Indian Arts and Culture | Dr MN Nandakumara | Global Indian

Global IndianstoryDr MN Nandakumara, MBE: A Lifetime of Service to Indian Arts and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in the UK

Dr MN Nandakumara, MBE: A Lifetime of Service to Indian Arts and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in the UK

Written by: Amrita Priya

(February 22, 2024) In 2023, the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Centre in London marked a significant milestone, celebrating its 50th anniversary in the United Kingdom. This commemoration was accompanied by a prestigious honour bestowed upon the centre’s executive director, Dr MN Nandakumara. Renowned for his expertise in Sanskrit language, literature, and philosophy, Dr Nandakumara was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by King Charles III. This esteemed recognition was in acknowledgment of his invaluable contributions to teaching, performance, and enhancing accessibility to Indian classical arts in the UK.

While expressing joy and gratitude for the recognition Dr Nandakumara remarked, “I feel truly honoured and humbled. I am particularly delighted because this recognition acknowledges the tireless efforts and dedication of the Bhavan in promoting Indian arts and culture, especially as we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year.”

Dr M.N. Nandakumara | Picture Credit: The Bhavan, UK

Dr Nandakumara is highly respected in the diaspora of the UK for his deep knowledge of the Vedas and Indian scriptures. For the past 47 years, he has been an integral part of the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan in London, the largest cultural organisation in the country. Fondly addressed as ‘Nandaji’, Nandakumara had assumed the role of Bhavan’s executive director in 1995.

From Karnataka’s village to United Kingdom

Dr Nandakumara hails from Mattur, renowned as India’s first Sanskrit-speaking village located in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka. After completing his schooling at Sharada Vilasa High School, he pursued his master’s degree in Sanskrit from the University of Mysore. In 1975, Nandakumara started his career as a teacher at Raghavendra High School in Malleswaram, Bangalore.

“Searching for a job was a big challenge back then. With a degree in Sanskrit and the responsibility to run my family, I joined the school as a teacher. I didn’t even get a salary for nearly eight months,” Dr Nandakumara shared in an interview.

During that period, his uncle, Mathoor Krishnamurthy was serving as the first executive director at the newly established Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan centre in London. He invited Nandankumara to the UK to pursue his PhD and assist with the Bhavan’s work. Following his uncle’s advice Nandankumara flew to London and got enrolled at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. However, adapting to the demands of academic studies in English presented a unique challenge. To enhance his English proficiency, he had to attend English classes conducted at the British Museum. After his classes he would devote his time to teaching Sanskrit to students at the Bhavan.

Dr M.N. Nandakumara

Later, Nandakumara joined the Bhavan as an employee. After two decades of dedicated service, he ascended to the position of its executive director in 1995. Nandakumara dedicates his achievements to three individuals who left an indelible mark on his life – the late Maneck Dalal OBE, founder chairperson of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan in London, Mathoor Krishnamurti, its first executive director, and Dr. John Marr, its first general secretary. “Their support, guidance and experience have been foundational to anything I have achieved here,” Dr Nandakumar remarked.

In 2015, the Global Indian was honoured with the lifetime achievement award by Milapfest, leading Indian Arts Development Trust in the UK.

Facilitating growth of Indian art and culture in the UK

For over four decades, Dr. M.N. Nandakumara has devoted himself to making Indian art and culture popular in the UK through teaching, lecturing, and advocacy. Renowned for his oratory, he has delivered speeches at prestigious venues worldwide, including Westville University in Durban, South Africa, the Houses of Parliament, and Cambridge University. Throughout his career, he has garnered numerous awards and accolades, and he has extensively travelled to perform Hindu ceremonies at significant events and occasions.

Over the years, Nandkumara has witnessed the growth of numerous performers – from their very first lessons in art to their outstanding performances as artists on stage, where they became respected figures in their respective disciplines. “Their journey of transformation has inspired me,” he remarked.

Dr Nandakumara has also been at the helm of bringing some of the greatest artists to perform at the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan in the UK, including Pandit Ravi Shankar, Lata Mangeshkar, George Harrison, the Shakti band, and more. This has helped establish stronger connections between the diaspora and the icons of Indian art and culture.

Reflecting on his association with Bhavan and its accomplishments, Dr Nandakumara remarked, “I take great pride in being associated with an organisation that has successfully set the benchmark for teaching and performing Indian classical arts in the UK, and has been recognised not just by the Indian diaspora but with the arts loving public at large.”

King Charles III’s love for Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

Dr MN Nandakumara deeply values the consistent support and affection shown by King Charles III towards Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in the UK. He feels honoured to have welcomed the king on four separate occasions.

“In the early 80s, when Prince Charles visited Bhavan for the first time, we took him to all our classes. He took such a genuine interest and asked such sincere questions,” he reminisced. “I still remember, in our Tabla class all students and the teacher were seated on the floor on a carpet. When Prince Charles entered the room, he removed his shoes, joined them on the floor, and even tried his hand at playing the Tabla. He asked several questions about playing and learning Tabla demonstrating his sincere curiosity.”

