President | Droupadi Murmu | Global Indian

Global IndianstoryA tale of courage: Droupadi Murmu’s accession to the Rashtrapati Bhavan entails a series of many firsts

A tale of courage: Droupadi Murmu’s accession to the Rashtrapati Bhavan entails a series of many firsts

Written by: Namrata Srivastava

(July 23, 2022) The first tribal leader, youngest candidate, and first head of state born post-independence – are just some of the terms which are now being associated with Droupadi Murmu. Winning by a phenomenal margin of 64 percent, the Adivasi leader from Odisha scripted history on July 21, as she became the 15th President of India. After four rounds of polling, where she received 2,824 votes, the former Governor of Jharkhand emerged victorious against Yashwant Sinha, the former Minister of Finance of India.

President Droupadi Murmu with Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Hailing from the Santhal tribe of Odisha, Murmu has a long and glorious political career behind her. Despite several personal setbacks, she kept working towards uplifting the marginalised communities, not just in her state, but across the country. Global Indian takes a look at the life journey of the next Indian President.

Early years

Born in 1958, in Uperbeda, a small village situated approximately 285 km away from Odisha’s capital, Bhubaneswar, Murmu was the only daughter among three kids. Inspired by her father, Biranchi Narayan Tudu, who was the chief of the village, a young Murmu would stay up late at night to study one chapter ahead of what was being taught at her school. The President, however, was not just good at academics. She was also an athlete, who won many medals in school competitions.

An old image of Tudu family. Droupadi Murmu can be seen standing second from right.

After finishing her seventh standard at the Uperbeda Middle English School, Murmu moved to Bhubaneswar, where she completed her high school and moved on to pursue a bachelor of arts at the Rama Devi Women’s College. Married soon after her graduation, she never let anything come in the way of her career. An ambitious youngster, Murmu’s first job was at the Odisha State Irrigation and Power Department, where she worked as a junior assistant from 1979 to 1983. The couple subsequently became parents to two sons and a daughter.

In the early 90s, the family moved to Rairangpur, where Murmu worked as an assistant professor at the Shri Aurobindo Integral Education and Research Institute.

A glorious political journey

As a teacher, Murmu took stock of the many social ills that plagued Rairangpur – such as high illiteracy, bad sanitation, and rampant health issues. Moved by the people’s plight, the President took up voluntary teaching and worked toward educating kids from the most remote parts of Odisha. She entered politics in 1997, contesting in the local polls as a BJP candidate. She won, becoming Rairangpur’s councillor. An able leader, Murmu would personally supervise the sanitisation work in the town, making sure that the drains and garbage were cleaned properly. An excellent orator in Odia and Santhali, Murmu’s persistence and reputation helped many young kids, especially girls, get back to school.

An old staff photograph of Integral School, Rairangpur. Droupadi Murmu is standing fourth from left

A member of the Bhartiya Janata Party, Murmu was elected twice to Odisha’s Legislative Assembly – in 2000 and 2009 – from the Rairangpur seat. In the Biju Janata Dal – BJP coalition led by Naveen Patnaik, Murmu even took care of the commerce and transport, and fisheries and animal resources portfolios. Between 2006 and 2009, BJP made Murmu the state president of its scheduled tribe’s wing, during which Murmu worked extensively with the remote Adivasi communities, suffering from social and economical disadvantages. It was during this period that she was conferred with Nilkantha Award for the best MLA by the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

A tragic turn

Her professional career was flourishing. As she climbed higher in Odisha’s politics, Murmu’s life came to a sudden halt after she lost her eldest son, Laxman Murmu, in 2009. According to reports, the 25-year-old was found unconscious by his bed. Although the family rushed him to the nearby hospital, he couldn’t be saved. About three years later, Murmu lost her second son in a road accident. “I was devastated and suffered from depression,” Murmu had shared, during a 2016 interview with Doordarshan, “I spent sleepless nights after my son’s death. It was when that I visited Brahma Kumaris, I realised I had to move on and live for my two sons and daughter.”

Murmu family

While she was still picking up the pieces of her life, Murmu’s encountered another tragedy. In 2014, Murmu’s husband succumbed to a major cardiac arrest, leaving behind an inconsolable wife. But realising that she had to take care of her teenage daughter, Murmu pulled herself together and continued her work towards the betterment of her community. She later became the National Vice-President of BJP Scheduled Tribes Morcha.

Road to Raisina Hills

After suffering through several personal setbacks, Murmu’s life was slowly coming back on track. Impressed with her work for the socially and economically weaker communities in Odisha, the Government of India appointed her as the Governor of Jharkhand. The first female to be sworn into the office, Murmu took several hard decisions to protect the rights of the tribal community of Jharkhand. This included her refusal to approve the bill seeking amendments to the Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908, and the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act, 1949.

