(August 10, 2022) It rained gold and silver for India at Birmingham. Finishing fourth in the medal tally at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022 – Indian athletes brought home a total of 61 medals, including 22 golds, 16 silvers and 23 bronze in various categories. While accolades were expected from seasoned sports stars such as Mirabai Chanu, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Nikhat Zareen, some performances at the CWG came as a pleasant surprise for the nation. Making new records and winning first-time medals for the country, these stars have added to India’s 75th Independence Year celebrations.
Global Indian takes a look at a few brilliant performances at CWG 2022, which will inspire many young and budding sports personalities for years to come.
Avinash Sable, steeplechaser
Steeplechase – an athletic event that most Indians were unaware of until recently, started trending on several micro blogging sites after athlete Avinash Sable created history by winning the silver medal at the CWG. Running in the 3000m men’s steeplechase event, the Maharashtrian lad not only broke his personal best record, but also became the first non-Kenyan athlete to claim the podium since 1994.
Born in to a farming family in a small village named Mandwa, the struggles of his initial days turned Avinash into a world-class runner. A soldier, who has served the Indian Army at the highest battlefield on the planet – Siachen – 27-year old Avinash was just 0.05 seconds short of the gold at CWG. While many knew of his potential, the expectations of him winning a silver were very low considering he finished 11th at World Athletics Championship just a few days back. Defying odds, however, this Indian Army jawaan emerged victorious.
While most women are busy taking care of their home and family in their 30s and 40s, these four bowling queens brought home India’s first-ever medal in lawn bowls. Lovely Choubey, Rupa Rani Tirkey, Pinki and Nayanmoni Saikia achieved an extraordinary feat by claiming gold at the CWG. The ladies defeated the South African team by 17-10 in Birmingham. A sport which has been a part of the CWG since its inception in 1930, it attracts very few players in India resulting in almost no international representation from the country. With this historic win, one can only hope to see more participation and medals in lawn bowls going ahead.
Jeremy Lalrinnunga, weightlifter
One of the youngest sports stars in the Indian contingent, he is also one of the brightest. 19-year-old Jeremy Lalrinnunga had a dream-come-true moment at the Commonwealth Games, after he earned the gold medal in the men’s 67kg weightlifting event. The former Youth Olympic winner struggled through a very tough phase last year due to a series of injuries and medical issues. But despite the setbacks, the champion made a superb comeback and set a new Commonwealth Games record by lifting 300kg (140kg snatch and 160kg in clean and jerk) in his specific category. Unfortunately, however, the weightlifter from Mizoram ended up with an injured back in the process.
Scripting history, Eldhose Paul became the first Indian to win gold in the men’s triple jump at CWG. The 25-year-old jumper from Kerala has been participating in various state and national-level championships since a very young age, and has won several medals. Serving the Indian Navy, Eldhose was able to produce his best effort of 17.03m in his third attempt at the CWG. However that could not be recorded as his personal best due to wind assistance. A prodigy of Dronacharya T P Ouseph, Eldhose was also the first Indian to qualify for the triple jump finals at the World Championships, which was held at Eugene last month.
Indian men’s table tennis team
Defeating the mighty Singaporean team by 3-1, Indian table tennis stars clinched the gold at the CWG. In the first round, the top-ranking pair of Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Harmeet Desai beat Singapore’s Izaac Quek Yong and Pang Yew En Koen 3-0 (13-11, 11-7, 11-5). This was followed by a brilliant performance by paddlers Sharath Kamal and Sanil Shetty helped the team finish podium at the event. India table tennis team, which stands at the 121st position on the world ranking list, was playing under pressure throughout the match. However, it was their grit and determination that won the country a gold medal.
(November 15, 2022) While giving an interview a few years back, criminal defense lawyer Priya Chaudhry said, "When I started, I wish I knew how important the emotional experience of a client is, and how to be present for it." The Indian American attorney, who has seen many highs and lows in her two-decade-long career, however, seems to have come a long way from there. The New York-based Global Indian, who is representing Canadian screenwriter, film producer, and director Paul Haggis, is one of the most sought-after lawyers in the USA and was recently named one of America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys. [caption id="attachment_31744" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Priya Chaudhry, lawyer[/caption] Having represented several high-profile clients, including Jennifer Shah and Nikhil Wahi, Priya has made quite a name handling some of the most complicated and prominent cases. Her peers know her for her exceptional preparation and fierce advocacy. The founding partner of Chaudhry Law PLLC, the lawyer's official website notes that she “aggressively and creatively” defends her client's rights, “regardless of the charges leveled against them.” Her attention to crucial details in the case and personal involvement with the proceedings has earned her a reputation as one of the most successful
eparation and fierce advocacy. The founding partner of Chaudhry Law PLLC, the lawyer's official website notes that she “aggressively and creatively” defends her client's rights, “regardless of the charges leveled against them.” Her attention to crucial details in the case and personal involvement with the proceedings has earned her a reputation as one of the most successful lawyers in the USA.
