Global IndianstoryPriya Chaudhry: The lawyer defending America’s most high-profile celebrities

Priya Chaudhry: The lawyer defending America’s most high-profile celebrities

Written by: Namrata Srivastava

(November 15, 2022) While giving an interview a few years back, criminal defense lawyer Priya Chaudhry said, “When I started, I wish I knew how important the emotional experience of a client is, and how to be present for it.” The Indian American attorney, who has seen many highs and lows in her two-decade-long career, however, seems to have come a long way from there. The New York-based Global Indian, who is representing Canadian screenwriter, film producer, and director Paul Haggis, is one of the most sought-after lawyers in the USA and was recently named one of America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys.

Priya Chaudhry, lawyer

Having represented several high-profile clients, including Jennifer Shah and Nikhil Wahi, Priya has made quite a name handling some of the most complicated and prominent cases. Her peers know her for her exceptional preparation and fierce advocacy. The founding partner of Chaudhry Law PLLC, the lawyer’s official website notes that she “aggressively and creatively” defends her client’s rights, “regardless of the charges leveled against them.” Her attention to crucial details in the case and personal involvement with the proceedings has earned her a reputation as one of the most successful lawyers in the USA.

Inspired by family

Just like her clients, the lawyer fiercely protects her family details from the limelight. While not much is known about her family, it has been public knowledge that her parents shifted from India to New York City in search of better career opportunities. Born in the USA, Priya was inspired by the journey of her grandfather, who was also an attorney. “The lawyer I most admire is my grandfather, a prominent criminal defense lawyer in India, who once won an acquittal in a broad-daylight murder case with four eyewitnesses,” she shared during an interview with Super Lawyers Magazine.

Priya with Canadian screenwriter, film producer, and director Paul Haggis

Priya earned BA (High Honors) at the University of California, Berkeley. As she was always clear about her career path, she enrolled herself at the Northwestern University School of Law to pursue a Doctor of law (JD). Soon after, she became an Assistant Public Defender and later joined the Hafetz & Necheles LLP – one of New York’s premier law firms focused on criminal defense, defending individuals and corporations in criminal investigations.

Climbing the ladder

After a decade of learning the skills of defending her clients in several complicated cases, the lawyer joined Harris, St. Laurent & Chaudhry LLP as a partner in 2013. It was during this time that she started representing celebrities and high-profile people in criminal matters – from the most sophisticated white-collar cases to homicide. She also represented individuals in regulatory proceedings, such as FINRA and SEC actions, as well as alleged Title IX violations, where she has won complete acquittal after trial for her student-clients.

Her passion for educating young people led her to teach Trial Advocacy at various prestigious institutions such as Cardozo Law School, Rutgers School of Law, and the New Jersey Public Defender. She is also an adjunct faculty at Columbia Law School and Fordham Law School. Keen to share her courtroom experiences, the lawyer has authored the paper “Crimes of Dishonesty: Perjury, False Statement, and Obstruction of Justice” in White Collar Crime: Business and Regulatory Offenses, and is also the co-host of the podcast Security and Compliance Weekly.

Priya established her firm Chaudhry Law PLLC in 2019, through which she represented two very popular cases, that of Jennifer Shah and Paul Haggis. A football lover and a movie buff, Priya’s formidable career in criminal defense wins her regular recognition, including from the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, Chambers and Partners, Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, Corporate LiveWire, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, and National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

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Published on 15, Nov 2022

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Diwali’s Radiant Rise: How the festival of lights became popular in America

(November 11, 2023) November 8 saw Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, host a fun-filled Diwali event at the White House which was attended by many influential figures from the Indian and South Asian community. Amid the celebration, the festive tone was set by colourful decorations, ethnic cuisine, traditional music, and rangolis adorned with diyas and lamps. A mere few decades ago, the term 'Diwali' was seldom heard in American conversations or seen in mainstream media. To most Americans, it remained an unfamiliar word, and the Indian-American community, though existing, was relatively modest in size compared to the thriving community we witness today. In the last two decades, Diwali went from an obscure concept to a widely recognised and celebrated festival that now radiates across the American cultural landscape, shining brightly through the expansive and diverse Indian diaspora and beyond. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqpn0yjuyM4 As the Indian-American community continues to flourish and share the beauty of its cultural heritage, Diwali's radiant glow will only shine brighter across the nation, uniting people from all walks of life in the celebration of light and unity. Global Indian delves into the reasons of how Diwali has found a strong place in the American culture.

>Global Indian delves into the reasons of how Diwali has found a strong place in the American culture.

