Union Budget 2022 | Nirmala Sitharaman | Finance Minister

Global IndianstoryIndian Union Budget 2022: Mental health, startups get a boost, while tourism, social sector look on

Indian Union Budget 2022: Mental health, startups get a boost, while tourism, social sector look on

By: Global Indian

(February 2, 2022) The Union Budget 2022 announced by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2022 promised Indian stakeholders “amrit kaal,” with reforms for the next 25 years. While many sectors are reaping the benefits, the common man is short-changed. TEAM GI decoded what the budget amidst the pandemic means for the industries, and how to descramble these numbers.

A startup for startups

Vijay Anand, founder, The Startup Centre

That apart, finance minister Sitharaman has announced an open stack for the national digital health ecosystem, which means unique digital IDs will be provided to promote universal access to healthcare facilities. However, according to Vijay Anand, founder of the Startup Centre, also popularly known as the Startup Guy, “the open stack feature seems promising, but iSPIRT has already been working on this for years.”

The fact that the government has extended tax benefits for the startup ecosystem though is a welcome relief. “Things have been on a massive upswing in terms of the number of startups that have emerged and unicorns that came to be. This move was smart to not rock the boat and introduce minimal interventions this year,” says Anand, adding, “There are some issues that we still need to address overall if we want to make the Indian ecosystem competitive to global ones. There is already an ongoing discussion with the FM regarding these and a 120-point document has been shared, in consultation with startups and stakeholders,” he tells Global Indian.

A socially uplifting budget?

When budget 2022 was announced, many thought that it has missed social sector announcements. Interestingly, this is one sector that was highly neglected. Despite the pandemic creating a severe impact on the health, education and food security of the poor and informal sectors in the past two years, budget 2022 turned a blind eye to the social sector by restricting the spending that could contribute to improvements in human development outcomes.

Budget 2022 sees Health and Family Welfare that accounts for ₹83,000 crore, go up by only 16 percent. Calling out the discrepancy, Avani Kapur, a senior fellow at Centre for Research Policy tweeted, “Investments in the social sector remain neglected in this year’s budget. What has been particularly surprising is the low investments for health and also for some key schemes that were a safety net during the peak of the Covid-19 crisis. For instance, while there remain 77 lakh households that had demanded work under MGNREGS still to receive it, allocations for the scheme saw a 26 percent decrease over past year’s revised estimates. Food subsidy has seen a 28 percent decrease even as the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana providing additional free grains to families was extended till 2022. Similarly, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, sees only a ₹200 crore increase this year.”

Mayank Midha, CEO of GARV Toilets

However, the allocation of ₹60,000 crore to provide tap water to 3.8 crore households under Har Ghar, Nal Se Jal Scheme, has been welcomed by the social sector. Mayank Midha, CEO, GARV Toilets, is glad to see the government’s commitment to delivering basic necessities. “There has already been significant progress in this project since its launch in 2019 and the target to reach 16 crore households by 2024 seems practical with fresh commitment of funds. Providing access to tap water for every household will positively impact community health, women empowerment and socio-economic parameters,” says Mayank Midha.

Mental health for the pandemic inflicted

The burden of mental health issues in India clocks 2,443 DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) per 100,000 population. Lancet’s 2019 study stated that one in seven Indians are affected by mental disorders, and a survey by NIMHANS calls out a treatment gap between of 70 percent – 92 percent.

With this budget giving the health sector a robust boost, ₹4,176.84 crore allocated, this added focus on health infrastructure has been lauded by business leaders and the industry too.

Dr Amit Malik, founder, InnerHour

Dr Amit Malik, founder and CEO, InnerHour, a healthcare technology company looking to disrupt the psychological wellness and mental health, says, “India has nearly 200 million people with a mental health need and lots of barriers to access of high-quality professional support. The treatment gap for mental health in India is nearly 95 percent, and all partners, government bodies like NIMHANs, private partners like InnerHour, and NGOs need to work towards bridging this huge need gap.”

Optimistic about the passing of the Mental Health Act, the new initiative with NIMHANS and IITB in Budget 2022, Dr Malik adds, “It is very encouraging for those suffering from mental illness. It will increase awareness and provide early access to mental health support. We see this as a great step in the right direction and welcome it wholeheartedly.”

