Global IndianstoryGoogle’s $100 million man: YouTube names Neal Mohan as CEO

Google’s $100 million man: YouTube names Neal Mohan as CEO

Compiled by: Darshana Ramdev

February 18, 2023) In 2011, Twitter was in turmoil. They needed someone to revamp the product and bring in advertisers – a chief product officer, essentially. Board member David Rosenblatt had just the man in mind: Neal Mohan. So, in 2013, Twitter made him an offer and it seemed like things were going according to plan. Then Neal said no. Google had written him a big, fat cheque – $100 million in stock options, to be exact. Neal Mohan, the man described by Richard Frankel, his former boss, as a “high-end customer support representative,” was now Silicon Valley’s most valuable asset. And clearly, he has lived up to expectations. On February 17, when Susan Wojcicki announced that she was stepping down, Indian-American Neal Mohan was appointed as YouTube’s new CEO. The Global Indian joins the growing list of Indian-Americans at the helm of US’ big tech corporations.

Thank you, @SusanWojcicki. It’s been amazing to work with you over the years. You’ve built YouTube into an extraordinary home for creators and viewers. I’m excited to continue this awesome and important mission. Looking forward to what lies ahead… https://t.co/Rg5jXv1NGb

— Neal Mohan (@nealmohan) February 16, 2023

Life as YouTube’s Chief Product Officer

He’s more than earned his stripes. Ever since he took over as YouTube’s Chief Product Officer in 2015, Neal has played a pivotal role in some of the company’s top products. He is the driving force behind YouTube TV, YouTube Shorts, YouTube Premium (formerly Red), and YouTube Music.

“In a most fundamental way, my job is twofold. I’m responsible for all our products – the YouTube experience on mobile phones, desktops, laptops and large living room screens – everything that viewers use to connect with their favourite creators,” he told Lew Later last year. Then, there “things that creators use – this includes YouTubers, musicians, artists and traditional media companies.” Finally, there he is responsible for “trust and safety, community guidelines – the rules of the road, so to speak.” Simply put, it comes down to “helping my teams make the best deicisions on behalf of that ecosystem. It includes our viewers, users, creators and advertisors.”

Early life

Mohan was born in India in 1975 and moved to the US a few years later. “I had always been interested in technology, even before college,” he said, in a 2022 interview with Greylock. “I always knew that working would computers would be my career path.” His ambition took him to Stanford University, where he studied Electrical Engineering “and a lot of CS classes, basically.”

Neal Mohan (Photo: CNET)

He graduated from Stanford and entered the workforce at what he describes as a “pivotal moment.” This was the start of the golden age in Silicon Valley – “the dawn of the internet, really. Netscape had just come out with its browsers and was a Silicon Valley startup. There were lots of companies excited about making the transition.” It was a fortunate turn of events for him. “When you’re able to start your career at the inflexsion of a big technology change, there are lots of interesting opportunities.

Mohan began his career as a ‘management consultant, working with tech businesses and finding ways to bring this new technology, the ‘internet’ to Fortune 500 companies. He realised, “very quickly,” that he wanted to be part of these startups himself. He did a short stint at Andersen Consulting (Accenture) and in 1997, So, he joined Net Gravity, kickstarting his career in the technology business. That company was acquired by advertising startup DoubleClick later that year. It’s where he met David Rosenblatt. He played a pivotal role in Google’s $3.1 billion acquisition of the company.

DoubleClick Inc.

This was the great revolution in democratising information. “It’s about fundamentally powering the creation of and consumption of all this information,” regardless of whether the user was on a low-speed dial-up in some corner of the world, or a high-speed connection in Silicon Valley. “You have access to the same technology,” he said.

That’s where DoubleClick Inc. came in – if information was to be provided to everyone with access to an internet connection, preferably for free, it needed a sustainable revenue model. The internet was a medium too, just like print or TV – and those ran on ads. DoubleClick was at the forefront of developing and providing Internet ad services, through technology products and services that were sold to ad agencies and the mass media. They went on to work with businesses like Microsoft, General Motors, Coca-Cola, Apple Inc, Nike and L’Oreal.

The Google acquisition

In 2003, he quit DoubleClick to return to Stanford University for an MBA. The company was having solvency troubles at the time. In 2003, he quit DoubleClick to return to Stanford University for an MBA. The company was having solvency troubles at the time and in 2004, David Rosenblatt was brought in as CEO. He asked Mohan to rejoin as soon as he was done with his MBA. The company was acquired by Google for $3.1 billion in 2007, with Mohan being a key driver of the deal. He joined Google a year later, in 2008.

Life at Alphabet Inc.

Having always worked at the intersection of media and technology, developing a roadmap for advertising models in the digital age, Mohan became invaluable to Google very quickly. Between 2008 and 2015, he served as a Senior VP of Display and Video Advertising.

He was pivotal to developing the company’s ad products and helping to grow YouTube revenue. Mohan became a well-known name in Silicon Valley and when Twitter needed a new man to revamp their product, which was falling apart, they turned to the internet ads savant. Mohan has played an important role in some of Google’s most important ad products, including AdWords, DoubleClick and Google Analytics. He was also responsible for the automation of buying and selling digital ad inventory.”

