Global IndianstoryCNC Technics: ISRO’s partner in crafting India’s space glories

CNC Technics: ISRO’s partner in crafting India’s space glories

Written by: Namrata Srivastava

(August 26, 2023) The triumph of India’s lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, is not only a cause for celebration within the nation but is also gaining global recognition. Amidst the accolades rightfully directed at our scientists, there exists a group of individuals who have been diligently toiling in the background, playing a crucial role in the accomplishment of this monumental mission. Among these unsung heroes stands the Bandaru family from Hyderabad, and at the heart of their efforts lies their company, CNC Technics.

Vijay Krishna Bandaru with his sons Rahul and Rohit

Established by Vijay Krishna Bandaru in 1987, this firm has been working silently yet significantly, contributing to India’s remarkable advancements in aerospace and space exploration. In close collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), CNC Technics has proven to be an indispensable partner, utilising its advanced manufacturing capabilities to drive the success of ISRO’s endeavours. Currently managed by his sons, Rahul and Rohit Bandaru, the company’s directors, CNC Technics has been a significant part of various ISRO missions.

“We developed the cryogenic fuel lines, which are instrumental in transporting fuel from storage tanks to the combustion area, for the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), which were used in the third stage (cryogenic stage) of the launch vehicles to transport the two fuels from the storage tanks to the combustion area,” shares Rahul as he connects with Global Indian, adding, “It has been a great privilege to be a part of India’s space odyssey. We are very happy to be able to contribute to this magnificent journey.”

CNC Technics

It’s not just ISRO, this company has forged partnerships with prominent names like SpaceX and Taiwan Aerospace on the international stage. Their offerings extend to supplying equipment to subcontractors and suppliers for SpaceX, NASA, and the European Space Agency. What’s more, they are working hard on equipping local space agencies and nurturing innovation on a worldwide scale.

Standing along ISRO

This story starts when India successfully tested five nuclear bombs at Pokhran. The tests subsequently resulted in various foreign economic sanctions being imposed on the country, banning the export of certain defense materials and technologies. However, what seemed like a tragedy, turned out to be a great opportunity for the country to start making these projects at home. And Vijay Bandaru grabbed this opportunity with both hands. His company made its mark early on by developing the first CNC Filament Winding Machine in India back in 2000, an achievement inaugurated by the late Dr. Abdul Kalam during his tenure as the Scientific Advisor.

“My father is an IIT Madras graduate and has been a part of ACC Cement at the start of his career. In fact, he was the man behind the introduction of Ceasefire Fire Extinguisher to the market,” says Rahul. “Our partnership with ISRO started in 2008, and we have been a part of various missions The journey of creating intricate components for ISRO has been a mix of years of research and development in various engineering spheres, including material engineering, processing, molding, robotics, and process engineering.”

CNC Technics’ 6 Axes 1 Spindle winder

Shedding light on their collaboration with ISRO, he says, “There are three stages to launch a space satellite. While the first two stages were made in India, until a few years ago, ISRO would export the third stage – cryogenic stage – was being bought from Russia. ISRO reverse-engineered a way to manufacture the cryogenic stages in India, and they approached us to make the cryogenic fuel lines for that purpose. We worked with them for about seven years to produce these pipelines which were then used in the subsequent flights.”

CNC Technics played a very vital role in the historic launch of 104 satellites at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC). “Since then, we have been at the forefront of manufacturing critical components for the aerospace industry, aligning seamlessly with ISRO’s goals.” In 23 years, CNC Technics has crafted over 280 machines, extending their reach to more than 30 nations, encompassing the UK, USA, Russia, Canada, and Australia.

Adventurous duo

If you were thinking that with so many projects on their hands, Rahul’s and Rohit’s lives would only be about work, you couldn’t be more wrong. The duo, who is quite invested in developing new technology for the country, are also quite adventurous. “I am quite a fitness freak,” laughs Rohit, “I recently did a 5k swimathon in Goa. I also have a Half Ironman Triathlon under my belt, and now training for a full Ironman too.” And he isn’t just done as yet. Rohit is also an avid hiker and mountaineer, who has scaled several peaks across the globe. “The trick is to plan in advance,” he says talking about how he manages to find time for these activities, “I mostly have a whole year scheduled and I make sure that all the work is done before I take the vacations.”

Rohit Bandaru is a fitness enthusiast

Rahul, who is a self-proclaimed “food lover”, holds a special place for motorbiking in his heart. “I also swim. But, in all honesty, I am a father of a small kid so currently all my time is just dedicated to home,” he shares.

The future looks promising

Beyond its contributions to aerospace, CNC Technics lives by its core values of pioneering innovation. Their brand, Helipole has introduced revolutionary composite lighting solutions – completely non-metallic street light poles that outlast traditional alternatives while ensuring safety and durability. Additionally, the company is working on the next generation of carbon fiber pressure vessels, aiming to replace steel gas cylinders for greener hydrogen and CNG fuels. “Our goal is to remain at the forefront of innovation in this industry, introducing novel products to the Indian ecosystem that are yet to make their mark in the local market,” shares Rahul.

Currently, CNC is heavily investing in ISRO’s first crewed orbital spacecraft – Gaganyaan. “We have already started working on developing larger fuel lines for Gaganyaan. I must add that ISRO’s professionalism and their intensity is very commendable and keeps us inspired,” shares Rahul, as he signs off.