Tourism sector wants more

India saw 17.9 million foreign tourists arrive in 2019, while in 2018, the number was 17.4 million – seeing a growth of 3.5 percent. The recent budget allocation to the ministry of tourism – ₹2400 crore, 18.42 percent higher than 2021, is a start to revive the industry.

Sriharan Balan, chairman, Adventure Tour Operators Association of India

However, Sriharan Balan, chairman Adventure Tour Operators Association of India – Tamil Nādu chapter and managing director, Madura Travel Service (P) Ltd says, “Budget 2022 is yet a big disappointment, and it’s very unfortunate that suggestions given by FAITH, TAAI, IATO, and other travel associations were neglected. An industry that contributes to 7 percent of GDP and 10 percent of direct and indirect employment has been left unheard.”
The pandemic has seen industries struggle, and bailouts given to travel in foreign countries. This would have been apt for the Indian tourism industry. Balan explains, “There is more burden in terms of TCS for outbound travel. Back-to-back lockdowns and increases in fuel price have played a spoilt sport. The government has definitely come out with a Bailout Funding Scheme rather than loans to uplift the industry from complete closures.”

Name*

Email*

Name*

Email*

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Published on 02, Feb 2022

Share with

ALSO READ

From heritage to fine dining: Hotelier Roop Partap Choudhary’s inspiring entrepreneurial saga

(September 13, 2023) When his parents began their journey of conceptualising and building the Noormahal Palace, they spent a considerable time on the project. Naturally, this helped expose Roop Partap Choudhary to the many discussions and the extensive work that went on for years. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Noormahal Palace Hotel (India), Choudhary is the founder of Colonel Saab in London and an award-winning hotelier. [caption id="attachment_44857" align="aligncenter" width="603"] Hotelier Roop Partap Choudhary[/caption] "I have inherited the love for our royal heritage, hospitality, and creativity from my parents. This process of building Noormahal Palace gave me a chance to give the right outlet to my natural aptitude. I went through formal education in the field and then earned the opportunity to work with some reputed organisations to understand the functionality of an organisation. My ultimate goal was to make myself capable enough to take on the role of an entrepreneur," shares the hotelier as he connects with Global Indian. Building a magnum opus After completing his schooling in Shimla, he moved to the United States for his undergraduate degree, and later relocated to Singapore for his master's degree. For someone who travelled extensively across the country,

>Building a magnum opus

After completing his schooling in Shimla, he moved to the United States for his undergraduate degree, and later relocated to Singapore for his master's degree. For someone who travelled extensively across the country, courtesy his father’s service in the Indian Army, Choudhary was exposed to India’s glorious heritage at a young age.

“My parents have been my inspiration, on one side was the army background of my father, and on the other my mother’s passion for art and their dedication towards family. What left a lasting impression on me was also their passion for hospitality and their respect for our rich royal heritage. I am a hotelier both by profession and passion. Before embracing the family legacy of heritage hospitality, I started my career by doing internships at Galaxy Hotel and ITC Maurya, then graduated to join Kingdom of Dreams in Corporate Sales. This was the invaluable time I spent in learning about the luxury hospitality industry. But my biggest learning experience has been Noormahal Palace as I have been associated with it from a very young age,” says the hotelier.

[caption id="attachment_44860" align="aligncenter" width="689"] Hotelier | Roop Partap Choudhary | Global Indian (L-R) Roop Partap Choudhary, Col. Manbeer Choudhary and Binny Choudhary[/caption]

During the time that his parents were building the Noormahal Palace, Choudhary was captivated by the entire concept. "I was fascinated with the idea, the thoughts, the details, the architecture, the décor, and everything else that went with it," says the hotelier. The major years of his career were spent in Noormahal Palace, which he calls his unofficial first-hand experience in the hospitality industry when he got a sneak peek into what really goes into building a palatial hospitality brand. “I joined Noormahal Palace officially in 2014 and soon took over the leadership role. It was a huge responsibility but I had the right support to help me pass through the initial phase,” he adds.

Leading by example

Noormahal Palace has evolved dramatically through the years, especially during his tenure, seamlessly adopting good new practices, improving sustainability, and upgrading technology as a natural progression. In recent years, the brand has changed its image. It has also changed the way it connects with guests and audiences, the focus on digital marketing and dialogue have been key in the marketing strategy. Through this time the brand has also built a strong team which is helping it to grow every day. Noormahal Palace has grown and added many new venues in the existing campus for MICE, weddings, and wedding functions of all sizes.