The changing face of Indian America

There has been a striking demographic shift. Between the years 2000 and 2020, the number of Americans identifying their racial origin as solely Asian Indian surged from two to nearly 4.4 million. This exponential growth of the Indian-American community has enriched the cultural transformation of the United States and brought festivals like Diwali into the mainstream American culture.

Establishment of a robust supply chain for Indian food, sweets, and all the essential elements of the Diwali celebration due to the increased population of Indian immigrants has brought the festival into limelight. Its appeal has transcended ethnic boundaries across the nation.

Obama and Biden’s presidential impact

“Jill and I wish a happy Diwali to the more than one billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists celebrating this Festival of Lights in the United States, India, and around the world. As we host the official White House Diwali reception, we are honoured to light the Diya surrounded by members of the most diverse administration in American history—led by Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black American and South Asian American to become Vice President,” President Biden wrote in his Diwali message in 2022.

[caption id="attachment_46655" align="aligncenter" width="790"] Indian Art and Culture | Diwali | Global Indian Obamas celebrating Diwali in 2010[/caption]

Former President Barack Obama had played a pivotal role in catapulting Diwali into the American mainstream. His historic celebration of the festival at the White House in 2009 set a significant precedent, marking the beginning of Diwali's recognition in the United States. The diaspora celebrated this recognition, solidifying Diwali’s place in the American cultural celebrations. Social media helped.

The festival of lights witnessed a great significance in American media post that, thus paving way for Diwali features in mainstream US publications, with the New York Times covering Diwali sweet stores across the country in its food section.

A historic declaration

In recognition of the rapid growth of South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities, New York City's newly-elected mayor, Eric Adams, made a historic declaration this year. He announced Diwali as a school holiday in the city, underscoring the significance of the festival in the lives of New Yorkers. While it so happens, that Diwali falls on a Sunday this year, the proclamation itself holds immense cultural importance.

Mayor Eric Adams has already ushered in Diwali in a special event in October itself this year, attended by close to 1,200 New Yorkers, each adorned in their most festive attire. This event was not just a celebration but a joyous and inclusive tribute to the diverse South Asian communities in New York. It highlighted the city's commitment to embracing its cultural diversity and ensuring that the rich traditions and celebrations of all its residents are acknowledged and celebrated.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KW1dQkNt93I

World Trade Centre’s Diwali Illumination

In a historic milestone, the World Trade Centre, renowned for its storied history, shone brightly in celebration of Diwali for the very first time in 2021. Since then, the practice has continued.

Indian-Americans, known for their dynamism and resourcefulness, have actively strived to position their culture and community at the forefront of the American narrative. Entrepreneurs, businesses, and corporations have got into partnerships to prominently feature Indian values.

Since a couple of years, two organisations, All American Diwali and Indiaspora, have orchestrated magnificent live Diwali fireworks display that stretched across the Hudson River. This breath-taking event exemplifies the spirit of Diwali, reflecting the growing recognition of the festival within the United States.

[caption id="attachment_46656" align="aligncenter" width="740"] Indian Art and Culture | Diwali | Global Indian A digital mural on One World Trade Center in 2021[/caption]

Shaping the Cultural Landscape with a new generation

Indian-Americans not only represent a significant portion of the population but are also witnessing the emergence of a new wave of proactive individuals and activists with Indian roots. These dedicated individuals are actively introducing the next generation of America-born Indians to their cultural heritage and ethos. In an interview with Global Indian Neerja Patel, founder of Neerja Public Relations, a boutique brand management firm shared, “For the upcoming festive season (Diwali), we are collaborating with Kulture Khazana (another brand by Indian origin founder) to create a delightful festival experience for kids while enriching their heritage knowledge through engaging initiatives.”

In another Global Indian interview, Anu Sehgal, the founder of The Culture Tree that promotes South Asian Cultural literacy in the US in collaboration with all the museums, libraries and cultural institutions remarked, “I took a plunge into entrepreneurship to address the needs of parents like me, who are raising their kids in the US as we want them to remain in touch with their Indian heritage.” There are other organisers from the diaspora across the US whose Diwali events gets covered by the local media these days leading to an increase in the festival’s popularity.

Celebrities popularising Diwali

On social media platforms, a new wave of Indian-origin influencers and celebrities have taken centre stage, enthusiastically promoting Diwali and other Indian festivals. Celebrities like Mindy Kaling, Meena Harris, Poorna Jaganathan and Radhika Jones have used their social media presence to make the Indian origin festivals more accessible and engaging for a global audience bringing the beauty of Indian traditions to the forefront.