King Charles III at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, UK on 4th Feb,1981 | Picture Credit: The Bhavan, UK

Although each of the royal visits only lasted an hour or two, he made it a point to engage with everyone, including the singers, the dancers and the teachers. “During each of his four visits, he displayed a genuine interest in our institution, our teachers, our students, and the art forms we teach. All of us here have felt deeply honoured that a royal family member has been so attentive in his presence here and has shown genuine curiosity.”

Usually, the Patron in Chief of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan accepts the position for just a single term but Prince Charles had extended his tenure for two terms which is rare and a matter of pride for the organisation. He is also associated with the institution as its honorary life member.

A rich legacy

Founded in London in 1972 Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in the UK is dedicated to teaching and promoting classical Indian arts, yoga, languages, and culture. It stands as the sole organisation in the UK offering such a diverse range of traditional Indian cultural activities all under one roof. With classes spanning to about 20 distinct subjects, the centre provides a unique opportunity for fusion of different art forms.

Dr M.N. Nandakumara with The Bhavan’s teachers | Picture Credit: The Bhavan, UK

Under Dr Nandakumara’s leadership the organisation has facilitated understanding of the significance of Indian art and culture for the new generation of the diaspora, and has emphasised on how the Indian legacy needs to be celebrated and carried forward.

In the 47 year-long association with the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan in London, Dr Nandakumar has seen thousands of Indian-origin and European people benefit from the organisation’s offerings. He has brought students and art lovers together helping them transcend the barriers of colour, religion and nationality.

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Published on 22, Feb 2024

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Raj Echambadi: Indian American iMBA pioneer and first person of color to helm a 131-year-old American university

It was like being “forged by fire” says Raj Echambadi as he describes his first tryst with the American academia; he stands to take charge as the 10th president of the illustrious Illinois Institute of Technology. The India-born educator will be the first person of color to head the 131-year-old research-focused university. Considered a pioneer in online iMBA which he conceptualized in 2016, Echambadi has also been working with the Indian government to build entrepreneurial hubs in Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati and Utkal University in Odisha. The incident he mentions is an episode from his early academic years in the mid-1990s which is etched in his mind and shaped his outlook towards education. As a young PhD scholar at the University of Houston, Echambadi had thought that the dissertation proposal he’d submitted was pathbreaking. “During a discussion with my mentor, we spent the first five minutes talking about my Indian roots in what seemed like a casual conversation,” he says. “For the next 15 minutes, however, my mentor launched a professional criticism of my dissertation. It was eye-opening. He dissected my dissertation and told me why it was wrong. I was stunned.” “The funniest thing was that after the meeting ended we had coffee and spoke about tennis; just like friends. He made sure I was comfortable with his criticism.” This incident, he says, was demonstrative of the quality of US

PhD scholar at the University of Houston, Echambadi had thought that the dissertation proposal he’d submitted was pathbreaking. “During a discussion with my mentor, we spent the first five minutes talking about my Indian roots in what seemed like a casual conversation,” he says.

“For the next 15 minutes, however, my mentor launched a professional criticism of my dissertation. It was eye-opening. He dissected my dissertation and told me why it was wrong. I was stunned.”

“The funniest thing was that after the meeting ended we had coffee and spoke about tennis; just like friends. He made sure I was comfortable with his criticism.”

This incident, he says, was demonstrative of the quality of US academic dissemination, and the caliber of culturally sensitive faculty members.

From Chennai to the US

[caption id="attachment_4282" align="aligncenter" width="413"] Indian American Raj Echambadi will be the first person of color to helm the 131-year-old Illinois Institute of Technology. Raj Echambadi with his friend Ramesh Kumar during his MBA days in India[/caption]

Born in Chennai, Echambadi graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University in 1989. He went on to work as a sales executive at Castrol in Chennai before moving to the US to do his PhD in Marketing from the University of Houston. He then went to work at the University of Central Florida for 11 years, before joining the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It was during his time here that Echambadi conceptualized and launched the first-of-its-kind MOOC-based online MBA (iMBA as it is popularly known) in partnership with Coursera. The iMBA has now reached over 80 million people around the world and is considered one of the most disruptive and breakthrough programs in graduate MBA.

Following this, Echambadi was appointed the Duncan Family Dean at D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University in Boston.

In pursuit of excellence

Raj Echambadi belongs to a generation of Indians who migrated to the US in pursuit of excellence in diverse fields such as academia, medicine, and technology. Their success stories, in turn, sculpted India’s repute in the global order. Asked what worked for the diaspora, he says: “When I came here, there was no safety net. We had to survive. And, the Indian middle class’ emphasis on the value of education played a role too.” This is precisely what the Indian-American educator wants to impart to the next breed of aspirants.