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Published on 26, Aug 2023

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Paris Laxmi: Bridging cultures through Bharatanatyam – A French enigma’s dance odyssey

(September 19, 2023) It was written in the stars for artist Paris Laxmi when she first stepped foot in India as a five-year-old. A French girl, who had heard stories of Hindu gods from her mother, grew up on a rich diet of Indian art and culture. The interest soon translated into a love for the country on her first visit. Mesmerized by the Indian dance art forms, she started learning Bharatnatyam at the age of nine, and years later moved to India forever. Here she met her now husband, a Kathak artist with whom she started Kalashakti School of Arts in Kochi. The 32-year-old, who calls herself Indian by heart, has found her home in India. Born in Aix-en-Provence in France in 1991 to a family that has been rooted in art, she found herself surrounded by it in the initial years of her life. "Before my birth, India was already a part of my family as my parents were loving this country, its customs, people, philosophy, arts, and heritage. My father first came to India in 1982, then with my mother some years after; they also decided to name me Myriam Sophia Lakshmi, and my brother Theo Elie

r some years after; they also decided to name me Myriam Sophia Lakshmi, and my brother Theo Elie Narayan. I can say that both India and dance were already a part of me when I was born," she wrote on the KalaShakti website.

[caption id="attachment_29498" align="aligncenter" width="478"] Artist | Paris Laxmi | Global Indian Paris Laxmi is an artist and actor[/caption]

She grew up hearing the stories of Hindu gods like Shiva-Parvati and Radha-Krishna along with stories of Jesus from her sculptor mother. This pulled her to the Indian culture at a tender age, and her first visit to the country at the age of five only added to her love for everything Indian. She soon began visiting India every year with her family and stayed for around two months, where they met the locals and experienced the country firsthand. "The connection my family and I have with India are difficult to explain. It’s like this natural feeling that we are home here. We feel moved by the culture. This is our favourite place,” the artist told The Better India.

Growing up, she was intrigued by the dance forms, and as young as five, began taking dance classes in hip hop, ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance. But her trips to India awakened in her a love for Indian dance, and at age nine, she began learning Bharatnatyam from Armelle Choquard, and later Dominique Delorme in France. "Indian classical dance forms are so deep and complex. The dancer needs so many qualities. It’s not only the technical ability but also acting ability, sense of music, and sense of aesthetics. It is a very demanding form," she added. While she continued learning the nuances of Bharatnatyam, she completed her Baccalaureate in French literature and arts. However, many people in France were unable to fathom their love for India. "My relatives could never quite understand it either, and always questioned my father about why we never visited any country except India," she told Little India in an interview. But their heart was already in India, something that not many people understood.

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However, it was the love for dance that brought her to India once again where she trained under Smt Sucheta Chapekar in Pune and later at Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam's Nrithyodaya School of Dance in Chennai for a year. "I used 'Laxmi' as my stage name until my brother's guru Kalaimamani Tiruvarur Bakthavathsalam added 'Paris' to it for recognition," she added. Keen to be accepted by Indians, she only performed Bharatnatyam initially. "For a while, I didn’t showcase the other western dance forms that I had trained in. I thought it was important that people identified me as a classical dancer, and as someone who understood and is a part of Indian culture," the artist said in an interview.

Interestingly, it was the dance that drew her to her now husband, Pallipuram Sunil, a famous Kathak artist from Vaikom in Kerala. She was just seven when she first saw him perform at Fort Kochi during one of her visits to India. "A very young artiste was performing for us, with others. Though I was amazed by all of them, he was the one who touched me the most. For nearly two weeks, I continued to watch him in Kochi. I loved the colourful costumes of Kathakali and he used to show them and explain everything that I wished to know about the costumes. It was Sunil….no one could imagine then that he would be my husband 14 years later! He is 13 years older than me!," she had said. She was 16 when she met him again in Kochi and shared her interest in Indian classical dance art forms. Soon they became friends, and she moved to India in 2012 after marriage.

[caption id="attachment_29496" align="aligncenter" width="431"] Artist | Paris Laxmi | Global Indian Paris Laxmi with husband Pallipuram Sunil[/caption]

Now India is her home. While she was already in love with Indian culture, she has now embraced Hinduism after her marriage to Sunil in 2012. The same year, they started Kalashakti School of Arts where they both teach their respective dance forms and organise Art performances and workshops. Over the last few years, 'Sangamam - Krishna Mayam', a classical dance fusion of Kathakali and Bharatanatyam showcasing stories and manifestations of Lord Krishna with compositions has toured all over India, Europe, and Gulf countries. She is on a mission to make more children understand 'the difference between classical dance and what is shown on TV'. "So many people from foreign countries wish to learn Indian classical dance now. It is something very rich and unique that India has. The government and the people of this country should preserve and promote it," she added.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXAglWvdWt0

Being an artist, she wanted to spread her wings and ventured into Malayalam films at the age of 16 when she met a film crew in Kochi and got her first role in Big B. However, it was her role in Bangalore Days that got her attention. Now a known face in the Malayalam film industry, Laxmi is keen to explore challenging roles but more importantly, wants to have a large space to develop her projects. She moved to India for the love of the country and its culture - a place she now calls home. From an outsider to an insider, she has come a long way despite many challenges. "Challenges keep on coming. That’s what keeps me going on. It’s a part of life. My biggest challenge is to be better than I was yesterday, and this never ends!"