[caption id="attachment_44861" align="aligncenter" width="654"] Hotelier | Roop Partap Choudhary | Global Indian Noormahal Palace, Karnal[/caption]

The Noormahal brand took a leap by making its first presence on the global canvas with the Indian fine dining restaurant ‘Colonel Saab', right in the heart of London. A feat that's nothing short of an achievement as it worked well despite the pandemic.

London Calling

He conceived the idea of Colonel Saab in early 2019 and started planning as the year progressed. “As we were working on the project, the COVID pandemic hit us hard and we had to stop the physical work for a good amount of duration. Colonel Saab is an ode to my journey with my father who has had a decorated service as an officer of the Indian Army and my mother who supported him throughout. It is not only an expression of my journey with my parents but also my passion for showcasing the depths of Indian cuisine to the global food-lover community. The hospitality industry trends of London rather than the global trends are very different from India. Here Indian food is our food, but there it is seen from an outsider’s point of view. I am delighted that in a very short span of time, we have been able to get it right and Colonel Saab has made a significant mark in the global food lovers’ community,” says Choudhary.

[caption id="attachment_44862" align="aligncenter" width="662"] Hotelier | Roop Partap Choudhary | Global Indian Colonel Saab, London[/caption]

As a second-generation entrepreneur, who comes after people who have created brilliance, the task of filling in such big shoes is always one of the biggest challenges. “Being an entrepreneur means never giving up, always trying to find solutions, and always being on top of any situation. There have been difficult situations some of which are common to all hospitality businesses or all businesses and some as huge as the COVID pandemic which are unprecedented. But one can overcome all these situations with persistence and the right team to support,” he says.

Being an entrepreneur means learning every day. Work is the biggest teacher and the most valuable lesson it teaches is that it’s never the end, there is always a way ahead. “Someone who wants to embark on the entrepreneurial journey should be open to learning from anyone, no matter their seniority,” he adds.

Looking Ahead

The hospitality industry is very demanding and that makes it very difficult to maintain work-life balance. “Still, I try my best to maintain a healthy work-life balance. In my personal time, I like to read books, especially autobiographies of inspirational people. I also invest time into exploring and enriching my art collection, some of the artworks and antiques that I have acquired are displayed at Noormahal Palace and Colonel Saab. I also like to spend time with my family when we all can take off time from work,” says Choudhary.

[caption id="attachment_44863" align="aligncenter" width="526"] Hotelier | Roop Partap Choudhary | Global Indian Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai at Colonel Saab, UK[/caption]

With Noormahal Palace and Colonel Saab already making their mark, the next step is to expand the brand, both in India and across the globe. His family and he are now looking at making more investments towards the expansion of the brand.

Follow Roop Partap Choudhary on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
Follow Noormahal Palace on Instagram and their website
Follow Colonel Saab on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and their website

Reading Time: 6 mins

Cinu Chandran: How an accidental chef became a celebrity chef

(December 24, 2021) From tossing rosemary into a pan of butter to sauteing caramelised mushrooms with chicken, Dubai-based celebrity chef Cinu Chandran is often seen giving epicurean lessons on television. Who would have thought that an accidental chef would someday bring laurels to a restaurant in Dubai and become a regular on TV? That's Cinu for you - A Malayali lad who worked with Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc in the UK, and later made a name in the UAE by giving Indian cuisine a modern twist. "Indian cuisine is doing well in the global market. It has evolved in the past few decades. The cooking style, flavours, and spices have elevated to another level. Today, it's the amalgamation of cuisines that is making it a hit among food lovers," Cinu tells Global Indian in an exclusive interview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6c88TF-jqJU The kitchen confidential run From the best kitchens to the television screen to now a consultant chef, Cinu meandered into the world of cuisine effortlessly. "It has been an incredible journey. Learning the craft from scratch and working at the best places around the globe has helped me gain exposure. Now, I am putting that expertise into helping provide solutions to restaurants

around the globe has helped me gain exposure. Now, I am putting that expertise into helping provide solutions to restaurants and food service businesses," adds Cinu.