Transforming YouTube

In 2015, Mohan joined Alphabet Inc subsidiary YouTube as its Chief Product officer. He has been responsible for the livestreaming service YouTube TV, YouTube Music, YouTube Premium and YouTube Shorts.

Under him, YouTube’s creator economy boomed. In 2022, Indian YouTubers were contributing around Rs 6,800 crores annually to the country’s GDP. “The creator economy in India is truly flourishing,” Mohan remarked. The monetisation model changed the content creation site – as of 2019, there were two billion users on YouTube, watching 1 billion hours of videos every day. YouTube ad revenues were around $19.77 billion in 2020.

With Susan Wojcicki announcing her resignation to focus on her health and personal life, Mohan will take over as YouTube’s fourth CEO.

Life at home

Neal Mohan and his wife, Heema Sareem Mohan

Mohan is married to Heema Sareem Mohan, who is a spokesperson for Democratic State Senator Joe Simitian. She specialises in reforming the juvenile justice system and education policies and does extensive non-profit work. Born and raised in New York, she mvoed to Silicon Valley to be with her husband.

The couple resides in the Bay Area, in one of San Francisco’s most upscale localities, with their three kids.

Follow Neal Mohan on Twitter and LinkedIn

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Published on 18, Feb 2023

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Gopi Byluppalla: Uniting people through food at The Culinary Lounge

(May 24, 2024) “I only know four things: people, books, food, and movies,” smiles Gopi Byluppala, a Hyderabad-based entrepreneur whose work revolves around all things food, traditional meals, and recipes, as well as culinary conversations. The 40-year-old, who has founded Hyderabad's experimental Culinary Lounge, is also working with the government of the Netherlands to find areas of synergy between Hyderabad and Amsterdam, as he believes that food is the only bridge that can connect people from diverse walks of life. As he pours Nannari sherbet into a glass (earlier found only in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh and something this writer cherished in childhood summers spent in Hindupur), he says that food is the very essence of our being. [caption id="attachment_51909" align="aligncenter" width="455"] Gopi Byluppala, founder, The Culinary Lounge[/caption] “Each time I invite people for a meal and they try some long-forgotten recipes or dishes that are no longer made, it transports them to their happiest memories—many say that the food reminds them of their mothers or grandmothers. Or they share their own recollections. Look at our conversation, I mentioned Nannari, and you said you always had it with milk, which was a revelation as I knew it only to

ir mothers or grandmothers. Or they share their own recollections. Look at our conversation, I mentioned Nannari, and you said you always had it with milk, which was a revelation as I knew it only to be served with soda. Food is the ultimate uniting force,” he tells Global Indian.

Sensory recollections

Growing up in a joint family in Kakinada, where the kitchen was bigger than the living room, Gopi recalls spending a lot of time around food. He reminisces, “My mother was always in the kitchen, preparing breakfast, lunch, snacks, and then dinner, so I used to spend a lot of time in the kitchen to be close to her.”

It was this early exposure that had a great effect on the young Gopi, who wanted to become a chef as early as when he was eight-years-old and loved whipping up his favorite dish (maggi). Fate (and his father), however, had different plans, and he ended up studying engineering at the University of Madras and working at Oracle for a decade.

It was in 2014, when he was shuttling between Hyderabad and Philadelphia (where his wife Swathi worked), that he decided to indulge in his love for food. “After living the corporate life for a decade, I understood that my heart did not lie in it and wanted to pursue a career among my passions,” he shares.

Gopi Byluppala | Global Indian

Turning passion into profession

Combining two of his loves—food and people—the entrepreneur started his first start-up in 2014, Feazt, a unique platform where strangers were invited for a home-cooked meal to bond over food. His first pop-up was called Coconada Meal (the British name for Kakinada), where he served food made by his mother.

“It was an event like no other,” Gopi smiles as he recalls and adds, “I remember my mother wondering if people would pay Rs 500 for a home-cooked meal, but I was sure that there would be an audience. My mother was ecstatic when a young girl hugged her after tasting her Royyala koora (prawn curry) and said that it was so different from what one found at restaurants.”

The concept was a big hit and had only one rule – people should come alone and no guests should know one other – as the idea was to meet like-minded people and not hang out with your existing friends. Another initiative that was unique was Handi Talks (similar to Ted Talks) but focused on food, where entrepreneurs, bakers, chefs, and restaurant owners came together, creating an eco-system of people passionate about food and also sharing knowledge and insights with a close-knit audience.

People and food

In a quest to bring the idea of connecting people and food together, the entrepreneur started Culinary Lounge in 2018. It is an eclectic idea where food takes center stage—where chefs can host pop-ups for specific foods, where people could learn cooking, and where corporates can bring teams for interactive sessions. In fact, the center has played host to many top companies, including Deloitte, PepsiCo, and Google, among others, where leaders can reconnect with their teams over a host of activities, from cooking together to sessions on food histories.