[caption id="attachment_4283" align="aligncenter" width="569"] Indian American Raj Echambadi will be the first person of color to helm the 131-year-old Illinois Institute of Technology. Raj with his brother Rajnarayan and cousin Sreedevi in the US in 2013[/caption]

The democratization of education by making it both affordable and accessible has been central to his initiatives such as the iMBA program at the University of Illinois – which scaled up the institution’s outreach and gave access to global learners. The breakthrough iMBA project brought down the cost of the two-year program from $100,000 to just $22,000. A significant number of Indians from both inside and outside the US benefited from it.

Besides, the academic research expert’s initiatives – through collaborations between American institutions and the Andhra Pradesh government – to teach entrepreneurial skills to high school and college students are beginning to bear fruits. “The Indian government has invited us after seeing our pilot project in Andhra Pradesh. I’m hoping this model will benefit over 10,000 students by 2025.”

Hoping to make a similar impact in his new role at Illinois Institute of Technology from August onwards, he reveals the recipe for the success of any project.

“Start small, dream big, experiment, iterate, and scale-up very fast,” he says.

As a parting shot, Echambadi ends on a somewhat philosophical note on his continuing educational endeavors and giving back to the global community. “Action is thy duty, fruit is not my concern,” quoting Bhagavad Gita.

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‘Dram’a king: How Paul P John took premium Indian single malt to the world

(September 12, 2024) Paul P John, Chairman, The Paul Resorts & Hotels Pvt Ltd and John Distilleries Pvt Ltd. has put India on the world map with his award winning single malt whiskey. With a portfolio of spirit brands under John Distilleries Pvt. Ltd. and world-class resorts, John has made waves with his attention to quality and doing things in style. In 2012, Paul John ventured off-shore and entered the UK markets with three single casks—161, 163, and 164—along with the Paul John Brilliance and Bold. Today, they have the largest portfolio of single malts in India, ranging from unpeated to peated expressions. Their malts malts are available in 44 countries and have won over 320 international awards. Early Days “I am originally from Kerala, but I grew up in Bangalore. Also, my parents lived in Coorg, so I spent most of my holidays there,” he tells Global Indian. As he studied, he worked alongside his father, who operated a chain of beverage shops across Karnataka. It led to a deep fascination with the alcobev industry, which John went on to pursue and take to new heights. “Witnessing my father’s entrepreneurial journey was incredibly inspiring for me, shaping my aspirations

and take to new heights. “Witnessing my father’s entrepreneurial journey was incredibly inspiring for me, shaping my aspirations to eventually become an entrepreneur myself. His mentorship and example laid a strong foundation for my career path in the industry,” he reminisces.

[caption id="attachment_55812" align="aligncenter" width="359"] Paul P John | Indian single malt | Global Indian Paul P John[/caption]

Launching John Distillieries

Continuing his love for spirits, John started John Distilleries Pvt. Ltd. in 1996. “Our focus was on the mass segment of the southern states. In 2008, we set up a malt plant at my distillery in Goa, and in 2012, we launched our single malts in the UK,” John says.

The company was a nearly instant success, and John signed Malayalam actor Mohanlal as the surrogate brand ambassador. In less than a decade, the company became a leader in the Indian whisky industry, selling four million cases in 2005. That year, Original Choice was the largest-selling IMFL brand in Karnataka, selling nearly two lakh cases - around 1.2 million cases in total. The company's successes only grew - in 2006, Original Choice sold around 4.5 million cases, and 6.4 million cases in 2007. In the same year, he branched out into wineries, launching the Big Banyan brand, for which they hired oenologist Lucio Matricardi as the chief wine maker. Their 'Bellissima' is the first desert wine in India to be made from the Muscat grape.

Today, they have the largest portfolio of single malts in India, ranging from unpeated to peated expressions, with ABV from 40% to 58% and cask strength. Paul P John has made Indian single malts available in 44 countries and the brand has won over 320 internationally acclaimed awards. “One of my proudest moments was when Mithuna by Paul John was declared one of the finest whiskies in the world,” he says. The company has recently launched Malhar Indian Craft Gins, Roulette premium whisky and brandy, and Big Banyan wines.

Paul P John | Indian single malt | Global Indian

Foray into Hospitality

Four years after launching his distillieries, John ventured into hospitality, to “be in a space that gave him personal satisfaction, where he could create something niche and different.” This was in 2000, and the first venture, a true labour of love, was the Kumarakom Lake Resort, amid Kerala’s beautiful backwaters. “Now, I have got five luxe properties in South India, including The Paul Bangalore and Big Banyan Vineyard and Resort, also in Bengaluru. He also returned to the home of his childhood, Coorg, where he launched the Coorg Wilderness Resort & Spa, followed by Forte Kochi Hotel in Cochin. “Each of these places has its own special theme and style, making sure every guest gets a truly unique holiday experience with us,” he says.