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Into the Wild with Dr. Koustubh Sharma: Behind the scenes of snow leopard conservation

(November 24, 2023) A fresh ibex carcass was a tell-tale sign that a snow leopard was nearby. This was back in 2010, in South Gobi, Mongolia, where Dr Koustubh Sharma, the Conservation Science Director at the Snow Leopard Trust, stood with a team of seven researchers on a peninsula-shaped ridge line that dropped into a steep slope. It was mid-morning, though, an unlikely time for a snow-leopard sighting. As a colleague, Orjan, inched closer to examine the carcass, the snow leopard, which had been hiding just out of sight, jumped up on to the ledge to avoid him and found itself face-to-face with Koustubh. "He was so very surprised," Koustubh laughs, as he recalls. "I still remember that look on his face, and all the scars he carried." The snow leopard overcame its surprise and slunk away as quickly as it had appeared - Central Asia's apex predator can also be quite shy. In fact, Koustubh says, there are hardly any known encounters where a snow leopard has deliberately attacked humans. In the 15-odd years that Koustubh has worked on the conservation of the species, he has only seen it a handful of times in the wild. The animal's elusive

The animal's elusive nature was part of what drew him to it. "People work with snow leopards for years and never get to see them," he says. They melt into their terrain, making them very hard to spot and can survive in no-man’s land atop snow-covered mountains, breathing very scant air fairly comfortably.

A career in conservation

[caption id="attachment_46975" align="aligncenter" width="464"] Dr Koustubh Sharma. Photo by Xavier Augustin[/caption]

Koustubh speaks to Global Indian from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where he has been based since 2017, splitting his time between his role as International Coordinator at the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Programme and as the Director for Science and Conservation at the Snow Leopard Trust. One of the species' foremost researchers and conservationists, Koustubh's work involves collaborating with policymakers, conservationists and organisations from snow leopard range countries. It means working with partner organisations and making sure that the research and field terms have all the support they need - in terms of scientific and financial resources. "There's a lot of grant writing, outreach, communication and public speaking involved," Koustubh explains. "And since a third of the world's snow leopards live within 100km from international borders, you need to work with multiple governments."

It also involves braving some of the world's harshest terrains, usually in alpine and sub-alpine zones, at elevations of between 3000 and 4,500 meters above sea level. Snow leopards have a very broad range - their habitat extends thousands of kilometres across diverse and very rugged landscapes, across the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia, covering some 12 countries including Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Uzbekistan.

Tech as a gamechanger

A couple of decades ago, being a conservationist meant a lot of treacherous hikes to set up camera traps, and going back everyday to change film rolls and batteries. By 2004-2005, the technology had evolved to digital cameras and conservationists had to visit every six months to replace the battery, collect data and put the traps back. Today, technology has done away with the need to physically camp out in the bitter cold of the rugged Central Asian terrain.

[caption id="attachment_46976" align="aligncenter" width="629"] Testing camera traps. Photo courtesy: Dr Koustubh Sharma[/caption]

Bridging technology and conservation holds a deep fascination for Koustubh. He even appeared in a Microsoft ad, talking about how scientists at the Snow Leopard Trust use the MS’ AI tech in their research efforts. “To protect snow leopards, you need to know where they are,” he said. Camera traps capture thousands of images that need to be analysed - a task that means days of work for humans, and 10 minutes for an advanced AI.

From Bhopal to Bishkek

His association with the snow leopard feels like kismet - he was in the right place at the right time. After completing his Master’s in Physics, Koustubh moved to the Panna Tiger Reserve to do his PhD in wildlife zoology by studying the Four Horned Antelope. "Those were blissful times" he smiles. "I would go in the morning, observe the wildlife and come back. It was like earning for a hobby." Spread out over 552 km of forestland, life at Panna was not for the faint of heart. "It can be quite intense if being alone scares you," Koustubh agrees. He wasn't one to scare easily though - in college, he had picked up bird watching, because it was something he could do in Bhopal. When an overhaul of one of the city's lake required compiling bird data, Koustubh, who was a college kid then, was taken on for the project. "And that was how my association with the Bombay Natural History Society started too," he says.

At the Panna Tiger Reserve, he met another scientist, Dr. Raghu Chundawat, who incidentally, is the first person to complete a PhD on snow leopards, back in the 1980s. Given his background in Physics, Koustubh was fairly comfortable with numbers and he collaborated with Dr Chundawat to explore and experiment on a few methods to monitor and assess snow leopards. They tried and tested site occupancy methods - which are techniques used to determine whether a particular area or site is occupied by a certain species. These methods, which involve camera traps, surveys for tracks, scat or markings and DNA samplings were all fairly new at the time.

As he wound up his thesis, Koustubh heard about the Snow Leopard Trust. Founded in 1981 by Helen Freeman, the Snow Leopard Trust is a non-profit dedicated to the conservation of the endangered snow leopard and the preservation of its ecosystem. They were looking for a regional field biologist, someone who could stay in a remote area without worrying too much about what was happening back home. They also wanted someone to help the researchers in study designs and data analysis. Koustubh was the man for the job.

Where the wild things are

That's how Koustubh began his journeys through the wilderness of Central Asia. "My first trek was in -40 degrees," he says, when he was tasked with setting up a base station site for the first ever long-term ecological study of snow leopards in Mongolia back in 2008. He took off from Delhi, with his overcoat in his main suitcase. As the plane landed, the pilot announced that the temperature was 35 degrees Celsius. "I was like, why is everyone panicking back home? I have lived through 45 degrees Celsius. I stepped out and felt like I was being pricked by thousands of needles. I hadn't heard the 'minus'. My colleagues still make fun of me," he smiles.

Extreme weather is part of the deal, though. Snow leopards tend to live higher up in the mountains, usually above the treeline but just below where everything is totally frozen. "It is the only species that is found only in the mountains." Since prey is scarce so high up in the mountains, snow leopards wander extraordinary distances in search of food, accounting for their large home ranges. Creating and preserving a habitat is challenging, because it spans several thousands of square kilometres. "So, we work with people whose spaces overlap with the snow leopards," Koustubh explains.