[caption id="attachment_18213" align="aligncenter" width="399"] Chef Cinu Chandran[/caption]

Born in Jalandhar in 1979 to an army officer father and a homemaker mother, Cinu's tryst with cooking was purely accidental as he had dreams of following in the footsteps of his father, and joining the army. However, after two failed attempts, Cinu gave hospitality a go after a family friend coaxed him into it. "It's rather strange that I sat for the exam after a family friend mentioned that I look like a hospitality guy. To escape from the family pressure of what’s next, I sat for the exam and surprisingly cleared it," smiles chef Cinu.

This took him to the Institute of Hotel Management Trivandrum, and within six months, Chandran knew that he had found his true calling. For someone who wasn’t even a home cook, Cinu had to work hard to prove himself. His efforts paid off, and the faculty started noticing his talent. The turning point came when he migrated to the Delhi Institute of Hotel Management in the second year to be closer to family, and also represented his college at the All India Chef competition. "Someone from the judging panel saw my work and approached me for a job as a management trainee at the Casino Hotel in Kochi. That was the beginning of my career," recalls the celebrity chef.

A carte Blanc for Cinu

After a short stint in Kochi, came The Oberoi Grand Kolkata where he mastered the art for three years. Cinu recalls those days as his foundation years. He left the City of Joy in the quest for a better opportunity that brought him to Delhi's Taj Palace before moving to the UK. "I was always into continental food but somehow I was unable to satisfy my curiosity about European food in India and wanted to have a hands-on experience," says Cinu who grabbed the opportunity of working with Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc at Brasserie Blanc in Bristol.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CINU Chandran (@chef_cinu)

"Working with Blanc was such an enriching experience. I could experiment with dishes like nowhere else, and had so much freedom in creating a dish," beams Cinu with pride. While he loved his time evolving as a chef, moving to the UK put him out of his comfort zone. "Working in the kitchen at Brasserie Blanc was a different experience as it was a very busy concept. Though I did learn a lot, it was tiring. Such was the pressure that I would often skip meals," reveals Cinu.

However, working with fresh produce and exotic ingredients made him love the craft. After gaining experience under Blanc, Cinu left Europe to move to Dubai in 2011 as Chef De Cuisine for the West 14th Steakhouse. In less than two years, he helped the restaurant catapult into the league of the best with Dubai's Best Steakhouse Award 2013. "Moving to Dubai was quite an experience because the food scene was evolving in the country. With almost 80 percent expats being Indians, there has been an ever-growing demand for Indian cuisine. Indian restaurants are popping up at every corner, and that says a lot about the love for the cuisine," says the food consultant.

[caption id="attachment_18214" align="aligncenter" width="418"] Chef Cinu Chandran[/caption]

A champion of organic produce and sustainability, Cinu's days at Urban Bistro helped him understand the nuances of environmentally friendly options. "If the food was organic, we equally focussed on using cutlery and packaging that was eco-friendly," says the chef. "I think the pandemic has changed the way people view their health. The realisation of a good diet has finally dawned upon them," notes the chef whose ultimate dream is to start his own restaurant.

While the F&B industry took a major blow during the pandemic, things weren't too bad in Dubai as cloud kitchens and restaurant delivery came up in a big way. The consultant chef did face some project losses during the lockdown.

The 42-year-old calls his entire journey a manifestation of sorts. "Even as a child, I loved sharing stories. I kept on doing that through my food. This love for food took me to television and made me a celebrity. Now, as consultant chef, I help others realise their dream of running a restaurant. This makes me grateful," says the Dubai-based chef who loves unwinding with his three kids.

[caption id="attachment_18215" align="aligncenter" width="487"] Chef Cinu Chandran with South African players Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs[/caption]

Of course, when he first decided to become a chef, his parents were against it, "Those were the days when a guy becoming a chef wasn't socially acceptable. But I knew I had to keep going. And now years later, I have made them proud. I think this is the biggest validation for me," he adds.

Any advice for youngsters? "If you think you can enjoy and have some fun in your work, then it's the right thing for you. Don't be influenced by social media. Everything takes time, so take your time to learn and acquire as much knowledge as possible," signs off Cinu.