Droupadi Murmu during her presidential campaign

BJP-led National Democratic Alliance considered Murmu’s name as their official candidate for the 2017 Presidential election. However, the party picked Ram Nath Kovind over her. In June 2022, Murmu was nominated by the NDA as their candidate for the 15th President of India. Sixty-four and still enthusiastic to work for the people, Murmu visited numerous states, including Odisha, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and met the head of governments there during her presidential campaign. As many as 73 percent of Members of Parliament and 74 percent of Members of the legislative assembly, of 6,76,803 value, voted for the tribal candidate, who is set to be sworn in as the 15th President of India on July 25, 2022.

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Published on 23, Jul 2022

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Eclectic Food and the Electric Guitar: Cheetie Kumar excels at both

(December 17, 2023) With a passion for food, while pursuing a career as a guitar player with a music band, Cheetie Kumar runs a successful restaurant where she serves global cuisine with an Indian touch. If one looked at Cheetie Kumar's picture and were asked to guess whether she is a musician and a member of a rock band or a chef, most people would probably pick the first option. But, guess what, she is both, and a foodpreneur who makes news in the world of cuisine. Multi-cultural Influences A self-taught success story, Cheetie [real name Chitra], moved to the Bronx in New York with her family when she was eight years old. Hailing from Punjab, Cheetie learnt to adapt to the multi-cultural environment. In an exclusive with Global Indian, Cheetie recalls, "It was a tough but diverse neighbourhood. There were other immigrants as well and seeing the connectivity of people through food when I was older, and the influences of cuisine from all parts of the world, shaped my own cooking." [caption id="attachment_47552" align="aligncenter" width="683"] Cheetie Kumar (Photo Courtesy: Baxter Miller)[/caption] Cheetie would help her mother by doing prep work in the kitchen at home after school and that

g class="size-large wp-image-47552" src="https://stage.globalindian.com//wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ajja_Cheetie-Kumar-photo_Baxter-Miller-photo-credit-683x1024.jpg" alt="Chettie Kumar | Global Indian" width="683" height="1024" /> Cheetie Kumar (Photo Courtesy: Baxter Miller)[/caption]

Cheetie would help her mother by doing prep work in the kitchen at home after school and that fuelled in her an early love for cooking. Though she does regret the fact that she doesn't have age-old recipes to reinvent. "My maternal grandparents lost their lives during the Partition. It is sad that I don’t have access to the food history on my mother's side, which might have had had an Afghan or other influences."

The Sound of Music

Surprisingly, she did not pursue a career in hospitality when she grew up; instead, Cheetie chose to learn music. She was the lead guitarist in the band called The Cherry Valence and recently, Birds of Avalon, where she plays with her husband Paul Siler, who is also her partner in the food business. She describes the music they play as "art rock. It is not heavy metal; we create different sounds with our music; somewhat along the lines of David Bowie and Brian Eno."

In fact, Cheetie remarks that the restaurant business was not a possibility while they were touring with the band in the early years. "When we were touring, six to eight months in a year, I used to read cookbooks while on the road."

[caption id="attachment_47549" align="aligncenter" width="936"] Cheetie Kumar | Global Indian Cheetie Kumar on stage[/caption]

South Side Story

When they set down roots in Raleigh, North Carolina, Cheetie and Paul leased a space to launch a restaurant Garland, which was a favourite with the local community for almost a decade. The venue also housed a cocktail bar and a music studio. Menusofchange.org described the food served at Garland as "an interpretation of local ingredients made through the eyes of someone who grew up in India, New York City and the South."

In fact, some reports reveal how locals were upset it shut down. She says, "It was spread over 11,000 square feet. When the pandemic hit, it was too much for us to manage. My husband and I decided to narrow our focus; we didn't want the music space as it was a separate creative process. We leased this venue and launched our new restaurant." It is called Ajja – from the Hindi phrase aa jaa – which loosely translates to come over.

Cheetie herself defines her food as "multi-cultural." A believer in paradigms like seasonal cooking and ingredient driven food, Cheetie reveals that her ingredients are always those that are grown locally by farmers around them. "The food we serve at Ajja is a blend of Middle Eastern, leaning towards Mediterranean cuisine. Like the space, the food is light, bright, and seasoning driven. There is also the Indian influence, which is the backbone really of everything I create. For example, I serve a fried trout with a tamarind glaze; a lemony dip made with tuvar dal puree and cherry tomatoes; I also give my dishes a masala base and do a tadka. I have included slow cooking techniques too." The cocktails too use Indian spices and masalas with drinks incorporating ingredients like sweet potatoes and beets to cardamom and garam masala.

