Indian Entrepreneur | Punit Pandey | Global Indian

Global IndianstoryPunit Pandey: Merging India’s ancient Vedic wisdom with cloud technology and AI

Punit Pandey: Merging India’s ancient Vedic wisdom with cloud technology and AI

Written by: Amrita Priya

(October 26, 2024) The global astrology market, valued at $12.8 billion in 2021, is projected to reach $22.8 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2022 to 2031, according to Allied Market Research. Meanwhile, a joint report by FICCI and Ernst & Young forecasts the Indian astrology market to reach ₹50,000 crores (USD 6.5 billion) by 2025.

As a visionary at the intersection of technology and astrology, with over two decades of experience in the IT industry, Punit Pandey recognized the potential in this market early on. During his career as an IT professional in the US, he worked for an IT firm with major clients like Boeing and the US Army. Eventually, he decided to fully commit to his passion for entrepreneurship and astrology, and hence made the decision to return to India to focus on expanding his technology-based astrology platform, which until then had just been a hobby.

AstroSage, a leading digital astrology platform and Punit Pandey’s brainchild, has taken astrology beyond borders. “With more than one million daily active users, 50 million downloads, and over half a million astrologers, AstroSage is reaching a threshold few Indian tech products have achieved. Unlike many apps that rely on cash burn, our growth has been organic – driven by word of mouth. People love AstroSage because it provides real value, similar to how WhatsApp and Instagram grew through recommendations,” Punit shared with Global Indian, adding “This is just the beginning. With AI at our platform’s core, we’re shaping the future of astrology, bringing it closer to millions worldwide.”

Punit during his days in the U.S.

Vedic astrology – India’s spiritual soft power

Astrology in India, known as ‘Vedic astrology’ or ‘Jyotish,’ is part of the country’s ancient Vedic sciences, rooted in the sacred texts of Hinduism. It is based on the belief that celestial positions influence human affairs and natural events.

Globally, Vedic astrology has become a significant part of India’s soft power, alongside practices like yoga and Ayurveda. It has contributed to the worldwide fascination with Indian traditions, spirituality, and wellness practices. Astrotech platforms are amplifying the reach of this ancient science by integrating it with modern technology, showcasing India’s ability to blend tradition with innovation.

Merging Vedic science with AI

The Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of AstroSage, Punit has introduced services like AstroSage Cloud, the first cloud-based solution for astrology, and AI-powered Astrology Avatars.

Established in 2011, his cloud platform connects astrologers in even the smallest towns with clients on the other side of the world, opening doors to opportunities that were once unimaginable. “Today, we have users in several countries,” says Punit, whose astrotech startup is widely recognized for revolutionizing astrology through AI and digital transformation.

“Companies like OpenAI, creators of ChatGPT, developed Large Language Models (LLMs) primarily trained on past data, which struggle with calculations,” he remarks. Punit’s challenge was to create models that not only foresee the future but also perform calculations and interpret them as a human astrologer would – a feat he successfully scaled.

From hobby to full-fledged venture

For Punit Pandey, AstroSage began as a hobby – a project driven by his curiosity about what he could achieve in India’s traditional Vedic sciences with the help of technology. This led him to create the Mobile Kundli app in 2001. “At that time, mobile apps were a far-off concept for most people in India. To put it in context, the iPhone wasn’t launched until 2007, and the App Store came in 2009. Yet, here we were, launching India’s first consumer mobile app in 2001, followed by the first cloud-based solution in 2003,” he remarks.

Punit during his days in the U.S.

In 2002-2003, as cloud technology and SaaS began emerging, he envisioned a cloud solution for astrology. He was working in the U.S. at that time. “No one in India was thinking about cloud software back then, especially not in astrology,” says the astrotech entrepreneur, who wanted a solution that didn’t require installation on each machine – something accessible anywhere, anytime, where updates could be rolled out instantly.

“I uploaded the solution to the astrosage.com domain. A few weeks later, I checked Google Analytics and was amazed to see the traffic surging. That’s when I realized I had created something viral,” he recounts talking about the days when he delved into astrology and astrotech as a hobby.

Around this time, Google launched AdSense, allowing websites to generate revenue. Soon, he was earning enough to sustain himself without a day job. “I had always dreamt of creating a global product from India, and AstroSage gave me that chance. So, I chose to follow my dream and return to India to build something transformative,” remarks the entrepreneur, who is also the founder of Ojas VR Studios, a company that has produced several virtual reality games.

As an early starter, he launched the first AI astrology app, Bhrigoo.ai, in 2017. “I believe my knack for spotting emerging tech trends and turning them into products set us apart. We were early movers, and our perseverance and focus on innovation allowed these products to succeed.”

Interest in astrology since childhood

Although Punit Pandey pursued a stable career in the IT sector after completion of his studies from the Agra University, his journey with astrology began much earlier. Around the age of 10 or 12, he stumbled upon some astrology books at a small bookshop while growing up in UP’s Auraiya. With a natural aptitude for mathematics, he found astrology surprisingly easy to grasp. The more he learned, the more he felt that astrology could hold the key to making the world a happier, more prosperous place.

“I’m certainly not the first to believe this – Indian sages recognized it thousands of years ago, which is why Jyotish is one of the six Vedangas, or limbs of the Vedas. Being part of the lineage of Sage Bhrigu, the author of the Bhrigu Samhita, it feels like destiny led me to this path,” he remarks.