Follow Cinu Chandran on Instagram and Twitter

Reading Time: 8 min

Indian-Origin Academic Leaders: Key faculty appointments at top U.S. institutions in 2024

(September 16, 2024) Recent data indicates that Indian-origin academicians are a significant part of the academic workforce in the United States. BCG estimated that around 2.6 percent of higher-ed faculty members, approximately 22,000, were Indian Americans in 2021. A review of the top 50 colleges in the US revealed that 35 have an Indian American in their leadership ranks, including roles like deans, chancellors, provosts, and directors of colleges. This representation highlights the important role Indian-origin academics play in American higher education, contributing to wide-ranging perspectives and innovative research. Global Indian puts a spotlight on some recent appointments of Indian-origin academic leaders in the United States’ top institutions: Vivek Sarkar Appointed as Dean of Georgia Tech’s College of Computing Indian American professor Vivek Sarkar has been appointed Dean of Georgia Tech's College of Computing, effective June 1. He also serves as a professor in the School of Computer Science. He previously served as the chair of the School of Computer Science and held the Stephen Fleming Chair for Telecommunications at Georgia Tech. Sarkar's work has significantly advanced the academic understanding of high-performance computing systems and has influenced the development of technologies that shape modern society. His research has led to

so serves as a professor in the School of Computer Science. He previously served as the chair of the School of Computer Science and held the Stephen Fleming Chair for Telecommunications at Georgia Tech. Sarkar's work has significantly advanced the academic understanding of high-performance computing systems and has influenced the development of technologies that shape modern society. His research has led to key breakthroughs in parallel computing, improving the efficiency of complex computations and making them easier to program. Along with his academic achievements, Sarkar is deeply committed to mentoring future computer scientists and engineers, with a strong focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within the computing field, ensuring equal opportunities for all to succeed.

[caption id="attachment_55917" align="aligncenter" width="539"] Indian Academic | Vivek Sarkar | Global Indian Vivek Sarkar[/caption]

Prior to joining Georgia Tech, Sarkar served as the E.D. Butcher Chair in Engineering at Rice University, where he also chaired the Department of Computer Science. He previously worked at IBM Research as a senior manager and was a member of the IBM Academy of Technology. Sarkar pursued his bachelors at IIT Kanpur and earned his Ph.D. in computer science from Stanford University and has been recognized with numerous awards and honours for his pioneering research.

Srinand ‘Sri’ Sreevatsan

Appointed as Dean of University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine

The University of Missouri has appointed Srinand “Sri” Sreevatsan as the dean of the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine, effective August 1. The Indian American academician most recently served as the associate dean for research and graduate studies at Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where he was also a professor and chair of pathobiology and diagnostic investigation. A distinguished scholar, Sreevatsan is deeply committed to veterinary medicine and research that advances the health of animals, humans, and the environment. He previously spent seven years as the director of graduate studies in the veterinary medicine program at the University of Minnesota.

[caption id="attachment_55916" align="aligncenter" width="428"] Srinand Sreevatsan | Academic Leader Srinand Sreevatsan[/caption]

With nearly 200 scholarly publications to his name, he also holds leadership positions in the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association and the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture. Additionally, he is a member of both the American Society for Microbiology and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Sreevatsan earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in veterinary medicine from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore and holds a master’s degree in public health (epidemiology) and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Minnesota.

Bhramar Mukherjee

Appointed as Senior Associate Dean of Public Health Data Science and Data Equity, Yale School of Public Health

Bhramar Mukherjee has been named Yale School of Public Health’s first Senior Associate Dean of Public Health Data Science and Data Equity. She assumed her position on August 1, 2024. A trailblazer in biostatistics, Mukherjee’s research focuses on integrating genetic, environmental, and healthcare data, with emphasis on chronic diseases, environmental epidemiology, and reproductive health. She has also made notable contributions to cancer and cardiovascular research, as well as the analysis of COVID-19 data. She has co-authored over 380 publications spanning statistics, biostatistics, medicine, and public health, and has served as principal investigator on numerous NSF and NIH grants.

