Global IndianstoryBrand India lighting up the world: How NRIs make Diwali a global celebration

Brand India lighting up the world: How NRIs make Diwali a global celebration

Written by: Vikram Sharma

(October 31, 2024) It’s that time of the year again, when millions of people across the world come together to light up their homes with lamps and candles, for prayers and celebrations. It’s Diwali — the Festival of Lights — which has the 35.4 million-strong Indian community abroad prepping up for vibrant celebrations, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The beautiful festival of lights has become a symbol of Brand India around the world, and today, is celebrated widely, not just by Indians. For instance, US President Joe Biden already hosted the annual Diwali event at the White House which was attended by more than 600 eminent Indian-Americans and NRIs, including Congressman Shri Thanedar, US Surgeon General Vice Admiral Vivek H Murthy and Gita Gopinath, the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Similarly, a lively Diwali celebration also erupted in the heart of Times Square, New York City where a diverse group of Indian community members and American citizens came together to honour the festival of lights. The iconic location in Midtown Manhattan was transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours, showcasing the rich culture and unity of the Indian community. The event featured prominent attendees, including New York Mayor Eric Adams. It is a heartwarming indication of the great Indian success story – NRIs have not just managed to assimilate and become part of a new culture, they have brought their own to the world, making it a time of joy and togetherness. Global Indian takes a look at how NRIs gear up for the festive season.

New York Mayor Eric Adams celebrates Diwali with the Indian community

Indian values

“I believe that people here hold more Indian values than many people living in India. Celebrating culture, dressing up, doing rituals during Diwali is something all Indians abroad look forward to,” smiles San Francisco-based serial entrepreneur Neena Pandey, while speaking to Global Indian. Having grown up in the enchanting city of Varanasi, Neena says Diwali is celebrated in a huge way in San Francisco Bay Area.

“There are many Indians here and many host parties. There are Diwali fairs where vendors sell things from Indian clothing to jewelry to pooja items, home decor and much more,” says Neena, founder and CEO of The String Code, a luxury fashion brand and a member of the Forbes Business Council.

Once an outspoken marketing executive in Silicon Valley, Neena, who previously worked at Adobe Systems, Sun Microsystems among others, says many companies also have Diwali parties. “Silicon Valley is very diverse and like a mini India. All the major tech companies are here, many of whom have Indian CEOs and a big Indian work force. Therefore, the celebrations are grand,” she says.

Diwali at the White House

Diwali in UK

In UK too, grand Diwali celebrations is on the cards. After all, there are 250,000 Indians who live across UK. Vijay Goel, Senior Partner at Singhania & Co, London recalls how he and his family, friends have been attending various Diwali events since the year 2000.

“Diwali celebrations in London are getting bigger and bigger each year. For our first Diwali party, we invited the Queen of UK to our house as we were her neighbours. We told her about Diwali being the biggest indian festival and how we celebrate. We were delighted when she sent across a reply wishing us a happy Diwali,” recalls Vijay, who is all geared up for celebrations this year.

The Goel family is hosting a dinner for friends and colleagues which is likely to be attended by some of the top businessmen and who’s who of UK. During the previous Diwali celebrations, they hosted dinner for 400 guests and invited Bollywood singers as well.

Fresh start

“Our Diwali celebration begins with the thorough cleaning of our home, an act that symbolizes a fresh start and readiness to receive blessings. As dusk falls on Diwali, we light numerous diyas and candles, casting a warm glow throughout our home, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness,” informs Shankar Devarashetty, CEO, Oasis Accountants and Entrepreneur, London.

Diwali in 10 Downing Street, with former PM Rishi Sunak

The centerpiece of his celebration is the Lakshmi Puja, a serene and sacred moment where the family unites to seek prosperity and well-being for the year ahead. “The air is fragrant with incense, and the recitation of mantras adds a profound sense of peace to the atmosphere,” he says.

Culinary delights are a major highlight, with an array of traditional sweets like ladoos and barfis and savory treats that Shankar shares with family and friends. This sharing is more than just about food; it’s a celebration of togetherness and joy.

“We participate in or organize gatherings that might include cultural performances, dazzling fireworks, and festive music. It’s a wonderful time for everyone in the community to come together, regardless of their backgrounds, to revel in the festivities,” says Shankar adding Diwali also prompts them to reflect, express gratitude, and extend a hand to those less fortunate, embodying the spirit of generosity that the festival stands for.

Meaningful Time

Diwali in Leicester, UK

NRIs in the UK also find themselves surrounded by warmth and festive cheer. “Diwali is such a meaningful time for us as a family, no matter where we are. It’s the festival that truly brings light, warmth, and joy into our lives. We go all out to recreate the festive atmosphere we grew up with in India,” says Sashidhar Bacchu, Founder & CEO Sriven Solutions Ltd, Bedford city, UK,

Every year, he says, they set up traditional decorations—rangolis, diyas, and vibrant lights that fill his home with a festive glow. “We make sure to perform the Lakshmi Pooja together, keeping the rituals alive for the next generation. Diwali is also a wonderful time to connect with other families in the community. We often host or attend gatherings where we enjoy homemade sweets, exchange gifts, and sometimes even organize cultural performances,” he says. Above all, says Shashidhar, it’s heartwarming to see everyone come together with such joy and enthusiasm, making Diwali feel just as vibrant and meaningful as it did back home.