[caption id="attachment_47553" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Paul Siler and Cheetie Kumar | Global Indian Paul Siler and Cheetie Kumar (Photo Courtesy: Baxter Miller)[/caption]

Food for all Seasons

Cheetie's food philosophy is based on experimenting with ingredients and techniques. She says, "I use root vegetables a lot in winter and tomatoes and eggplant in summer. Some techniques are good with some ingredient and some are not, so there is a lot of trial and error. I am not attached to the outcome, so I find my way around them and create something new. I don't believe in serving ingredients that are bad for the planet though. I love serving vegetables when they are at their peak."

Not overly reliant on animal protein, Cheetie's favourite ingredients to work with are a good quality EVOO, cumin, coriander and fennel. She remains involved with the everyday functioning of the restaurant, even tasting every vegetable that comes in. She says, "On a good day, I spend a little while in the kitchen. Our chef Scott and I create new dishes and that usually takes a couple of days."

She adds that there is never one answer to the challenges one encounters while running a restaurant business. Cheetie is, however, a vocal spokesperson for the Independent Restaurant Coalition, a body that takes the concerns of independent restaurant owners to the government. "It is a tough industry; small businesses employ millions but they are not considered important as compared to big chains or airlines. We have no federal support and if we don't unite and ask for it, we won’t get what we need."

[caption id="attachment_47554" align="aligncenter" width="683"] Toor Whip | Global Indian Toor Whip (Photo Courtesy: Baxter Miller)[/caption]

The five-time semi-finalist and two-time finalist for Best Chef, South East, in the James Beard Foundation Awards, Cheetie also believes that food is "One hundred percent an undeniable and immortal soft power. Food has the power to heal, to nourish; and one can tell the story of a land through its food-driven culture."

As for global trends in food, Cheetie has this to say. "I think people are opting for bigger flavours; global food is excited about using spices – and I don't mean the spiciness of chilli alone – but other robust ones to bring balance. The bland and subtler European flavours are on their way out and their cultural influence is waning. Most Asian cuisines are becoming popular, including Indian cuisine."

With a recipe book and a trip to India on the agenda, Cheetie's food in the meantime, continues to be relished by the local community of Raleigh, of which she is such an intrinsic part.

When she travels, Chef Cheetie Kumar eats at:
Txikito in New York City
Nari in San Francisco, California
Canje in Austin, Texas
Bombay Canteen in Mumbai, India
Rasika, Washington DC

Follow Chef Cheetie Kumar on Instagram

Reading Time: 5 min

Rattan Lal: From childhood farmer to godfather of soil science

(October 22, 2024) From the sun-drenched fields of pre-partition Punjab to the prestigious halls of academia in the United States, Rattan Lal's journey depicts how Indian experiences can transform global challenges. Once a child farmer toiling on his family's modest land, he has risen to become a leading figure in improving food security for over two billion people. Recently honoured with the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, Lal's groundbreaking research in soil science is reshaping the understanding of sustainable agriculture and its vital role in addressing pressing global issues, inspiring hope and possibility. With a career spanning more than five decades, his accolades include the Nobel Peace Prize, the World Food Prize, and the Padma Shri, among others. In 2014, he was recognized in the Thomson Reuters list of the World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds. In 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden appointed this Global Indian to the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD), making him a key advisor on global agricultural policy. [caption id="attachment_58302" align="aligncenter" width="711"] Dr Rattan Lal[/caption] In a world where the stakes have never been higher, Lal serves as a guiding light, advocating for the respect and dignity of agriculture to attract the next generation.

BIFAD), making him a key advisor on global agricultural policy.

[caption id="attachment_58302" align="aligncenter" width="711"] Indian Scientist | Rattan Lal | Global Indian Dr Rattan Lal[/caption]

In a world where the stakes have never been higher, Lal serves as a guiding light, advocating for the respect and dignity of agriculture to attract the next generation. “The agriculture profession must be given the respect and dignity it deserves,” he emphasized in an interview, highlighting his commitment to a holistic vision of agricultural innovation that encompasses business, academia, and industry globally.

From refugee to renowned scientist

Born in 1944 in British India's Punjab region, Lal’s early life was shaped by hardship and displacement. His family, subsistence farmers, lost their land during the partition and lived in refugee camps for two years. Eventually resettling in India, the Lal family farmed less than two acres of semi-arid land, facing the daily struggles of smallholder farmers—droughts, poor soil quality, pest infestations, and a lack of modern agricultural tools. It was here, as a child farming on the family land, that Lal first became aware of the fragile relationship between soil and sustenance.