Inspired by family
Just like her clients, the lawyer fiercely protects her family details from the limelight. While not much is known about her family, it has been public knowledge that her parents shifted from India to New York City in search of better career opportunities. Born in the USA, Priya was inspired by the journey of her grandfather, who was also an attorney. "The lawyer I most admire is my grandfather, a prominent criminal defense lawyer in India, who once won an acquittal in a broad-daylight murder case with four eyewitnesses," she shared during an interview with Super Lawyers Magazine.
[caption id="attachment_31745" align="aligncenter" width="648"] Priya with Canadian screenwriter, film producer, and director Paul Haggis[/caption]
Priya earned BA (High Honors) at the University of California, Berkeley. As she was always clear about her career path, she enrolled herself at the Northwestern University School of Law to pursue a Doctor of law (JD). Soon after, she became an Assistant Public Defender and later joined the Hafetz & Necheles LLP - one of New York's premier law firms focused on criminal defense, defending individuals and corporations in criminal investigations.
Climbing the ladder
After a decade of learning the skills of defending her clients in several complicated cases, the lawyer joined Harris, St. Laurent & Chaudhry LLP as a partner in 2013. It was during this time that she started representing celebrities and high-profile people in criminal matters - from the most sophisticated white-collar cases to homicide. She also represented individuals in regulatory proceedings, such as FINRA and SEC actions, as well as alleged Title IX violations, where she has won complete acquittal after trial for her student-clients.
Her passion for educating young people led her to teach Trial Advocacy at various prestigious institutions such as Cardozo Law School, Rutgers School of Law, and the New Jersey Public Defender. She is also an adjunct faculty at Columbia Law School and Fordham Law School. Keen to share her courtroom experiences, the lawyer has authored the paper “Crimes of Dishonesty: Perjury, False Statement, and Obstruction of Justice” in White Collar Crime: Business and Regulatory Offenses, and is also the co-host of the podcast Security and Compliance Weekly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkvKrvt9i50
Priya established her firm Chaudhry Law PLLC in 2019, through which she represented two very popular cases, that of Jennifer Shah and Paul Haggis. A football lover and a movie buff, Priya's formidable career in criminal defense wins her regular recognition, including from the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, Chambers and Partners, Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, Corporate LiveWire, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, and National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
(May 25, 2024) “I’m a go-go kind of person. There is a lot that I want to achieve,” grins Jason Shah. The breakout star of Netflix’s magnum opus Heeramandi, the Indo-British actor who plays the antagonist Inspector Cartwright, has managed to impress the audience with his acting chops and stand out amongst a bevy of established performers. Referring to himself as a ‘Bombay boy’, the 36-year-old is currently soaking in the adulation after Heeramandi. “It shows the power of OTT platforms and their immense reach,” he shares, adding, “People from across the world, from Bengaluru to Brazil, have been sending me DM's on Insta, and it's incredible to receive so much love.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by @jasonshah The actor, who is typecast into similar roles (usually playing the villain), has been in the industry for over a decade. Apart from roles in movies including Partner, Fitoor, and Salaar, he has also been part of many television shows, including Big Boss. Heeramandi’s success has been a huge shot in the arm for the actor, who is now excited by the wealth of opportunities that are pouring in from across industries. A Bombaywallah Jason calls
The actor, who is typecast into similar roles (usually playing the villain), has been in the industry for over a decade. Apart from roles in movies including Partner, Fitoor, and Salaar, he has also been part of many television shows, including Big Boss. Heeramandi’s success has been a huge shot in the arm for the actor, who is now excited by the wealth of opportunities that are pouring in from across industries.
A Bombaywallah
Jason calls growing up in Bombay an unusual experience full of fond memories. “My father is a Kutchi-Jain, while my mother is a British citizen, so I grew up in extremely cosmopolitan surroundings. The city in the 90s was so different—we just used to hang out at Marine Drive, and there was a lot of liberty to explore. Bombay, being a port city, has so much to offer—the best of food, culture, and experiences.”