Community-driven conservation

Such a large home range means snow leopard territories often overlap with that of humans. With a global population of a few thousand mature individuals, which is projected to decrease by about 10 percent by 2040, the snow leopard faces significant threats from poaching and as mentioned already, the loss of habitat due to infrastructural expansion. "So by design, all conservation work is about community engagement," Koustubh explains, adding, "By building partnerships with local communities, understanding challenges that snow leopards face and coming up with mutually agreeable solutions for people and animals alike." Humans are the main threat to snow leopards, which attack their livestock - and their livelihoods. "We have developed community-owned insurance programmes that helps protect villagers from the onslaught of loss."

Simply put, if people are losing their livestock already to disease, and then one is killed by a snow leopard or a wolf, they're going to want to take their frustration out on the predator. If farmers are losing fewer livestock, they can better withstand the loss of one or two. "In some areas we even work with communities by helping them develop handicraft products. We also help them produce honey, and initiate tourism programmes." Happy tourists can go a long way towards protecting the snow leopard, Koustubh says. "We have another programme to help communities build sustainable and conservation-oriented tourism." At the end of the day, Koustubh says, there's no replacing local skills. "You can bring in your skills and compliment them."

When he's not working, Koustubh is out stargazing on clear nights in Bishkek, to pursue his "rekindled childhood hobby" of astrophotography. I spot some equipment in the background as we speak. "I use a 70-200mm and 400mm standard canon lenses, Schmidt–Cassegrain catadioptric telescope, Doublet Refractor telescope and Newtonian telescope to photograph the night sky," he explains. His Instagram profile is peppered with pictures of Orion's Belt and the Horsehead Nebula, which appear to hold a certain fascination for him.

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Dr. Koustubh Sharma's work in snow leopard conservation bridges gaps between science, policy, and community, shaping a future where both humans and these elusive cats can thrive. His journey underscores the importance of perseverance and collaboration in the face of environmental challenges.

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Rooted in Legacy, Driven by Vision: Dhruva Jaishankar and Vishwa Shastra

(November 28, 2024) With striking similarities to his father, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Dhruva Jaishankar carries a familial resemblance that’s hard to miss. Yet, when it comes to influences, Dhruva candidly admits that his grandfather, late Krishnaswamy Subrahmanyam—a renowned strategic affairs analyst, journalist, and former Indian civil servant—had a more profound impact on his worldview. "My grandfather was more of a thinker and analyst, whereas my father is more of a doer in active diplomacy," he reflects, speaking to Global Indian from Washington, D.C., and crediting deep conversations with his grandfather for shaping his perspectives on international relations. Today, as a foreign policy expert and the founding Executive Director of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) America, a subsidiary of India’s ORF, he is working to build bridges between the U.S., India, and the developing world. [caption id="attachment_60724" align="aligncenter" width="604"] Dhruva Jaishankar[/caption] Dhruva is now gearing up for the release of his first book, Vishwa Shastra, published by Penguin Random House India. The book provides a comprehensive exploration of India’s interactions with the world, blending historical insights with forward-looking strategies. Dhruva’s research on foreign policy, defence, security, and globalization, has appeared in several books, policy reports, and prominent publications,

r.webp" alt="Indians in USA | Dhruva Jaishankar " width="604" height="404" /> Dhruva Jaishankar[/caption]

Dhruva is now gearing up for the release of his first book, Vishwa Shastra, published by Penguin Random House India. The book provides a comprehensive exploration of India’s interactions with the world, blending historical insights with forward-looking strategies. Dhruva’s research on foreign policy, defence, security, and globalization, has appeared in several books, policy reports, and prominent publications, cementing his reputation as a thought leader.

Influenced by a thinker

During his formative years, Dhruva Jaishankar lived a truly global life, moving across continents with his diplomat father—experiences that profoundly enriched his worldview. While Dhruva Jaishankar acknowledges the global exposure his father’s diplomatic career provided, he emphasizes the intellectual influence of his grandfather, Krishnaswamy Subrahmanyam. "My grandfather was opinionated analyst and eventually joined the defence think tank IDSA, where he became its second director until the mid-1980s. Later, he transitioned to a career in media, writing about strategic affairs. He passed away in 2011, but I was fortunate that our careers overlapped for a few years," Dhruva recalls.

During this time, he engaged in deep conversations with his grandfather that shaped his analytical approach to international relations. " My grandfather’s career in strategic affairs and his deep thinking on India’s role in the world had a lasting impact on me," Dhruva reflects. These insights, paired with the global exposure his father’s career afforded him, helped Dhruva develop his own unique perspective on global affairs.

[caption id="attachment_60732" align="aligncenter" width="465"] Indians in USA | Dhruva Jaishankar | Global Indian Dhruva Jaishankar[/caption]

A global upbringing

Born in Delhi, Dhruva Jaishankar spent his childhood moving across several countries, including the U.S. (where he lived briefly at a very young age), Sri Lanka, Hungary, India, Japan, and the Czech Republic. He began his schooling in Sri Lanka and continued his education across these nations before eventually moving to the U.S. for college.

This global upbringing instilled in him a deep understanding and appreciation for different cultures—an experience that would later become the bedrock of his professional life.

The spark of a career

Dhruva Jaishankar’s interest in foreign policy deepened with a significant moment during his freshman year at Macalester College in the U.S., where he was pursuing his bachelor’s degree in history. "9/11 stirred a deep interest in security studies," he recalls, "and laid the foundation for what would become my lifelong career in foreign policy and international relations."