These early experiences sowed the seeds of his lifelong passion for soil management, driving him to explore ways to improve soil productivity, particularly for smallholder farmers like his own family.

"My interest in soil and its management goes back to my childhood, growing up on a family farm in north-western India. During those times without fertilizers, tractors, or electric pumps, the wellbeing of families depended on soil and its ability to produce crops." - Rattan Lal

Education in India and abroad

[caption id="attachment_58304" align="aligncenter" width="423"] Indian Scientist | Global Indian Dr Rattan Lal during his days as a student[/caption]

Lal earned his B.Sc. degree from Punjab Agricultural University and his M.Sc. from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute. A significant moment came in the 1960s when an Ohio State University professor noticed his talent and arranged a scholarship for him to pursue a Ph.D. in soil science, which he completed in 1968. This marked the beginning of an illustrious career that would span over half a century, leaving an indelible mark on global agriculture and environmental science.

Early Career – In Nigeria

One of Lal's most formative experiences came during his time as a soil physicist at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Nigeria. It was there, while studying the effects of deforestation on soil health, that Lal made a groundbreaking discovery: removing trees and vegetation caused the organic carbon and essential nutrients in the soil to disappear, rendering the land barren. In response, Lal developed practices such as mulching, no-till farming, and cover cropping to restore lost nutrients and organic matter, effectively regenerating the soil’s fertility.

His findings not only revolutionized local agricultural practices but also attracted global attention. Scientists from around the world travelled to Nigeria to see his experimental plots, marveling at how Lal had managed to bring degraded soils back to life. This research laid the foundation for his future work on carbon sequestration, showing how soil could serve as a natural sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide, thus playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change.

[caption id="attachment_58308" align="aligncenter" width="660"] Indian Scientist | Global Indian Dr Rattan Lal with farmers at a research site in Nigeria[/caption]

Returning to Ohio: Leading the world

In 1987, Lal returned to Ohio State University, where he established the Rattan Lal Center for Carbon Management and Sequestration. Over the next several decades, his research focused on transforming degraded soils into healthy, productive ones—not just for agricultural benefit but for the greater ecological good. His models demonstrated that by restoring soil health, humanity could double global annual grain yields, reduce the land area used for grain cultivation by 30 percent, and significantly lower the need for chemical fertilizers, which contribute to environmental degradation.

In 2004, the scientist published a landmark paper in Science titled "Soil Carbon Sequestration Impacts on Global Climate Change and Food Security." In this paper, Lal was one of the first to assert that restoring organic material to the soil could help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. “Soil can be a powerful tool in mitigating climate change,” Lal argued. This idea has since become a cornerstone of climate change mitigation strategies and remains one of the most cited works in environmental science.

He continues to be ranked as a highly influential researcher, with over 1,000 peer-reviewed journal articles and more than 100 books (written and edited) to his name.

[caption id="attachment_58303" align="aligncenter" width="706"] Indian Scientist | Rattan Lal | Global Indian Dr Rattan Lal is considered the godfather of soil science[/caption]

Work that aligns with the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals

Lal’s five decades of work are deeply aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established in 2012, particularly those focused on eradicating hunger, combating climate change, and ensuring sustainable ecosystems.

He pointed out that one oversight of the Sustainable Development Goals is that the word “soil” is not specifically mentioned in the primary language of any of the 17 Goals, although the word “land” is included in SDG15.

"It is now widely realized that protecting, managing and restoring “Soil Health” is essential to achieving several SDGs (such as #1;2;13;15 and others). The focus on improving soil health can still accomplish several SDGs in the remaining years." - Rattan Lal

His pioneering research in regenerative agriculture and soil carbon sequestration directly addresses SDG 1: No Poverty by improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, as well as SDG 2: Zero Hunger, significantly enhancing global food security through sustainable farming practices. By focusing on restoring soil health to mitigate climate change, his efforts resonate with SDG 13: Climate Action. Moreover, his advocacy for ecosystem preservation supports SDG 15: Life on Land. As Lal aptly puts it, “Good diet is also good medicine,” highlighting the critical importance of nutrition-sensitive agriculture in achieving these global goals.

[caption id="attachment_58307" align="aligncenter" width="657"] Indian Scientist | Rattan Lal | Global Indian Dr Rattan Lal at field work in Ohio[/caption]

Giving back to farmers and the earth

Despite his academic achievements, Lal has never forgotten the struggles of smallholder farmers like his own family. His life’s work has been about giving back—both to the earth and the people who depend on it. His techniques for restoring soil health are now used across continents, from Africa to Asia to the Americas. More than two billion people have benefited from improved food security due to his soil-centric agricultural methods.