Indian Entrepreneur | Punit Pandey | Global Indian

Embracing regional languages to scale technology’s reach

It’s all been part of a continuous journey. He launched the Mobile Kundli app in Hindi back in 2001 – a time when ‘vernacular’ wasn’t even a buzzword. No one had created a Hindi app before, and Palm OS, the operating system he used, didn’t even support Hindi, so he developed custom fonts to make it work. “Today, we’re proud to offer our services in more than 10 Indian languages, both on web and mobile,” he shares.

But it isn’t just about the Mobile Kundli app. The initial AstroSage Cloud version that he was toying with as a hobby was also multilingual. From the beginning, Punit understood that reaching the masses meant embracing regional languages.

The next frontier – AGI for deeply personal insights

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is an advanced concept of AI aimed to mimic human cognitive abilities. Unlike current AI, which is limited to specific tasks, AGI would have the versatility to understand, learn, and perform a wide range of activities across various domains autonomously. It aims to achieve general, human-like intelligence, allowing it to adapt and solve complex problems independently. While AGI remains a future goal, Puneet, always an early starter, is keen on adapting this technology to further enhance his platform’s capabilities. “It would be a step towards understanding not only the stars but also an individual’s life story. Imagine an astrologer who truly knows you, grows with you, and understands your unique context and experiences!”

“It would be like having a wise companion always by your side. It would bring empathy, intuition, and intelligence into astrology, transforming it from static predictions into a dynamic, evolving relationship,” he explains.

Looking ahead – From AstroSage Cloud to AstroSage AI

“With AstroSage Cloud, we reached 50 million downloads; with AstroSage AI, we aim to reach 500 million downloads—something no Indian app has achieved organically. If we succeed, our only rivals will be the giants like YouTube and Instagram. We are on the verge of creating the first true global tech product from India, and the journey has just begun,” he signs off.

Indian Entrepreneur | AstroSage | Global Indian

With ambitious goals and expanding user bases, astrotech is emerging as a unique segment in India’s tech landscape, led by entrepreneurs like Punit Pandey. As platforms like AstroSage harness AI, cloud computing, and mobile connectivity, they’re transforming traditional astrology into a modern and scalable service accessible to users worldwide. This sector’s rapid growth signals a new era where technology enables personal insights and guidance, making astrology a digital-first, accessible experience, regardless of where a person is in the world.

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Published on 26, Oct 2024

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Boxing sans burqa, these zealous Kolkata girl boxers pack a knockout punch

(December 31, 2021) At the crack of dawn, a group of 20 teenage girls are all fired up and ready to go. Clad in shorts and t-shirts, the determined youngsters jog through the densely populated Kalighat locality in South Kolkata into a ground in the Regent Park area. The sudden early morning drizzle hardly bothers them as they line up in front of their “hero” and boxing coach Razia Shabnam. Rigorous warm up and strength training sessions later, they put on their boxing gloves, look straight into their opponent’s eyes, and get down to bouts of sparring. From straight punches to jabs, hooks and even uppercuts — they deliver power-packed punches in each bout — their aggressive side on full display. Not far away from this place, about 35 girls sweat it out in the makeshift boxing ring at the Kidderpore school of physical culture at Ekbalpore, where their coach Mehrajuddin Ahmed aka Cheena Bhai, is busy evaluating their boxing prowess and fine tuning it. “Duck! Avoid the opponent’s punches!” he advises as he keenly watches the sparring which goes on for hours. [caption id="attachment_18377" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Shakeela and Shanno practise at the boxing yard; Photo Courtesy: Arindam Mukherjee[/caption] The

/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/shakeela-shanno.jpg" alt="Global Indian burqa boxers" width="1200" height="797" /> Shakeela and Shanno practise at the boxing yard; Photo Courtesy: Arindam Mukherjee[/caption]

The women, they are ready for the ring

Women’s boxing arrived a tad late in West Bengal when compared to other states. Finally in 1998, a handful of burqa-clad girls from poor families dared to step out of their homes to learn boxing. Some put on gloves for self-defense, others to boost confidence and self-esteem while the rest were driven by their sheer passion for the sport, and dreams of making it big one day.

There was a time when the “burqa boxers” as they came to be known, braved societal pressures and gender discrimination to pursue the sport. But not anymore. Now, these girls don’t think twice before donning a t-shirt and shorts and sweating it out to deliver the perfect knockout punch!

“Boxing gives the girls self-respect and confidence to break barriers. When I took up boxing, I faced gender discrimination and people in the community treated me like I was doing something wrong and dirty. They expressed apprehensions about my marriage. But the situation is different now. People have become more broadminded and the girls are clear about what they want to achieve,” says a beaming Razia Shabnam, in an exclusive chat with Global Indian.

[caption id="attachment_18375" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Global Indian Razia Shabnam Razia Shabnam exercises at her rooftop; Photo Courtesy: Arindam Mukherjee[/caption]

Mention burqa boxing and Shabnam interjects that it is gender discrimination rather than religious discrimination that is an obstacle. “Now, there are hardly any girls who come in burqa and change into boxing gear. Those days are gone,” she informs.

Shabnam took to boxing in 1998 when the sport had just opened up for women in Kolkata. A first-year Arts student at Calcutta University, she decided to give boxing a shot, and was lucky to have participated in the national level boxing championship. She went on to become one of the first women boxing coaches in the country in 2001. Shabnam is also the first Indian woman to become an international boxing referee and judge, and has been officiating at international boxing tournaments across the globe. “I was clear that I wanted to become a coach who could train both men and women to fetch gold medals for India,” says Shabnam.