[caption id="attachment_46657" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Indian Art and Culture | Diwali | Global Indian Celebrities and Influencers of the diaspora[/caption]

Their collective efforts have fostered cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Indian culture in American household

Indian Americans have married people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. As a result, Indian culture and cuisine are becoming integral components of a wide array of families in the country. One prominent example of this is actor Priyanka Chopra who married musician Nick Jonas and the couple keep on sharing pictures of their festivities with fans spread across the globe, making festivities like Diwali seem an integral part of the American household.

The Indian Americans are ensuring that a sense of continuity of Indian festival gets passed on to the future generations of the diaspora. Diwali is expected to grow bigger and more integral to the American culture with the Indian immigrants’ transformation into a strong diaspora.

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Exceptional leader, friend, and human being: Anshuman Jain’s meteoric rise in the world of banking is an inspiration

(August 17, 2022) In 2017, when banker Anshuman Jain was diagnosed with duodenal cancer - a cancer of the first portion of the small intestine - the doctor informed his family that he had just one year to live. But this survivor was not the one to go down without a fight. After battling the disease for five years, the former co-CEO of Deutsche Bank and the president of Cantor Fitzgerald bid adieu to the world on August 12, 2022, at 59. “He believed in hard work, meritocracy, operating outside of expectations or conventional boundaries, placing family first, standing by one’s roots (having turned away many attempts to Westernise him in an industry that was often homogenous), in speaking ‘at the margin’ rather than delivering plain facts, in wit and wordplay, in being non-materialistic, and in the importance of having broad-bandwidth and being a ‘scholar-athlete,’” his family said in a statement. [caption id="attachment_28135" align="aligncenter" width="663"] Anshu Jain, the former co-CEO of Deutsche Bank, passed away on August 12[/caption] His passing is a big blow to the global banking industry. In a statement, Alexander Wynaendts, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Bank said that Jain's contributions to the global banking

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His passing is a big blow to the global banking industry. In a statement, Alexander Wynaendts, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Bank said that Jain's contributions to the global banking industry are of immense importance. "Anshu Jain played a key role in expanding Deutsche Bank's position in our global business with companies and institutional investors. Today, this is of strategic importance not just for Deutsche Bank, but for Europe as a financial centre,” he said.

Global Indian takes a look at the life of this humble, intellectual, and aesthete banker, who left a great impression on everyone he met.

An ordinary start to an extraordinary journey

The investment banker was born in Jaipur, into a middle-class family. In various interviews, Jain has credited his father, who was a civil servant for his journey. He encouraged and guided him throughout his journey. Since his father's job was transferable, Jain moved to various schools before earning his senior secondary certificate from Delhi Public School, Mathura Road.

A brilliant student, the banker joined Shri Ram College of Commerce, the University of Delhi to pursue an undergraduate degree in economics. While most students take three years to graduate, Jain earned his degree in just two. At the age of 19, he enrolled in the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he earned his MBA in Finance. It was during his master's days that Jain took an interest in banking and the stock market, and landed his first job at the Wall Street financial major Merrill Lynch soon after earning his MBA.

[caption id="attachment_28136" align="aligncenter" width="667"] Banker | Anshu Jain | Global Indian Anshu Jain, Edie Lutnick, Howard Lutnick, and Jim Buccola during a charity event in 2019[/caption]

A visionary, Jain had the makings of a global leader from his early days. Speaking to a leading English daily, Gunit Chadha, Jain's friend for 20 years said, "Sometimes, the term ‘quintessential banker’ makes people feel that that was the boundary of his excellence; in my view, Anshu would have achieved legendary status in any field he chose. Mediocrity was not for him. He sought excellence in everything he did."

At Merrill Lynch, he worked hard to set up a global hedge fund coverage group. The company's investment banking head, Edson Mitchell took Jain under his wings and taught him a lot about the business of banks. After Mitchell was hired by Deutsche Bank in 1995, he brought Jain with him to London. And there began Jain's climb to the top of the pyramid.

Scaling new heights

A strategic thinker, Jain took over the responsibility of Deutsche Bank's newly formed Global Institutional Client Group in 1997 and managed to expand fixed income into foreign exchange and credit derivatives. In 2003, Jain received the Capital Markets Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to building and leading Deutsche Bank's initiatives. While receiving the award, Jain shared his mantra for success. "It's about trust," he said, adding, "With cash, repo, rates, plain-vanilla new issues, you touch clients multiple times every single day. We have always striven for leadership in the cash market and that's what has given Deutsche Bank an edge in the market."

