Shona Prabhu | Indian Sports | Global Indian

Global IndianstoryShona Prabhu: Helping Indian athletes unleash the power of nutrition for peak performances

Shona Prabhu: Helping Indian athletes unleash the power of nutrition for peak performances

Written by: Amrita Priya

(September 11, 2022) When Shona Prabhu started working as a nutritionist for India’s hockey team, the players were not used to having a sports nutritionist around. Thanks to the initiatives taken by the Sports Authority of India, most of the training centres across the country now have a nutritionist on board.

With a career spanning 11 years, sports and wellness nutritionist Shona Prabhu has been the nutrition consultant of state, national, and Olympic athletes of various sports, facilitating great performances for India. Some of the most impressive associations have been her stint as the nutrition consultant for men’s and women’s hockey teams of India (2017-2021), and the Delhi Capitals IPL team for the 2021 season. Shona has been a sportsperson herself in her growing up years, playing badminton for CBSE school nationals while she was growing up in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where her parents were posted.

Shona Prabhu, sports nutritionist

The sports lover who also dons the hat of a corporate wellness nutritionist is the co-founder of NutrifyMyDiet, taking care of the wellness of some of the top CEOs in the country.

Talking about her experiences as a sports nutritionist to Global Indian, she mentions “It’s been very enriching. In the process, I have learned a lot about different sports, the struggles of athletes, and how they slog relentlessly to make everything work for them.” Shona has been serving tailor-made nutrition plans to suit the lifestyles, food habits, physical activities, and medical history of her clients with the philosophy – Nourish. Empower. Sustain.

Passionate about sports nutrition

“Do what you love and you will never work another day in your life. I am fortunate to be doing what I love every single day,” tells Shona who got into sports nutrition because as a young player she was always curious about how her food and nutrition can help her in her game. Having studied in Saudi Arabia until class 10, she went on to pursue her bachelor’s and post graduation in nutrition and dietetics in Bangalore, topping it up with MSc in sports and exercise nutrition from Loughborough University, UK.

Shona Prabhu with players of Indian men’s hockey team

“To be able to pass on the knowledge to others is something that I look forward to every day,” she mentions having garnered insights over the years about vital aspects of an athlete’s life from self-experience and education. She has been the nutrition guide to successful young athletes like Aneesh Gowda (international swimmer), Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha (former national champion in tennis), Tejaswin Shankar (Commonwealth Games bronze medallist 2022 in athletics), Bengaluru Football Club (BFC) – ISL League 2016-2017 and more. “Helping them in making a difference in their lives, especially in a country, where the value being given to nutrition has just started, feels nice,” says Shona. She looks at her industry with positive eyes.

From where I started to where it has come today is rewarding. It’s very good to see the slow but steady positive changes in the overall outlook towards sports nutrition – Shona Prabhu

Startling but true

Highlighting how the concept of nutrition which should be at the top of the priority list, has loomed in ignorance for many years, Shona mentions, “Since the majority of athletes come from middle class or lower middle-class backgrounds, it is somewhat startling but true that they do not know how important nutrition is for them to perform.” Perhaps this is why being their nutrition consultant has been so fulfilling to her. It’s like facilitating the professional growth of athletes and taking their careers forward in a significant way.

Shona with budding players of India

“Diet for a sportsperson is an integral part of the triangle or the pyramid that they should follow. The other two components are training, and sleep,” she says stressing how integral the three components are.

There are many athletes in our country who are talented and hard-working but without the right diet, lack the energy to train themselves well, giving just about 40-50 percent of what they really can – Shona Prabhu

Just filling the stomach is not sufficient

Shona points out that athletes feel they are getting nutrition if their stomach is full when that’s not the case. “I always try to make them understand the concept of nutritious food and how they can ensure the same in their diets.” She never fails to drive the point during her sessions that not just the right kind of food but also the right combination of it and eating at the right time matters on how one performs. Talking about anemia amongst female athletes of India she mentions, “Their immunity, stamina, endurance, and energy levels are directly affected, and is an important issue that needs to be addressed.”

Shona with her husband, Lester Cutinha, co-founder of NutrifyMyDiet, and team members

The expert nutritionist also believes that athletes need to learn how to cook. “This is a life skill that should be developed irrespective of gender because it comes in handy in different situations. You will be able to feed yourself the right way.”

Change the outlook

Just as she organically learned about the value of nutrition by reading about it as a child and observing adults around her, she wants the kids of India to be self-aware. It is required on society’s part to change the way they are inculcating food habits in children. With the popularity of sports as a profession, many children in the country are aspiring for a career in the field.