While her journey into the world of boxing came with obstacles, it was her father Rahat Ali Khan, a wrestler, who supported and encouraged his daughter. Having grown up in Kidderpore in a traditional Muslim family, where girls stay home or are groomed for marriage, Shabnam faced discrimination even when she started to go to college. Now, a doting mother, she coaches girls aged 12 to 18, a majority of them rescued from the red-light area in Kolkata. Through her NGO, New Light, she even provides them shelter.

[caption id="attachment_18378" align="aligncenter" width="1003"] Global Indian burqa boxers Photo Courtesy: Arindam Mukherjee[/caption]

Girls who just want to throw punches

“I want to play at the national and international boxing championships and I am preparing for it,” informs Salma Molla, a 15-year-old, who started boxing at age 10. She trains with Shabnam, and wants to follow in the footsteps of boxing great Mary Kom. “My family knows I am passionate about boxing, and are happy. Like Mary Kom, I will compete for India one day,” smiles Salma, who ensures she never misses training.

In 1998, women’s boxing kickstarted in West Bengal. The then-President of the WB Boxing Federation Asit Banerjee along with coaches Mehrajuddin Ahmed, Sujoy Ghosh and Jamil Alam began training girls. What initially started with a handful of “burqa boxers” soon saw the participation of more girls. In the past two decades, hundreds of girls from Kolkata have learnt boxing.

“Back then, a few burqa-clad girls would come to the Kidderpore school to learn boxing. They were obviously worried about what the community would say. But now, I don’t see the girls scared or bothered. They learn boxing without a worry,” says Mehrajuddin Ahmed.

[caption id="attachment_18379" align="aligncenter" width="1147"] Global Indian burqa boxers Ajmira Khatun during a practise session; Photo Courtesy: Alka Raghuram[/caption]

Ahmed, who runs the Kidderpore school, recalls how women’s boxing had arrived in Delhi, Punjab, Manipur and Mizoram early. “The boxing federation president, other coaches and I collectively decided that girls have to learn boxing and started coaching them,” he informs.

He recalls instances when convincing parents was an uphill task. “The girls came from very poor families. Their parents were against boxing. Some felt it was a male bastion, and girls should stay away, others felt it will hinder their marriage prospects. The community elders and neighbours did their bit in discouraging the girls. But I spoke to many families and convinced them otherwise. Many agreed but were sceptical. That is no longer the case. Today, there is nothing stopping them,” he says. Shabnam too has similar stories.

All their efforts have yielded results. There are quite a few girls from Kolkata who have made it big in boxing. Among the notable boxers is Ajmera Khatun, who started in 2009, and went on to win five golds at the state and national level. She is not boxing anymore. Similarly, Sarita Khatun first won a gold medal at a state level championship and subsequently won nine medals including a bronze at the national level in 2012. The same year, Simi Parveen, a soft-spoken Arts student from Kolkata’s Ekbalpore area represented West Bengal and won a bronze medal at the women’s boxing national held in Patna. Thereafter, when the Indian Boxing Federation was suspended by the International Boxing Association, her career came to a stop. She trained at the Kidderpore school. Sabina Yasmeen, another boxer won three golds at district, state and national levels. A majority of the boxers have been trained by Mehrajuddin or Razia Shabnam.

Coaching for glory

[caption id="attachment_18380" align="aligncenter" width="1138"] Global Indian burqa boxers Taslima during a practise session; Photo Courtesy: Alka Raghuram[/caption]

Presently, Razia Shabnam coaches about 20 girls for three hours on weekdays, and six on weekends. Similarly, at the Kidderpore school, there are 185 youngsters training, of which 35 are girls. The pandemic did play spoilsport in Kolkata’s boxing legacy but the coaches hope for better days.

While the women’s boxing scene in Kolkata appears promising, many at the national level have quit due to marriage or job prospects. Razia Shabnam’s protegee Parveen Sajda gave up the sport after marriage. “Ajmira Khatun (who won the gold at the state and national level) shifted to Haryana. Once they cross a certain age, they give up due to self-sufficiency and work. Yet, going by the enthusiasm and determination of a few girls, I am confident they will make it big in boxing. The situation is changing,” says a hopeful Razia. Besides marriage and jobs, another reason for opting out is the expense. Nonetheless, the number of girls taking to boxing has been increasing steadily.

Interestingly, a documentary titled Burqa Boxers directed by Alka Raghuram, a filmmaker and a multidisciplinary artiste who tries to make sense of the world through her insightful films, gives you a ring side perspective on the lives of the girls. The film weaved the stories of Razia Shabnam, Ajmira Khatun, Taslima Khatun and Parveen Sajda as they negotiate poverty and traditions, and learn to face the biggest obstacle — fear. The film was awarded the top prize Grant Open Doors at the Locarno Film Festival co-production market in 2011.

For boxer Rimpi Khatoon, Razia Shabnam inspires them to take up boxing. “Razia madam is my hero. I took up boxing to boost my confidence and for self-defense. My knockout punches are good, I can give anyone a tough fight,” laughs the 14-year-old, who has been training with Razia since she was 10. Even 16-year-old Pooja Singh is passionate about boxing. “I have been boxing since 2014 and I look forward to participating in the national boxing championship,” says Pooja.