[caption id="attachment_28137" align="aligncenter" width="637"] Banker | Anshu Jain | Global Indian Jain during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi[/caption]

This award was followed by several others - including the prestigious Business Leader Award from NASSCOM - recognizing his contribution to the global banking industry. He took the bank to new heights after becoming its co-CEO in 2012. Under his leadership the German bank didn't just pay well, it paid extravagantly - with its traders routinely earning $10m-$20m a year, some even more. Reportedly, Jain himself earned about $30m a year in the late 1990s and early 2000s. A great leader, who believed that the key to success is happy employees, once flew in the rock band The Rolling Stones for a Barcelona conference in 2007. Garth Ritchie, the former head of Deutsche's investment bank, said in a recent interview that Jain will be remembered for his, "intellect and competitive nature," but also for coaching and guiding the new bankers at Deutsche.

A global leader, Jain often threw light on the other economies of the world, including his home country - India. Talking to the Economic Times, about the Indian economy, he said, "If I had a wish for India, it would be for the country to realize its true potential, perhaps via pushing through much-needed supply-side reforms and making subsidies more efficient."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgrz1Tbmix4

Jain left Deutsche in 2015 and became president of Cantor Fitzgerald in 2017. Even after he was diagnosed with cancer he continued working and appearing at public events.

A man par excellence

Jain is survived by his wife, Geetika Jain, and two daughters. One of the best-paid bankers of this generation, Jain sure was always coming in and out of some meeting. However, when he was with his family, he ensured that they got his undivided attention. The banker had informed his staff that he was not to be disturbed while he was on vacation with his family and friends. In fact, he would even switch off his mobile phone to avoid any distractions.

[caption id="attachment_28138" align="aligncenter" width="672"] Banker | Anshu Jain | Global Indian Jain, with his wife Geetika, and dear friend, former Indian cricketer, Virender Sehwag[/caption]

An avid cricketer and golfer, Jain loved wildlife and wildlife photography. "I try to maintain a good work-life balance," he told the Economic Times, in a rare revelation about his personal life. "This has become more challenging with my current job as I traveled around 140 days last year, but it is important to keep that compartmentalization and I try to do so the best I can. Particularly exercise, I work out seven days a week. I also read fiction to unwind."

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Meet Sarbpreet Singh, who went from corporate boardrooms to writing about the immigrant Sikh experience

(February 26, 2024) A Boston-based writer, podcaster, and commentator, Sarbpreet Singh is a man who wears many hats with élan. Author of the critically acclaimed books The Story of the Sikhs 1469–1708, Night of the Restless Spirits, The Sufi’s Nightingale, and the bestselling The Camel Merchant of Philadelphia, his deeply researched books have left an imprint on many readers. Having worked for various firms, including General Electric, Lucent Technologies, Flextronics International, and AT&T Bell Labs, he made the career switch to writing in 2017. Sarbpreet Singh is the very definition of a Global Indian. Raised in Sikkim, speaking Punjabi (his mother tongue) and Nepali (the language most prevalent in Sikkim), his syncretic upbringing and outlook have ensured he imbibes the best that places and people have to offer. [caption id="attachment_49428" align="aligncenter" width="585"] Sarbpreet Singh[/caption] Love of literature Hailing from one of only two Sikh families that lived in Gangtok, Sikkim, the author was quite disconnected from his roots, both culturally and socially. He recalls, “While I had friends growing up, I struggled with feelings of isolation that came from the ‘othering’ that my visible Sikh identity provoked.” In a school culture where sporting abilities were valued highly, his indifferent soccer

disconnected from his roots, both culturally and socially. He recalls, “While I had friends growing up, I struggled with feelings of isolation that came from the ‘othering’ that my visible Sikh identity provoked.”

In a school culture where sporting abilities were valued highly, his indifferent soccer and track and field abilities meant that he turned to elocution, dramatics and related pursuits, which transformed into lifelong interests.

He recalls, “I always loved literature, and during my high school years, against the advice of my mentors, I decided to study English literature as an elective, something that was not recommended for a student studying science subjects. The two-year syllabus enriched me tremendously as I delved into the likes of Thomas Hardy, Samuel Butler, John Galsworthy, and, of course, Shakespeare."

Sarbpreet went on to study Engineering at The Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Pilani. After a stint at ICIM, a Bombay-based tech company, he left for the US to study computer science at Pace University in New York.

Life in the US

The author says that he adjusted to life in the US easily. “As someone who attended elite schools in India, had a deep love of the English language, and identified with western ideas and culture, I did not have much trouble adjusting to my new life in a new country. I maintained my Sikh identity, and while my distinctive physical appearance did lead to the inevitable othering, it did not hold me back in my professional career at all,” he states.