Dubai dazzles

The celebrations are no different in Dubai. Karma coach and author Tamanna C who lives in Dubai is among the many Indians who is looking forward to the celebrations.

“The Indian community abroad is very conscious of staying in touch with their roots especially when it comes to teaching values and traditions to their children. Diwali celebrations is usually close knit where people spend time in each other’s house hosting get togethers and also doing something where children are involved,” she says.

Diwali in Dubai

Tamanna says she, like all Indians in Dubai, celebrates Diwali with the same zeal as they do in India. “Cleaning of the house, Laxmi puja and visiting the gurudwara and the temple is a must. This is followed by get together at a friend’s house for dinner and cards,” informs the author.

Holiday

It’s not only New York, the main main day of the festival of Diwali (the day of Lakshmi Puja) is an official holiday in Fiji, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago.

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Published on 31, Oct 2024

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Over the Moon: Lakshmi Mohanbabu’s art will adorn ISS, then be relaunched to Earth’s satellite in 2025

(April 24, 2022) On February 19, 2022, the NG-17 Cygnus arrived at the International Space Station, with Indian-origin astronaut Raja Chari taking the lead on the mission. The Cygnus freighter spacecraft went bearing a very unusual load - The Moon Gallery. This is the Moon-Mars Mission 2022-25, an “international, collaborative art installation, housing the seeds of a future, shared interplanetary culture.” On February 18, the test payload carried 64 works of art by 100 artists from around the world. Each work is no bigger than one cubic centimetre. Among this elite group is Lakshmi Mohanbabu, the “first Singaporean artist in space." The Indian-origin artist and architect, who has been based in Singapore since 2001, is holding up what looks like a tiny, orange cube – a replica of the originals that are currently orbiting the Earth from the International Space Station. The intricate, labyrinth of patterns on each side, slowly become clear – these are based on the philosophy of yin and yang, she explains. Created in collaboration with scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, the process began two years ago, Lakshmi says, in an interview with Global Indian. The Moon Gallery will spend 10 months aboard the International Space Station before returning to

Technological University, Singapore, the process began two years ago, Lakshmi says, in an interview with Global Indian. The Moon Gallery will spend 10 months aboard the International Space Station before returning to Earth. By 2025, it will be re-launched to the moon, permanently.

“I had to create an artwork that could withstand conditions in space,” she explains, “There's not much atmosphere, the gravity is lower and there is a huge temperature difference.” When sunlight hits the moon's surface, the temperature rises as high as 127 degrees Celsius (this 'daytime' lasts 14 Earth days). When the sun goes down for a fortnight, the temperature plummets to a bone-chilling minus 173 degrees Celsius.

Preparing for a space odyssey

To start with, Lakshmi contacted the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster, who put her in touch with NTU. In collaboration with two scientists, she was presented with “a bunch of prototypes.” Settling on aluminium, the miniscule works were based on her 'Interactions' series, from her days as a student of design at the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi. Each painting has two sides, representing the duality of all things - the positive and negative, yin and yang- and their constant dialogue with each other.

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A post shared by Lakshmi Mohanbabu (@lakshmimohanbabu)

As a design student, she is fascinated by concepts that could encompass humanity, universal laws and countless symbols. The symbolism, she admits, “can be difficult to understand,” and she often provides detailed explanations alongside - somewhat resonant of the French modern master, Marcel Duchamp. Like him, she describes herself as a thinking artist whose works require explanation.

“The positive cannot exist without the negative,” Lakshmi says. There is no light without darkness. “My design is based on the wave form - the crest and the trough. All energy is transmitted through waves.” The “spiral,” another universal symbol - is the form of human DNA and the shape of our galaxy.

Created through 3D printing, the first cube is bright orange. “It’s about fire, progress and the energy that drives us,” she says. The second cube was made in collaboration with Dr Matteo Seita, assistant professor, School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, NTU who manipulated the orientation of molecules.

Onward to the moon

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The much-anticipated moon landing is only a segment of Lakshmi’s plans. For instance, she is already in talks with NTU to create mega cubes for public spaces in Singapore and the world “As an architect, I feel like it has to occupy all spaces.” As a fashion designer, Lakshmi is “translating it into scarves and shoes, which will be sold in the metaverse. The entire series is available as NFTs on the metaverse. “I have space sounds incorporated into the animation, because it’s based on a piece of art that has actually been in space,” she says. She created a range of carpets, and is working with Singapore’s Moon Festival and its famous “moon cakes.”

Via Singapore to the Moon

Born in Trivandrum, Lakshmi never actually lived in Kerala. Her father was soon transferred to Sikkim, back when it was still a Buddhist kingdom. “There was no religion at home,” Lakshmi recalls. In the late 1970s, the family moved to Afghanistan, where Lakshmi spent the better part of her childhood. “Just before the Soviet invasion,” Lakshmi remarks. “I could hear missiles whizzing overhead - you then get used to things,” says the artist wryly. Her time in Afghanistan was vibrant, and a culturally diverse experience which also highlighted human universality.