Reading Time: 10 mins

Aspiring actor to entrepreneur, Samarth Bajaj believes in diversification

(April 22, 2023) Cinema was Samarth Bajaj’s first love and becoming an actor was his dream. And he had all it takes to become one. His parents supported his career choices too, but had one condition – he was to obtain a degree from a top university in the US before pursuing his acting career. That’s how this entrepreneur ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in business administration, majoring in entrepreneurship and marketing from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California (USC) and minoring in acting. Destiny had a different plan for him. Gradually, the acting bug faded away and the Hyderabad-born, who went on to launch one company after another is now an entrepreneur of repute. “I realised that my passion lay in creating businesses that add genuine value to our society, through creativity and new culture,” says Samarth, in an exclusive chat with Global Indian. At 25, Samarth founded his own real estate company, Trojan Realty, which focussed on premium boutique projects. At 30, he founded India’s first official Bollywood-based indoor experience museum, House of Stars with license partners like Dharma Productions, Fox Films, Mukta Arts, and Zee Music to name a few.

25, Samarth founded his own real estate company, Trojan Realty, which focussed on premium boutique projects. At 30, he founded India’s first official Bollywood-based indoor experience museum, House of Stars with license partners like Dharma Productions, Fox Films, Mukta Arts, and Zee Music to name a few. “I was ecstatic about the possibility of having our own Tussaud’s type indoor entertainment centre. We have our own in-house 3D scanning and printing capabilities. So all the statues, sets, and costumes are exact replicas of the iconic scenes,” explains the entrepreneur, who currently owns five companies that dabble in jewellery, real estate, Indoor entertainment, and e-learning.

Shifting passions

After growing and automating his other businesses, Samarth has now founded his latest venture — The Designer’s Class — a premium digital education platform focusing on various verticals in the design industry and Boheim, which is all about premium real estate. He says The Designer’s Class is a journey that spans over a decade and a half but has seen fruition only in the last couple of years. “I found the design education in India a little archaic, outdated, and expensive which led to the birth of this company,” he points out.

Design was always considered a field that required practical practice in real time, anything virtual hadn’t been attempted before. “We give direct access to our students to learn from stalwarts of the industry and make the content, relevant, engaging, affordable, and accessible,” explains the Co-founder and CEO of the company. A start in general keeps you on your toes, especially in the initial years, which is both exciting and exhausting, feels the entrepreneur. “Today, we are at a point where all systems are in place, and our different revenue streams have begun contributing in good measure, even as we continue to optimise our execution.”

Entrepreneur | Samarth Bajaj | Global Indian

Samarth went to three schools — Gitanjali, Chirec, and Hyderabad Public School, which he says contributed immensely to what he has achieved today. His father Suresh Bajaj runs Shiv Shakti Constructions, a real estate company while his mother Bunty Bajaj owns a Jewellery company – Krsala. “My father is my rock. He is the most patient, mentally strong, and resilient person I’ve ever known. My mother is an enigma, an exceptional woman, who challenged the patriarchal society most nonchalantly,” says the entrepreneur about his parents. His sister Miheeka is married to Tollywood actor Rana Daggubati. Samarth’s wife Sasha is from Mumbai.

At school, Samarth was every bit of a sportsman, indulging in almost every sport. He was part of the choir team too, who sang in the choir in concert with legends like Lata Mangeshkar and AR Rehman. One of his favourite school memories was when he played Prof. Higgins in the play Pygmalion by Tennessee Williams. “That moment I realised that I had the aptitude to become an actor,” recalls Samarth.

Bitten by the acting bug

Come 2005, Samarth left for the US after getting admission to USC. He had even applied for an Italian student visa but dropped the idea as the logistics seemed a bit hectic. “I hated my first few months in America. LA also wasn’t a commute-friendly city and to make matters worse, USC was in the heart of the Ghetto. You needed a car to move around, which I didn’t have in the beginning. It was a whole new world, which felt lonely and daunting,” says Samarth of his initial days in the US.

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It was only after he made a few close friends and got accustomed to life there that he started enjoying college, which eventually turned out to be the best four years of his life. Being at USC also was an experience like no other for this Hyderabadi. “It taught me to be responsible, make new friends, and interact with people from varied cultures. It made me a bit of a hustler,” smiles Samarth.

The young entrepreneur, along with other students, was once taken to Mexico to research the facilities and businesses on which they were doing a case study. “Our entrepreneurship class made us make comprehensive business plans, in which I came up with an entire serviced apartment business model before the concept had even existed in India,” says Samarth, who was the committee member of Southern California Indo Americans for two years and held the position of internal chair. He was also a part of the USC’s official Bollywood dance troop called Anjaane.

Entrepreneur | Samarth Bajaj | Global Indian

Names like Will Ferrell, George Lucas, and so many more prominent Hollywood personalities were a part of the USC alumni which got Samarth excited, as he was keen on becoming an actor. While the entrepreneur was at the university, American filmmaker George Lucas donated $300 million for setting up a new film school at USC. As soon as he graduated from USC in May 2009, Samarth flew straight to Mumbai, as he got a position as an Assistant Director in a Hindi film Aisha which had already gone into pre-production by the time he landed.

“I was supposed to stay back in LA for a little longer (after graduation) and attend the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, to train further in acting, but I did not want to miss this (Aisha) opportunity and returned,” he says.

Building an empire

However, it was just a short stint for Samarth as the film had taken a short break from pre-production as they were reworking a few things. “That’s when I started working in the family business, while also auditioning and attempting to make a career in acting simultaneously” informs Samarth, who also did a short stint with Indian theatre director Barry John in Mumbai.