[caption id="attachment_60729" align="aligncenter" width="710"] Indians in USA | Dhruva Jaishankar | Global Indian Dhruva Jaishankar during the early days of his career[/caption]

After graduating in 2005, he moved to Washington, D.C., where an internship at the Aspen Institute proved to be a turning point. "After finishing college, I moved to Washington, DC, without a clear idea of what I wanted to do. I ended up getting an internship at a think tank, which plunged me into the heart of U.S.-India relations at a pivotal time, just as the two countries announced a civil nuclear agreement," he explains.

Despite his grandfather’s legacy as a prominent Indian think tank leader, Dhruva admits he initially knew little about the field. "Although my grandfather had run a think tank in India, I didn’t know much about what the work entailed," he smiles. "That internship turned out to be a huge learning experience for me. That was my introduction to this world."

Choosing international relations over journalism

Early in his career, Dhruva faced a crossroads: should he pursue journalism or follow his growing interest in international relations? He briefly explored journalism, working as a news writer and reporter for CNN-IBN in New Delhi.

Ultimately, his passion for security and foreign policy won out. He pursued an M.A. in security studies from Georgetown University, where he was surrounded by military and security professionals. Initially feeling like an outsider, Dhruva Jaishankar credits this environment with building his confidence to engage in high-level discussions on global security, a skill that would become invaluable in his career.

[caption id="attachment_60731" align="aligncenter" width="413"] Indians in USA | Observer Research Foundation | Global Indian Dhruva Jaishankar during the early days of his career in India[/caption]

Being Global Indian: Bridging local and international realities

Working for prestigious organizations including Stephen Cohen as research assistant, and German Marshall Fund (GMF) in Washington, D.C., where he managed the India Trilateral Forum, a policy dialogue involving participants from India, Europe, and the United States, deepened his understanding of security and foreign policy. He also worked as a program officer with GMF’s Asia Program for the initial three years in the organization.

Dhruva returned to India in 2016 to work as a Fellow for Brookings India. This role marked a deep dive into India’s foreign affairs, counterterrorism, and nuclear non-proliferation. “At Brookings India I managed a lot of the new institution’s foreign policy and security activity. It enabled me to travel the length and breadth of India, around South Asia (Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka) and Southeast Asia, and I produced reports on defence technology, U.S.-India relations, and India’s Act East policy,” he shares. Later, he also served as a visiting fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

[caption id="attachment_60725" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Indians in USA | Dhruva Jaishankar | Global Indian Dhruva Jaishankar[/caption]

Building ORF America

"Over the course of my 15-year career, I worked in diverse roles across various institutions in India, the U.S., and briefly in Singapore. This experience exposed me to a wide range of issues, regions, and the practical aspects of running a think tank," he shares. In 2020, Dhruva embarked on a new journey as the founding Executive Director of ORF America, the Washington, D.C.-based arm of India’s Observer Research Foundation, which began its journey in 1990.

In 2020, ORF was planning to establish its first affiliate outside India in the U.S. "Our paths crossed," Dhruva explains, and his experience in think tanks made him a natural fit for the role. This led to him becoming the founding Executive Director of ORF America, marking a significant milestone in his career.

He and his team at ORF America has focused on fostering cooperation between the U.S., India, and other global partners on pressing issues like technology policy, energy, climate, and international security.

[caption id="attachment_60790" align="aligncenter" width="668"] Indians in USA | Observer Research Foundation | Global Indian Dhruva Jaishankar[/caption]

Bridging the developed and developing worlds

"What differentiates ORF America from a lot of other think tanks in Washington is the focus on bridging the developed and developing worlds on various global issues," Dhruva explains. Under his leadership, the organization has launched several ambitious projects.

At ORF America, we conduct research on U.S.-India relations, U.S. alliances and partnerships, and Global North-Global South engagement. We also convene topical roundtables in Washington and conferences around the world, including in India, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Finally, we organize leadership development programs, including on climate and energy issues, China, and AI policy,” he mentions.

ORF America collaborates closely with ORF’s three centres in India—Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata—as well as its Middle East branch in Dubai. "We collaborate closely and work together on various projects," Dhruva says, highlighting the organization’s unified approach.

Indians in USA | Dhruva Jaishankar | Global Indian

Matters of the heart

Married to an American historian, Dhruva started his family in Delhi before moving to the U.S. “We keep personal and professional life separate,” says the devoted father of two children, ages seven and four. Although he travels frequently for work, he makes an effort to spend quality time with them. He enjoys cooking for his kids and being with them during this stage of their lives, as they grow and learn new things. “Outside of work, I spend most of my time being a father,” he smiles.

Enjoying life in America, the Global Indian remains deeply connected to his native country, with its capital, Delhi, holding special significance in his journey. He was born in the city, returned at age nine, and later moved back twice as an adult. “In fact, I started my family there, and my first child was born in Delhi,” he shares.

Vishwa Shastra: India and the World

Dhruva Jaishankar is excited about the next milestone in his journey—the release of his debut book, Vishwa Shastra, published by Penguin Random House India. The book offers a comprehensive exploration of India’s historical and strategic role on the global stage.

[caption id="attachment_60733" align="aligncenter" width="431"] Cover image of Dhruva's book[/caption]

"One big motivator for me," Dhruva shares, "was the many talks and presentations I gave to student audiences across India, while I was working there between 2016-2019. Students from diverse backgrounds—not just social sciences but also law and engineering—showed a deep curiosity about India, its international relations, and its history. I realized there wasn’t a good book that offered a comprehensive starting point to understand India's interactions with the world."

He added, “My primary goal in writing this book was to create a foundation, especially for young Indians, but also for anyone interested, to learn more about India and its international relations."