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She returned to Manipal University, Karnataka, where she graduated with a degree in architecture, met the man she would marry, then moved to Delhi, working with Rajiv Goel Architects and Benjamin and Benjamin (now Benjamin, Benjamin and Vats). Then, surprisingly, she chose to study fashion design at NIFT, “for all the wrong reasons,” she laughs. Following her sister into NIFT. A degree in fashion design, she worked with renowned designer Tarun Tahiliani, and was part of his first-ever show. She also taught at NIFT till in 2001, Singapore came calling, and she left with her husband.

The art and its muse

Her other major series, Expressions, sits in the same philosophical space as Interactions. These paintings are instantly captivating, vibrant and bold - presenting a suite of human emotions. Again, it is the sense of universality, duality and balance that she sets out to capture. “There is joy and agony, you can't have one without the other,” she smiles, adding, “Today, we interact constantly and travel. You visit a place, pick up something that appeals, but no matter what you do or where you go, you're still you.”

Follow Lakshmi on Instagram

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From Kolkata to California: A deep dive into scientist Dr. Arun Majumdar’s journey in energy innovation

(May 20, 2023) As the world grapples with an energy crisis and the urgency of climate change, we find ourselves standing at the crossroads of a new era. The decisions made today about energy production and consumption will shape the world for generations to come. This epoch calls for visionaries who can understand the intricacies of the crisis and catalyse a shift towards sustainable alternatives. Among the leaders in this space is Dr. Arun Majumdar, a materials scientist, engineer, and educator, whose remarkable work in energy research and policy-making has charted a new path toward a greener future. The Global Indian, who had a very humble beginning in Kolkata, eventually rose to prominence in the world of energy research and policy. Currently the Jay Precourt Provostial Chair Professor at Stanford University and a key figure in energy policy development, the scientist is also the Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). From working with two US Presidents - Barack Obama and Joe Biden - to shaping energy policies, Majumdar's journey is a fascinating testament to the transformative power of scientific endeavour. "As is often said, we do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our

rch Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). From working with two US Presidents - Barack Obama and Joe Biden - to shaping energy policies, Majumdar's journey is a fascinating testament to the transformative power of scientific endeavour. "As is often said, we do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. We must collectively figure out how to create a future where humans and nature thrive together," the scientist said during a speech he made recently.

Rising from the ashes

Born into a family of globetrotters and nurtured amidst diverse cultures, this accomplished scientist has a career trajectory that speaks volumes of his intellect, innovation, and impact. The scientist's father was a government-employed engineer and his mother, was a scholar proficient in Sanskrit. Like many middle-class families in that era, they used coal for cooking. The polluting effects of coal were evident from the visible smoke it emitted, yet it served the unintended benefit of deterring some mosquitoes. "My mom used to cook on a coal stove," the scientist shared during an interview, adding, "It was a mud stove with coal in it, and there was room for air to flow. You burn it and you make your rotis, curries, and other stuff on it."

[caption id="attachment_38899" align="aligncenter" width="603"] Scientist | Global Indian A childhood image of Dr. Arun Majumdar[/caption]

A studious child, who was always at the top of his class, Dr. Arun Majumdar was a student at Mayo College, a private boarding institution located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. The school fees posed a significant financial challenge for his parents, and were "tough on the family". The scientist shared, "They valued education because they lost everything when they moved during the partition, so to get ahead in life, it was education."

Following his tenure at boarding school, Majumdar successfully cleared a demanding entrance test to secure admission into the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay, from where he graduated in 1985. He then continued his academic journey at the University of California, Berkeley, where he completed his master's degree and subsequently earned his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering in 1989.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5jEOamZxwo

Interestingly, the scientist was drawn to Berkeley, in part, due to his father's prior visit for a telecommunications training program. His father's effusive praise and portrayal of Berkeley as a kind of paradise left a deep impression on him, further influencing his decision. Unfortunately, his father did live long to see his son graduate. "But, I was able to fulfill his dream," shared the scientist, during a recent interaction.

Driving changes for a better tomorrow

Soon after finishing his Ph.D., the scientist went ahead to work in a few corporate companies, Eventually, in 1997 Dr. Arun Majumdar joined the University of California, Berkeley as the Almy and Agnes Maynard Professor, where he continued to work for 13 years, with a focus on thermoelectric materials, heat and mass transfer, thermal management, and waste heat recovery. It was during this time, while he was serving as a faculty member at Berkeley, that the scientist started doing research work at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. It was here that he encountered Steven Chu, a figure who would later ascend to the role of U.S. Energy Secretary during President Barack Obama's tenure.

[caption id="attachment_38903" align="aligncenter" width="641"] Scientist | Global Indian Dr Majumdar with Bill Gates during a conference[/caption]

Realising the scientist's dedication and brilliance, Chu selected him to spearhead the Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA-E), a body analogous to DARPA, but for energy. "I was nominated in September; by my third week of October, I was there," he shared, adding that the move was unforeseen, leaving him to reside temporarily in Chu's basement for a week until the scientist could locate a suitable accommodation for himself in Washington.