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Apart from companies, Culinary Longue has also played host to delegations from Korea, Japan, Thailand, and the Netherlands, where chefs explore and experiment with Indian food. It has also seen book launches and gatherings by gourmands.

It was through one such delegation from the Netherlands, which prompted his move to Amsterdam in 2022, where he is working extensively on building a culinary corridor to Hyderabad.

He states, “Amsterdam has a rich profusion of Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class bartenders, and some of the best breweries in the world. Hyderabad has a great nightlife scene, and I see a great opportunity for cross-pollination, where Hyderabadis can experience the best of nightlife from abroad and Amsterdam gets a taste of local Hyderabadi favorites like Biryani, Paya, Marag, Gongura, and Pachi Pulusu.”

Is food the ultimate soft power – absolutely says Gopi and adds, “Food is the greatest ice-breaker and tailor made for culinary diplomacy. A great example is the Thai government, which, under the Thai Select Program, started over 100,000 restaurants in the US, resulting in an explosion of interest for Thailand in the US/ Look at how K-Pop, Ramen, and K-drama resulted in a boom in Korea’s tourism!”

A mammoth undertaking

Currently shuttling between Hyderabad and Amsterdam, Gopi is also busy with his current initiative, Onamalu (which translates to fundamentals in Telugu), which aims to document the history of Telugu food from the year 1750 onwards. With the help of a team of chefs, historians, and enthusiasts who will travel the length and breadth of Telugu states—from Telangana to coastal Andhra and Rayalseema to tribal food—it aims to document the lore and legacy of Telugu food.

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A post shared by The Culinary Lounge (@theculinarylounge)

Quiz about his continuing obsession with food, and he simply smiles, adding, “In a world full of differences, food can be the unifying factor. We Indians are so fond of Italian and Korean food that I want to ensure that my rich Telugu cuisine is also one day as popular as theirs across the world. Good food can bring us together.”

It is this belief that drives Gopi and gives him strength when he travels away from his young children (Veeksha, 7; Nikshit, 4). Building a community and introducing traditional food to younger generations moving away from it—this entrepreneur is all about creating a better world where we stay in touch with our roots and, of course, share stories over a meal.

Follow The Culinary Lounge on Instagram.

A rising phenomenon: Indian scholars leading the way in education worldwide

(July 25, 2023) The last few weeks have seen the appointment of several Indian Americans as the heads of various reputed education institutions. Interestingly, the Indian diaspora, on a broader scale, is garnering growing recognition for its exceptional prowess in the realm of education. Noteworthy instances abound, with scholars of Indian origin assuming prestigious leadership roles in renowned institutions such as Harvard Business School, Johns Hopkins University, and Stanford University. In recent years, this trend has become increasingly prominent, with notable Indians assuming the helm of some of the most esteemed and expansive educational establishments worldwide. Indian Americans have assumed leadership positions in over a dozen prominent universities within the United States alone. Considering that this community constitutes barely one percent of the entire U.S. population, such a remarkable representation potentially signals the advent of an emerging trend. Global Indian puts the spotlight on some of the most prominent Indian personalities currently making significant strides in the global education sector. Professor Sandeep Krishnamurthy, Cal Poly Pomona An esteemed alumnus of IIT Mumbai, Professor Sandeep Krishnamurthy has recently assumed the prestigious position of Singelyn Family Dean at the College of Business Administration and Singelyn Graduate School of Business at Cal Poly

ious position of Singelyn Family Dean at the College of Business Administration and Singelyn Graduate School of Business at Cal Poly Pomona. His academic journey includes a post-graduate diploma in business management from Xavier School of Management in Jamshedpur, followed by a Ph.D. in marketing from the University of Arizona.

Scholars | Global Indian

In 1996, Dr. Krishnamurthy joined the esteemed faculty at UW (University of Washington) and, in 2009, took on the role of director for the business program. He dedicated himself to elevating the program to the stature of a separate school, a goal achieved in 2012 when he was appointed as the founding dean. Throughout his illustrious 25-year tenure at UW Bothell, he has achieved numerous significant milestones and has become a well-known figure not only on campus but also within the regional business community.

In June 2023, Professor Krishnamurthy took on the leadership role at one of the largest business schools in the United States of America. Beyond his institutional contributions, he is recognised as a published author, sought-after conference speaker, expert witness, and media commentator. Notably, he has also initiated three highly regarded speaker series – Meet the CEO, Frontiers of Global Business, and the Nintex Leadership Breakfast Series – which have become prominent events on the local business calendar.

Professor Renu Khator, University of Houston

In 1973, a young Renu embarked on a journey from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, to Purdue University, where she pursued her master's degree in political science. Although initially fraught with nervousness, she gradually discovered her true potential and, in subsequent years, earned both her doctorate in political science and her doctorate in public administration in 1975 and 1985, respectively.