The book delves into India’s ancient connections with regions spanning the Mediterranean to Asia, the enduring impact of colonialism, and the country’s post-Independence challenges, including its rivalries with Pakistan and China. It provides a framework for understanding India’s evolving geopolitical landscape while presenting forward-looking strategies. The second part of the book addresses five critical challenges: leveraging the economic environment for growth, integrating with neighbouring countries, balancing relations with a rising China, combating terrorism, and advocating institutional reforms in global governance.

Renowned writer and politician Shashi Tharoor has endorsed Vishwa Shastra, calling it, “An impressive tour d'horizon spanning centuries of India's strategic thought, traditions of statecraft, and contemporary foreign policy.” Indians in USA | Dhruva Jaishankar | Global Indian

The enduring bond with his roots continues to inspire Dhruva Jaishankar’s work. While influenced by his family’s legacy, Dhruva Jaishankar’s journey is defined by his own vision—one that aims to elevate India’s role in an interconnected world, bridging continents and generations alike. With his first book, Vishwa Shastra, he hopes to further this mission and contribute to a deeper understanding of India’s place in the global arena.

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Reading Time: 5 mins

Ashay Bhave: How this 23-year-old is getting “kicks” out of plastic waste, and is sold out

(November 27, 2021) "Don't just do it, do it right," puns the Thaely slogan, taking a dig at an international shoe brand. Rightly so, as Thaely sneakers are 100 percent recycled, and made from plastic trash. In fact, truth be told, CEO and founder of Thaely, an ethically produced ecologically fashioned sneaker brand, Ashay Bhave, is as honest, sceptical and idealistic in life as he is in deed. This, and a talent for art saw him create a niche with his vegan sneakers which he shrugs off – "This is just the beginning of greater things to come." Modest words. Interestingly, his first art installation at the Jameel Art Centre in Dubai, a show he curated too, got government attention, and he was given a UAE Golden Visa. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thaely (@thaely.inc) Thaely has an ethos of sustainability as the 23-year-old Ashay upcycles plastic bags and bottles to create shoes. Named after the common place plastic bag's Hindi word for it, thaely, the shoes use plastic waste with cutting edge design. "We are the only company that uses plastic bags to make shoes. When you look at their aesthetics and design,

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Thaely (@thaely.inc)

Thaely has an ethos of sustainability as the 23-year-old Ashay upcycles plastic bags and bottles to create shoes. Named after the common place plastic bag's Hindi word for it, thaely, the shoes use plastic waste with cutting edge design. "We are the only company that uses plastic bags to make shoes. When you look at their aesthetics and design, you would never know that they are made from plastic," says the creator. Each sneaker uses ten plastic bags and 12 plastic bottles – an overall whopping 50,000 plastic bags and 35,000 bottles have been used so far.

The sneakers won the PETA's Best Vegan Sneaker Award 2021. Head honcho Anand Mahindra tweeted his interest in funding and buying these ecologically attuned sneakers.

This is awesome!
A startup in India 🇮🇳 is making these sneakers (a $70 billion market) are made of garbage (12 plastic bottles and handful of trash bags). And for $110, they will be shipped anywhere in the world.@Thaely_inc

pic.twitter.com/ogNwVCFhXY

— Erik Solheim (@ErikSolheim) November 17, 2021

Today, Thaely sneakers are sold out. Behind the minimalistic and soft leather shoe is a boy with a curly shock of hair forming a whimsical halo around his artistic head, with an endearing schoolboy drawl. He rattles off the science behind the shoes, fabric, and his depth is clear to see. The boy who studied at DY Patil in Navi Mumbai, comes from a Maharashtrian family - his mother Sheetal Bhave is a counsellor, and father Sameer Bhave works in Dubai at an oil company, and he has a younger sister.

The birth of an eco-friendly sneaker

Thaely was initially developed as a design exercise by Ashay using recycled material from waste at the Eureka competition during his final BBA entrepreneurship semester at Amity University (Dubai) in 2019. "I wanted to find a solution to the 100 billion plastic bags used each year that use 12 million barrels of oil which kill 100,000 marine animals annually," quips Ashay, who finished 12th and went to the Big Apple to study accessory design. A year into the course, unhappy with his progress, what work the alumni were doing, job prospects and the cost of the course, he signed up for a BBA in Dubai.

"I was doing a few design projects for fun - one was Thaely. Plastic bags are a huge problem, most marine animals confuse them for jelly fish. I experimented at home with different household appliances - irons and hair straighteners. I got familiarised with some industrial equipment during design school, and tried to replicate the tech used in t-shirt printing to form a texture called ThaelyTex with PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) used for coating, shoe bands, etc while the soles are from discarded tyres," he explains. With a rough idea of the fabric that he developed over two years; a prototype was made at a neighbourhood shoe repair shop. That prototype and design, he pitched along with a business plan at Eureka as proof of concept. Ashay won the competition, was spotted by a judge, Matteo Boffa, a Dubai-based Swiss social entrepreneur, who funded and mentored Ashay who was only 20 at the time. "I definitely needed guidance when it came to business and enterprise," says the designer who has since sold out his inventory.

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"As soon as I heard Ashay’s pitch about Thaely I fell in love with the concept. Being a serial entrepreneur in the field of sustainability and social impact, I saw a great fit. The idea was great but the person behind was even better! The brand can compete with the giants of the industry. We have a real and concrete positive impact on hundreds of people in India," says Matteo Boffa, Social entrepreneur, Forbes 30under30, and co-founder of Thaely.