Dr. Majumdar worked on three very important energy missions during his tenure at the ARPA-E - reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy security, and energy efficiency. The idea was to build the new energy industries of the future. And it was under his leadership that the US market started exploring the EV market. "One of our programmes is on next-generation transportation batteries. These would make electric cars have a longer range and a cost comparable to today’s gasoline-based cars, so that electric cars could be sold without subsidies. We’re also working on an entirely new way to make fuel, by using microbes that can convert electricity into oil," the scientist said, adding, "We’re also working on motors, from electric vehicles to air conditioning compressors. We are investing in problems now, to try to make the US less vulnerable and more competitive."

[caption id="attachment_38905" align="aligncenter" width="662"] Scientist | Dr. Arun Majumdar | Global Indian Dr. Majumdar with John Doerr, chairman and co-founder of Kleiner Perkins Caufield[/caption]

In 2012, the scientist left Washington and joined Google as the company's Vice President for Energy. However, despite loving his job, he couldn't stay away from academics, and two years later he became the inaugural dean of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. "The insights I gathered during my time at ARPA-E are now instrumental in shaping the accelerator division at the Stanford climate school. Jokingly, we call it ARPA-S for sustainability, because it’s all about impact. At ARPA-E, the discussion around scale was insufficient. However, when it comes to climate and sustainability, scale is essential. If the solution, whether it's a technological advancement or a policy, doesn't scale up, it simply doesn't make a difference," the scientist explained.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh3blW261B0

In November 2020, the scientist was designated as a voluntary contributor to the Joe Biden presidential transition Agency Review Team. His role involved facilitating transition efforts connected to the United States Department of Energy, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. "I hope our grid is modernised to integrate renewable energy generation. I’m pretty sure the cost of renewable energy will be comparable to or cheaper than electricity from fossil sources. Current trends suggest that this will be the case," he shared during a speech at Stanford.

Follow Dr. Arun Majumdar on LinkedIn

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The TIME AI Vanguard: 6 Indian innovators redefining the future of artificial intelligence

(November 25, 2024) Artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of the most transformative forces of our time, reshaping industries, redefining creativity, and influencing global policy. In 2024, TIME magazine recognized the individuals steering this revolution with its "100 Most Influential People in AI" list. Familiar names like Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, and Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, continue to dominate global conversations about AI. But this year’s list also sheds light on a host of other Indian innovators making profound, yet often understated, impacts on the field. Global Indian puts the spotlight on the Indians who form the vanguard of AI tech, making their mark in unconventional ways. From policymakers like Ashwini Vaishnaw, who is putting India at the forefront of AI development, to pioneers like Anil Kapoor, addressing ethical challenges in entertainment, the breadth of Indian contributions is vast. Innovators such as Rohit Prasad of Amazon and Aravind Srinivas of Perplexity are redefining how AI interacts with everyday life, while thought leaders like Amandeep Singh Gill and Divya Siddharth are ensuring the technology is guided by principles of fairness and inclusion. Ashwini Vaishnaw: Architect of India's AI Revolution [caption id="attachment_60575" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Ashwini Vaishnaw. Minister for Railways, lnformation

img class="size-full wp-image-60575" src="https://stage.globalindian.com//wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CJv4vGmN9WDeNndhwSWF.webp" alt="Ashwini Vaishnaw | Time 100 AI 2024 | Global Indian" width="640" height="360" /> Ashwini Vaishnaw. Minister for Railways, lnformation and Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India.[/caption]

Ashwini Vaishnaw, India’s Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, is spearheading the country’s ambitious plans to become a global leader in artificial intelligence. His tenure has been marked by a strategic focus on innovation, skill development, and democratization of AI technology.

At the heart of these efforts is India’s AI Mission, which Vaishnaw describes as a collaboration between “industry, government, and academia.” In partnership with Meta, the government launched the Center for Generative AI at IIT Jodhpur and introduced the YuvAI Initiative to train 100,000 students in large language models (LLMs). “Our AI mission is advancing with strong collaborations,” Vaishnaw said after meeting Meta’s AI Chief Scientist Yann LeCun. These programs aim to bridge the talent gap while fostering ethical AI innovation.

A defining feature of Vaishnaw’s approach is the democratization of technology. India’s public AI platform, featuring computing power equivalent to 10,000 GPUs and high-quality datasets, is designed to make cutting-edge resources accessible to startups, researchers, and entrepreneurs. “The government invests in the platform, and everybody becomes a part of it,” he stated, likening this to India’s digital public infrastructure strategy.

Vaishnaw’s leadership also extends to international diplomacy, particularly as India chairs the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI). At the Global IndiaAI Summit 2024, he remarked, “AI can solve many problems simultaneously, but we must contain its risks. The solution must come through a global thought process.”

With Vaishnaw at the helm, India is steadily positioning itself as a global leader in ethical and innovative AI.