Academician | Renu Khator | Global Indian

From 1985 onwards, the scholar commenced a distinguished 22-year tenure at the University of South Florida, where she held a series of increasingly prominent roles, culminating in her appointment as provost and senior vice president of the institution. In 2007, she emerged as the sole-finalist for the prestigious dual-position as chancellor of the University of Houston System and president of the University of Houston, eventually becoming the third individual to simultaneously hold these esteemed roles.

As chancellor of the University of Houston System, the scholar bears the responsibility of overseeing four distinguished institutions of higher learning, collectively catering to nearly 71,000 students. Under her watch, the University has experienced a transformative period of growth, marked by a remarkable $1-billion campus construction program, which has given rise to impressive developments such as the 40,000-seat TDECU Stadium, an expansion of student residence hall capacity to accommodate 8,000 students and an $80-million expansion and renovation of the student center.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O73DJulaxg

Renu's remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed, as she has been inducted into the prestigious Texas Women's Hall of Fame and has received the esteemed Excellence in Leadership Awards from the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the President of the Year Award from the Association of College Unions International, and the President's Award from the National Association of Student Affairs Administrators. In a momentous recognition of her contributions to the global Indian community, the scholar was bestowed the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the President of India, Dr. Pranab Mukherjee, the highest honour accorded to overseas Indians.

Professor Vishal Gaur, Cornell School of Management

His journey began when even as a child, he found happiness in teaching and educating his peers. That journey still continues. The IIT Delhi alumnus Vishal Gaur was named as the Anne and Elmer Lindseth Dean of the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management in Cornell University in May 2023.

As associate dean for MBA programs from 2014-19, the scholar launched the Digital Technology Immersion, in which MBA candidates and students earning their MPS in data science or applied statistics develop skills in coding, databases, and advanced analytics and learn to leverage them to tackle challenges faced by leading companies, according to the university release.

Scholars | Global Indian

The scholar also created the Master of Science in Business Analytics program offered through eCornell, which provides working professionals a hands-on opportunity to learn about data analytics tools essential to analysing and optimising business decisions. His research focuses on data-driven analysis of problems in supply chains, retailing, e-commerce, and marketplace operations, and his work was recognised with the Wickham Skinner Early Career Research Accomplishments Award from the Production and Operations Management Society in 2006, the release stated.

Professor Subra Suresh, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Having graduated from the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Professor Subra Suresh earned a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University in 1979. Following his postdoctoral research tenure at the University of California, Berkeley, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, he assumed the position of Assistant Professor of Engineering at Brown University in December 1983.

[caption id="attachment_33010" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Scientist | Prof Subra Suresh | Global Indian Prof Suresh with former President of USA, Barack Obama[/caption]

The scholar's contributions in his field garnered him distinguished recognition, notably the prestigious NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award, an accolade bestowed upon him by the White House. Additionally, he was honored with the 1982 Hardy Medal, lauding his exceptional promise for a prosperous career in the expansive domain of metallurgy as a metallurgist under the age of 30. Moreover, the American Ceramic Society bestowed upon him the 1992 Ross Coffin Purdy Award in recognition of the best paper published in the Journal of the American Ceramic Society in 1990.

In June 2010, U.S. President Barack Obama nominated Professor Subra to assume the role of Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), a prestigious appointment that received unanimous confirmation from the U.S. Senate in September of the same year. As the head of the NSF, an independent federal agency with a substantial annual budget of $7 billion, the scholar's leadership was marked by a profound commitment to scientific integrity and the advancement of technological benefits for the American people. Furthermore, he actively championed increased opportunities for women, minorities, and underrepresented groups in the field of science and engineering.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsBDGYXmjE4

At present, Professor Subra holds the esteemed position of President at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Under his visionary stewardship, the scholar has initiated a transformative endeavor to develop the NTU campus into a cutting-edge "smart" campus, replete with eco-friendly structures, integration of robotics, and the implementation of driverless electric buses. His tireless efforts continue to leave a lasting impact on the realms of education and technological advancement.

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Will policy trump sentiment? Where do Indian-American voters stand in the 2024 US Presidential election?

(October 5, 2024) When Kamala Harris cooked a ‘dosa’ and ‘sambar’ assisted by Indian-American actress Mindy Kaling in 2019 — the video, which was watched over 6.5 million times brought smiles to the faces of Indians and Indian-Americans alike. A year later, when she became the Vice President of the United States, celebrations erupted in her ancestral village of Thulasendrapuram in Tamil Nadu. The billion dollar question now is will this ‘desi’ connection sway Indian American voters into supporting Kamala Harris to become the next President of the United States? Or will former President Donald Trump’s friendship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi weigh on their minds? Maybe, maybe not. The pendulum could swing either way. While Indians are attached to their roots, and take pride in how far Kamala Harris has come, some feel the tax-cuts and pro small-business policies of the Republicans are what America needs now. The soaring inflation of the last few years, as well as the limitations of the H-1B visa and the green card backlog (more than one million Indians are still in waiting, as of April 2024, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services), mean that Indians are more likely to vote

more likely to vote for policy than sentiment.