[caption id="attachment_16837" align="aligncenter" width="851"] Ashay Bhave[/caption]

Ashay identified Trio Tap Technologies, a waste management plant in Gurgaon for plastic bags. Then, the pandemic hit. All work came to a standstill. Beginning 2021, Bhave again started work and finally launched the recycled sneaker.

"It is difficult to create a sneaker with those specs, so we designed a process that is scalable and efficient. Thaely is a casual sneaker. I took inspiration from the many basketball and skateboarding shoes of the 80s – the design is timeless, minimalistic and easy to style. It looks like a leather sneaker," explains the designer, who started off as a freelance designer creating album art, packaging, animation, toys, etc. A name in Dubai already, he now wants to impress the rest of the world with not just products but also his art.

"The installation show was a pretty important point - it helped me become more established. I got government attention, and was offered a UAE Golden Visa. I had designed a fake toy with a packing and gaming console - it was basically critiquing world leaders acting like children and sort of playing with our lives," says the avant-garde thinker.

With funding, the second prototype was made, and the recycled "kicks" were on their way to make feet accountable and responsible. Thaely sneakers are currently sold at Level One, among the biggest shoe stores in the world at Dubai Mall, and online.

[caption id="attachment_16838" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Thaely Thaely's vegan sneakers[/caption]

Tapping the market

"We were sold out on all the shoes produced – 1,600 pairs with 500 pre-orders – mostly from Europe, some from America and Australia. India is not a very big market right now," says Bhave, who is grateful for the acclaim, and success, "It was my dream to be in design or a CEO of a fashion brand - now that it has come true, I am thrilled," says the eco entrepreneur who wants to diversify, and add more colours too (Thaely sneakers are in white, white-brown and white-blue, and pre orders of all-black).

Like other 20-somethings, sneakers are an appendage and lifeline – his, he says, are comfortable and function like regular shoes. They are different though, "We are 100 percent recycled, completely transparent on production processes, our shoes have a QR code, and we are cheaper than other sustainable sneakers at $99 (others are $150, etc)," adds the Global Indian.

[caption id="attachment_16839" align="aligncenter" width="771"] Thaely sneakers[/caption]

Proud parents, a sister who is a tad intimidated by attention, and impressed friends, Bhave knew they all had "pretty high hopes" (for him), and admits they expect much more now.

Mentor Matteo has been instrumental in giving Ashay a deeper perspective, "He is pretty young – 30, and (is) always inspiring me to stretch my boundaries," says Bhave who loves sci-fi movies, art and fashion.

Not many know that Ashay was a national level rifle shooter from sixth to eleventh grade in Mumbai, and even today loves going to the range in Dubai when he visits his parents. His larger aspiration is to make Thaely a lifestyle brand – clothing, furniture, other accessories – recycled and sustainable. Sneakers done, now it’s back to the drawing board to create more from trash.

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Reading Time: 6 min

Cyrus Mistry: Growing Shapoorji Pallonji to helming the Tata Group

(September 6, 2022) On Sunday, September 4, 2022, business tycoon Cyrus Mistry was killed when his Mercedes rammed into a divider. The younger son of the construction magnate Pallonji Mistry, Cyrus was travelling from Ahmedabad to Mumbai when the accident took place. He was rushed to hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. Condolences poured in for Mistry, who was one of India's wealthiest businessmen, valued at some $29 billion at the time of his death. He served as managing director of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group before he took over Chairman of Tata Sons in 2012. He succeeded Ratan Tata as the first first non-Tata to head the Indian business empire. In 2013, the Economist described Mistry as "the most important industrialist in both India and Britain." Global Indian takes a look at the remarkable life of this business tycoon. India Inc, political leadership take to Twitter Condolences poured in from industry and political heavyweights, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Harsh Goenka and Anand Mahindra. "The untimely demise of Shri Cyrus Mistry is shocking. He was a promising business leader who believed in India's economic prowess. His passing away is a big loss to the world of commerce

s shocking. He was a promising business leader who believed in India's economic prowess. His passing away is a big loss to the world of commerce and industry. Condolences to his family and friends," tweeted PM Modi.

Hard to digest this news. I got to know Cyrus well during his all-too-brief tenure as the head of the House of Tata. I was convinced he was destined for greatness. If life had other plans for him, so be it, but life itself should not have been snatched away from him. Om Shanti 🙏🏽 https://t.co/lOu37Vs8U1

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) September 4, 2022

Tata Consultancy Services also issued a statement, describing Mistry as "a warm, friendly and congenial person who built a strong relationship with the TCS family during his time as the Chairman of the company." Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also expressed her sadness. "I was convinced he was destined for greatness. If life had other plans for him, so be it, but life itself should not have been snatched away," tweeted Anand Mahindra.

Mistry became known for his serious demeanour and his reserved manner. "In my four years of working with him, I have been to his house only for the annual party," one member of the Tata Group board told Livemint. "He is professional and keeps to himself. But at the same time, his mobile number was available with at least hundreds of Tata group executives."

Tycoon at 26

Mistry was born to Pallonji Mistry and Patsy Perin Dubash, in Dublin, on July 4, 1968. The Mistry family was one of the wealthiest in Ireland at the time. Mistry attended the Cathedral and John Connon School, one of Mumbai's oldest and most elite educational institutions. He moved to England shortly in 1990, to study at the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine. He earned a degree in civil engineering and then a Master's in management from the London Business School in 1996.

[caption id="attachment_29001" align="aligncenter" width="670"] Cyrus Mistry with Prime Minister Modi in 2016[/caption]

In 1991, shortly after graduating from college, Cyrus assumed his position as the scion of his father's construction empire. He took over as director, Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. Three years later, he became Managing Director. He was only 26 at the time. Mistry is widely credited for having taken the Shapoorji Pallonji group to new heights - the company employs over 23,000 employees across India, the Middle East and Africa.