Anil Kapoor: A Landmark Victory for Personality Rights in the AI Era

Anil Kapoor | Time 100 AI 2024 | Influential People in AI | Global Indian

In a list often dominated by technologists and policymakers, Anil Kapoor’s inclusion in TIME’s "100 Most Influential People in AI 2024" is both unconventional and highly significant. As one of India’s most celebrated actors, Kapoor has taken on an expected new role as a crusader for ethical AI practices in the entertainment industry. His recent legal victory against unauthorized AI usage of his likeness has not only secured his own rights but also set a precedent for others in the creative field.

In September 2023, Kapoor filed a lawsuit to prevent the misuse of his name, image, voice, and other personality traits by 16 entities that had used them without permission for commercial purposes. The Delhi High Court’s interim order, widely regarded as a landmark judgment, restrained these platforms from profiting off his identity without consent. Speaking about the case, Kapoor remarked, “My personality is my life’s work, and I’ve worked hard to build it. With this lawsuit, I’m seeking protection of my personality rights to prevent their misuse, particularly in the current scenario with rapid changes in technology and tools like artificial intelligence.”

Kapoor’s victory is being hailed globally, with Variety describing it as a “landmark judgement against AI.” Reflecting on the court’s decision, Kapoor said, “Justice must, and does, prevail. I’m very happy with this court order, which has come in my favor, and I think it’s very progressive—not only for me but for other actors as well.”

Rohit Prasad: Transforming AI Through Voice and Vision

[caption id="attachment_60577" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Rohit Prasad | Time 100 AI 2024 | Influential People in AI | Global Indian Rohit Prasad, the brains behind Alexa and the vanguard of AI at Amazon[/caption]

Rohit Prasad, Amazon’s Senior Vice President and Head Scientist of Alexa AI, stands at the forefront of voice technology and artificial intelligence innovation. As the architect behind Alexa, Prasad revolutionized how millions interact with technology daily, embedding AI seamlessly into everyday lives. Now, he leads Amazon’s charge to reclaim its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving generative AI landscape.

Born in India and inspired by science fiction classics like Star Trek, Prasad’s fascination with AI began early. He pursued his undergraduate degree at BIT Mesra, Ranchi, before moving to the United States to earn a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology. Reflecting on his academic journey, Prasad credits his mentor for shaping his practical approach to AI. “It’s not just about having the best algorithm,” he says, “but proving it works in real-world settings. That preparation—to make inventions matter in the real world—was invaluable.”

Prasad spearheaded Alexa’s natural language capabilities, redefining human-machine interactions. “We dreamed of making computers respond like a Star Trek computer, and Alexa brought that to life,” he has said.

The rise of generative AI, however, introduced new challenges. As competitors like OpenAI’s ChatGPT surged ahead, Amazon tasked Prasad with revamping its AI strategy. Leading the development of Titan and Olympus, Amazon’s latest large language models, Prasad is integrating generative AI across Alexa and Amazon’s ecosystem, from smart-home devices to AWS cloud services.

Aravind Srinivas: Disrupting Search with AI Innovation

[caption id="attachment_60578" align="aligncenter" width="691"] Aravind Srinivas | Perplexity AI | Time 100 AI 2024 | Global Indian Aravind Srinivas, founder, Perplexity[/caption]

Aravind Srinivas, co-founder and CEO of Perplexity AI, represents the new wave of entrepreneurs who are blending technical excellence with disruptive ambitions in artificial intelligence. At just 30, Srinivas has steered Perplexity into the Unicorn club, raising its valuation to over $1 billion and challenging industry titans like Google in the AI-driven search space.

Born in India, Srinivas’s journey into AI began during his undergraduate studies at IIT Madras. Despite starting in electrical engineering, he credits his mentors and friends in computer science for introducing him to the nascent field of machine learning. “If I hadn’t been at IIT Madras, I might never have ended up in AI,” Srinivas reflects. From there, he went on to complete his doctoral studies at UC Berkeley.

In 2021, he briefly worked at OpenAI before co-founding Perplexity AI in 2022. Perplexity’s “answer engine” aims to reshape search by delivering concise, AI-generated answers with linked citations, rather than traditional search results. “Google doesn’t want to replace its business model with lower-margin AI search,” he says.

While Perplexity has gained tens of millions of users and processes over 230 million queries monthly, it has not been without controversy. The company has faced accusations of plagiarism from outlets like Forbes and Condé Nast, leading to legal threats and public criticism. “Perplexity Pages had some rough edges,” Srinivas admitted, as the company revamped its citation practices and rolled out a revenue-sharing model for publishers. Despite these challenges, Perplexity’s growth continues, fueled by innovative features like its Pro service, which integrates third-party models like OpenAI’s GPT-4.

Amandeep Singh Gill: Guiding AI Ethics on a Global Scale

[caption id="attachment_60579" align="aligncenter" width="783"] Amandeep Gill | Time 100 AI 2024 | Influential People in AI | Global Indian Amandeep Gill, United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology[/caption]

As the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, Amandeep Singh Gill plays a pivotal role in shaping the ethical and equitable use of artificial intelligence worldwide. With a background in diplomacy and technology policy, Gill’s work emphasizes international cooperation to ensure AI benefits humanity while mitigating its risks.