However, Sarbpreet did change profoundly in other ways. He recounts, “My first job took me to a small suburb of the Midwestern city of Milwaukee. Quite serendipitously, a budding interest in my roots, which had started while I was in graduate school, took shape as I started spending time with young Sikhs around my age who attended the small Milwaukee Gurdwara.”

As a young man who was until then immersed mostly in Rock and The Blues, and disdained all forms of Indian music, he found himself drawn to Gurmat Sangeet, or Sikh sacred music.

Milwaukee was also home to a small but thriving Indian classical music community, which Sarbpreet got involved with. The twin interests in Gurmat Sangeet and Shastriya Sangeet developed into a lifelong passion, especially as he launched The Gurmat Sangeet Project, a non-profit dedicated to the preservation of traditional Sikh music.

A writer by accident

As an expatriate Indian and a Sikh, Sarbpreet first encountered writings on Sikhs and the Sikh faith by chance. He explains, “While I did speak Punjabi, I never learned to read Gurmukhi and was hence limited to reading exclusively in the English language. I encountered J.D. Cunningham's History of the Sikhs and Max Marthur Macauliffe’s The Sikh Religion, finding both works to be tremendously inspiring, after which I read Khushwant Singh’s History of the Sikhs as well.”

Reading about the broad worldview of the Sikh Gurus and the trials and tribulations of eighteenth-century Sikhs as they struggled to establish their progressive faith in a society that was anything but welcoming inspired Sarbpreet tremendously.

This budding interest in Sikh history led him to writings about more recent events, most notably the tragic events of 1984. He reminisces, “Reading the PUCL/PUDR report on the Delhi massacre, an article by Madhu Kishwar titled Gangster Rule on the same topic, and most importantly, an academic paper by anthropologist Dr. Veena Das created tremendous turmoil in my heart.”

This was the spark that prompted him to write Kultar’s Mime, a long poem about four children who survived the anti-Sikh violence of 1984 and their attempts to deal with their PTSD.

After that, Sarbpreet took a long break from writing, and it wasn’t until years later that he started writing a column for the popular web magazine SikhChic in 2013. He states, “The positive response to the column inspired me to write my first book, The Camel Merchant of Philadelphia, set in the court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The book was a great critical and commercial success, and it launched my career as a writer.”

From tech to storytelling

He left the world of technology around 2014 and, for the next two years, focused on producing the play Kultar’s Mime, created by his daughter based on his poem. He shares, “Somewhere along this three-year journey, which took the play to six countries for 90+ performances, I made the decision to embrace storytelling completely." His epiphany came after a performance in Birmingham, UK, when a young Sikh in his late teens walked up to him and said, ‘I could never imagine that our stories could be told in this manner’. After the tour ended in 2017, he started writing in earnest.

Sarbpreet writes on topics that inspire him or catch his imagination; as his interests are varied, his books deal with different themes. He outlines it when he says, “All my work is deeply rooted in research, and I tend to immerse myself in my subject before I write a single word. For example, my latest novel, The Sufi’s Nightingale, is a retelling of the life of the poet Shah Hussain. While I tried to read everything about him that I could lay my hands on before writing the novel, I also spent a couple of years creating original compositions to sing his kafis or poems, which appear in translation in the book and are deeply embedded in the narrative.”

A man of many talents

Along with writing, Sarbpreet is also the writer-narrator of the podcast, Story of The Sikhs, which has listeners in over ninety countries. Ask him how he juggles it with writing, and he smiles. “There is really no juggling involved at all! Even though my canvas is quite broad, all my work is based on what truly inspires me. Novels, works of non-fiction, plays, poetry, podcasts, and music—all of these to me are just different modes of storytelling, with the ultimate objective of inspiring others.”

Though he has lived longer now in the US than in India, the author is rooted culturally in the Indian subcontinent. It is reflected in the food he likes, the music he listens to and the stories he writes. When not spending time with his family, he is busy with his other passions – tennis, music and literature. He is currently working on his next book, Cauldron, Sword, Victory – The Rise of the Sikhs expected to be out later this year.

Follow Sarbpreet Singh on Instagram.