"Keeping food prices low is important but it should not come at the cost of farmers’ livelihoods or the degradation of our planet’s soils." - Rattan Lal

As a prominent advocate for sustainable agriculture, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that his findings translate into actionable policies. In 2021, he and his team launched the C-FARM project on carbon farming, aimed at providing field-based validation of how soil can capture and store carbon dioxide.

Through his leadership, initiatives like Living Soils in the Americas have emerged, creating international collaborations aimed at preserving and enhancing soil health.

Indian Scientist | Rattan Lal | Global Indian

A lifelong mission

At 79, Dr Rattan Lal continues to advocate for policies that support sustainable agriculture, serving as Chair in Soil Science and a Goodwill Ambassador for the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture. Though his many accolades, including the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize, recognize his contribution to protecting the planet’s future, Lal believes the work is far from over. His vision for the future involves continued global cooperation to further soil management, ensuring that future generations inherit a planet capable of feeding its people while thriving ecologically.

Dr Lal not only bridges the gap between traditional farming practices and modern science but also serves as an inspiration for the diaspora to leverage their Indian experiences and knowledge for global betterment. Indian Scientist | Rattan Lal | Global Indian

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Anshu Ahuja and Renee Williams: Making takeaway in London sustainable with DabbaDrop

(February 10, 2024) Dressed in a white outfit and traditional Gandhi topi, an army of about 5000 dabbawallas push through every nook and corner of Mumbai to satiate the hunger of over 200,000 Mumbaikars daily with home-cooked food for 125 years. This very lifeline of Mumbai inspired a Mumbaikar, who is now settled in London, to start DabbaDrop - London's first plastic-free, waste-free and emissions-free takeaway. In just five years, co-founders Anshu Ahuja and Renee Williams have saved 2,03,370 plastic containers and prevented 2,500 kg of food waste from going into landfills through DabbaDrop. "In the past few years, people have started ordering a lot, thanks to the arrival of food delivery apps. After having that food, we end up with a bin full of plastic. The packaging is very wasteful and greasy. You can’t recycle it. So, I wanted to find a better way to order in," the Global Indian said in an interview. [caption id="attachment_48946" align="aligncenter" width="618"] Renee Williams and Anshu Ahuja[/caption] Zero wastage takeaway Growing up in Mumbai with a Tamilian mother and a Punjabi father, food remained a big part of Anshu's life. As a teenager whenever she stepped out to try some food, she would

| Global Indian" width="618" height="392" /> Renee Williams and Anshu Ahuja[/caption]

Zero wastage takeaway

Growing up in Mumbai with a Tamilian mother and a Punjabi father, food remained a big part of Anshu's life. As a teenager whenever she stepped out to try some food, she would end up recreating the same in her kitchen upon her return. "This way I could continue to taste the flavours."

However, after moving to London and working a high-pressure job as a TV producer, she would often end up ordering food. But the options for vegetarian food were very limited and the food always arrived in plastic containers. Keen to find a better way, she quit her 15-year-long stint in TV production to start Dabba Drop. It began with her reproducing her family's recipes, packing them in reusable metal tiffin or dabbas, and delivering it by bike in the nearby areas of Hackney. She texted a handful of friends about the idea, and the first week saw six people ordering in, and later the number rose to 25. In just 18 months, DabbaDrop was feeding 300 people weekly across Hackney, Leyton and Walthamstow.

[caption id="attachment_48947" align="aligncenter" width="679"] DabbaDrop Eco-friendly delivery[/caption]

One of her first messages landed in Renee William's textbox, who was a restaurant event producer. Coming from New Zealand, she believes in nature and sustainability and instantly fell in love with the concept of DabbaDrop. "I loved the theatre of not knowing what was inside the dabba before I opened it, and the wholesome food and sustainability element really ticked all the boxes for me," Renee said in an interview. In no time, the conversations between the two turned into how to make this idea bigger and better.

Offering healthy South Asian cuisine

They work on a flexible subscription-based system that allows people to sign up weekly or fortnightly, with a set menu for every week. They curate the mains, and customers can add the sides. "We cook all our dals, curries and subzi's from scratch in our commercial kitchen, using 100% natural ingredients - vegetables, lentils, legumes, healthy fats, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Our handmade spice mixes are made fresh every week and everything is made in small batches," reads their website. With DabbaDrop, Anshu and Renee wanted to introduce Londoners to Indian flavours and textures. "What we serve is not something that is easily available in a traditional Indian restaurant."

"Our meals are vegan and South Asian. We want to follow the journey of the curry. This way, we are uncovering the history of Indians as they emigrated across the world," added Anshu, who avoids wastage, thanks to pre-orders. The chefs cook for the exact amount of people who have ordered, as one dabba can easily serve two people.