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Auditioning was a humbling process for him. “You face rejection and failure constantly and you have no option but to just deal with it. It makes you pretty thick-skinned,” he smiles. The entrepreneur then realised that business interested him. “I liked coming up with new ideas and strategies and seeing them come to life,” he says.

Back then, Samarth’s business training was happening mostly in his mother’s Jewellery company, Krsala. Simultaneously, he was also learning the ropes of real estate from his father. But building a brand was something he learned with his mother.

Although the acting bug had fully loosened its grip on Samarth, he still decided to give it a year to it. He assisted one more film under Indian film director Farah Khan after which he went to New York for a short course in acting at Lee Strasberg, where he did shoot a few short films that gained a fair amount of critical acclaim in the New York college circles. “Shortly after returning to India though, I realised that I wasn’t cut out to pursue acting as a career choice anymore and immersed myself fully in business,” says the entrepreneur, who then started taking over the reins of the family businesses while endeavouring into my his ventures like Trojan Realty, House of Stars among others.

Entrepreneur | Samarth Bajaj | Global Indian

Real estate was one industry that always caught his fancy. “If I wasn’t so taken in by acting, I strongly believe that I would’ve pursued a degree in architecture. It’s creatively satisfying,” says Samarth, for whom Trojan Realty was his version of a boutique experiential living brand. Between House of Stars and Trojan Realty, Samarth had started a Jewellery e-commerce business called Jewellery Bazaar. But this venture failed to perform. “It made me a mature entrepreneur. I understood the mistakes I made,” informs Samarth.

The show must go on

Ask him about his future plans, and the entrepreneur quips, “Currently all my focus is on The Designers Class and Boheim, which is a culmination of everything that I wanted to do in real estate,” informs Samarth. Under Boheim, Samarth is currently executing three projects, one in Hyderabad and two in Goa. “We are actively looking to expand our presence in these two cities predominantly.”

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Samarth continues to be an avid cinema lover. “I follow the medium not just from a content consumption perspective, but also enthusiastically track the business that different films do across industries,” says Samarth, who likes to paint and write poetry whenever he gets time. He is also attempting to write a script of his own.

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Reading Time: 6 mins

Recap 2023: The Global Indian stars of the culinary world

(December 27, 2023) As the curtains on 2023 draw, it's clear that Indian chefs, foodpreneurs, and winemakers have made a big impact on global food. They haven't just embraced the delicious flavors of India but have cleverly mixed them into international cuisine, leaving a lasting impression on the food world. By combining traditional authenticity with new and creative ideas, these experts have taken Indian food to new heights, breaking away from old stereotypes and gaining recognition worldwide. With Michelin stars awarded to their restaurants, these trailblazers have skillfully navigated the worlds of food and wine, changing what we expect and delighting taste buds all over the globe. Their role has been crucial in reshaping how we see global gastronomy. As 2023 comes to an end, Global Indian puts a spotlight on the newsmakers in the culinary world. Chef Garima Arora This December saw Indian chef Garima Arora bag her second Michelin star for her restaurant Gaa, making her the first Indian woman chef to achieve the feat. The news came the year that she embraced parenthood after the birth of her son Aham, and has been balancing work and motherhood perfectly. Talking to Global Indian, she said, "I am absolutely

r the birth of her son Aham, and has been balancing work and motherhood perfectly. Talking to Global Indian, she said, "I am absolutely thrilled and excited. But I have to say, this is a great validation to my team and the dedication that they have put in. I've been balancing parenthood and running the business. We wouldn’t have been able to do this without my stellar team. I can't take all the credit. It all belongs to my team."

Garima Arora is the first Indian woman chef to win a Michelin star

Launched in 2017, Gaa in Bangkok is a progressive Indian fine-dining restaurant that explores the flavours of India using East Asian ingredients. Garima is on a mission to rediscover and reform the narrative on Indian food with her restaurant. "We want to change the perception of people towards Indian food, which is way beyond curries and naan. You can spend a lifetime in India and not finish the entire cuisine. This is why it’s unique to us and also why we have to explore more and take it to the world," she added.

Chef Meherwan Irani

Chef Meherwan Irani's Chai Pani, located in Asheville, North Carolina, achieved culinary acclaim when it was named Outstanding Restaurant by the prestigious James Beard Foundation, often considered the 'Oscars' of the culinary world. Originally from Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, Chef Irani ventured into the restaurant business in the Deep South of the United States, offering a menu featuring Indian street food delights such as pani puri, sev puri, dahi puri, vada pav, misal, and bhajiyas. The recognition by the James Beard Foundation was particularly significant for Irani. "To win the award for the Outstanding Restaurant, where the word Indian doesn’t even figure, was a shock. It means a lot because I got nominated five times for Best Chef but never got to the finals," he told Global Indian.

Indian Cuisine | Chef Meherwan Irani | Global Indian

Born out of a desire to escape the hectic pace and high costs of life in San Francisco, Chef Meherwan Irani and his wife Molly relocated to Asheville in 2009, bringing a transformative change to their lives and the local culinary scene. Drawing inspiration from his upbringing in the hospitality industry and armed with a passion for Indian street food, Irani meticulously crafted the menu for Chai Pani, incorporating flavors reminiscent of Mumbai and other cities. Through focus groups with diverse patrons, including white Americans, he fine-tuned his offerings, ultimately establishing Chai Pani as a culinary gem in the heart of North Carolina and earning well-deserved recognition for his innovative approach to Indian cuisine.