Kamala Harris | Indian American voters | Global Indian

The Indian-Americans, a community of 4.5 million and the most sought-after immigrant group, have chosen to play it smart. While the Indian connection might have a bearing when they set out to vote on November 5, it is their policies and solutions to the concerns of Indian-Americans that will drive them to vote in favour of either of the two Presidential candidates.

Policies matter

Fashion designer and Film maker Anjali Poghat, who is based in Central Ohio says while Kamala Harris’s Indian heritage might resonate with some voters, her policies, experience, and vision for the country are more likely to influence the majority of Indian American voters.

“Indian Americans tend to prioritize candidates based on their stances on key issues rather than solely on ethnic or cultural ties. However, the symbolic importance of representation and breaking barriers still holds significance for many in the community,” she tells Global Indian.

Stating that Indian Americans, a growing and influential demographic, are becoming key in the U.S. presidential race, Anjali says the voting decisions among the community will be driven by key issues like immigration reform, education, healthcare, racial equality, U.S.-India relations, and economic policies.

Listing out the three major issues faced by majority of people from Indian communities, Anjali says Immigration reform comes above everything else. “Policies impacting visas, family reunification, and H-1B work permits are crucial for many in the community,” she says.

Next comes healthcare. “Affordability, Medicare, and prescription drug costs are key concerns, especially for aging parents,” she says. Third in her list is racial equality and discrimination. As a minority group, Indian Americans prioritize inclusivity, racial justice, she adds.

Indian diaspora campaigns for Kamala

While Kamala Harris' Indian heritage has led to many from the diaspora community putting their weight behind her, some Indian-Americans have taken it a step further, and have launched campaigns aiming to encourage Indian American voters to vote and make their voices heard.

One such campaign is the 'Indian Americans for Harris' campaign which aims to rally support for Harris in states like North Carolina, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Georgia. The website of the campaign highlights Kamala's bi-racial heritage as a perfect example of America as a melting pot. Her background connects with many in the country, where at least 12.5 percent of the population identifies as biracial.

Kamala is a Baptist Christian married to a Jew, who was born to a Jamaican-born father and an Indian-born mother. Harris has rarely spoken of her Indian roots though she has spoken about her Indian mother often.

In her speech in which she formally accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for the presidency, she spoke about her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, but not about India, the country she visited as a child. Chennai was the hometown of Harris's mother. The year 2009 was the last time she visited Chennai carrying her mother's ashes to scatter them in the Indian Ocean waters.

'Naacho Naacho'

Similarly, another campaign in support of Harris comes with a strong desi touch to it, features the “banger “ ‘Naacho Naacho’ (Naatu Naatu in the original Telugu), from the blockbuster movie RRR that won global trends and Oscars. The catchy track is now the new anthem for Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign.

Ajay Bhutoria, a key member of Kamala Harris’s National Finance Committee, has given the hit a makeover with his creative team, putting Harris' name right in the spotlight. The 1.5-minute video starts off with Hamari Ye Kamala Harris (Our Kamala Harris), which is an addictive blend of campaign highlights and catchy tunes.

Produced by Ritesh Parikh and sung by Shibani Kashyap, the video also includes messages from community leaders in Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Hindi uniting all Indian voters ahead of the upcoming November elections.

Bhutoria feels Kamala represents a "shining future" for Indian-Americans, ending the era of division and controversy. Kamala has been targeted with comments about her background and personal life, and her opponent, Donald Trump’s rallies have frequently been marked by controversial language and attacks.

Trump effect

Days after Republican nominee Donald Trump survived an assassination bid in Pennsylvania in July, a large number of Indian Americans attended his first convention held at Wisconsin, announcing all-out support for the former President.

[caption id="attachment_57421" align="aligncenter" width="503"] Indian American voters | 2024 US Presidential election | Global Indian Photo: BBC[/caption]

Indian-American politician Abraham George, elected chairman of the Texas Republican Party in May, took to the floor to announce that all the delegates from his state were voting for Trump. Usha Chilukuri, wife of Trump’s running mate JD Vance was also on stage apart from two other Indian Americans, Ohio State Senator Niraj Atani and Dr Sampat Shivangi.

“This is a historic convention. We stand together with Trump,” said Dr Shivangi while other delegates said that electing Trump will restore the American values, for which their ancestors came all the way to the United States.

Many Indian Americans also credit Trump for deepening ties between the two nations.

Why Trump

California-based Techpreneur Sagar Honnungar, the co-founder of Hakimo tells GI the key issues on the minds of Indian Americans include domestic issues like economic stability and healthcare accessibility as well as foreign policy concerns.

“There is indeed substantial support for Kamala Harris among Indian Americans due to her heritage and political alignment on key issues. However there are a few signs of shifting allegiances and some in the community are exploring alternative political affiliations,” says Sagar, a Stanford alumni.

He says some of the reasons that Indian American voters are drifting towards her opponent Donald Trump are Republican support for tax cuts and small business and Trump's ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“There is also discontent over the Biden administration’s handling of foreign affairs and domestic issues like inflation which has led some to reconsider their support for the Democratic Party,” he points out.