Exposed to a lot of classical movies like Ben Hur and Sound of Music, thanks to his father (entrepreneur Kantilal Shah), who was very worldly and well-traveled, Jason had a cosmopolitan upbringing that put him at ease both at parties and making friends with his Nepali staff.
[caption id="attachment_51947" align="aligncenter" width="614"] Jason Shah[/caption]
Acting grew on him, owing to the multiple experiences he has had. He states, “My father was socially conscious and always took us out to help people. In a sense, I was always in front of people, which gave me the confidence to get in front of people.”
Having spent a few years working for his year, Jason also pursued his dream of playing cricket for a short while training in Australia but soon realized that his calling was in front of the camera.
Movie magic
His initiation into movies was very straightforward. Having acted in commercials, he attended a casting call for the movie Partner, where he was selected in a heartbeat. “I was just a kid back then,” he recalls. “The entire experience was so glamorous. I mean, imagine working with stars like Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in your first major outing. I really cherish working on the film.”
What followed was a bunch of roles on the small screen where Jason got to understand and explore his craft. Roles in serials like Jhansi Ki Rani and Barrister Babu ensured that he was a familiar face to audiences. Long compared with another British-Indian actor, Tom Alter, his stint on the small screen usually had him playing similar characters who spoke Anglicized Hindi or English.
It is precisely why acting in Heeramandi was a challenge. “I really had to put in a lot of work to speak Urdu. It is such an evocative language. In English, love conveys a singular meaning. But in Urdu, you can say ishq, pyaar, or mohabbat to showcase the levels of intensity. Emotions are better conveyed in Indian languages.”
Heeramandi brought him much acclaim. Audiences, confusing him with his character, bombard him with comments saying they hated him, which Jason feels only shows that he was successful in portraying his character.
Calling the whole experience surreal, he explains, “The massive sets and the big ensemble—it was all an amazing opportunity for me. I must say that while I was shooting, I felt disconnected, as I knew my own role and not the entire story. Also, I did not shoot at a stretch. Added to these constraints was the fact that I did not know anyone on the set. All these helped my character create a distance, and when I see it now, it makes a lot of sense because my character needed that space from the others.”
The world is his oyster
While he has predominantly played the antagonist in his career so far, Jason is ready for a change of scene. He says, “I’m looking for challenging parts. I wouldn’t mind playing a good character once in a while (laugh). I’m not so much concerned with the length of the role as with the impact it can create.”
While he looks western, Jason is an Indian at heart. He thinks his appearance is only an asset that helps to create a brotherhood wherever he goes, be it in London or New York.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he smiles. “In fact, I have fun because Indians, especially abroad, don’t really expect me to speak Hindi, and when I do, it really shocks them. It has gotten me many free dinners and kebabs. Jokes apart, Hindi brings a touch of home to Indians abroad, and whenever I travel, I instantly connect with Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis because of the fact that I speak Hindi.”
[caption id="attachment_51948" align="aligncenter" width="678"] Jason Shah[/caption]
When not working on movies, Jason likes to relax by playing cricket, traveling, and reading. A very ‘in the moment person’, he prefers to savor the moment rather than clicking selfies incessantly! Sit, watch, and breathe are his mantras.
What is his focus currently? “There are a lot of interesting roles and projects. There are a couple I’ve been offered, and I’m keen to work on Telugu and Tamil projects too, as they are larger-than-life. I’m excited about what’s about to come. I also hope to play positive characters at times,” he signs off.
As he looks to the future, Jason remains grounded in his roots and grateful for the journey. With his blend of Western looks and Indian heart, the actor is ready to explore new horizons and leave a lasting impact in the entertainment world. Whether as a beloved hero or a despised villain, one thing is certain: Jason Shah is here to stay, and his journey has only just begun.