The era of firsts for Shapoorji Pallonji & Co

Under his leadership, the company's interests expanded from pure constructions to executing projects under design and build. They implemented complex projects in the marine, oil and gas and railway sectors. Shapoorji Pallonji & Co went on to construct India's tallest residential towers, the longest rail bridge, the largest dry dock and the largest affordable housing project.

Mistry also oversaw the infrastructure development vertical, which began in 1995 with a 106 MW power project in Tamil Nadu, followed by the development of India's largest biotech park near Hyderabad. They also made their foray into agriculture and biofuels before Mistry resigned to take over as the deputy Chairman of the Tata group.

[caption id="attachment_28992" align="aligncenter" width="656"] Vallarpadam Railway Bridge, the longest in India, contructed by Shapoorji Pallanji & Co[/caption]

The Tata connection

The Pallonjis are one of India's oldest business families, with links going back well over a century. In 1930, Mistry's grandfather, Shapoorji Mistry, acquired a stake in Tata Sons. His son, Pallonji Mistry, held the stake, which now stands at 18.5 percent, the largest block of shares held by a single group. In 2006, Pallonji Mistry stepped down from the board of directors of the Tata Group, his son, Cyrus, took his place. Cyrus himself had served as director of Tata Elxsi, a post he accepted in 1990 and remained in for a decade, until October 2009. He was also a director of Tata Power Co until late 2006.

In 2013, Mistry made history when he succeeded Ratan Tata as the chairman of the Tata Group, going on to head all the major Tata companies including Tata Steel, Tata Motors, Tata Consultancy Services, Indian Hotels, Tata Global Beverages and tata Chemicals. He became the sixth - and youngest - chairman to head the conglomerate.

Making history

Mistry wrote later, after his controversial dismissal which resulted in a years-long legal battle, that the proposal first arose in 2011. "After some exploration by a search committee (actually, Mistry was part of this committee also, by virtue of his place on the board of directors), I was approached by both Ratan Tata and Lord Bhattacharya individually to be a candidate for the position. I politely declined," he revealed later.

Mistry was involved with building and growing his family's own business, which was booming under his leadership. The Tatas continued their search, as Ratan Tata's retirement grew more imminent. "The committee was unable to find a suitable candidate, I was asked to reconsider." He found it harder to refuse the second time around. After consulting with his family, he "took courage to overcome (his) initial reluctance and agreed to consider the position."

When controversy came calling

In late 2016, Mistry wrote a tell-all letter, saying he was "shocked beyond words at the happenings at the board meeting of October 24, 2016." On that day, Tata Sons had inducted two new directors into their board, after the abrupt ousting of their Chairman. A furious Mistry decided it was not the time to remain quiet and termed the move "shocking and unparalleled."

For four years, his tenure as Chairman of Tata Sons, Mistry had maintained the reticence characteristic of the Shapoorji Pallonjis, and didn't give a single interview. His father, Pallonji Mistry was even known as the 'Phantom of Bombay House'. As for Cyrus Mistry, he was once said to have stopped a media consultant making a presentation to ask him, "Do you know who is the chairman of 3M?" His point was simple - the company brand is more important than the personalities of those at the helm.

The big-league boardroom battle

When he was "replaced without so much as a word of explanation or being afforded an opportunity of defending himself," Cyrus Mistry decided it was time to break the legacy of silence.

The action, he said, was sudden and the resulting speculation had done his reputation, as well as that of the Tata Group, "immeasurable harm," he wrote.

[caption id="attachment_28995" align="aligncenter" width="612"] Tata Group Chairman Cyrus Mistry after a meeting at the Finance Ministry on May 29, 2012 in New Delhi, India. (Photo by Vipin Kumar / Hindustan Times via Getty Images)[/caption]

Saying that he had taken on many problems with his role as Chairman, he "had to take many tough decisions with sensitive care to the group's reputation as well as containing panic amidst internal and external shareholders." The sum of the matter seems to be that Cyrus Mistry was not given the free hand that he had been promised, mentioning that "once, the trust directors had to leave a Tata Sons board meeting in progress for almost an hour, keeping the rest of the Board waiting, in order to obtain instructions from Mr Tata."

If the Tatas expected Mistry to go quietly, they were proved very wrong. Mistry went on to appeal his removal to the National Company Law Appellate (NCLAT), which ruled that it was indeed illegal. The high-profile boardroom battle didn't end there. The Tata Group's board appealed the NCLAT verdict in the Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled in their favour, after Mistry had been briefly reinstated.

Mistry received grudging admiration even from directors of the Tata Group board. They called him "hard-working" and "more likely to be seen supervising work at a construction site than in a cabin in the office," according to Livemint.

The family he left behind

[caption id="attachment_28994" align="aligncenter" width="539"] Cyrus Mistry and his family[/caption]

Mistry is survived by his older brother, Shapoor Mistry, who is an Irish citizen and is married to Behroze Sethna. He also has two sisters - Laila, who is married to London-based portfolio manager Rustom Jehangir and Aloo, the wife of Noel Tata, the half-brother of Ratan Tata. Mistry was married to Rohiqa Chagla, daughter of prominent lawyer Iqbal Chagla and the granddaughter of the jurist MC Chagla. The couple has two sons.

The Mistry family's real estate assets reportedly include a White-House style, seaside Mansion in Mumbai, the 200-acre Manjri stud farm in Pune and homes in Surrey, London and Dubai.