A Microscope in Every Pocket: Dr. Manu Prakash’s vision for frugal science

(December 6, 2024) In the remote Amazon rainforest, a researcher examines a moth's wings through a microscope, uncovering colours that shift like a kaleidoscope. Thousands of miles away in Hyderabad, a ninth-grader uses the same tool to study his cheek cells. This isn't an ordinary microscope but a Foldscope — a paper-based device costing less than $1 that works like professional equipment. Created by Dr. Manu Prakash, this invention represents a groundbreaking shift in science and medicine, led by the Indian-born Stanford professor. Dr. Prakash’s journey of creating affordable, precise tools is as unique as the Foldscope itself. Born in Mawana, a small town in Uttar Pradesh known for sugar production, he grew up in a home that encouraged curiosity. From his childhood experiments in India to running an innovative lab at Stanford, Prakash has always followed his intuition, which he says drives much of his work. [caption id="attachment_61260" align="aligncenter" width="742"] Dr Manu Prakash[/caption] A Question Sparks a Movement Dr Manu's breakthrough began with a question: “What is the best microscope you can build for under $1 in parts?” The Foldscope was his answer — a tool born of necessity and brilliance. Folded like origami from paper, the Foldscope combines

ugh began with a question: “What is the best microscope you can build for under $1 in parts?” The Foldscope was his answer — a tool born of necessity and brilliance. Folded like origami from paper, the Foldscope combines simplicity with high functionality, offering magnification up to 2,000 times. "The inspiration came from field stations," recalls Dr Manu, "where bulky, broken microscopes were the norm, if they existed at all".

Since its invention, the Foldscope has reached millions, serving students, researchers, and medical workers across 135 countries. The tool's applications range from diagnosing diseases like malaria to studying agricultural pests. Its low cost and easy accessibility reflect Dr Manu's idea of "frugal science" — a concept that rethinks traditional approaches to innovation.

The Foundation of Curiosity

Growing up in Mawana, Dr Manu's childhood was full of exploration. Encouraged by his mother, a political science professor, he and his brother turned their home into a makeshift lab, building rockets and dissecting animal specimens. At seven, Manu’s passion for science manifested when he attempted to build a makeshift microscope using cardboard tubes from shuttlecock holders and lenses from his brother’s glasses. Though basic and initially unsuccessful, it sparked his lifelong interest in creating tools with limited resources. "This informal, curiosity-driven learning time fueled my love of science," he said.

His love for learning led him to IIT Kanpur where he pursued computer science but found himself drawn to hands-on experimentation. He spent much of his time in the robotics lab, designing projects like an omnidirectional walking spider-robot and creating programs that mimicked the drawing style of children. His passion for building and tinkering led him to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which he describes as a haven for inventors. “There was this idea of freedom—no one tells you what to do, and you can explore whatever you want,” the Global Indian recalls. It was at MIT that Prakash explored groundbreaking concepts, including a computer powered by microfluidic bubbles.

A turning point came during a visit to a rural clinic in India in 2010. A photograph of Mahatma Gandhi using a microscope struck a chord. The image highlighted the importance of accessible science in difficult times and inspired Manu Prakash to dedicate his career to creating tools that anyone could use to explore and solve problems. This led him to frugal science, which is about creating affordable, simple, and effective scientific tools to make science accessible to everyone, especially in resource-limited settings. It focuses on innovative designs that solve problems at a fraction of traditional costs.

Reinventing the Everyday

The Assistant Professor at Stanford runs a lab at the university which is a hive of creativity, where students and researchers work on projects that challenge the status quo of scientific tools. “We don’t know whether something we are working on will ever be useful,” Prakash admits, “but we think there is something there.”

This approach gave birth to Paperfuge, a centrifuge inspired by an ancient toy — the whirligig. By threading a string through a paper disc and pulling it to spin, the Paperfuge reaches speeds of 125,000 RPM, enough to separate plasma from blood in under two minutes. “The idea of frugal science is not about hacking something together quickly,” explains Prakash. “For each of our tools, there are 10-20 pages of math involved”.

The Paperfuge costs just 20 cents but performs on par with lab centrifuges worth $10,000, demonstrating that simplicity and affordability can go hand in hand with sophistication.

A World Transformed

The Foldscope and Paperfuge are just the start of Manu Prakash’s mission to make science accessible to all. His lab has created tools like a mosquito chip that helps detect diseases and a smartphone attachment for diagnosing oral cancer. These inventions, along with others like a method to identify mosquitoes by their wingbeats, follow a simple principle: making scientific tools affordable and available to everyone who needs them, especially in underserved areas.

“Frugal science is the difference between 1% of the population or billions of people having access to a solution,” says Prakash. This vision has driven the global impact of his creations. Millions of Foldscopes have been distributed worldwide, used not just in classrooms and clinics but also for applications like identifying fake medicines, detecting bacteria in water, and studying biodiversity. By breaking barriers to access, Prakash’s tools are changing lives across continents.