[caption id="attachment_55921" align="aligncenter" width="615"] Indian Academic | Bhramar Mukherjee | Global Indian Bhramar Mukherjee[/caption]

Prior to joining Yale, she held multiple prestigious professorships and leadership roles at the University of Michigan. Mukherjee is the founding director of the University of Michigan's Big Data Summer Institute for undergraduates, a program she has led for the past nine years. Last year, she was also appointed assistant vice president for research, where she designed a comprehensive data analysis service infrastructure for all three U-M campuses. She earned her B.Sc. in Statistics from Presidency College, Kolkata in 1994, an M Stat from the Indian Statistical Institute in 1996, and a Ph.D. in Statistics from Purdue University.

Hamsa Balakrishnan

Appointed as Associate Dean of School of Engineering, MIT

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has named Hamsa Balakrishnan as the associate dean of the MIT School of Engineering. She also holds the position of the William E. Leonhard Professor in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics leading the Dynamics, Infrastructure Networks, and Mobility (DINaMo) group, which focuses on modeling, analyzing, controlling, and optimizing modern infrastructure systems. Her group has played a key role in addressing issues such as advanced air mobility, air traffic congestion, and airport operations, collaborating with organizations like the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, NASA, and major airports. From 2018 to 2021, Balakrishnan served as associate department head in AeroAstro, overseeing both undergraduate and graduate education programs. She also directed Transportation@MIT in 2018-19, managing interdisciplinary graduate programs in transportation and focusing on faculty engagement and student recruitment.

[caption id="attachment_55918" align="aligncenter" width="599"] Hamsa Balakrishnan | Academic Leader Hamsa Balakrishnan[/caption]

Prior to joining MIT, she held positions at the University of California Santa Cruz and NASA Ames Research Center. Balakrishnan's research has earned her numerous accolades, including the NSF Career Award, AIAA’s Lawrence Sperry Award, and the American Automatic Control Council’s Donald P. Eckman Award. An alumna of the Indian Institute of Technology - Madras, Balakrishnan earned her master’s and doctoral degrees from Stanford University.

Garud Iyengar

Appointed as Director of Columbia University’s Data Science Institute

Columbia University professor Garud Iyengar was appointed as the new director of its Data Science Institute (DSI), effective July 1. He is also co-lead of Columbia’s artificial intelligence initiative alongside Jeannette Wing and Shih-Fu Chang. Before this role, the Indian American academician served as the senior vice dean for research and academic programs at the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), a position he held since November 2021 at the Columbia University. He has also been the Tang Family Professor of Operations in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research since January 2020.

[caption id="attachment_55919" align="aligncenter" width="607"] Indian Academic | Garud Iyengar | Global Indian Garud Iyengar[/caption]

Iyengar's research focuses on understanding uncertain systems and leveraging data-driven control and optimization algorithms to make the most of available information. His work spans a wide range of fields, including machine learning, systemic risk, asset management, operations management, sports analytics, and biology. Iyengar earned his B. Tech in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology - Kanpur and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Stanford University.

Sakthivel Sadayappan

Appointed as Head of the Dept of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson appointed Sakthivel Sadayappan as the new head of its Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. He is also serving as a Professor and Associate Director, Sarver Heart Center at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Sadayappan comes to the university from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, where he led key research projects funded by the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association. His career has also included roles at the University of Cincinnati, Loyola University in Chicago, and the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Germany.

[caption id="attachment_55920" align="aligncenter" width="566"] Indian Academic | Sakhthivel Saddyapan | Global Indian Sakhthivel Saddyapan[/caption]

With over 170 published scientific papers and three patents, Sadayappan’s research focuses on developing therapies for genetically induced heart failure, as well as conditions like distal arthrogryposis and lethal congenital contracture syndrome. Recognized as Educator of the Year, he has mentored over 100 students and postdoctoral fellows. Sadayappan earned his PhD in Biochemistry from Madurai Kamaraj University in India, specializing in the molecular aspects of cardiac hypertrophy. He also holds an MBA from the University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business and completed a Certificate Course on Preparing for Future Faculty at the University of Cincinnati.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are other notable appointments of Indian-origin academic leaders throughout 2024 leading to significant impacts in the field of education in the United States.