(December 13, 2023) Designer Geethika Kanumilli’s world collapsed when she was diagnosed with anti-phospholipid syndrome, an irreversible immune system disorder that leads to abnormal blood clots. It led to the loss of vision in one of her eyes and threatened to put a full stop to her childhood dream of becoming a fashion designer. Geethika Kanumilli was not one to give up, however, not even when her eye condition worsened to the point where she had to drop out of fashion school. The iron-willed designer decided to take her challenges head-on, went on to launch her own fashion label and expanded her brand’s customer base to 12 countries and 45 cities. She has also dressed many celebrities including Kiara Advani, Madhuri Dixit, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Trisha Krishnan, PV Sindhu and Allu Arjun. [caption id="attachment_47426" align="aligncenter" width="477"] Fashion designer Geethika Kanumilli | Photo: Instagram[/caption] Learning through mistakes “Everyone has their own idea of learning. Some believe it comes from earning a degree, reading books, or gaining work experience. For me, learning meant taking action,” points out fashion designer Geethika Kanumilli, in an exclusive with Global Indian. With no business or fashion background and no degree, Geethika has proved that through determination
arning. Some believe it comes from earning a degree, reading books, or gaining work experience. For me, learning meant taking action,” points out fashion designer Geethika Kanumilli, in an exclusive with Global Indian. With no business or fashion background and no degree, Geethika has proved that through determination and hard work, one can do the impossible.
The Hyderabad-based fashion designer has come a long, long way, and even if she had to take a long, difficult road to achieve her dreams, her creations are making waves across the globe. “I embraced the mindset of ‘doing’, being willing to make small mistakes and allowing circumstances to become my teacher,” she smiles. “Eventually, I realized that I had developed skills that surpassed what some of the highest educational institutions could offer,” she adds
Timeless designs, eco-friendly fashion
Geethika’s collections capture timeless sentiments with organic shapes, flowing fabrics and unique designs, creating an ambience that communicates volumes via touch and texture. “I intend to incorporate natural fabrics into occasion wear,” says Geethika, who is all about making her label eco-friendly and going zero waste. She also designs luxury craft items, tote bags from waste fabrics.
Her newly launched collection ‘Wilderness’, embraces the pure connection between Mother Earth and human emotions. “It captures timeless sentiments through organic shapes, flowing fabrics and unconventional designs,” says the 29-year-old. The heaviest piece in this collection took more than 300 working hours to create.
[caption id="attachment_47427" align="aligncenter" width="511"] The 'Gilded Noir saree set' (hand-embroidered, natural crepe) from the Wilderness collection[/caption]
She has done several exhibitions across the world, including Singapore and US, where she has a huge fan following. Her creations are also available at select stores in the US, UK and Dubai.
A childhood dream
Born in Chennai, Geethika always had a deep fasincation for clothing and fashion, and desired, deep down, to pursue a career that involved it. “Although I did not know what to call it at the time, I later discovered that people referred to this as being a Fashion Designer,” Geethika recalls.
She was so passionate about designing clothes that she would lock her door and play dress-up games on her computer instead of getting ready for school. “When I turned 14, I found myself contemplating how to become a fashion designer, but I had no idea where to begin. I was desperately searching for answers until a relative came into my life and showed me the path,” recalls Geethika, who did her schooling in Chettinaad Vidyashram, Chennai. She then moved to Hyderabad, where she has remained since.
A temporary deviation
However, when the time came to join the 11th grade, she encountered a common tradition in Hyderabad: the expectation to pursue either Engineering or MBBS (medical studies). “Anything other than these options was considered inadequate, and surpassing them was deemed abnormal. Unfortunately, I fell into this trap as well.”Since her math skills were not strong, Geethika chose to study BiPC as a compromise to satisfy the desires of those around me. “After completing my 12th grade, when I wanted to take the entrance exam for a Fashion Design college, everyone tried to convince me to pursue MBBS instead. It took great effort, but I managed to convince them and prepared for the entrance test,” says the ace fashion designer, who has been featured in many international magazines.
A health crisis
However, as she was looking forward to writing the entrance test to get admission in the fashion design institute, fate threw a severe health problem her way. Her vision began to blur. She was taken to various hospitals to find out what was wrong. “After visiting multiple hospitals, we finally discovered that it was anti-phospholipid syndrome, an irreversible immune system disorder that leads to abnormal blood clots,” informs Geethika.
[caption id="attachment_47428" align="aligncenter" width="482"] 'Animal' actor Rashmika Mandanna wearing a design by Geethika Kanumilli[/caption]
Losing vision in one of her eyes was an incredibly challenging and distressing period for Geethika and her family. A few months of medications later, she was ready to take her entrance exam. “Unfortunately, it was too late, and the registration had already closed until the following year. I had no choice but to wait. This tested my patience to the extreme, and it felt as if some greater force was at work.”