Driven by legacy

With a lot on his plate, John says that the desire to make a mark in life, to have a purpose for being born, and, if possible, to leave a legacy behind has been the driving force in his life. “One of the strongest motivations for me is taking care of the people in my organisation who have been with me, supported me, and worked tirelessly to help us achieve our common goals,” he says.

His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple - set your mind on your goal and work hard for it as there are no shortcuts to success. “The road may be difficult, and you may face several challenges but do not waver from your goal,” he says. And this comes from his own experience as he has overcome challenges by being steadfast, patient, positive, and unwavering. “It has not always been easy, but I have learned that when a challenge arises, focusing on how to resolve it always brings a solution,” John explains.

[caption id="attachment_55814" align="aligncenter" width="426"] Paul P John | Indian single malt | Global Indian Mithuna, by Paul P John[/caption]

For him of the many lessons he has learnt in life, the biggest is that success is a team effort. “Empower your team and believe in their ability to deliver. Once you have confidence in them and they understand and believe in your vision, great things can happen,” he says.

In leisure

In his free time, John always enjoys travelling and discovering new places and cultures. When he is at home, an occasional game of golf or a great dram of single malt with family and friends is his favourite way to unwind. Looking ahead, his focus is on expanding his portfolio in the alcobev industry to include all segments and choices, and to reach more markets in India and internationally.

“In hospitality, we aim to expand our reach to more destinations in India and abroad, establishing ourselves as the go to choice for premium holiday and stay experiences,” he says. And with his flagship brand Original Choice, being one of the top-selling brands in India's popular whisky segment and one of the top 10 selling whiskies in the world with sales exceeding 21 million cases a year, it is not hard to guess why he is so successful.

Visit the Paul P John website to learn more about the premium Indian single malt.

A machine in time saves nine: British-Sikh engineer Navjot Sawhney’s prototype aids refugees, underprivileged

(February 8, 2022) “Divya” gave Navjot Sawhney purpose. In Kuilapalayam in Tamil Nadu, a British-Sikh engineer met an effervescent neighbour, Divya. Little did Navjot know that this 30-something woman was to change the course of his life, and add meaning with the launch of The Washing Machine Project. “During my stay, I met Divya, who spent her day doing unpaid labour. Washing clothes took the most time, leading to backache and skin irritation. I knew I had to do something to help women like Divya,” Navjot tells Global Indian. That watershed moment gave way to The Washing Machine Project that’s now supplying over 7,000 low-cost manual washing machines, helping women across 10 countries like Iraq, Lebanon and Uganda. “By providing accessible and off-grid washing solutions, we aim to empower women with the time to take charge of their lives,” smiles Navjot. The British-Sikh engineer's project has won the Campaign of the Year at Elektra Awards, and was selected as a Top 10 finalist at the SantanderX Global Awards. A London boy with a giving heart Born in West London in 1990 to an aerospace engineer father and an assistant mother, Navjot was a curious child. “My father would often take

Global Awards.

British Sikh Engineer | Navjot Sawhney

A London boy with a giving heart

Born in West London in 1990 to an aerospace engineer father and an assistant mother, Navjot was a curious child. “My father would often take me to air shows. I’d be fascinated by the big objects in the sky. I’d come home, take my toolbox and dismantle appliances. I was keen to know what’s inside. That curiosity helped me broaden my imagination, and took me into the direction of engineering,” says Sawhney. Joining the scouts as a child grew this British-Sikh engineer’s sense of community. “It was then that I learnt the importance of community and giving back - those important lessons inspire me,” he adds.

It's that same sense of purpose which made Navjot quit his high-paying job at Dyson (research engineer) to help the marginalised. After graduation at Queen Mary University of London (aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical engineering), Navjot has his dream job - making products. Three years later, it dawned upon him that “every good bit of engineering is giving a product to the middle class or rich who already has it.” That “epiphany” made him introspect. “I knew I had the skillset and wanted to dedicate my engineering to helping people,” adds Navjot, who began working with Engineers Without Borders UK despite resistance from his mother. “It was one of my most difficult decisions as almost everyone was against it, including my mom. I asked her to give me a year,” recalls the British-Sikh engineer-innovator, who went to Kuilapalayam to help install fuel-efficient stoves with Prakti.

British Sikh Engineer | Navjot Sawhney

Nervous, he was ready to give up and return to the UK in the first few days due to frequent power cuts. “It was a culture shock and adjusting was taking a toll. I wanted to get back to my comfort zone. I am glad that I got over that phase quickly,” adds the Londoner, who witnessed India’s problems - sanitation, abject poverty, systemic issues in education, etc.

Prototypes from a British-Sikh engineer save time

For the next year, the British-Sikh engineer threw himself into making stove prototypes, with innovation. When he befriended Divya, an idea germinated. “She married early, had two children, and spent three hours washing clothes that led to skin irritation and backache. Despite being educated, she missed the earning opportunities due to the time-consuming activity. At times, even her daughter missed school to wash clothes,” reveals Navjot, who wanted to help women like Divya. “Handwashing clothes is crippling and back-breaking in rural areas as women carry water from ponds. I spoke to women, they felt they couldn’t afford electric washing machines. That’s when the penny dropped,” says the 31-year-old.