Reading Time: 5 mins

Gaiea Sanskrit: British by birth, Indian by soul

(December 23, 2022) As a four-year-old growing up in London, Gabriella Burnell was introduced to Sanskrit by her parents. Having travelled to India as tourists, the couple had developed a deep appreciation for Indian culture and wanted their daughter to pick up the ancient divine language of the country. Starting with learning the language at St James School in London as a child, Gabriella went on to earn a degree in Sanskrit from Oxford University, pursuing it alongside music. Today, she is a renowned performing artist whose music is steeped in Sanskrit verses. So immersed is she in the world of the divine language of India that Gabriella has even changed her name to Gaiea Sanskrit. ‘Gaiea’ in Sanskrit means ‘to be sung’, she says. [caption id="attachment_33123" align="aligncenter" width="727"] Gaiea Sanskrit[/caption] The artist performs at festivals, retreats and events, and conducts Sanskrit workshops and courses. She has also started Cosmic Choir, a Sanskrit singing group. There is only one thing I have to do in this life, and that is to sing in Sanskrit. “When I sing, there is no difference between me, what is being sung, and the singing itself.” It all becomes one and the same for Gaiea.

Sanskrit workshops and courses. She has also started Cosmic Choir, a Sanskrit singing group.

There is only one thing I have to do in this life, and that is to sing in Sanskrit.

“When I sing, there is no difference between me, what is being sung, and the singing itself.” It all becomes one and the same for Gaiea.

Deep love for the language and divinity of India

“My parents visited India several times, developing a deep appreciation for Indian traditions, culture and teachings, particularly Sanskrit,” Gaiea tells Global Indian.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBY-KxkvGlk

“More than a language, it is a form of artistry for me. The sounds of the Sanskrit language have the capacity to awaken our souls,” the UK-based performing artist adds.

For her studying both Sanskrit and music from teachers in India and the UK is an ongoing journey. Visiting India as a pupil to learn Dhrupad is an annual affair for Gaiea. “One of my earliest gurus in India was Shri Shantananda Saraswati, Shankaracharya of the north, who was also my parents' teacher,'' she reveals. Over the years, many gurus left an indelible impact on Gaiea’s choice of life.

With the notion that the power of sound goes beyond borders, and is completely universal, she intends to be in service to music and Sanskrit for as long as she is guided by the ‘divine force’.

The culture in Sanskrit language is universal and that’s why it transcends boundaries.

Indian Culture | Gaiea Sanskrit | Global Indian

“India has been custodian of Sanskrit. I feel like a child who has been assigned a duty to be dedicated to it so that I am able to become a master, one day” she remarks.

Spiritual bliss

“For my mum, spiritual well-being as well as access to culture and discipline was most important,” tells the singer.

After finishing her Bachelor’s, Gaiea went on to pursue Master’s in music theater, and later qualified as a teacher in Alexander Technique.

However, it was the spiritual world of Sanskrit verses that engulfed her interests. She loved being a Sanskrit scholar, and also loved performing music. “My artistic side married the scholastic side and became one,” she tells.

[caption id="attachment_33126" align="aligncenter" width="723"] Indian Culture | Gaiea Sanskrit | Global Indian Gaiea Sanskrit with her mother[/caption]

Talking about the deep concentration with which she performs on stage, Gaiea says, “It feels as if I am sculpting something. It’s different from practicing. When I am performing for an audience, something takes over. The same happens during chanting sessions and workshops that I conduct.”

For her performances are an act of letting go – of anything that she has been holding on to for the whole day and be free for that time frame. “All the other stuff disappears and literally there is no room in my whole body and mind for anything else,” she says.

Transforming lives

Gaiea enjoys a huge following on YouTube. While most of her subscribers are from India, she also caters to the audience from America, Spain, Germany, England and many other places across the world.

The feedback that the performing artist receives from her fans are testimony of how she has transformed their lives through music and divine Sanskrit chanting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugRNacwEq1w

People of the Indian diaspora feel that something is there in my songs that calls them back home.

Gaiea is also a scholar of Upanishads. “One of them says that ‘what you know, teach,’ so even though I have a lot more to learn, I try to pass across whatever knowledge I have gathered so far to my pupils,” she mentions.

Popularity of Sanskrit in the western world

Gaiea believes that more people are interested in learning Sanskrit in western countries because of the popularity of yoga. “Yoga is everywhere and people are interested in knowing about its origin and that is how they come across Sanskrit and get interested in learning.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIEGmTO37S8

However, for Gaiea ‘Sanskrit itself is music’ that emanates the vibrations of divine sounds. “It has the capacity to be super comic or super poetic, and is a language that taps into your core,” she remarks.

