court Palace in England and the Rose Garden at the White House. Additionally, the property includes a reflecting pool in the front. Talking about the pool Frank Islam had remarked, "I got the idea from the Presidential Palace in India. The Taj Mahal also has a beautiful reflecting pool. It is indeed very nice in the evening; you can see the reflection of the house in the pool.”

[caption id="attachment_49596" align="aligncenter" width="756"] Indian Philanthropist | Frank Islam | Global Indian Frank Islam's mansion, Norton Manor[/caption]

Love for words – writing, speaking, and broadcasting

Frank is both a prolific writer and influential thinker. He is also the author of books: Working the Pivot Points: To Make America Work Again (2013) and Renewing the American Dream: A Citizen’s Guide for Restoring Our Competitive Advantage (2010). He has been actively sharing his knowledge and expertise through blogs at The Medium, and has contributed to The Huffington Post for a decade. He has also been associated as columnist for publications like Foreign Policy, The International Business Times, and Economic Times, among others. Additionally, the man with a gift of gab has hosted TV shows like the Washington Current Review on FOX 5 News and Washington Calling on South Asia Monitor (SAM).

In 2018, he founded the Frank Islam Institute for 21st Century Citizenship to tackle the growing deficit in civic engagement both in the United States and globally. Redefining citizenship in light of contemporary challenges and opportunities, the institute operates a website and releases a monthly newsletter.

Frank also has a YouTube channel where he hosts talks with leaders of different fields and also shares his speeches given at various business, education, and non-profit events.

[caption id="attachment_49597" align="aligncenter" width="755"] Indian Philanthropist | Frank Islam | Global Indian Frank Islam at the inauguration ceremony of the Frank & Debbie Islam Management Complex[/caption]

Giving Back

Deeply committed to serving his homeland, with the belief that education is the key to eradicating poverty in India, particularly among Muslim minorities, Frank has established a school in Azamgarh in memory of his mother.

Through the Frank Islam & Debbie Driesman Charitable Foundation, he supports the education of numerous students from Azamgarh at AMU and facilitates job opportunities for AMU students in the United States. His financial contributions to AMU have led to the establishment of the Frank & Debbie Islam Management Complex at the university.

It is my fondest hope, and my deepest desire, to help those who are so voiceless. The conditions that they live in – especially in Azamgarh and Aligarh – break my heart. I want them to have hope, aspirations and dreams.

Frank shared in an interview

For his dedication to philanthropy in education and student support, Frank Islam received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Aligarh Muslim University in 2016, joining esteemed recipients like A.R. Rahman (2009), Dilip Kumar (2002), and the late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (2008).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvqK2LRBxDY

Significant accomplishments and associations

A conference room at the United States Institute of Peace is named after Frank Islam and his wife, Debbie Driesman
In September, 2013, the then U.S. President Barack Obama had appointed him to the board of trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
He has received several awards in his illustrious career - The Indus Entrepreneurs (Tie) Legends Award, Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award for International Service, Montgomery County Business Hall of Fame Award, Interfaith Leadership Award, Global Leadership Award, Philanthropist of the Year Award, and the UP Ratna Award (by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, UP, India)
Frank Islam serves on the boards of non-profit organizations like TiE-DC and Strathmore Center for the Arts in Maryland, chairs the StateDemocracy Foundation, and supports the Center for American Progress, a progressive public policy research and advocacy organization in the U.S.

Follow Frank Islam on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and his Website

Reading Time: 5 mins