Gill’s vision for AI governance balances innovation with safeguards. “AI must be a tool for inclusivity and sustainability, not a driver of division,” he said at a recent global summit. Under his leadership, initiatives such as the Global Digital Compact aim to establish guidelines for responsible AI development. Gill has also championed collaborations through platforms like the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), where he facilitates dialogues between nations, researchers, and industries.

One of Gill’s key priorities is addressing the ethical implications of AI in areas such as privacy, misinformation, and economic disparities. He has consistently called for AI regulations that protect vulnerable populations while fostering innovation. “The risks posed by AI can only be tackled through collective global action,” he believes.

Divya Siddharth: Redefining AI Governance Through Collective Intelligence

[caption id="attachment_60580" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Divya Siddharth | Time 100 AI 2024 | Influential People in AI | Global Indian Divya Siddharth[/caption]

For Divya Siddharth, AI is more than a transformative technology—it’s an opportunity to reimagine how societies govern and collaborate. As the co-founder of the Collective Intelligence Project (CIP), Siddharth has dedicated her work to ensuring that transformative technologies like AI are shaped by and for the collective good, rather than being monopolized by a few powerful entities.

“The world can be transactional and cruel,” Siddharth acknowledges, but she believes in countering this through collective intelligence—systems that “bring out the best and cancel out the worst.” In collaboration with AI company Anthropic, Siddharth and her team ran an “alignment assembly,” engaging 1,000 everyday people to define the values an ideal AI assistant should uphold. Their input not only reduced bias in Anthropic’s chatbot Claude but also introduced principles, like ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities, that were later integrated into the live product.

Siddharth’s belief in democracy as a solution, not a problem, stems from a diverse career spanning global AI governance initiatives and grassroots efforts. In a recent TED Talk, she argued, “We’ve gotten used to seeing democracy as a problem to be solved, but I see it as a cutting-edge social technology.” Her work has ranged from addressing data rights to guiding AI governance in collaboration with policymakers in India, the U.S., and the U.K. During her tenure at the U.K.’s AI Safety Institute, Siddharth established programs for public input on AI risks, ensuring that ordinary voices help shape regulatory frameworks.

“Tech expands what we are capable of,” she says. “Democracy is how we decide what to do with that capability.”

These six innovators are proof that AI is not just about machines or algorithms—it’s about people, decisions, and values. Whether through policy, ethics, or technology, they are shaping a future where AI serves society in meaningful ways.

‘Extra’ordinary love: Shivani Dhillon’s quest for an inclusive society

(April 5, 2023) On a scorching summer afternoon in Chandigarh, Shreya Dhillon stood outside her house, refusing to come back inside. Shreya was wearing several layers of clothing, as kids with Down Syndrome often do, because increased pressure helps alleviate their sensory issues. When her mother, Shivani Dhillon, came home, the family was at their wits' end. Shivani walked straight up to her daughter and began to tell her a story. "Shreya, do you know what happened today? The sun came out and asked if you want to play. Do you want to play with the sun, Shreya?" Shreya turned to lock eyes with her mother, who continued speaking as she led the child back inside. "I could teach her everything through stories," Shivani tells me, as we speak – it’s a busy Saturday morning in the Dhillon household and I can hear the sounds of the day unfolding. Shreya walks into the room as well, looking into the camera to greet me with a smile and a cheery “hi!” “She has learned to recognise colours, fruits, the sun, the moon, night and day, all through stories. That's how she absorbed information." That opened a door, for Shreya and for

oor, for Shreya and for Shivani as well, who began harnessing the power of stories to reach out to children and young adults with intellectual disabilities. A former journalist, Shivani is an award-winning social entrepreneur, founder of the Down Syndrome Support Group India and Samvid - Stories & Beyond. Her latest accomplishment is a book of her own: Extra: Extra Love, Extra Chromosome, with Shreya as a protagonist. It’s a story of fortitude and self-acceptance that transcends age and ability. And it gives readers a momentary glimpse of the courage that neuro-atypical kids like Shreya, as well as their parents, must display every day of their lives.

[caption id="attachment_36959" align="aligncenter" width="553"] Shivani Dhillon and her daughter, Shreya[/caption]

The intrepid journalist

Before Shreya was born, Shivani Dhillon was a journalist, chasing stories around the globe, visiting warzones and interviewing high profile people. An anchor with the BBC, Shivani did the work most young journalists dream of doing, but very few realise. "I started in 1999 and joined Zee News as an anchor and reporter," Shivani says, in her interview with Global Indian. These were in the early days of television news, and new channels were just entering the fray after decades of DD dominating the scene.

After a couple of years in television news in India, Shivani moved to London for a Master's degree in diplomatic studies. From there, she joined the BBC World Service, also working on documentaries. During those eight years, she married, and gave birth to her first son, who was struggling with health problems. "Once, I had to leave my son for about four days to make a documentary. When I came back, I realised I didn't want to do this anymore," she says.

The birth of Shreya

In 2010, Shreya was born with Down Syndrome, as the doctors in the UK had predicted. In the first trimester, they were told there was a high chance their daughter would have Down Syndrome. Shivani was asked to do a test and to decide on a course of action post the results. She refused. "We wanted the child, irrespective of what it may or may not have. We didn't want to find out."