Parents of aspiring athletes should support nutrition and a healthy environment at home. You can’t just have the aspiring athlete in the family eat certain things, while the rest of the family is eating whatever they feel like including junk food. It needs to be a family affair – Shona Prabhu

Shona at a training session at BFC soccer school

Getting into multiple shoes

The demand of each sport is different for Shona, and she handles her responsibilities as a nutritionist depending on the domain of sports that a player belongs to. “When I work with the hockey players, the way I deal with the demands as a professional is somewhat different from working with cricketers as they are comparatively better in terms of luxuries and privileges offered to them as players.” Similarly, being a consultant to athletes who give individual performances on the field is altogether a different ballgame.

Shona with Delhi Capitals IPL team members

Recent initiatives – a boon

Shona is all praise of some good steps that have been taken lately to prioritise the concept of nutrition in sports and the support that is being given to young athletes by the government. They have access to professionals in different areas of the domain now. “Corporates coming forward to sponsor athletes is a cherry on the cake making the sports ecosystem better,” she remarks.

The sports and wellness nutritionist loves interacting with people of all ages and has been spreading awareness about the benefits of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and fitness talks at corporate houses, schools, and sports academies.

Follow Shona Prabhu on LinkedIn and Facebook
Follow NutrifyMyDiet on Instagram, Facebook and its website

Name*

Email*

Name*

Email*

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Published on 11, Sep 2022

Share with

ALSO READ

Homai Vyarawalla: Meet India’s first female photojournalist

(March 8, 2023) "Looking through the camera, focusing on a subject, and isolating it from its surroundings. These were the things that attracted me. The viewfinder of the camera attracted me to photography." This quote by Homai Vyarawalla is the testimony of her love for the art of photography. Picture this: It is the early 1900s. A woman in a sari takes up a Rolleiflex camera and cycles across the city to click photographs. Some men snigger at her, others completely ignore her for she is no authority on the subject or the object of her fascination—her camera. But she sticks her ground and captures moments and emotions on her lens that speak to millions of people. This is the story of Homai Vyarawalla, India's first woman photojournalist. She broke into the male-dominated profession of photography and proved her mettle with every frame that she composed. A meeting that changed her life Born in 1913 in Gujarat to a Parsi family, Homai's childhood was mostly spent on the move as her father was an actor with a travelling theatre group. It was only later that the family settled in Bombay where she completed her studies. Owing to her humble background,

ted her studies. Owing to her humble background, she often shifted houses and had to walk long distances to reach her school. Despite the social prejudices and barriers prevalent in those times, Vyarwalla was keen to finish her matriculation at a time when she was the only girl in a class of 36 students. A young Homai then enrolled herself in St Xavier's College for a degree in Economics, after which she opted for a diploma from the prestigious JJ School of Art.

[caption id="attachment_7746" align="aligncenter" width="789"] Homai Vyarawalla with her still camera[/caption]

It was here that she met Maneckshaw Vyarawalla, a freelance photographer, in 1926: the man who changed the course of her life. He not only introduced her to the art of photography when he gifted her a Rolleiflex camera but also married her in 1941. The camera became Homai's object of obsession as she started capturing her peers at college and Bombay in general through her lens.

The initial struggle

It was under Maneckshaw, who was then working with The Illustrated Weekly of India and The Bombay Chronicle, that Homai started her career in photography as an assistant. Her initial black-and-white photos captured the essence of everyday life in Bombay and were published under the name of Maneckshaw Vyarawalla as Homai was then unknown and a woman. The publishers believed that Maneckshaw's gender gave the photos more credibility, reported the Homegrown.

This oblivion on the part of men who failed to recognize her potential was a blessing in disguise for this Parsi woman. At a time when women were not taken seriously as photojournalists by men, their ignorance helped the Global Indian take the best pictures without any interference.

"People were rather orthodox. They didn't want the women folk to be moving around all over the place and when they saw me in a sari with the camera, hanging around, they thought it was a very strange sight. And in the beginning, they thought I was just fooling around with the camera, just showing off or something and they didn't take me seriously. But that was to my advantage because I could go to the sensitive areas also to take pictures and nobody will stop me. So, I was able to take the best of pictures and get them published. It was only when the pictures got published that people realized how seriously I was working for the place," said Homai.

Creating history through her photos

The World War II and the events that followed gave Homai many opportunities to capture its political consequences in India. It was a time when women were coming out in the public domain as they played agents of change, and the photographer in her captured every event in its true essence. Soon she began to draw attention with her body of work which was published under the pseudonym Dalda 13.