Green card backlog

Indian-American Nikeeta Pamnani also echoes Anjali Phogat in her views. She says Immigration policies, particularly around H-1B visas and the green card backlog, are top concerns, alongside access to affordable healthcare, quality education, and economic opportunities.

“As a minority group, we are also deeply concerned about racial discrimination and rising xenophobia. While Vice President Kamala Harris’ Indian heritage resonates with many, her policies and broader Democratic values, like immigration reform and social justice, play a more decisive role in earning their support,” says the New York-based Nikeeta, who works as a product manager in a private firm.

For most, it's not just about her Indian roots, but the issues that matter to their families and futures, adds Nikeeta.

The Ironman: Methodical entrepreneur Nikhil Kapur’s journey is all about ‘Atmantan’

(June 19, 2023) When Nikhil Kapur first heard about the Ironman challenges during a casual conversation with a friend, he was confident he could nail it with a mere three-four months of training. However, when he got in touch with a few coaches to discuss the plan, they advised him to give it at least 12-18 months. The Ironman challenge is one of the most challenging in the world, and involves completing a long-distance triathlon consisting of a 3.86 km-swim, a 180.25-km bike ride, and a full marathon, which is a 42.20-km run. Participants must complete all three disciplines consecutively and within a certain time limit to be considered an Ironman finisher. Nikhil was determined and began training with a US-based coach. The training in each discipline — cycling, running and swimming — was gruelling. Over the years, his determination and sheer hard work led him to complete not one but five Ironman events (a series of long distance triathlon races) across the globe, successfully. “The preparation for each race and the race itself has transformed me into the person I am today – both personally and professionally,” smiles Nikhil Kapur, Ironman Tri-athlete and wellness hotelier, speaking to Global Indian.

aking to Global Indian. Nikhil and his wife, Sharmilee Agarwal Kapur are the founders of Atmantan, a premium integrated-wellness resort in Mulshi, Pune, where Nikhil serves as Founder, Director and Sports Nutritionist. Nikhil, who also enjoys organic farming in his free time, was named in GQ’s list of ‘50 most influential Indians’ (under 40).

[caption id="attachment_40208" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Global Indian | Nikhil Kapur Nikhil Kapur[/caption]

Taking on the Ironman challenge

It was in January 2014 that Nikhil signed for his first half Ironman event in Auckland. Thereafter, in July the same year, he did his first full Ironman challenge in Zurich. He went on to complete the Ironman competition in Kalmar, Sweden in August 2016, and another in Copenhagen in 2017. His fifth Ironman challenge was at Hamburg in July 2018.

“Hamburg was the most painful race of them all. I completed the race alright but in this race, my physical body gave up. However, my mind remained strong and kept pushing me to the finish line,” recalls Nikhil. In all other races, he says, it was the other way round. “The body was well-conditioned and the mind used to play games like why go so fast, go easy, why are you doing this and so on,” says Nikhil.

He feels Ironman races, like life itself, are very tough. “But if you have a plan and you start taking one step at a time, you come out a winner,” says Kapur.

Years of training not only made him physically fit but stronger mentally. “My mind is focussed and holds attention to the job at hand without getting distracted. It knows that if there is a low point, I can still bounce back from there,” says the five-time Ironman triathlete.

[caption id="attachment_40214" align="aligncenter" width="604"] Nikhil during the Ironman Challenge[/caption]

Early life

Born in New Delhi in January 1977, Nikhil travelled to new cities every two or three years as his father was in the Army. Most of his middle school and High school was in The Army Public School (TAPS, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi).

“My father was a professional sportsman. He played Badminton (Junior) for Punjab and then was in the National Squash Team (1964-70) when he was 2nd Lt in the Army. Both my sister and I got his sporty genes,” smiles Nikhil. The Kapur siblings were both very outgoing and loved to play sports. “We were jacks of all sports, actually,” he says.

A series of extraordinary events

Nikhil says there are so many ordinary and extraordinary things that have shaped him into the individual that he is today. “From having meals together as a family, to making sure that the driver eats when we eat on a long journey, to keeping yourself fit and active, to making sure that the job needs to be done at any cost — all incidences while growing up have helped build a strong value system in me. Since I come from a humble background, it keeps me grounded too.”

[caption id="attachment_40209" align="aligncenter" width="457"] Global Indian | Nikhil Kapur Nikhil Kapur[/caption]

With his father getting posted to Pune, Nikhil too moved with him and did his BA(Eco) and MBA from Fergusson College & Symbiosis Institute Business Management. “I got my first job in Wipro Infotech from campus and then I worked in Reuters India. These six years provided me an insight into what goes into running an organisation, why systems and processes are important,” he informs.

When it came to academics, Nikhil was an average student right up to his college. While he was not into professional sports, he played a lot of Golf during college days and took up running too.

“All the running during the college days laid the foundation of my long distance running that I started after a few years. And this is life, what we do today lays the foundation of what we do next. This is applicable to our thoughts and actions,” he feels.

