globalindian.com/lalit-verma

Cover Story · 5 May 2026

Lalit Verma: The cultural curator whose work reached UNESCO, the Kumbh, and Cannes

Lalit Verma is many things — photographer, founder of Aurodhan Art Gallery, curator of over three thousand cultural events, and India's quiet cultural ambassador to the world.

His photographs have graced the Indian Parliament House in New Delhi and UNESCO Paris, earning appreciation from the President and Prime Minister of India as well as the Director-General of UNESCO. His work has travelled from the banks of the Maha Kumbh to the festival screens at Cannes, earning him honours including a Lifetime Achievement Award and the Viswa Ratna. Yet beneath all of it runs a single, animating belief that life unfolds along two parallel paths — the earthly and the divine — and that art, at its best, is where the two meet.

A global voice for oneness

Lalit's latest initiative — Oneness Through Yoga — is a natural extension of his long-running Oneness Through Art movement, exploring how creativity and inner awareness can transcend divisions. Over the decades, through more than three thousand events offered freely to the public, his work has steadily fostered harmony and goodwill, raising what he describes as art consciousness — a collective awakening to beauty, culture, and shared humanity.

Roots in the forest

Born on 15 January 1965 in Ludhiana, Lalit spent his early childhood in the forests of Gomia, near Hazaribagh, where his father worked with Imperial Chemical Industries. "It was an environment both raw and formative — surrounded by nature, unpredictability, and a sense of quiet wonder."

From Tata to Aurodhan

His professional life took shape in the boardrooms of the Tata Group, where he worked under leaders such as Russi Mody during the era of J. R. D. Tata. It was an experience that instilled in him a sense of excellence, discipline, and large-scale thinking — qualities he would carry into his next chapter. That chapter was Aurodhan.

… continues for the full feature

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    Sanjeev Sanyal

    Sanjeev Sanyal

    Sanjeev Sanyal, a distinguished Indian economist and popular historian, was born in Kolkata. His early years were shaped by his education at St. Xavier’s School and St. James’ School. Sanjeev pursued his Bachelor’s degree in economics from Shri Ram College of Commerce in New Delhi. He later embarked on an academic journey at St. John’s College, University of Oxford, where he earned a BA in philosophy, politics, and economics in 1992. In 1994, he furthered his studies and obtained an MSc in Economics.

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    Personal Life of Sanjeev Sanyal

    Beyond his professional endeavors, Sanjeev Sanyal has a multifaceted personal life. While specific details about his personal interests and hobbies are not widely available, it is evident that his passion for history and economics extends beyond his career. It is through these personal interests that he has been able to contribute significantly to the field of Indian history.

    Professional Life of Sanjeev Sanyal

    Sanjeev Sanyal’s professional journey has been marked by numerous accomplishments. He started his career in financial economics during the 1990s. In 2004, he co-founded the Green Indian States Trust with environmental economist Pavan Sukhdev, which aimed to promote sustainable development. He worked as the chief economist for South and Southeast Asia at Deutsche Bank until 2008, when he temporarily left to research and write his book, “Land of the Seven Rivers.” After his return to Deutsche Bank in 2011, he eventually became a managing director and global strategist.

    Sanjeev Sanyal has made significant contributions to the Indian government as well. In 2017, he was appointed as the Principal Economic Adviser to the Indian Ministry of Finance, playing a crucial role in preparing six editions of the Economic Survey of India. In February 2022, he was appointed as a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, further solidifying his expertise and influence in economic matters.

    In addition to his governmental roles, Sanyal has been actively involved in various projects and initiatives. He served on the Future City Sub-Committee of the Singapore government, where he contributed to shaping a long-term vision for the city-state. Sanyal also acted as the patron for the first edition of the Delhi University Literature Festival in March 2023, showcasing his commitment to fostering cultural and intellectual dialogue.

    Awards and Recognitions

    Sanjeev Sanyal’s contributions to the field of economics and his insightful historical works have garnered recognition and acclaim. In 2007, he was awarded an Eisenhower Fellowship for his work on urban issues. In 2010, he was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, a testament to his exceptional leadership and expertise. Throughout his career, he has held fellowships and positions at prestigious institutions such as the Royal Geographical Society, London, Oxford University, and the World Wide Fund for Nature.

    Age

    As of the reference content’s publication date in 2023, Sanjeev Sanyal’s current age is not explicitly mentioned. However, based on the timeline of his educational achievements and professional accomplishments, it can be inferred that he is likely in his late 40s or early 50s.

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