In 1942, she and her husband were commissioned by the British Information Services as photographers which took them to Delhi. The capital remained home to the Vyarawallas for almost three decades. Running their business from a studio in Connaught Place, the Vyarwallas captured history in the making. This was the beginning of Vyarwalla's long innings as the first female photojournalist in India.

[caption id="attachment_7747" align="aligncenter" width="697"] Homai Vyarawalla clicking Indira Gandhi during an event.[/caption]

Clad in a sari with a Rolleiflex by her side, Homai cycled across Delhi to capture moments that would define the contours of 20th Century history. Her camera, which documented the last few days of the British empire and birth of a new nation, reflected the euphoria of Independence along with the unresolved issues that came with it. From photographing leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru to capturing independent India's first flag being hoisted at the Red Fort, Homai gave India some of its most iconic photographs. The unique opportunity of capturing intimate political moments was something that she earned with integrity, dignity and perseverance.

By the early late 40s and mid 50s, Homai's demure persona was present at every significant soiree, documenting historical events and capturing big names like Martin Luther King Jr, Jacqueline Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth II.

Homai had become so popular that Life Magazine approached her in 1956 to photograph the 14th Dalai Lama when he entered India for the first time through Nathu La. With a camera on her back, Homai took a train to Darjeeling and after a five-hour car drive, she reached Gangtok to take the perfect shot. But it was her courage to travel alone with no place to stay in times when women's safety was an issue was a testament of her strength and dedication to her work.

1956: The Dalai Lama enters India through a high mountain pass. He is followed by the Panchen Lama. pic.twitter.com/W2yIZC0zqZ

— #IndianHistory (@RareHistorical) December 3, 2015

The photographer who made Nehru her muse

Homai had photographed many eminent personalities but none were as captivating to the photographer's eye than Jawaharlal Nehru, who was her muse of sorts. She found Nehru a photogenic person and captured the many phases of his life. Such was the trust that Nehru let her capture him even in his unguarded moments. One of them led to the iconic photo of Nehru lighting a cigarette for the British Commissioner's wife, while one dangles from his own mouth.

She even captured Nehru in his last moments. "When Nehru died, I felt like a child losing its favourite toy, and I cried, hiding my face from other photographers," she said.

After creating some profound and iconic moments through her lens, Homai hung up her boots in 1970 shortly after the death of her husband. With yellow journalism picking up, Homai bid adieu to her career.

[caption id="attachment_7743" align="aligncenter" width="492"] Jawaharlal Nehru's photo clicked by Homai Vyarawalla Homai Vyarawalla clicked this photograph of Pandit Nehru[/caption]

"It was not worth it anymore. We had rules for photographers; we even followed a dress code. We treated each other with respect, like colleagues. But then, things changed for the worst. They were only interested in making a few quick bucks; I didn't want to be part of the crowd anymore," she added.

After giving up her 40-year-old career, Homai gave her collection of photographs to the Delhi-based Alkazi Foundation of the Arts. Later, the Padma Vibhushan-awardee moved to Pilani with her son. It was in January 2012 that she breathed her last after suffering a long battle with lung disease.

Making a name for oneself at a time when women were relegated to the confines of the house, Homai Vyarawalla gave the world a perfect example of a woman who was ready to take on the world with her talent.

Reading Time: 6 min

Quantum tech innovator: Dr. Prineha Narang is at the intersection of science and invention

(May 30, 2023) In the realm of deep tech, where science meets invention, a wave of remarkable advancements has been sweeping the landscape. Among the most exciting frontiers is quantum technology - a field poised to revolutionise multiple industries by unlocking unprecedented computational power and sensing capabilities. An Indian American innovator Dr. Prineha Narang, who is the Assistant Professor of computational materials science at Harvard University, stands at the forefront of this quantum revolution. The innovator's professional journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of big ideas and a dedication to harnessing quantum mechanics to address pressing global challenges. Currently, serving as a U.S. Science Envoy, approved by the Secretary of the USA to identify opportunities for science and technology cooperation, Dr. Narang was also selected as a 2018 Moore Inventor Fellow for her invention, a tiny quantum sensor, which uses a novel and previously unexplored interaction mechanism between light and molecules to sense and identify individual molecules. "Every day, I try to consider “what am I doing that’s most impactful?” I’m not just talking about publications, but an actual impact on people’s lives," the Global Indian shared in an interview, adding, "For example, our group is using previously unexplored

n light and molecules to sense and identify individual molecules. "Every day, I try to consider “what am I doing that’s most impactful?” I’m not just talking about publications, but an actual impact on people’s lives," the Global Indian shared in an interview, adding, "For example, our group is using previously unexplored interactions between light and materials to create sensors that can rapidly identify environmental toxins. Technology like this could allow us to monitor changes in the ocean or the air on an unprecedented scale."