DabbaDrop | Global Indian

The dabbas that serve meals from Japan, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Kerala, Delhi, and Hyderabad are then mounted onto bicycles, e-bikes, and other emission-free vehicles for delivery in Zones 1-3 of London And the empty dabbas can be picked up during the next delivery. "We use everything that is reusable. We are constantly trying to improve our packaging. We want to leave a better planet for our kids," added Anshu.

Dabbadrop has more than 2,000 subscribers and delivers food all over East London. They want to grow bigger in the future. They got £500,000 in their first funding round, which made the company worth £2.7 million. "We want to change the way London does take away," said Anshu.

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The rest is history…how Sumedha Verma Ojha quit bureaucracy to bring Sanskrit literature to the world

(May 6, 2022) Putting a fourteen-year career as a bureaucrat and a stint at the United Nations behind her, former IRS officer Sumedha Verma Ojha dedicated herself to spreading knowledge about the Indian epics and bringing Sanskrit literature to the modern world. Her first book, Urnabhih, is a work of historical fiction set in the Mauryan period and based on Chanakya’s Arthashastra (the science of material gain). It expanded into a series on the Mauryan empire with the second book, Chanakya’s Scribe, being released this April. With a third part in the works, Sumedha is now all set for a book tour in the US, India and UK. Sumedha is also making a historical web series (Bharat Keerti) on Mauryan India, giving viewers a glimpse of how ancient times laid the foundations of modern life. The English version of the series is available on YouTube, while the Hindi version is in the pipeline for a Doordarshan broadcast. “I think I have been lucky,” Sumedha says, modestly, in an interview with Global Indian. “I wanted to follow my passion and I got that chance. My passion is now my profession, what could be better?” Sumedha has also translated Valmiki Ramayana from Sanskrit to English and delves deep

t chance. My passion is now my profession, what could be better?” Sumedha has also translated Valmiki Ramayana from Sanskrit to English and delves deep into the gendered analysis of the ancient India.

[caption id="attachment_24223" align="aligncenter" width="585"] History Buff | Sumedha Verma Ojha | Global Indian Sumedha Verma Ojha with her just released book Chanakya's Scribe[/caption]

To foreign shores

The first turning point in Sumedha’s career came when she moved to Geneva with her bureaucrat husband 14 years ago for his job at the UN. Sumedha set out on what was intended to be a sabbatical and ended up writing her first book. “During that time, I researched and wrote Urnabhih,” she says. “As I immersed myself in Sanskrit scriptures, I realised that bringing alive the past and studying the scriptures in their original form give me deep satisfaction. I resigned from the civil services and took to learning Sanskrit seriously, so I could read everything in its original form.”

What followed were frequent lectures in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. Her Ramayana lectures made such an impact at the Los Angeles Public Library that they appointed her as the library’s single-point of contact for South Asian outreach. She was also pleasantly surprised to find that while her interpretations of the Ramayana were popular with the Indian diaspora, Americans were drawn to them as well. “They outnumbered the Indians,” smiles the alumnus of Lady Shri Ram College and Delhi School of Economics.

[caption id="attachment_24225" align="aligncenter" width="738"] History Buff | Sumedha Verma Ojha | Global Indian Sumedha with librarian of the Los Angeles Public Library[/caption]

Spreading indigenous Indian knowledge

The passion to spread knowledge brings her to MIT School of Vedic Sciences in Pune as a visiting faculty, where she takes classes online. “It’s an experimental boutique college that combines the western system of academia with indigenous Indian knowledge systems. She has been at the helm of this experimental teaching and has even prepared the syllabus of the various programmes including the master’s programme in Vedic sciences that are in the offering.

Sumedha is also a council member at the international organization, Indica Today, which is a platform for revival of Shastraas (sacred book of treatise), Indic knowledge systems and Indology, taking care of the women’s studies vertical. Last month, one of its conferences brought her to Guwahati. The conference was a resounding success with 40 scholars from different parts of the world there. “We feel that there is too much of a Western gaze on academics. It’s time we brought our own perspectives to it as well,” Sumedha remarks, saying she has always been drawn to history and its significance in modern living.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xv5Eo8L6oXs&list=PLKqCYaslkPyMQjEgj2EcfZk9KUNtru5Qi&index=9

Love for history and ancient India honed at home

Her earliest influence was her mother, whom Sumedha describes as a “very well-read and learned person.” This ensured she had “a great entry into history: Puranas (ancient Sanskrit writings), Vedas (earliest body of Indian scriptures), Upanishads (religious teachings of Hinduism) and ancient India through her,” says Sumedha. She recalls being introduced to the Arthashastra as a student in class eight. Her fascination, she says, has remained intact. “I always rely on primary sources for my studies,” Sumedha explains. “I read either the text or the archaeological inscriptions, study the coins, or visit the monuments and ruins that are still standing. I take a 360-degree view of the past and learn about the history, culture, food, society, religion, as much as I can, all through primary evidence.” While the Mauryan dynasty remains her focus, her love of history is not confined to a single period.