Recognition abroad

Dr Manu's journey in frugal science hasn’t just changed lives — it’s turned heads. Dubbed a “genius” by the MacArthur Fellowship, he earned the prestigious award for redefining how science can be done on a budget. His Foldscope — a $1 paper microscope — made waves, winning the Golden Goose Award for transforming a simple idea into a global game-changer. The National Institutes of Health also took notice, honouring him with the Director’s New Innovator Award for his revolutionary low-cost tools. Each recognition underscores a single, powerful idea: science should be for everyone, everywhere.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8cF5QPPmWU

Indian Minds Driving Innovation in the US

Dr Manu Prakash is part of a thriving Indian community at Stanford and across the United States, where Indian scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs are making significant contributions. Universities like Stanford bring together talented minds, including many from India, who excel in fields like artificial intelligence and biotechnology. These scholars often draw on their experiences in resource-limited environments, leading to innovative solutions focused on accessibility.

“Growing up with limited resources in India shaped my approach to science,” Prakash says, highlighting how his background inspires his work in frugal innovation. His story shows how the Indian diaspora connects cultures and ideas, driving impactful change globally.

Vision Ahead

Dr. Manu's work is about more than solving problems—it’s about sparking curiosity. He dreams of a world where every child has a microscope in their pocket, inspiring a new generation of scientists free from traditional barriers. “Lack of access creates barriers in people’s minds,” he says, and his mission is to break those barriers.

From a curious boy in Mawana to a global advocate for frugal science, Manu Prakash’s journey shows how simple tools can drive big change. His story proves that science isn’t just about knowledge—it’s a gift to humanity.

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How Ram Charan went from a shoe shop to mentoring Fortune 500 leaders

(March 22, 2024) "I grew up in India where my family owned a shoe shop. It was there that I learned the basics of business, developed the ability to diagnose even the most complex business situations, and honed my work ethic. These foundational skills have been instrumental in my journey to success," shared Indian origin business consultant Ram Charan in one of his posts. Dubbed as ‘the most influential consultant alive’ by Fortune Magazine, the management guru has coached top companies, CEOs, and boards throughout his illustrious career spanning more than 46 years. Before embarking on his consulting journey, Ram had worked as assistant Professor at Harvard Business School and Northwestern University, and later as a Professor at Boston University. Over the years, Ram has established himself as one of the most sought-after business speakers, addressing distinguished audiences worldwide. His words of advice are globally recognised as relevant, practical, actionable, and entertaining at the same time. Our lives are a summation of our experiences. Every experience we have ever been through impacts us. Ram Charan Acknowledging his legacy, Pune-based, MIT World Peace University (WPU), recently inaugurated the Ramcharan School of Leadership (RSoL), with the aim to nurture the next generation

cknowledging his legacy, Pune-based, MIT World Peace University (WPU), recently inaugurated the Ramcharan School of Leadership (RSoL), with the aim to nurture the next generation of corporate leaders by imparting the wisdom and insights of the corporate guru.

[caption id="attachment_50205" align="aligncenter" width="615"] Indian Guru | Ram Charan | Global Indian Ram Charan[/caption]

Flying high

Last year, the American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines acknowledged the 85-year-old management guru for being one of their frequent fliers. “People who know me know my routine. I travel light and focus on my clients. I am not concerned with material matters,” he remarked.

Thanking the three airlines he added:

Now I have found out I travelled over 10 million miles with American Airlines. Over 7 million miles on Delta. Countless more miles with other airlines. This is a reflection of my commitment to my clients and the trust they place in me. Here is what I have to say — I am ready to fly more and keep working!

Impressive associations

Ram Charan’s consultancy portfolio boasts a diverse array of clients, including industry giants like Toyota, Bank of America, Key Bank, ICICI Bank, Aditya Birla Group, Novartis, Max Group, Yildiz Holdings, UST Global, Fast Retailing (Uniqlo), Humana, and Matrix amongst others.

He has imparted business lessons to emerging business leaders through in-house executive education programs. Several leaders coached by him have ascended to CEO positions.

Recognised for his exceptional teaching prowess, Ram Charan has won several awards and holds the title of the Distinguished Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources, USA. Additionally, he has contributed his expertise to the Blue-Ribbon Commission on Corporate Governance, a committee established by The New York Stock Exchange, and the National Association of Securities Dealers to improve the effectiveness of corporate audit committees.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nQtSUMVMME

Ram has garnered thousands of admirers along the way, including Jack Welch, former CEO of GE, who praised the business consultant in an interview, saying, “He has the rare ability to distil the meaningful from the meaningless and transfer it to others in a quiet, effective way.”