Bridging science and environment

Dr. Narang's journey as a scientist-inventor began with her early fascination with physics. From an early age, she excelled in grappling with complex equations and revelled in the interconnectedness between physics and various engineering disciplines. Speaking about her childhood, the innovator says, "Since a young age I was good at handling complex equations, and I liked how physics relates to so many other areas of engineering. At the same time, I always loved the outdoors. Many people thought I was strange for having these two passions that seem at odds with each other. However, at some point I realized that technology doesn’t have to compete with the environment – it can actually help."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U9JOtDbmqs

Interestingly, today her groundbreaking work involves leveraging quantum mechanics to tackle immense challenges like efficient energy technologies and monitoring the effects of climate change. "That viewpoint is now the foundation of my career. I like thinking about deep technology that doesn’t appear close to applications and asking how this technology can help the world. Currently, I’m working to develop inventions that harness the power of quantum mechanics to address big challenges like efficient energy technologies and monitoring the effects of climate change," the innovator said.

[caption id="attachment_39357" align="aligncenter" width="657"] Innovator | Dr. Prineha Narang | Global Indian Dr. Prineha Narang taking a class at the UCLA[/caption]

A brilliant student, Dr. Narang pursued a bachelor's from Drexel University, where she obtained her Bachelor's degree in materials science under the mentorship of Dr. Yury Gogotsi, focussing on the fascinating realm of nanomaterial design. The innovator went on to earn an M.S. and Ph.D. in Applied Physics at the prestigious California Institute of Technology (Caltech). And it was here that she had the privilege of working alongside the eminent physicist Dr. Harry A. Atwater, delving deep into the captivating realm of light-matter interactions.

Exploring the realm of quantum technology

During her time at Caltech, Dr. Narang's brilliance and dedication were recognised through prestigious fellowships and grants. Quite early in her career, the innovator was bestowed the honour of being a Resnick Fellow, receiving support from the esteemed Resnick Sustainability Institute. But her journey to getting these grants was not always easy. Giving an insight into the challenges she faced, the innovator said, "One of the biggest challenges I face is convincing people that my ideas are worth supporting. There’s a lot of risk aversion, especially at the early stages of turning an idea into an invention. In addition, people often hear “quantum technology” and think it’s something far off in the distant future – but it’s not! We’re studying quantum interactions that can be used in actual devices with real use cases today."

[caption id="attachment_39364" align="aligncenter" width="633"] Innovator | Dr. Prineha Narang | Global Indian Dr. Narang with Antony J. Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, learning about Japan’s quantum tech[/caption]

In 2017, Dr. Narang was appointed to the faculty of the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. She designed a quantum sensing device that can detect and identify isolated molecules. As a junior faculty member, the pressure to "play it safe" is especially intense, as expectations often dictate focussing solely on one's core expertise. "I have my core expertise, but I don’t want to be limited by that. Good science happens at the intersection of different fields. Being at Harvard gave me the freedom to break from the standard junior faculty trajectory, exploring other fields and collaborating with people whom I wouldn’t otherwise get to work with," she shared.

Envisioning the future

Within a couple of years, Dr. Narang's exceptional academic prowess led her to become a recipient of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship, a highly competitive and coveted award that recognises outstanding graduate students across the United States. This esteemed fellowship not only provided financial support but also served as a testament to the innovator's remarkable achievements and potential as a scientific leader.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhMuqR17KGo

"People often misunderstand the trajectory of scientific progress. Even if something appears promising, there are still many things we can’t anticipate, and risk is inherent. Unfortunately, some researchers exacerbate this issue by overselling what their work could deliver, which leaves people feeling burned. This is especially common with quantum technology, and I’ve encountered a lot of cynicism when proposing my ideas," the innovator had shared talking about how common people should look at scientific inventions and research.

The innovator, who recently won the prestigious IUPAP Young Scientist Prize in Computational Physics, a Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award (Bessel Prize) from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, and a Max Planck Sabbatical Award from the Max Planck Society, wishes to continue inspiring future generations of scientists, innovators, and inventors with her unwavering commitment to cutting-edge research and her relentless pursuit of knowledge.