Raj Patel - Wine Maker

It was the US State dinner for Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House in June this year that saw a lavish spread of crisped millet cakes, summer squashes, marinated millet and grilled corn kernel salad. Amongst the sumptuous buffet, stood a case of Patel Red Blend 2019 – a red wine - that grabbed attention. Owned by a Gujarati Raj Patel, a first-generation wine producer, Patel Winery was invited to serve at the White House. "It was surreal and an honour. It's something that very few are privileged to do," Raj told Global Indian. Started in 2007 in Napa Valley with 100 cases of a 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Patel Winery now sells 1000 cases of four wines, and is world renowned, thanks to the US State dinner. "Over the years, our wine has grown so well and received so many reviews. We are happy to have added any accolade by serving our wine at the State dinner. It's something that not everyone gets."

Global Indian | Raj Patel

Thanks to the US State dinner, Patel Winery has found global recognition. While they export in Japan, South Korea, UK, Taiwan and New Zealand, the awareness about the wine has spread far and wide now. “For everyone who didn't know the wine existed, now know about it, especially in India," he added.

Chef Sujan Sarkar

It was in the fall of 2022 that Indian restaurant Indienne opened its doors for Chicagoans with a tasting menu that seamlessly blends Indian culinary artistry with the refined techniques of classic French cooking. In an instant, it became a hit, helping it bag its very first Michelin star within just fourteen months of its grand opening. The win has left Chef Sujan Sarkar proud and ecstatic. "We were expecting something but it was still a great feeling when it became official. A special moment and milestone for the team that has worked so hard," he told Global Indian.

[caption id="attachment_47019" align="aligncenter" width="556"] Chef Sujan Sarkar | Global Indian Chef Sujan Sarkar[/caption]

Because of the rave reviews and the grand reception that Indienne got in the first months of its opening, Chef Sujan was expecting a Michelin star "before a year was up." However, with a delayed ceremony this year, he had to wait a little. "Because of the standard we set, I definitely felt confident we would be recognised, by Michelin and by our diners,” says the Bengali Chef adding that at his restaurant one can expect a different interpretation of Indian food. "Come without expectations, you will enjoy the experience more. It will feel Indian and completely different at the same time," said the chef who is serving Americans as well as the Indian diaspora in the US.

Chef Vijaya Kumar

Chef Vijaya Kumar's career trajectory seems like a culinary fairy tale. A diploma in hotel management in Trichy, he landed in Chennai to join Taj Connemara. But it was his switch to California that changed the trajectory of his career. Keen to cook authentic Indian food, he launched Semma in 2021 in New York, a restaurant that has earned him two Michelin stars in two years. "So thrilled, humbled, honoured, blessed, thankful and grateful that we retained our one Michelin star for second year in a row," he said after receiving a Michelin star this year.

Chef Vijay Kumar | Global Indian

With a menu that's inherently South Indian, he has replicated his grandmother’s recipes at Semma. "When I first moved to the US, my friends and family would make fun of me saying I am still making idlis and dosas. But I believe we Indians underestimate our own cuisine; I wanted to break this barrier and misconception that South Indian food is only idlis and dosas. It is so much more; even regions within each state cook food differently," he told Global Indian. But it's the same flavour that has put Chef Vijaya Kumar on the global map.

Bhupender Nath

Bhupender Nath, originally from Bihar, India, transitioned from a successful fisheries business in Nigeria to fulfilling his dream of opening a restaurant. This journey led him to establish seven unique dining establishments, including the acclaimed Tresind in Dubai and Mumbai, both earning Michelin stars. Launching Tresind Dubai in 2014, Nath introduced a modern twist to traditional Indian cuisine. "We were presenting modernist Indian cuisine, merging local flavours with global culinary techniques," Nath tells Global Indian.

[caption id="attachment_42791" align="aligncenter" width="774"] Global Indian | Bhupender Nath Bhupender Nath, founder Passion F&B, is the brain behind Michelin-starred TresInd, Dubai and TresInd, Mumbai.[/caption]

Under his Passion F&B brand, Nath's establishments such as Tresind Studio and Carnival by Tresind, each offer distinct dining experiences. Tresind Studio stands out with innovative dishes like Khandvi Gelato and Dhokla Gazpacho, earning Michelin stars in consecutive years (2022 and 2023) and ranking 11th in the world's 50 best restaurants. Avatara, renowned for its vegetarian cuisine, garnered a Michelin star, affirming its status as Dubai's top vegetarian fine dining venue. Aamara, celebrating the Silk Route's culinary heritage, was recently listed in the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand. Nath's approach to cuisine breaks traditional moulds, blending Indian flavours with a global outlook. He emphasizes team empowerment, particularly notable in his collaboration with Corporate Head Chef Himanshu Saini, ensuring innovation and quality across all his restaurants.

Surrinder Kumar

Surrinder Kumar, a master blender, has notably placed Indian single malts on the global map. His Indri whisky recently clinched the ‘Best in Show, Double Gold’ at the 2023 Whiskies of the World Awards. Kumar remarks, “Making a blend is not a one-day job, one has to plan everything – from the grains, to the water, and casks,” he told Global Indian.

Master blender | Surrinder Kumar | Global Indian

Originating from Jammu and Kashmir, his career path shifted from civil services to whisky blending. His significant learning experience at the Central Food Technological Research Institute honed his blending skills. At Amrut Distilleries Ltd, he contributed to its rise to international fame. Kumar's expertise is exemplified in the creation of Indri, a triple-cask single malt. This whisky undergoes maturation in ex-bourbon, ex-French wine, and PX Sherry casks, crafting a unique flavor profile. Kumar’s approach to whisky making combines meticulous selection of ingredients and casks, ensuring a harmonious balance in flavours, establishing his spot as one of the world's top master blenders.