Follow Gaiea Sanskrit on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and her website

Reading Time: 5 mins

Dr. Manu Bora: Meet the leading orthopaedist, who slays at international fashion ramps

(December 14, 2022) Remember when our teachers asked us what wanted to be when we grow up, and we would say things like doctor, pilot, or engineer. Every child had one answer to this question. But, what if there were two paths that the child wanted to choose? Dr. Manu Bora's case, you follow both passions. One of the first Indian male models to take on an international ramp at several fashion weeks, Dr. Bora has been the face of several fashion icons, including Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Tarun Tahiliani, Rohit Bal, Rahul Khanna, and Shantanu Nikhil. The brand ambassador for Raymonds, Dr. Bora is an expert in arthroscopic surgeries of knee, shoulder, ankle, and sports medicine. [caption id="attachment_32774" align="aligncenter" width="599"] Dr. Manu Bora, fashion model and orthopaedist[/caption] "I don't clearly remember since when, but I always wanted to be a fashion model," shares the orthopedist, as he connects with Global Indian over a call. "No one ever told me about this profession, but I was inspired by male models like David Gandy and Milind Soman back in the day and wished to walk the ramp like them. However, my mother is a doctor, and my father is a leading advocate in

an over a call. "No one ever told me about this profession, but I was inspired by male models like David Gandy and Milind Soman back in the day and wished to walk the ramp like them. However, my mother is a doctor, and my father is a leading advocate in Jodhpur - and I was very inspired by them. I was a good student and enjoyed studying science. I didn't want to let go of either of my dreams - of becoming a doctor and of walking on the ramp. So, I pursued both," he adds.

Small town boy

Growing up, Dr. Bora was always told that he would have to study well to build a bright tomorrow for himself. A bright student, the fashion model even secured an all-India rank of 52 in the medical entrance examination. "Growing up in Jodhpur, I understood the value of good education. But, to pursue my dream of walking the ramp, I had to be in a metro city. So, I studied hard to get admission to a good college in either Delhi or Mumbai, which I even got. However, my parents asked me to study at a local college in Jodhpur and I finished my MBBS from S.N Medical College," shares the fashion model.

Model Dr Manu Bora

Soon after, Dr. Bora, with dreams of conquering the world of fashion, moved to Mumbai. "I moved to Mumbai to pursue PG in orthopedics from Grant Medical College. What I didn't realise was that a postgraduation would be twice as tough as the MBBS course. I hardly had any time for myself during those days. And so, my dream to become a model again took a backseat," he shares, adding, "After I finished my postgraduation, I saved some money, worked on my physique, and got a portfolio shoot done. I later enrolled myself with Anima Creative Management, who helped me with several modelling assignments."

The world of haute couture

At a time, when only female models were walking on international ramps, Dr. Bora became the first Indian male face to represent several brands. The fashion model shares, "I had gone to Milan for an orthopedics fellowship. While I was working under an eminent surgeon there, I got to do a lot of shows and eventually landed a contract with the Paris Fashion Week. Eventually, I signed up with modelling agencies from New York, Paris, Milan, and Greece. I hadn't told my family about modelling initially, however, when they got to know about it, they supported my dreams.”

Speaking about the one big difference between the Indian and European fashion industries, Dr. Bora says, "Some trends that were famous in the European fashion industries a few years back are picking up in India now. I feel they are more systematic and organised as well when compared to our fashion industry."

A healer

Working as a junior surgeon at a private hospital, and modelling on the side, Dr. Bora shares that he made enough money to keep him afloat. However, things changed when his father was diagnosed with cancer. "My father would send me money till then, however after his diagnosis he couldn't. That made me more serious about my medical practice and I focussed all my energies on it. I learned digital marketing and started a YouTube channel where I spoke about orthopedic issues- which helped a lot of people. Also, since I had trained under several top doctors in Europe, my surgical skill was above most doctors here. Many patients started approaching me with their issues," says the fashion model.

Dr. Bora is also the founder of Ortho Sports, which operates in three Indian cities - Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The doctor, who still loves to be in front of the camera, shares that while following two passions can be difficult, it is not impossible. "All you need is to plan things properly, and never give up on your dreams," he shares.

Follow Dr. Manu Bora on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Reading Time: 7 mins