Unconventional giving…

She admits it’s been an unconventional life, filled with choices that few would make. Not many Indians, for instance, would dream of giving up a job at the UN, let alone a post in the civil services. “I have a desire that drives me, though,” Sumedha smiles, adding, “I want to do away with Indians’ ignorance of their own past. I want to see a society that understands itself. If we don’t understand our past, we cannot understand ourselves. That is my passion and it always drives me.” Indians, Sumedha believes, have become used to seeing “through the eyes of colonial masters when instead they should look through our own knowledge systems and languages.”

[caption id="attachment_24226" align="aligncenter" width="783"] History Buff | Sumedha Verma Ojha | Global Indian Sumedha at Ramayan Launch with Niti Aayog Chairman, Amitabh Kant, Maharana of Mewar Arvind Singh and Pramod Kapoor of Roli Books.[/caption]

Digitization of Sanskrit manuscript a boon

By the time Sumedha discovered the depth of her love for Sanskrit – and Indian history – she was living abroad. Finding primary sources for research was a struggle. “I had friends sending me books,” she says. “Then came the great movement towards the digitization of Sanskrit manuscripts, which has been a boon to me. I can read them all anywhere.” She visits India often too – before the pandemic, it was as often as four times a year for research and other activities. “I consult libraries in India and buy lots of books there,” says the lifelong scholar, who grew up in serene Ranchi back when it was part of Bihar.

The past and the present

“Possibly, I live more in the past than in the present, and I want everyone else to know about it. That's why I write books, give lectures and talks and make web series so that all Indians can learn more about their roots and through that, get a better understanding of the present,” Sumedha says.

Sumedha’s husband Alok Kumar Ojha is now the director of the World Meteorological Organisation, the weather arm of UN in Geneva. The couple met during training after Sumedha aced the civil services exam two decades ago. Their two children live in the US.

[caption id="attachment_24227" align="alignnone" width="868"] History Buff | Sumedha Verma Ojha | Global Indian Sumedha Verma Ojha with her family[/caption]

Apart from writing the third book in the Urnabhih series, she is in the midst of writing her fourth book which is based on the women of ancient India. “It will establish a new approach to understanding women, based on the epic shastrick and Indic traditions of the subcontinent,” she adds.

Primary (original) source of research of ancient India:

Literary sources (Vedic, Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, and other literature)
Archaeological sources (epigraphic, numismatic, and other architectural remains)
Letters, manuscripts etc.

Follow Sumedha Verma Ojha on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Reading Time: 7 mins

The whole six yards: Designer Gaurang Shah’s sarees weave tradition with contemporary couture

(November 9, 2023) For the last 20 years, if there is one designer who has worked with the length and breadth of the rich canvas of weaves India has to offer – it is the iconic Indian designer Gaurang Shah. From reviving the Jamdani weave to his timeless work with heritage textiles like Ikats, Kanjeevarams and Uppadas, his name is synonymous with Indian weaves. Be it presenting traditional at Lakme Fashion Show, working on movies like Mahanati (or shows including the recent Made in Heaven where he dressed Radhika Apte and Kirron Kher for India’s Got Talent) or launching his label in New York, there is very little he has not done in the past two decades! His journey began at his father’s store (Indian Emporium) and today, he is rightly acknowledged as one of India’s premier designers who work with handlooms. [caption id="attachment_46601" align="aligncenter" width="646"] Designer Gaurang Shah gives new life to traditional Indian weaves by blending them with elements of modern couture[/caption] Revivalist to the core Gaurang’s story begins in his father's sari store, where he dreamt of reviving traditional handlooms. He recalls, “My mother's exquisite sarees were a constant inspiration. As a self-taught designer, I faced challenges but

g’s story begins in his father's sari store, where he dreamt of reviving traditional handlooms. He recalls, “My mother's exquisite sarees were a constant inspiration. As a self-taught designer, I faced challenges but I persevered. I made a significant impact by uplifting weaver communities in various regions, introducing new weaving techniques, and championing Indian weaves,” he tells Global Indian.

The designer embarked on his journey in the early 2000s, driven by a passion for creating exceptional Jamdani woven clothing and a deep desire to revive this fascinating weaving technique.