Nimal Raghavan: The ‘Son of Rain’ transforming lives and revitalising agricultural cycles in India and Kenya

(January 3, 2024) Environmentalist Nimal Raghavan, who has revived 180 lakes in India, has won people’s heart in Kenya as well. He has earned himself the moniker ‘Wa Muva’, or ‘Son of Rain’ in the drought-stricken country, through his efforts to tackle water scarcity. “I have revived six lakes so far in Kenya, working along with the Ministry of Water,” Nimal tells Global Indian. “I was invited by the Green Africa Foundation to collaborate on their lake revival drives.” Leaving behind a thriving career in Dubai, Nimal redirected his efforts to environmental activism, focusing on causes like organic farming and the rejuvenation of water bodies, along with tree planting, rainwater harvesting and the fight against climate change. So far, Nimal has overseen lake restorations in seven states across India and the planting of over 1.8 million saplings. Now, he aims to restore water bodies in 10 African countries, especially in areas where the water scarcity problem is most acute. “Last year, we brought water to one of the driest places in India (Ramnad) and to drought-stricken Kenya.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nimal Raghavan (@being_nimal) Recently, Nimal was awarded the title of Jal

z aya ayb ayc ayd aye ayf ayg ayh ayi ayj ayk ayl aym ayn ayo ayp ayq ayr ays ayt ayu ayv ayw ayx ayy ayz aza azb azc" dir="ltr">water bodies in 10 African countries, especially in areas where the water scarcity problem is most acute. “Last year, we brought water to one of the driest places in India (Ramnad) and to drought-stricken Kenya.”

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A post shared by Nimal Raghavan (@being_nimal)

Recently, Nimal was awarded the title of Jal Prahari here in India, a recognition by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. “It was an immense pleasure to have received the award from ‘The great Waterman of India’, my inspiration Rajendra Singh,” he remarked.

Rising above odds

Born in Nadiyam Village, nestled in Tamil Nadu's Peravurani district, often known as the ‘rice bowl of Tamil Nadu’, Nimal’s childhood came with challenges. When he was six months old, his father was diagnosed with a brain tumour and the family’s financial stability crumbled.

“My family spent everything on his treatment. Although we managed to save him, people began seeing me as a bearer of misfortune," Nimal recalls. "Passers-by would deliberately alter their paths upon seeing me on the streets."

[caption id="attachment_47946" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Environmentalist | Nimal Raghavan | Global Indian Nimal Raghavan[/caption]

Determined to rise above adversity, Nimal pursued engineering and secured his first job in Pune and eventually relocated to Dubai. His life took a positive turn financially after this move, allowing him to even construct a house in his native village.

The twist of tale

When he was on a vacation in his village in 2018, he witnessed devastation caused by a cyclone. The place was severely affected. In every house that Nimal visited he saw people crying and sobbing due to the misfortune caused by nature. “90 percent of the livelihood got affected,” he shared.

Deeply in love with his native place, Nimal extended his leave. “Instead of retreating, I rallied a team,” he says. Starting from his own village, he lent a helping hand to 90 nearby villages affected by the cyclone. This natural calamity unveiled an overlooked crisis—the mismanagement of water resources due to poor knowledge on the part of the villagers.

Realising the severity of water wastage in his region, Nimal embarked on a mission – to manage the water resources. His efforts didn't just revive lakes, rather they resurrected hope. With meticulous planning, Nimal's team rejuvenated water bodies, elevating water levels from 700 to 60 feet within six months, revitalising agricultural cycles in the process.

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A post shared by Nimal Raghavan (@being_nimal)

“We realised that due to poor management of water resources, the farmers who previously cultivated crops thrice a year could barely manage once annually, Nimal says. Their efforts involved desilting, erecting boundaries, establishing inlet-outlet connections, and facilitating water retention. “Gradually, we successfully escalated the water level from 700 feet to 60 feet within a mere six months. This success sparked a realisation that if six months of dedicated work could resolve a three-decade-old problem here, why not replicate this in other regions?” remarks Nimal.

The power of action

Each revitalised lake symbolised more than water; it represented restored livelihoods. Nimal's impact echoed when a grateful elder, previously unable to farm for many years due to water scarcity, handed him the first produce from his revived land—a gesture that remains Nimal's most cherished moment. “The old man said I have been offering my first harvest to God since I have been farming but this time I'm giving this to you.” This gesture meant a lot especially when Nimal had seen times when people used to change their paths when they saw him coming.

Driven by a simple yet profound belief—no one should go hungry, no one should pay for water—Nimal's vision is colossal. He yearns for a world where simplicity sparks profound change. He believes that even a drop of effort can cause ripples of transformation.

[caption id="attachment_47953" align="aligncenter" width="586"] Environmentalist | Nimal Raghavan | Global Indian Nimal Raghvan in Kenya[/caption]

“I work with the simple goal that no one should die of hunger. I don't want anyone to pay for water. Through simple mind-set, we can bring powerful changes. With this attitude, I have set to achieve my big dreams,” he signs off.