A time of uncertainty
Geethika ended up taking a one-year break, hoping the illness would ease. Nevertheless, her determination to become a fashion designer remained unshaken. The following year, she took the entrance test and got admission into the top Fashion Design college in Hyderabad. “Finally, nothing stood in the way of my dream. I was fully charged and motivated to make the most of this opportunity,” she says.
However, during her second year of college, the same health issue resurfaced and started to affect her working eye, particularly during stitching sessions. “Initially, I managed with the support of my classmates, but eventually, I realized that continuing like that was not feasible. It was at this moment that I recognised the need to let go of my dream of becoming a Fashion Designer permanently,” says Geethika, who felt helpless, and quitting college in the middle of her second year was a significant blow.
“People around me made fun of my decision, and I felt embarrassed for not having a degree. I endured insults and criticism, but I chose not to disclose my health issues to most of my relatives and friends. I didn't want to use it as an excuse.” It was an intense period of uncertainty, and Geethika spent an entire year feeling lost and exhausted from the cycle of quitting and resting.
However, one fine morning in 2015, she took a decision, regardless of the outcome. She decided to start my own fashion label as a designer. “I was only 20 then, without any professional work experience or a degree. Many people, including my own family, were against the idea of pursuing something different,” recalls Geethika.
Despite the challenges, she gathered the resources to start a small-scale business, targeting customers within a three-kilometer radius. “I had no prior knowledge or experience in running a business, but I was determined to learn as I went along.”
The initial days of running a business were incredibly challenging. “There were times when my vision would blur, and I would fear that each hard day of work would be my last day of sight. But whenever the choice to quit or continue arose, I was clear from the beginning that I was working for glory, not just for money,” she says.
After three years of consistent hard work, Geethika’s brand's customer base expanded to 12 countries and 45 cities through online sales. “This success brought appreciation from friends and family, who were unaware of the true reason why I had dropped out of college,” she says.
The creative process
When she begins to design a dress for a client, she approaches it with an intense thought: "This person must look their best wherever they go." Although it may sound simple, the intensity with which I think this thought is abnormally high. This mindset drives me to create the most unique color combinations possible,” she says of her work.
For Geethika, her clients are not just customers; they are the medium through which she expresses herself. “Their satisfaction and joy in wearing my designs fuel my passion and remind me that my journey as a fashion designer is far from over.”
Geethika believes her life taught her an important lesson. “When you achieve success, the flaws that others once saw in you become examples for them to follow. The secret is to remember this and strive to reach that point,” she feels.
Telling her story
While many of her friends and relatives were unaware why she had to drop out of college, Geethika revealed it through TEDx. “I have always desired to connect with individuals who may have experienced similar situations, believing that their pain is their enemy. However, looking back, I now understand that pain can be a friend. In my case, without the pain, I would not have been driven to achieve what I have today,” says the fashion designer.
(September 3, 2024) Landing in Stockholm for the first time, entrepreneur Gautami Dahiya felt inexplicably at home. She found herself captivated by the Swedish way of life, its festivals and how in tune with nature they were. She founded the eco-luxury beauty brand SKÖG, which means “forest” in Swedish, a vegan luxury skincare brand inspired by their way of life. This resonated with her own philosophy. Today, the eco-luxury beauty entrepreneur uses exotic ingredients like birch sap, cloudberry, bjork, elderflower and petitgrain for its organic products. Available as a niche beauty product across India and other countries, with a focus on Singapore and Hong Kong, plans are afoot to open retail stores as well. [caption id="attachment_20737" align="aligncenter" width="453"] Gautami Dahiya[/caption] Growing up with sensitive skin, Gautami learned from her mother to stay away from commercial products. Instead, she became accustomed to natural ingredients - honey, yogurt and almond flour. “After I went abroad, my skincare routine involved going to grocery stores and picking up different ingredients,” she says. “Even if I could find nothing, I would buy an avocado, mash it up and put it in my hair,” the eco-luxury beauty entrepreneur told Global Indian. Catwalks in the Eiffel tower
en if I could find nothing, I would buy an avocado, mash it up and put it in my hair,” the eco-luxury beauty entrepreneur told Global Indian.
Catwalks in the Eiffel tower to high-end art
Gautami left Delhi when she was 18 to study fashion business at the Manchester Metropolitan University, and then to the Istituto Marangoni in Paris. After that, she studied strategic entrepreneurship and innovation at King’s College in London. Although starting her own business had always been at the back of her mind, the organic beauty entrepreneur went on to intern with various fashion brands, and was even part of the first catwalk on the Eiffel Tower. “I tried a lot of things and realised I like business development, and expanding creative businesses,” she says. In Sweden, she began working with Humans Since 1982, a Stockholm-based art studio that creates high-end kinetic art. “When I joined it was a very small team. When I left, it was the largest, most commercially successful artist studio in Europe,” she says.