In fact, his college years at Pragati Mahavidyalaya in Hyderabad were spent convincing weaver families to embrace change, travelling to the key weaving centres including Lucknow, Varanasi, Uppada in Andhra Pradesh and Kanchipuram. Today, he leads a team 800+ master weavers and 7000 artisans across 16 states, crafting exquisite weaves using the Jamdani technique, instilling the best traditions and skills, while pushing weavers in new directions

However, this journey was not without its share of challenges. “The most significant hurdle I faced was convincing traditional weavers to embrace change and have confidence in their craft’s adaptability. This required a delicate balance between preserving the essence of the traditional Indian weave and infusing it with contemporary elements,” he says.

[caption id="attachment_46602" align="aligncenter" width="599"] Gaurang with actor Taapsee Pannu[/caption]

Another substantial challenge was rekindling consumer interest in handlooms, which had somewhat faded into obscurity. Owing to their cost and maintenance, many women had moved away from handlooms. Their resurgence demanded a vibrant and compelling new look for handloom textiles, a task that was undeniably challenging but one, Gaurang successfully embraced.

Heart of the loom

At the heart of Gaurang’s work are the timeless Indian textiles. With each region having its own handlooms from silk to cotton, the designer’s fascination with weaves is deeply rooted in their rich history and artistic potential.

“Weaving is not merely a craft; it's a cultural tapestry that tells stories of tradition, skill, and creativity.” He has an affinity for the “exquisite” Jamdani weave, but also believes in “celebrating the diversity of India’s weaving heritage, from Kanchi silk to the rustic charm of Khadi, the sheer elegance of Uppada silk, the intricate beauty of Patan Patol and the timeless appeal of Benarasi silk. Each carries its own unique charm and narrative,” Gaurang explains.

What our Indian weaves do have in common is their ability to transform ordinary threads into wearable art. “They have the power to evoke emotions, preserve traditions and connect us to our roots,” he says. The key, he has learned, is to honour the roots of each textile as it is blended with accents of modern couture. “For example, we need to take the Kanchipuram silk saree or the Patola weave and then blend it seamlessly with contemporary elements,” he says. “It’s about embracing fusion and creating textiles that are not only exquisite but also relevant to today’s fashion landscape.”

In this journey, Gaurang is constantly exploring materials, and design elements. He also experiments with natural colours, celebrating the earth's palette and bringing artisanal diversity to the forefront. His distinct strength lies in his commitment to push boundaries while respecting India’s cultural legacy and adapting these weaves to change. The result is a transformation of weaves, where tradition meets modernity, and where Indian weaves continue to enchant the world.

The world is his stage

Having dressed some of India’s most celebrated women, Gaurang intends to create timeless silhouettes which are unique to the person wearing them. He shares, “When I designed handloom sarees for Vidya Balan, it was about capturing her grace and elegance, celebrating her love for traditional weaves. Seeing her shine on-screen and off in my creations was a proud moment.”

For Sonam Kapoor, it was all about pushing the boundaries of fashion while staying rooted in tradition. He worked with the actress to craft sarees that effortlessly blended contemporary style with timeless handloom craftsmanship. “Kirron Kher's vibrant personality resonated with the bold patterns and rich colours of our handlooms. It was a pleasure to collaborate with her and create ensembles that reflected her vivacious spirit,” Gaurang adds.

And then there are the brides. Each bride is a “unique canvas”, he says and adds, “I've had the privilege of helping them realise their dream wedding looks. It's a beautiful journey to create sarees that become a part of their cherished memories.” The designer is cognisant of the transformative power of fashion and how it can make every individual feel like a star. Little wonder that his pulse on the fashion scene has never ebbed.

New York calling

At his store in New York, the celebrated Indian designer offers a range of sarees and bridal wear to Indians abroad. What overseas Indians often seek from ethnic wear is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, and who better than Gaurang to provide that?

He smiles, “They value the intricate craftsmanship and timeless beauty of sarees, anarkalis, and ghagras, but they also desire styles that can seamlessly integrate into their global lifestyle. This has led to the evolution of my designs, where I infuse traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics, creating ensembles that resonate with the NRI community's sense of identity and heritage while catering to their fashion preferences.”

Today the designer has also branched into the hospitality industry with his restaurant in Hyderabad serving cuisine from across the country. His goal for the future remains the same - to experiment with lesser-known weaves and techniques, to bring them into the limelight and contribute to their revival. He signs off saying, “My goal is to make our Indian weaves a sustainable fashion choice, crafting pieces that remain timeless treasures in the wardrobes of generations to come.”

Follow Gaurang Shan on Instagram.