Lessons from Ironman

Ask him what he learnt by participating in Ironman challenges, Nikhil says it has taught him that ‘Impossible is nothing.’“I have followed my training drills to the T and each week I could make out that I was getting more and more efficient in each discipline. And that’s the idea, be more efficient as you race long distances,” says Nikhil, who loves cycling the most among the three sports (running and swimming being the other two).

During his Ironman events, Nikhil would have long conversations with other participants from across the world who had their stories to tell about how and why they took up the challenge. “All that I can say is that Ironman race is very much possible. Just assess your health properly and get yourself a coach who can train you the right way,” is his piece of advice.

At Atmantan

[caption id="attachment_40210" align="aligncenter" width="459"] Global Indian | Nikhil Kapur Nikhil Kapur with his wife.[/caption]

Nikhil and Sharmilee had been closely monitoring the Wellness tourism space ever since the idea struck his wife during her college days. “Since the idea was appealing to us, we closely observed various factors including the economy, the wealth creation, the titration of lifestyle and the need for consumers for destinations that could transform the health,” says Nikhil, who also features in the Luxebook Top 100: Indian Luxury’s Most Influential People -2020! and was named among the “Fit & Fabulous - 2018” by Asia Spa.

Together, they scouted and selected a 42-acre parcel of land in Mulshi, Pune. Thereafter, the couple did much running around — for bank loans to finding architects who could understand the needs of a wellness centre, labour, permissions, doctors, trainers, chefs and masseuse and so on — Atmantan was launched in 2016.

“India has the traditional and proven knowledge systems of Vedanta, Ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga, herbal medicine and energy healing. Where else in this world is this available?” wonders Nikhil, explaining all that is available at Atmantan. The first 12 to 18 months was a challenging phase. “Since the concept was unique, it was challenging to establish ourselves as a brand that understands health, body, physiology, mind, energy really well and cares about people’s deteriorating health,” he says.

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Aman Nath: Transforming India’s forgotten historical ruins into living heritage

(December 1, 2024) Fort-palaces and other dilapidated ruins of historical importance, which had long been neglected, now have a new lease of life led the efforts of historian and author Aman Nath. Imagine acquiring a 560-year-old medieval fort-palace in 1986, restoring it while preserving its architectural integrity, and converting it into a heritage ‘non-hotel’ hotel—eschewing the usual hospitality norms. Achieving success in just two years instead of the projected eight, all of it self-funded. Expanding to other heritage properties, nearly three decades later, the name Neemrana has become synonymous with historic, heritage properties across India. This, in a nutshell, is the legacy created by Aman Nath, who heads the Neemrana Hotels chain. [caption id="attachment_60939" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Aman Nath[/caption] Much has been written about how Nath and his friends who restored the Neemrana Fort-Palace on the Delhi-Jaipur highway. Built in the 15th century, the fort-palace combines Rajput, Sultanate and Mughal architectural styles. In 1986, upon learning that the royal family who owned the fort could no longer maintain it, Nath, along with his two friends Lekha Poddar and OP Jain, decided to acquire the crumbling ruin and restore it into a modern-day heritage hotel. Later, Francis Wacziarg joined Nath in his

1986, upon learning that the royal family who owned the fort could no longer maintain it, Nath, along with his two friends Lekha Poddar and OP Jain, decided to acquire the crumbling ruin and restore it into a modern-day heritage hotel. Later, Francis Wacziarg joined Nath in his ventures but sadly passed away. The goal was to showcase India’s culture, heritage, and values to discerning travellers.

Under Nath's vision and guidance, Neemrana has restored and revitalised over 30 properties across 10 states, transforming them into revenue-generating assets as heritage properties with “zero loans.”

Journey of Historian and Author Aman Nath

Aman Nath is quite the polymath. Holding a Master’s degree in Medieval Indian History, he has authored 18 books – on Rajasthan, and other notable works such as Horizon: The Tata-India Century (a corporate book marking the centenary of the Tatas, which Ratan Tata called ‘the best book in the whole world’); Dome Over India: Rashtrapati Bhavan, which the Indian President presents every visiting head of State; and several books on Indian art.

As the youngest member of INTACH, the heritage and conservation association, he is credited with heading the restoration of more than 30 heritage properties across India. He has also been awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur by the President of France for his contributions to heritage conservation, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Awards by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Conde Nast Traveller, and the Lifetime Achievement Award which was recently awarded by the BW Hotelier Group.

[caption id="attachment_60941" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Kesroli Fort | Global Indian Kesroli Fort[/caption]

History Revisited

In an exclusive interview with Global Indian, Nath, along with his niece Sonavi Kaicker, the CEO, who has been instrumental in guiding the Neemrana team across all 18 Neemrana properties, and growing the business manifold discuss the success of the Neemrana model of hospitality. Nath explains how the preservation of ruins and dilapidated structures while maintaining their historical architecture, allows guests to relive India’s rich culture, heritage, and history. This, he shares, is one of the key visions and USPs at every Neemrana property.