The family returned to the UK, in part because of the healthcare system, where proactive staff also understood the toll taken on mothers of disabled children. They would even call to remind her of upcoming counselling and medical appointments. But there was one thing missing - social interaction. They returned to India, going back into the joint family system. Here, Shreya had lots of people to talk to and became a friendly child, her speech developed and she blossomed.

Creating a community

While a strong sense of community did wonders for Shreya, healthcare was another story. "I was thrown into the deep end when it came to therapy, finding the right doctor, the right information and even fellow parents." The stigma was very high, even educated relatives asked Shivani why she told people about Shreya's 'condition'. And she knew that thousands of parents across the country were facing the same thing.

Shivani began printing out flyers with her email id and phone number, talking about DS and appealing to parents with disabled kids. "I was looking for a friend," she admits. In 2012, she got her first phone call. "I knew I needed to reach out to more people and Facebook was still new then, so I started an online support group." The group has over 2,500 members now, from India and around the world. "You want to connect to your own people," Shivani tells me. "There is stigma in our country, even today. In the UK, there was support from the state, the doctors, the therapists. They understand what the parents go through and it felt good. In India, you're likely to be asked what you ate during pregnancy," Shivani explains. Those moments of self-doubt are common, "I would wonder if I did actually eat something wrong, partied too much, or didn't pray enough?" Being able to share experiences with people who had similar lives made a world of difference.

Finding purpose

Back home, Shreya needed to be taught even the smallest things. "You don't teach neurotypical kids how to walk, they just walk. But kids with DS need to be taught." She was well-travelled and well-read, with access to all the resources she needed and she could handle the challenges that came her way. "I started thinking about that - I can do so much for my kid but what about the parent who doesn't have the exposure, the knowledge or the resources? What happens then? I wanted to do something for them."

We spend our lives trying to figure out what our purpose might be and many of us never do. But in the darkest of times, that purpose might come looking for you. That was the case with Shivani. She started the Down Syndrome Support Group India, and built a loving and supportive community. She organised an international art exhibition, encouraging art as a form of therapy. They celebrated World Disability Day and Down Syndrome Day.

The power of stories

In the Dhillon home, reading a book to the kids was a night-time ritual. And from the time Shreya was a few months old, she had been listening to stories. "I realised she was so engaged and engrossed and learning so much. What she learned, she learned through stories." During the lockdown, Shivani began doing sessions with disabled kids and young adults, telling them stories as a form of therapy. And during the pandemic, she had her work cut out for her. There were difficult topics to discuss, death being one of them.

"Stories impact them on a fundamental level. It takes time but they start communicating more, become more expressive and their language improves," Shivani explains. Communication, she says, is one of the biggest challenges, they struggle with reading facial expressions, understanding social cues and understanding emotions. So, twice a week, she would meet groups of ten, tell a story and talk about the story afterwards.

Shivani Dhillon

Finding a school

Last year, Shreya was taken out of mainstream education and Shivani Dhillon began looking for a school for her. She found one, on the outskirts of Chandigarh, where teachers and students shared a loving bond. But the building was falling apart. "I knew it was the place for my daughter but she and other kids deserved better infrastructure."

Shivani oversaw fundraising efforts, raising enough to revamp the school. "We have launched the new school, Discoverability, now," she says. She works with the principal and the founder to handle the school and Shreya loves being there. "We want to start vocational training for students as well," she says.

Knowledge is power

It has been a journey full of challenges, Shivani says. "Bringing up a child with special needs is not easy, especially in India. You don't get invited to birthday parties, and there's a lot of staring, everywhere we go. I simply walk up to people and educate them. Sometimes that is all it takes. If I hadn't had a daughter with DS, I might have been oblivious too." Life may not work out the way you want, she says. "When I had my daughter, I saw those beautiful eyes and thought, the boys are going to be lining up for her. That's not going to happen but she has brought so much joy and happiness to our lives."

Transformation through crisis

Finding purpose, Shivani says, has been a spiritual journey. She's a believer in karma, not in a 'resigned-to-her-fate' kind of way but in the sense that everybody has a purpose, a reason for living. "When you have that understanding, of something greater, you don't ask those questions. I can't give Shreya many of the tools I use to cope with challenges but I do know that the one thing she can fall back on is a connection to a higher being."