[caption id="attachment_19612" align="aligncenter" width="714"] Navjot Sawhney with neighbour Divya[/caption]

He promised to make a manual washing machine but his time in India had come to an end. Back in the UK, he started work at Jaguar Land Rover (senior cost engineer). “A few months into the job, I started The Washing Machine Project in 2018 with a handful of engineer friends,” states Navjot, who had researched and identified the problem of washing clothes in 13 countries including Jordan, Uganda and the Philippines where they spent up to 20 hours a week on washing. The British-Sikh engineer was inspired.

Creating a foundation

At the same time, he enrolled at University of Bath (M.Sc in humanitarianism) to unlock a social network and capital to the industry. “A classmate knew about The Washing Machine Project, and invited us to Iraq to show our prototype. Based on a salad spinner model, I built the prototype in two days. We interviewed 70 families at the Mamrashan Refugee Camp in Iraq, realised that 88 percent wanted and needed a machine. We published a report on our website - Oxfam read it, contacted us to pilot 50 machines. They funded us, and that is how we made our first manual machine in 2019 which we named Divya 1.5,” reveals Navjot.

[caption id="attachment_19613" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] British Sikh Engineer | Navjot Sawhney Navjot Sawhney in Iraq for a research trip[/caption]

The hand-operated machine has a 5 kg drum capacity, and comes with a washer and a spin dryer that is 75 percent faster than the hand washing. “You put all the clothes inside the drum, and turn the wheel manually. It saves time and water, and is not dependent on electricity,” adds Navjot, who has already sent 7,000 machines to 10 countries with plans to expand.

In terms of funding, a few agencies buy, or the machines are given free of cost to the needy. “We also have corporate partners. The machine is also commercially available on our website,” says the British-Sikh engineer, who has priced the machine at £50 (₹5,000).

While his friend Divya is yet to receive the machine due to technical challenges owing to the pandemic, Navjot has spread his wings to refugee camps in Lebanon, Jordan and Uganda. “Displacement is an issue close to my heart. My grandparents struggled during the partition, and my father was a refugee. So, I understand the struggles of uprooting yourself and making a new place home,” explains Navjot, who is currently in Lebanon on research.

[caption id="attachment_19614" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] A woman with Divya 1.5[/caption]

British-Sikh engineer's idea that can save time

What began as a mission to design, develop and manufacture an affordable machine has now translated into something bigger. Navjot wants The Washing Machine Project to become the Dyson of the humanitarian world by creating cost-efficient products that help the needy. “As a board trustee of Engineers Without Borders UK, it’s my mission to make the next generation of engineers create an impact, and understand the importance of innovation for women like Divya,” says the British-Sikh engineer, who interacts with 3,000 students.

“To have the credibility and confidence in people to believe in what you are doing was one of the biggest challenges. Slowly, our work started getting recognised. For me, the happy moments have been the smiles on faces when they get the machine and experience the solution,” adds the British-Sikh engineer. Navjot plans to expand the project to 24 countries. Currently manufacturing in the UK, the plan is to shift manufacturing to India to ramp up production and save time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3Xk9_WzhnA

Navjot unwinds by spending time with family. The stark reality of refugee camps has made him appreciate family time, especially with his two elder sisters. “I was seven when I lost my father and it was a difficult time. I was surrounded by women who nurtured and supported me. The power of the women in the house is phenomenal,” says Navjot, who is proud to be brought up by the women brigade, thus more empathetic.

Follow Navjot Sawhney on Linkedin

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The unbreakable sailor: Cdr Abhilash Tomy’s epic tale of courage, conviction, and second chances

(September 28, 2023) What would you do if you were stranded alone on a yacht, in the middle of an ocean, with a broken spine, waiting for someone to rescue you? If someone asked me that question, I would have said I wouldn't want to put myself in that situation even in my worst nightmares. But retired naval officer Abhilash Tomy is made of sterner stuff. About five years ago, during the Golden Globe Race 2018, the sailor found himself in exactly this situation, and do you know what he did for four days while waiting for a rescue team? "I was already planning for the next race," laughs the sailor as he joins Global Indian for an exclusive interview, "After the accident I was waiting for a rescue. So, for four days I was nearly paralyzed. I didn't know that my spine was fractured at that time, but I couldn't stand. So, in my head, I was preparing for the next expedition. I was picking people individually, thinking this guy will prepare my boat, this person will be my team manager, and so on." [caption id="attachment_45433" align="aligncenter" width="612"] Cdr Abhilash Tomy is the first Indian to achieve a solo,

boat, this person will be my team manager, and so on."