Aman Nath recalls how, in 1986, they began restoring the iconic Neemrana Fort-Palace, which opened its doors in 1991. “The property was restored to blend with the site’s topography, featuring 14 tiered levels cut into the two-billion-year-old Aravalli Hills. It has courtyards, two swimming pools (one temperature-controlled), lush green gardens, an amphitheatre for evening cultural performances, and multiple dining areas, including al-fresco spaces. The restoration process took time, and it took us one year to redo just one wing. The property was opened in 1991 with 15 liveable rooms.” Soon it will have 100 rooms, with lift access to other wings.

[caption id="attachment_60942" align="aligncenter" width="922"] Neemrana Fort | Global Indian Neemrana Fort[/caption]

Nath emphasises that the Neemrana Fort-Palace is not a typical hotel with carpeted floors, jacuzzis, or luxurious chandeliers. “We call our properties ‘non-hotel’ hotels because none of them were meant to be hotels. Instead, they are structures of historical importance that had fallen to disuse, have been restored with integrity, introducing only basic modern-day amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for discerning travellers.”

The restoration and need-based revitalisation process at Neemrana Fort-Palace continues, with new experiences added regularly. Traditional techniques and materials were used where required while new technologies were introduced when necessary for the restoration. The Kangura (crenellation) motif, replicated from stone, and local artisans were involved in the restoration of cabling, plumbing and other aspects. The Jaalis (fretwork grilles) were made with Berla stone from Rajasthan, and the vaulted roofs were constructed with lime and mortar.

Within Neemrana Fort-Palace, the oldest Jait Mahal(1464CE) houses nine guest rooms named after nine precious stones, while the Hawa Mahal is where evening tea is served. Aam Khas, once the king’s private audience hall, is now an al-fresco dining venue, and the Surya Mahal, originally a 16th-century darbar room where royal ladies observed the all-male court, is now a two-bedroom duplex offering a terrace with a view of the sunset.

[caption id="attachment_60944" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Sonavi Kaicker | Global Indian Sonavi Kaicker[/caption]

As early as 2000, the company won the INTACH-SATTE Award for its exemplary restoration and tourism approach. This was followed by a litany of recognitions.

Expanding Horizons with Heritage

The Neemrana vision extends beyond the Fort-Palace to the restoration of other historical ruins, including the 19th-century Tijara Fort-Palace and the 14th-century Hill Fort-Kesroli. Restoring such crumbling ruins has not been without challenges. Aman Nath recalls how the walls of the fort are between 6-16 feet thick, and while lifts have been installed in certain areas, some parts remain accessible only by foot where the stairs have been made friendlier. “You have to want to feel the essence of history, walk into the darbars, and imagine life in the past. If you are not receptive to its history, then this is not for you. We want guests to explore as much of the entire property and savor the countryside as well as its breathtaking views,” says Nath.

[caption id="attachment_60946" align="aligncenter" width="1058"] Fort Tijara before restoration[/caption]

The Tijara Fort-Palace and Hill Fort-Kesroli, built in the 14th century by the Yaduvanshi kings, were renovated along similar lines, with the latter being one of the oldest forts where one can wake up in India. Rooms in the Tijara Fort-Palace are named after famous Indian artists, designers, and painters, with artworks adorning each room. Nath has worked with artists from across the country to create several nooks and corners where guests can relish the culture and enjoy the peace and also celebrate and enjoy themselves.

Other Neemrana properties include Deo Bagh (17th century) in Gwalior, The Bungalow on the Beach (17th century) in Tranquebar, Tamil Nadu, and the Baradari Palace (19th century) in Patiala, Punjab. Neemrana properties across Goa, Rishikesh, Kochi, Nainital, and Coonoor offer unique experiences closer to nature, with scenic views of rivers, seas, deserts or hills. Each property retains its original character and construction integrity while being modernised to suit contemporary needs.

Why Neemrana is Special

One of Neemrana’s key strengths is its team—over 65% of which hails from the local regions where the properties are located. Nath knows the names of nearly all of his team members, and Sonavi reveals they have a very low attrition rate. “We treat each member of our team like family,” she says. “We invest in their growth through interest-free loans, education allowances, and medical insurance. They were all retained during the Covid years. They take pride in what they do.”

[caption id="attachment_60947" align="aligncenter" width="1056"] Fort Tijara post restoration[/caption]

Neemrana’s success is also due to its approach of being a lean and flexible company, driven by young ideas. “The bottom line is important but never the most important as generating employment in rural areas and restoring India’s heritage remains of paramount importance,” says Sonavi. Neemrana properties are also the NCR’s favourite for destination weddings and conferences, with day tours and lunch packages available for those who want to explore the fort’s history without staying overnight.

The food at Neemrana properties is another key factor in their success. With an emphasis on authentic local cuisine, such as coastal fare in South India and traditional Rajasthani thalis, the menus blend local flavours with international and progressive fusion options to cater to all guests.

Aman Nath | The Global Indian Impact

Neemrana Hotels continues to pioneer the field of restored heritage properties, offering guests a chance to engage with India’s rich history and architectural beauty while experiencing the timeless charm of heritage travel. They appeal to guests who travel to see the difference.

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