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Fragrance files: Meet Sapthagiri S Boggaram, the man bringing exotic sensory delights to India

Sugandh Lok is making the case for incense sticks or agarbattis by making export quality products available to an Indian audience. It is the latest venture by Sapthagiri Boggaram, director of Sarathi International Inc, one of the largest producers of incense sticks that are sold in over 40 countries worldwide. (November 12, 2023) Did you know that there are agarbattis that help you for stress relief or even meditation? At the Sugandh Lok store in Bengaluru, incense is an experience, not a mere product. Soothing spiritual music plays in the background when you enter, and an array of incense sticks are on display, with flavours ranging from the conventional to the unusual, including chocolate, green tea and pineapple. There are rooms where you can understand the process as well as get a feel of how the space feels when you light a specific kind of stick. The brainchild of Sapthagiri S Boggaram, Director, Sarathi International Inc., the store is a sensory delight but the real story lies in the product itself, and the people who make it. Transforming Tales Boggaram’s is a story of transformation, from a shy and reserved individual to a confident business leader. The Global Indian kept

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Transforming Tales

Boggaram’s is a story of transformation, from a shy and reserved individual to a confident business leader. The Global Indian kept to himself as a child, studying at The East-West School in South Bengaluru. It was at St Joseph's College that he began to break out of his shell and explore his potential. “The most significant chapter in my transformation unfolded when I decided to pursue a business degree at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Studying abroad was a game-changer. It exposed me to diverse cultures and perspectives, forcing me to expand my horizons and step out of my comfort zone. Interacting with a global student body broadened my worldview and pushed me beyond my limits,” Boggaram recollects.

Sapthagiri Boggaram | Global Indian After graduating from Monash, he entered the family business and soon found himself managing a sizable workforce. This transition marked the most crucial phase of his transformation from a quiet and introverted persona to an outgoing and confident leader. “I realised that I needed to actively work on my communication skills. To become a proficient communicator and leader, I engaged in various training programs, sought out mentors, and actively practiced public speaking. Over time, I learned how to articulate my ideas, motivate teams, and guide them effectively,” Boggaram says.

Family Business

Sapthagiri Boggaram is a third generation entrepreneur and his family runs Sarathi International, one of the biggest manufacturers of aggarbatis. With a 75-year-old legacy of making high-quality incense sticks, Sarathi’s market is spread out across 43 countries around the globe. Boggaram knew his future lay in the family business – 2024 will mark his 25th year and he says it has been a truly enriching experience. “The family business culture instilled a deep sense of pride and purpose in me. From my childhood, I have vivid memories of witnessing the skills, artistry, the creation of innovative products, and the joy of serving a loyal customer base. What struck me most was the knowledge that we were contributing something truly ethical and divine to society. It is this sense of purpose that motivated me to set clear goals for myself,” says Boggaram.

Sapthagiri Boggaram | Global Indian

Being an entrepreneur allows him to blend tradition with innovation, quality with sustainability, and to share their rich cultural heritage with a broader audience. “It is not just a business for me; it's a calling, a way of life that brings joy and a profound sense of purpose,” he adds. Fortunately, this stems from the fact that his family never put any kind of pressure on Boggaram to join the family business. “In fact, I was encouraged and supported from the very beginning. My father, who has been a pillar of strength in our family business, always gave me a free hand and allowed me to pursue my interests. From the day I entered the business, it was a rather open and collaborative environment. I was the one who sought his advice, and he never imposed his ideas on me or tried to control my decisions. This freedom and trust within the family made it relatively easy for me to convince them about my vision and the direction I wanted to take the business,” he reminisces.

A Ride to Remember

His journey has been a rollercoaster, marked by both exhilarating moments and daunting challenges that mostly started with his decision to initiate a venture within the family business. “Sugandh Lok reflects my values, my vision for the business, and the essence of our products. The experience has been incredibly exciting, and it has also come with its share of stress, primarily due to the steep learning curve and the uncharted territory I have ventured into,” he says. It was a steeper learning curve than he anticipated. The agarbatti industry is a “unique realm,” and Boggaram approach to it is just as distinct. “Nobody has ventured into this industry with this kind of model.” If every day brings new possibilities, there is also the challenge of navigating mostly uncharted territory.

For one, Boggaram’s market is more global than Indian and Sugandh Lok products adhere to European safety norms and meet rigorous quality standards. The parent brand, Sarathi International, comes with a rich legacy of 75 years in producing ethically-made, high quality agarbattis and has an extensive international presence with customers in over 43 countries worldwide.

Leaning Blocks

In the world of business, he has learnt many lessons and the most important, more or less universal truth is that customers expect value above everything else. “While the initial response to our concept has been nothing short of excellent, it is abundantly clear that our customers desire more than just a transaction. They expect a daily interaction, continuous education, and a tangible demonstration of the value we bring to their lives. This expectation has led to a transformative change in our approach to customer engagement, one that necessitates a dynamic and ever-evolving connection,” Boggaram explains.

Sapthagiri Boggaram | Global Indian

Looking Ahead

Boggaram, has ambitious plans for the business as he embarks on an ambitious expansion plan as he hopes to roll out approximately four more stores in Bengaluru and soon extend their reach pan-India. “We have already taken significant steps in this direction by signing up with a franchise in the vibrant Karol Bagh area in Delhi and are in discussions with potential franchise partners in Delhi, Mathura, and Brindavan. Our overarching vision is to establish a network of approximately 100 stores within the next two years,” he says. The e-commerce website is currently in place to ensure a broader audience and seamless shopping experience. “Ultimately, our vision at Sugandh Lok is to revolutionise the way people perceive agarbattis and how they incorporate them into their lives. We aim to introduce a fresh perspective, and in doing so, enrich the way people experience and use agarbattis,” signs off Boggaram.

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