[caption id="attachment_45433" align="aligncenter" width="612"] Sailor | Abhilash Tomy | Global Indian Cdr Abhilash Tomy is the first Indian to achieve a solo, nonstop circumnavigation of the globe under sail[/caption]

While many thought that his return to sailing would be nearly impossible after this accident, Cdr Tomy – now with a titanium rod inserted in his spine - came back again for the third edition of the Golden Globe in 2022, and scripted history by finishing second in the race. Decorated with the Kirti Chakra, Nausena Medal, and MacGregor Medal, and distinguished as the recipient of the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award, this sailor holds the historic distinction of being the first Indian to achieve a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe under sail.

I couldn't move for the four days that I was waiting to be rescued, because I was in a lot of pain. There was a lot of hiccups and vomiting, due to which I couldn't even sleep. I started planning the next expedition because I needed a distraction to stay alive.

But, what does sailing in the ocean alone feel like? "Well, it can get quite boring because sometimes nothing changes," laughs the sailor, adding, "It can get quite intense as well - during the storms, waves look like mountains. However, between these two extremes, one can have moments when the dolphins are swimming with you, albatrosses are chasing you, and there are several flying fish all around you. It's very interesting to watch them flying out of water to avoid being hunted by other fishes; and being hunted by birds when they do that."

Setting sail

Born to Lieutenant Commander V. C. Tomy, the sailor always knew that he would be a part of the Indian military services. “My father was in the Navy, and I spent my entire childhood growing up in a naval environment. I always aspired to be in the forces since then,” says the sailor, adding, “Also, back then, I had a few experiences which set the direction for my life. One such experience was when I saw the sailing boats for the first time during an evening party at a sailing club. They were very mesmerizing. Another thing that really inspired me was a documentary on Trishna, the Indian Army Corps of Engineers’ yacht which was used for the first Indian sailing expedition around the world.”

[caption id="attachment_45434" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Sailor | Abhilash Tomy | Global Indian Cdr Tomy finished second in the Golden Globe Race, 2022[/caption]

These incidents inspired Cdr Tomy to read up more about sailing and do more research about it. However, it was an unfortunate incident that solidified his decision to join the Indian Navy. “One of the pilots, who took off from my father's base met with an accident and died in a crash. It was quite unfortunate, but it inspired me to become a pilot. And the only place where you can do both flying and sailing is the Indian Navy. So, I ended up joining the forces.”

Sam no Varunah

After finishing his education, the sailor enrolled in the Naval Academy located in Goa, where he received his commission in the Indian Navy in 2000. Subsequently, in 2002, he successfully completed his flight training, becoming a qualified maritime reconnaissance pilot, specialising in the Dornier 228 aircraft. Cdr Tomy had quite a diverse career in the Navy as well - from representing India in several international events including the 2011 Cape Town to Rio Race, Enterprise World Championships, and Asian Sailing Championship, to shore support for Sagar Parikrama I, which was Navy’s first solo circumnavigation expedition.

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A post shared by Abhilash Tomy (@abhilash_tomy_official)

"In the armed forces, you're always encouraged to take up some sport or the other. Several of my colleagues took up squash or tennis and stuff like that, and they really excelled in that. I was one of the few people who got into sailing. Soon I found myself in the Goan area team, and from there into the command team. Then I ended up representing India in various championships, including the ones in Qatar, South Africa, and Sri Lanka,” shares the sailor.

One thing led to another and the Cdr Tomy, who started his journey from smaller boats graduated to bigger ones. "My first experience of big boats was when one of the Volvo Ocean race boats came to India. I was appointed by the Indian Navy to manage it, and I met so many racers from across the globe there, it was quite inspiring for me," he shares.

[caption id="attachment_45435" align="aligncenter" width="617"] Sailor | Abhilash Tomy | Global Indian Former President, Dr. Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award to Cdr Tomy for sailing, at the National Sports & Adventure awards ceremony[/caption]

Immediately after the Volvo Ocean race, the sailor got an opportunity to be a part of a sailing team from Oman to Yemen. Post this project, the Navy asked Cdr Tomy if he would like to do a nonstop around the world. "And, I said 'Of course, why not?' For training, I sailed from India to Brazil and back. I went with a crew of four people, and I was number two in the crew. On the way back I became a skipper and from South Africa to India I sailed alone," shares the sailor, who soon after embarked on a nonstop circumnavigation in 2013, becoming the sole Indian and the second Asian to achieve this remarkable feat. Upon his return, a ceremonial reception was given by the President of India, Dr. Pranab Mukherjee, at the Gateway of India on April 6, 2013.

Sailing close to the wind

Passionate about sailing, Cdr Tomy continued to take part in a few offshore racing tournaments in various places, including Korea and Spain. "But, I was looking for something bigger." It was around this time that the Golden Globe race was announced. "I sent my name and they immediately sent me an invitation to take part in the 2018 edition of the race," shares the sailor.