Selling luxury art, Gautami continued doing what she always did - searching for natural ingredients. She found, to her delight, that Sweden had a wealth to offer. “People there are so in sync with nature, it blew me away,’ says the organic beauty entrepreneur who loved that at the start of spring, the Swedes visit forests to tap the birch trees for sap. The slightly sweet, silky sap has been consumed for centuries and is used in cosmetics and other skincare products. To Gautami, it was a revelation. “I had no idea birch sap was such an ancient ingredient,” she laughs, adding, “I thought I was the first to discover it! I only learned later that the Vikings used it!” She was also fascinated by cloudberry, grown in temperatures as low as -40, and full of vitamins. “Not only does it grow in such extreme conditions but it’s also full of nutrients,” says the eco-luxury beauty entrepreneur.
Barking up the right sap!
Birch sap and cloudberries are the star ingredients in her products - In 2018, Gautami began whipping up recipes from her home kitchen. “I would put the ingredients together and blend them with a hand mixer,” says the organic seeker who began collaborating with a manufacturer, to meet the exacting standards of sanitation and hygiene. The idea was to create a product that truly was all-natural and toxin-free. “I even hand-printed the labels,” recalls the eco luxury beauty entrepreneur.
Finding the right blends, creating the perfect fragrances – these details took months to perfect. “Imagine you wake up at 5 am in a forest or on a mountain top, the coolness you feel, the fragrances that greet you. That’s the sort of essence we’re looking to recreate,” she explains. The products are priced between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,500, available on e-commerce platforms as well as on the SKOG website.
Rediscovering her roots
The company was eventually registered in India, where Gautami spent the pandemic with family, unable to return to Sweden. The eco luxury beauty entrepreneur who loved growing up in Delhi, remembers telling her sister as a young girl that she wanted to be a businesswoman. “I would dream of seeing my name in the Forbes Under 30 list,” she smiles. With SKÖG, she had a high-end line of products completely natural and certified by PETA. Transparency is also key. The eco luxury beauty entrepreneur believes that this is the future of the beauty industry.
A sustainable future?
“I would also like to collaborate more with the art world because I love art People don’t just want to buy a product, they’re investing in an experience,” explains the eco luxury beauty entrepreneur, adding, “We want the person to open the box and have an experience.”
Finding balance
Not one to shy away from hard work and long hours, balance is key. Gautami grew up watching her parents meditate and learned the importance of it. Today, it’s a non-negotiable part of her day. “I’m not proud of this but I’m a bit of a workaholic. For the past 10 years, I have been meditating 15 minutes a day – it has done wonders to keep my head and emotions in place. I think there is no amount of medicine or any remedy that can do what a few moments of meditation achieve. It keeps my energy levels high and my brain active,” says the eco luxury beauty entrepreneur. Her father and sister are architects and interior designers while her mother teaches meditation and also runs the Spiritual Self Foundation. "I get all my calm, peace and meditation skills from her, really," Gautami explains. She is married to Harsh Dahiya, an award-winning entrepreneur who founded the Harvesto Group.
Besides, Gautami’s penchant for whipping things up in the kitchen makes her a talented cook. “I love to explore new food. I try to spend as much time as I can with my family. Now, I’m looking at perhaps having two bases, one in India and another in Europe,” the eco luxury beauty entrepreneur concludes.
(December 31, 2023) This week, we have taken you through some of the biggest events of the year, and turned the spotlight, as 2023 draws to a close, on the Global Indians who have shone on the world stage. It has been an exciting time for all of us here at Team Global Indian in our constant search for stories that we hope have inspired and made an impact. It has been a good year for us, we’re thrilled to look back on it. Our numbers have grown, with a new crop of writers giving us a diverse mix of stories, from courageous activists, to conservationists, Ambassadors, scientists, entrepreneurs, artists and chefs. It’s a mixed bag for sure, but the one thing they have in common is a remarkable story to tell. So, as we step into the new year, I would like to leave you with some of our best offerings through the years - the big names, the newsmakers, and my own favourite reads. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as we did writing them. May 2024 bring you inspiration, purpose and great success, dear readers. Thank you for going on this journey with us, we
Maharajakumari Akshita Bhanj Deo definitely makes my top five for the year. A descendant of Nepal's Bhanja Dynasty, Akshita and her sister are the directors of the 200-year-old Belgadia Palace in Mayurbhanj, which they painstakingly restored and now operate as a beacon of sustainable tourism.