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Operatic Oz-mosis: Indian-origin tenor Shanul Sharma’s aria mesmerises the world

(April 19, 2022) On the sets of Carmen at the Arts Centre Melbourne, Shanul Sharma gave his first audition for an opera. For someone with a decade-long experience in heavy metal and rock n roll, it was unusual to see him take the centre stage. But everything stopped the moment he stepped on stage. “I loved the spectacle. In no time, I forgot everything and sang like there was no tomorrow. That was a turning point for me,” Shanul says in an interview with Global Indian. In years to follow, he performed across Australia, Europe, and Russia, becoming one of the few Indian-origin tenor soloists to achieve the feat. Yet Bolshoi (Russia) holds pride of place. The winner of the 2017 Canto Lirico discipline and the Rossini International Award, Shanul is the first Indian-born Australian to perform as a principal artist in an Australian opera. [caption id="attachment_23456" align="aligncenter" width="506"] Shanul Sharma[/caption] A musical ear Born in Jabalpur to a civil engineer father and a homemaker mother, a young Shanul grew up listening to Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar in the backseat of the family Fiat. “My dad had a huge influence on me. He loved music but he never had

eight="606" /> Shanul Sharma[/caption]

A musical ear

Born in Jabalpur to a civil engineer father and a homemaker mother, a young Shanul grew up listening to Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar in the backseat of the family Fiat. “My dad had a huge influence on me. He loved music but he never had the outlet. I had a musical ear, and learnt everything by just listening. So when he saw my gift, he encouraged me to follow my passion,” says Shanul whose teenage years were dedicated to Michael Jackson. “I idolised him not only for his songs but also loved him as a performer. He was a complete package. I imitated him, and would try to sing as high as I could,” says the tenor for whom music was a way of expression. Slowly, he started taking baby steps into heavy metal and ended up performing at school events. “I was bullied a lot in school due to my high pitch - music became a way to feel normal. The more I sang, the more I was seen and appreciated. It gave me a sense of positive reinforcement,” adds Shanul who started composing music in school.

The Oz experience

It was in 2002 that he bought a one-way ticket to Australia to study IT engineering at Charles Strut University’s Wagga Wagga campus. Outside his class, he was the lead singer of the rock band Sobrusion and performed at various pubs and clubs. “I always wanted to be a singer, and we used to make Metallica covers,” says Shanul who found his biggest support in his dad, adding, “He used to say ‘IT engineers toh bante rahenge, singer bann (Can always become an IT engineer, become a singer first).’” For almost a decade, he played with the band, and transitioned from heavy metal to rock n roll.

India-origin tenor | Shanul Sharma

Everything changed when he came across the song Nessun Dorma by Italian operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti on YouTube and immediately fell in love with opera. “Those two-and-half minutes was nothing but unadulterated vocal music. I had never heard something like this. That was the power of his singing. That’s when I knew I wanted to sing like that,” reveals the tenor who started training in western classical music after his band broke up in 2013. “Since I had a high pitch, I started training with an Italian teacher. It was a seamless transition vocally,” adds the 30-something who calls himself “restless” and loves to experiment. But he had to learn the “stagecraft” as working in opera was very different from heavy metal. “In metal, you write your music but opera is more traditional. You are working with an ensemble of 60-70 musicians. Here you have to fit into the grand scheme of things and make everything believable,” explains Shanul who believes his experience with rock n roll helped him bring something unique to the table.

The next year, he made his debut audition at the Arts Centre Melbourne on the sets of Carmen after an artist pulled out last minute. “I was hesitant initially thinking I wasn’t fully prepared. But then I pulled myself up and went for it. Something took over me onstage, and I forgot everything else,” smiles Sharma who got the role, and took only two days to prepare. “Lyndon Terracini, the artistic director of Opera Australia, was impressed and in two days, I was already on the road performing. I enjoyed every bit of it,” adds the young artist.

Indian-origin tenor | Shanul Sharma

Making moves internationally

A year later, he made his operatic debut with Opera Australia as Don Ramiro in Rossini’s La Cenerentola for the Victorian School’s Tour. In 2015, he was accepted into the Wales International Academy of Voice in Cardiff, one of the most prestigious singing academies in the world for his MA in advanced vocal studies. “I raised 53,000 AUD through crowdfunding for the course,” reveals the Indian-origin tenor who soon appeared as Ernesto in Donizetti’s Don Pasquale for Teatro Martinetti in Italy.

Being an Indian and performing opera in a myriad languages, Shanul had to “look, speak and feel” the part. “Whenever I am performing anywhere, the first thing I do is visit their art museum. It gives me an insight into what they find valuable. It helps me gain a sense of expression,” says the tenor. Having performed across Europe, it’s his performance at the Bolshoi Theatre in Russia in 2019 that he holds closest to his heart. “It’s not just the biggest theatre physically but also acoustically interesting. The sounds are beautiful and at the same time loud,” explains Shanul.

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Shanul found his greatest support system in his parents, both of whom are no more. “My dad never watched any of my performances as he died in 2012. But my mom did watch me perform in Melbourne in 2019, and it was a beautiful moment. During the live performance, I saw my mom waving at me enthusiastically. I tried hard to not get distracted,” laughs Shanul.

The past two years have been trying times for the artiste. “During the lockdown, 15 of my productions were cancelled. We are slowly getting back. However, a lot is still uncertain,” says Shanul who is hopeful of things getting better in 2023. “I am preparing for a handful of productions,” says the tenor who loves watching Bollywood films like Dangal, “I can relate to the life of a sportsperson because it is a lot like that of an artiste,” concludes Shanul.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjLzIR5e2Y0

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