And how did he prepare for that? "Well, frankly there wasn't much of preparation. In 2018, I built a boat in India and took it to the Netherlands. I was struggling for money, and because of that, I was not able to do much training. So, the only sailing that I did on the boat was probably one week of sailing. However, building up my boat was quite something. I spent a lot of time making sure that the boat was well set up - so, that kind of became my training," laughs the sailor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjXpF11pvS0

Unfortunately, that expedition ended with the sailor getting severely injured. But, remember how they say, 'Smooth seas never made a skilled sailor'. "I couldn't move for the four days that I was waiting to be rescued, because I was in a lot of pain. There was a lot of hiccups and vomiting, due to which I couldn't even sleep. I started planning the next expedition because I needed a distraction to stay alive," shares the sailor.

Full steam ahead

The 2022 Golden Globe Race began on September 4, 2022, in France. Sixteen people took part, but only seven managed to get past a very tough point in the race called Cape Horn. So, what gave him the courage to attempt the Golden Globe race again in 2022, after going through a horrible accident? "I think anybody in my shoes would've done the same thing. You'll never find a pilot or a sailor or a race car driver, who had an accident, never do this again," says the sailor, who adds that his family has been the biggest support during the tough times.

"People think that I did the second navigation by myself, but the truth is one needs a lot of support. And for me that was my

Sailor | Abhilash Tomy | Global Indian

family," shares the sailor, "When I was rescued people didn't know whether I'll be paralyzed for my life or be able to walk again. My wife was pregnant back then, and incredibly stressed. So, for her to understand my passion, and let me attempt the race a second time is very brave. The same goes for my parents."

Talking about the preparations for the 2022 race, the sailor says, "I really wish I could prepare. The main difference between 2018 and 2022 was that I had a sponsor in 2022. But, I found a sponsor quite late. So my preparation time was cut short. I had only one-and-a-half months to prepare the boat. And, when I started preparing the others were ready with their boats and sailing across the northern South Atlantic."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywl92e4ei2M

Looking ahead, the sailor - who is also the author of the bestsellers '151 Solitary Days at Sea, Sailing Non-stop, Around the World', 'Kadal Ottakku Kshanichappol', and 'Journey to the Edge of the Earth' - has some big plans. "It's been just a few months since I am back. However, I am now thinking that I've sailed around the world alone, and that's quite easy, I want to make it more difficult by taking people with me," laughs the sailor, who is currently working with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on its manned space mission, Gaganyaan, advising on recovery of astronauts at sea.

Awards and Decorations

Kirti Chakra 2013 (Second officer in the Indian Navy to be awarded KC)
Nau Sena Medal 2019
YAI Offshore Sailor of the Year 2009, 2013, 2018
Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award in 2012
Only Indian in the International Association of Cape Horners
MacGregor Medal for Military Reconnaissance 2013
CNS Commendation 2009
National Maritime Foundation Award

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Reading Time: 7 mins

The Great Gatsby: How Prithvi Raj Singh ‘Biki’ Oberoi became synonymous with Indian luxury hospitality

(November 18, 2023) In 1984, when India was still in the shackles of socialism, Prithvi Raj Singh 'Biki' Oberoi took over the mantle from his father, founding Chairman of the Oberoi Group, Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi. The debonair man had a marked taste for the finer things in life, from his Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Delhi farmhouse, and Husain paintings, to Cuban cigars and thoroughbreds. He brought this discernment to his work: On one occasion, he ordered that all the tiles of the swimming pool at Vanyavilas, Ranthambore, be ripped out because "as a whole, they didn't create the right shade of blue." Legacy of Excellence Money was of no object, it was just a means to an end as he strove to create perfection, down to the last detail, at every Oberoi property. A GM who oversaw the restoration at Shimla's The Cecil, the Oberoi's first ever acquisition, recalled, "A budget is not your concern. Your job is to create a guest experience beyond compare." It meant employees were always on their toes, but the result was an unparalleled experience in luxury. Biki Oberoi passed away on Tuesday at the age of 94, an icon of the hospitality industry. [caption

beroi passed away on Tuesday at the age of 94, an icon of the hospitality industry.

[caption id="attachment_46802" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Prithvi Raj Singh 'Biki' Oberoi[/caption]

“I have known him for two-and-a-half decades… when I was working as tourism secretary in the Government of Kerala… He was a perfectionist," Amitabh Kant told the Indian Express. "By starting the Vilas chain – Amarvilas in Agra and Udaivilas in Udaipur – he created the best resort chain in India. He raised the profile of the Indian travel and hospitality sector." The Vilas brand was Biki's biggest addition to the Oberoi group. "We give fantasy bathrooms, often with their own walled gardens," he had said. They took a year just to get the toiletries right. "There should be an eroticism to a resort suite; as soon as you enter, your mind should start dreaming about what you're going to do where."