The appreciation is mutual. In a recent post, Ram Charan emphasised, ‘reflection is the cornerstone of growth for both life and businesses. “Embrace each failure as a learning opportunity,” he advised, adding, “Leaders like Jack Welch exemplified this by mastering the basics and focusing on solutions, not just problems."

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Ram Charan

Man with a wealth of business insights

Ram Charan has shared his business insights through writing, coaching and business consultancy. With over 30 books under his belt, his works have reached more than four million readers across a spectrum of languages. Three of his books secured positions on the list of Wall Street Journal’s bestsellers. His collaborative book with former Honeywell CEO Larry Bossidy titled ‘Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done’ spent over 150 weeks on the prestigious New York Times bestseller list.

A prominent figure in business insights on social media, Ram Charan also curates a monthly newsletter titled 'Ram Charan’s Corporate Advice,' offering continuous guidance and insights to his audience. His straightforward lessons, such as advice to readers like 'Prepare yourself for unforeseen challenges,' drawing parallels to the rigorous training of Olympic athletes and how ‘their confidence is a result of rigorous practice’ motivate professionals to keep on polishing their craft.

Through examples of geopolitical crises like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, U.S.-China relations, and global leadership changes, he emphasises the importance of readiness in navigating complex business landscapes. These are the kinds of tips that prompt business leaders to pause, reflect, and chart their course in their careers, every day.

Remember these two tools — preparation and practice. The more you engage in mental rehearsals for various scenarios, the more intuitive and confident you become in tackling real-world challenges. Develop a mindset that embraces uncertainty. Prepare for it with foresight and agility. This is what defines true leadership.

Ram Charan

Purpose – to help others succeed

Ram's influence on the lives of CEOs and the functioning of their companies has been deep. He is not merely seen as a consultant but as a guru and corporate sage with unparalleled access to boardrooms across the globe with lasting relationships with powerful CEOs.

The management guru maintained a hectic schedule throughout. Despite earning a substantial consulting fee, he went for the longest time without owning a car or even learning to drive, as he was constantly hopping from one flight to another across the globe.

He rarely spent more than two nights in a single city. Living a minimalist lifestyle came naturally to him, as he has always been single. Before his consultancy days, Ram Charan resided in dormitories, and before his professorship, he lived in YMCA accommodations. These modest settings were comfortable for a man driven not by personal success, but by a deeper purpose in life.

Ramcharan School of Leadership

The Ramcharan School of Leadership (RSoL) started by Pune-based MIT World Peace University (WPU) offers a diverse range of degree programs from bachelors to doctorate levels. The curriculum, designed by industry experts in collaboration with global universities, equips students with essential leadership skills for professional advancement and social impact.

[caption id="attachment_50216" align="aligncenter" width="679"] Indian Guru | Ram Charan | Global Indian Ram Charan at MIT World Peace University (WPU)[/caption]

Sharing his happiness on this development, the business guru remarked, “I have been so honoured to have a school in my name in India, where I am working to help MBAs and BBAs with their academic pursuits. I have had many interactions with students over the past few weeks. They have taught me many lessons, as I have also shared with them my experience.”

From India to USA

The business consultant comes from a hard-working family without much access to education. At a young age, he learned discipline. He used to open the family shoe shop at seven in the morning, attended to customers before his brothers came in, and then went to school, and would return directly from there to the shop at four in the evening. When there were no customers, he used to do his homework.

They still have the shoeboxes where I used to solve my Arithmetic work. That was where I learned how to diagnose a problem. I learned to work hard but I also learned that I loved business. It was this passion that fuelled my work ethic.

Ram Charan shared in one of his posts

After completing engineering at Banaras Hindu University in 1959, he worked for some time in India. His bosses recognised his business talent, and looking at his leadership skills encouraged him to develop it through further studies. This motivated the young engineer to earn an MBA and a doctorate degree as a Baker Scholar from Harvard Business School, from where he graduated with distinction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tebqr8VW1nI&t=2s

Looking at India with pride and optimism

The visionary leader is proud about the growth story of his country of origin.

India is on fire. It's going to grow in multiple ways.

Ram Charan said in an interview

“I am very bullish on India. It has a robust path to economic growth. Ever since independence, the Government has demonstrated that its apparatus can focus on achieving major milestones. India has revamped the ease of doing business and is the place where the next growth story is happening,” he remarked with optimism.

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