Small-holding farms produce a third of our food, but those who farm them are among the poorest people on the planet and the most affected by climate change. It was to address this inequality that the start-up, Kheyti, was founded in 2015 by Ayush Sharma, 37, Saumya Sahay, 33, and Kaushik Kappagantulu, 36. Their “greenhouse-in-a-box” is an affordable, modular greenhouse that uses 90% less water than standard greenhouses, grows seven times more food, and gives farmers a steady, dependable income.
Revant Himatsingka tells you what you eat - or the truth behind it. His approach is fairly simple: He simply advises you to read the labels on the back of everything you eat. Himatsingka caused such a sensation when he took on Maggi ketchup, that they took cognizance of his campaign and promised to reduce sugar content by 22%.
Sakshi Dhoni talks about life as the wife of one of India's greatest cricketing heroes, M.S. Dhoni, their latest venture into film production, their love for Chennai and her pets, in this tell-all interview.
In a career spanning over four decades, Ambassador Rao Gupta has served as the former president of the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) and was previously appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as the deputy executive director for UNICEF, where she served from 2011 to 2016. During her recent visit to India, the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large talks about how the young girl with big dreams in New Delhi was nominated by the President of the United States, Joe Biden to become the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues.
Get a front row seat to one of the biggest modern breakthroughs in particle physics, the discovery of the Higgs Boson, through Dr Archana Sharma, the only Indian scientist at CERN.
Wander through the perilous, snowy wilderness of the Central Asian mountains in search of the elusive snow leopard, with Dr Koustubh Sharma, one of the world's leading reseachers and conservationists of the snow leopard.
This year, Commander Abhilash Tomy sailed around the world to win gold at the Golden Globe Race, touted as one of the most challenging sporting events in history. Five years ago, as he participated in the very same race, his yacht capsized, leaving him stranded in the ocean with a broken spine. Going back at all is an act of immense courage, and his is a story worth celebrating.
As Tomy travelled the oceans, Aarohi Pandit took to the skies. At 23, she made history as the first Indian woman to accomplish a solo flight across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. A nerve-racking flight of six hours and thirty minutes in an ultralight glider from Reykjavík in Iceland to Greenland, that made her think about the blurry line between life and death, made her the first woman in the world to cross the Atlantic Ocean in an ultralight aircraft.
It was in late 2019 when an email from SA Mint, the subsidiary of South Africa Reserve Bank, left Cape Town-based Indian artist a little perplexed. He hesitated to respond, unable to fathom why the bank was summoning him for a meeting. It was only after the gentle coaxing of his then partner and now wife that he reluctantly obliged. Days later, he found himself in the lobby of a downtown hotel where he was ushered into a room enveloped in an air of secrecy. Before him was a folder labeled ‘Top Secret’... we won't keep the secret from you but read on to see how Sujay Sanan went on the journey of a lifetime and eventually found his drawing on the southern right whale on South Africa's coinage.
Go behind the scenes on the factory floor at Neytt by Extraweave, founded by Sivan Santhosh, and see how they created the the stunning, sustainable, custom-designed, handpainted white carpet at the Met Gala 2023, which paid tribute to the fashion icon Karl Lagerfield.
What began as a trial in their family’s Indian restaurant in the US state of Maine, Vanit (Van) and Sumit Sharma’s Rupee Beer has evolved into a prominent brew. Now available in twelve states in the US, their brew is not just a lager, but was specially crafted by a world-renowned master beer brewer to pair and complement Indian cuisine. Starting out during the COVID-19 pandemic, and choosing an iconic name for their brand, the brothers have set out to honour their Indian heritage, commemorate their family’s entrepreneurial legacy and to showcase the magnificence of the Indian culture to a global audience.
Priya with Canadian screenwriter, film producer, and director Paul Haggis[/caption]
Jason Shah[/caption]
Jason Shah[/caption]
The 'Gilded Noir saree set' (hand-embroidered, natural crepe) from the Wilderness collection[/caption]
'Animal' actor Rashmika Mandanna wearing a design by Geethika Kanumilli[/caption]