His father, MS Oberoi, had also been a perfectionist. He had created a stack of manuals to ensure that consistency went with perfection. Biki Oberoi, however, was steering the family empire in a very different world from the one his father had known. Not long after he took over, India's socialist legacy came to an end. Suddenly, competition mushroomed, international chains arrived in India, the business he had known all his life was "not the two-horse race of Rai Bahadur's early days," Biki Oberoi said in an interview.

"Hotels are like showbiz; you have to come up with a new act everytime," he once remarked. And he did, with aplomb. Biki Oberoi decided his hotels would never give into the more gaudy forms of luxury, choosing instead smaller hotels with a quiet elegance that would appeal to customers with refined tastes. No guest would ever see "a hundred people jostling in the pool," no baaraats "with boisterous dancing and grooms on ghoda." It meant he would knock off a big chunk of customers, but that was a price he was willing to pay. In Fort Prithviraj, just outside Jaipur, he created his private residence, with an "English drawing room, his favoured rosewood toilet seats, and liveried retinue serving gourmet canapes at the swimming pool," Bachi Karkaria writes in the Times of India.

Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi began his career as a clerk at Shimla's Cecil Hotel - he had moved to Himachal Pradesh in 1922 with no money to his name. He quickly realised he had great flair for running a hotel and worked his way up the ladder, eventually buying the hotel, which is now The Oberoi Cecil. Four years later, he acquired Grand Hotel, now The Oberoi Grand, in Calcutta. In 1943, a decade after he began his career, be took over the Associated Hotels of India, the parent company of the Cecil Hotel. Meanwhile, as Oberoi senior was buying his first hotel, Biki Oberoi, who was 10, was admitted to St Paul's School in Darjeeling.

"I finished school in 1946," Biki Oberoi told Forbes. "Two years later, I went to London to study chartered accountancy as my father and I agreed that knowledge in finance would help me in business. But I was bored within a year." He decided to travel to France and Switzerland instead, and learn his trade by working in the industry. He learned a lot but Biki Oberoi was a savant from the start. "Till 1973, we had spent all our lives in hotels. I had grown up in hotels. I understood hotels well."

[caption id="attachment_46803" align="aligncenter" width="1067"] Rai Bahadur Singh Oberoi and his son Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi[/caption]

So, after a respectable amount of time spent learning the trade, Biki Oberoi returned to join the business, along with his father and his older brother, Tilak 'Tikki' Raj Singh Oberoi. He was refined, sophisticated and well-travelled, he knew luxury because he had grown up in it. His father, however, brought him down to earth. "Biki, remember what I am going to say," he told him. "There are many people who are smarter than you, many people who are better-looking than you and many, many more people who are richer than you. So, be humble."

His first assignment was the Grand Hotel in Calcutta, as well as four hotels in Pakistan that had been acquired by AHI (in 1965, after the war, the Pakistan government took over the hotels). The family did actually feel the pinch but their business was growing so fast that they made up for the loss. Biki and his brother, Tilk ‘Tikki’ Raj Singh Oberoi transitioned into larger hotels and opened India’s first ‘modern hotel’ in New Delhi, swimming pools, several restaurants and 320 rooms. Associated Hotels of India became merged with East India Hotels Ltd and became EIH Ltd – this group included The Oberoi Grand in Calcutta, Maidens Hotels in New Delhi and The Oberoi Ceil. In 1973 came the Trident in Mumbai, as well its sister concern, The Oberoi.

In 1984, however, Tikki died, leaving Biki to run the show on his own. The new scion decided to pivot and expanded the business model to other ventures, including the operation of all the snack bars and restaurants at the Mumbai Airport. The Vilas brand came in 1998, with The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur. That was the start of Biki’s journey to putting The Oberoi on the world map, making it synonymous with Indian luxury globally.

In 2008, the Oberoi-Trident was one of the properties under attack on November 26, and the interiors were completely destroyed. Biki always had a close connection to Mumbai and was so distraught that he personally oversaw the extensive restoration, which took eighteen months to complete. That was also the year he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan and been conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award a the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards, for redefining design standards in luxury hotels.

[caption id="attachment_46804" align="aligncenter" width="485"] The Oberoi-Trident[/caption]

Biki’s own home was the private farmhouse on the outskirts of Delhi and later on, one more in Nandi Hills, on the outskirts of Bangalore. He would travel to the city regularly from Delhi, on his private jet, and brave the commute to The Oberoi hotel in the city centre to hold meetings, usually with a cigar in one hand and a glass of wine in the other.

His love for cigars, combined with his relentless perfectionism did eventually take their toll. In 2022, after remaining at the helm of EIH Associated Hotels for nearly three decades, Biki Oberoi stepped down as Chairman and Director, due to his deteriorating health. The mantle now rests with his son, Vikramjit and his nephew (Tilak’s son), Arjun, who is the Executive Chairman of the group. PRS ‘Biki’ Oberoi’s will be big shoes to fill – as Anand Mahindra put it, “He was a class act.”

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