[caption id="attachment_39363" align="aligncenter" width="658"] Innovator | Dr. Prineha Narang | Global Indian Dr. Narang at the US-Korea quantum round table, along with other scientists[/caption]

"I believe our research has the potential to make a significant impact in the world. To realize this potential, we need to bridge the gap between ideas and applications. We’ve already started one company dedicated to this goal, and in five years, I hope there will be more companies working to turn our group’s ideas into tangible solutions for a wide variety of challenges," she said, adding, "As for me personally, my goal is to constantly reinvent myself as a scientist. I hope to continue evolving my research interests by embracing new ideas and working with an even more diverse group of collaborators. I truly believe that to make real progress, you have to step out of your comfort zone."

Follow Dr. Prineha Narang on LinkedIn

Reading Time: 6 mins

Chetna Maroo: British-Indian author’s debut book makes it to the 2023 Booker Prize longlist

(September 25, 2023) "It took three years. I write slowly, the first pages in longhand, then typing. I usually try to get each sentence and paragraph sounding right before I go on, reading and editing from the beginning of the story," says Chetna Maroo, the Indian-origin author whose debut book Western Lane has been longlisted for the 2023 Booker Prize. The 160-page novel revolves around Gopi, an 11-year-old who is brought up with two other sisters in the UK and is driven to become an athlete by her father as they struggle with grief. The novel, set within the context of the British Gujarati milieu, has been praised by the Booker judges for its use of the sport of squash as a metaphor for complex human emotions. "It’s an honour. It’s humbling to see Western Lane amongst all the books that have been longlisted in the history of the prize," the Kenya-born said in an interview. [caption id="attachment_45318" align="aligncenter" width="766"] Chetna Maroo[/caption] The novel, which is Chetna's debut, hit the stalls in February this year, and in a few months has garnered praise from book lovers all across. The London-based author moved to the UK from Kenya in childhood and

novel, which is Chetna's debut, hit the stalls in February this year, and in a few months has garnered praise from book lovers all across. The London-based author moved to the UK from Kenya in childhood and grew up with three sisters and two brothers. It's this bond that she brought to life with Western Lane, telling the story of three sisters who grow up in the absence of a mother and their bond with one another. Reading the nuances of the squash in Western Lane, one could easily imagine that Chetna was a child prodigy. But growing up in the UK, she didn't pick up the squash racquet until her late teens as she calls herself "extremely uncoordinated" as a child. It wasn't until her 20s and 30s that she played squash properly. "I always liked the squash court and felt at ease at the squash court. There was something about the squash court itself, about the simple white box: it’s such a surreal, unfamiliar place, where time seems suspended and the outside world can be forgotten," Chetna added. It was her physical presence in the court for years that helped her bring the experience to the book.

However, writing wasn't her first passion. In fact, before taking up writing as a profession, she worked as an accountant for many years. While still keeping her day job, Chetna started taking writing seriously only a decade ago, wherein she wrote many short stories. Those years brought with it many rejections but also a couple of acceptances where her stories were published in The Paris Review, The Stinging Fly, and The Dublin Review. In 2022, Chetna was bestowed with the Plimpton Prize for Fiction for one of her short stories. Having been brought up on a great diet of books, she was always interested in the world of fiction, especially sci-fi and thrillers. And this love later metamorphosised into her passion for writing.

Western Lane | Global Indian

While she was glued to her desk at home writing short stories, she kept developing the story of Gopi for three years. It began with a month-long writing workshop in 2018 that played a catalyst in changing the trajectory of her life. It was in this workshop that she first developed the story of Gopi, however, it wasn't until the next six months that she began working on the book. "For a good six months, I read a lot of children's stories, and a lot of them were retrospective narratives," Chetna said in a podcast.

Having a personal tryst with squash and grief of losing her mother, Chetna was able to draw inspiration for the story of Gopi in Western Lane. "I lost my mother in my early 20s, so that's how I depict the grief part in the novel," she said. Western Lane tells the story of Gopi and her sisters who have recently lost their mother. Their father is bereft and struggling to parent his daughters, and encourages Gopi to hone her skills in squash.

Chetna Maroo | Global Indian

For someone who loves music and art, Chetna knew that writing was something that she had a chance with. Despite her novel being longlisted for the 2023 Booker Prize, Chetna doesn't believe in giving too much into the highs and lows of life. "I am in a happy state but I like to keep things steady. That's the best way forward." added the Global Indian.

Reading Time: 4 min

Anita Chhiba’s Diet Paratha: Redefining representation for South Asian creativity

(November 22, 2024) “Life is miserable without community,” Anita Chhiba declares, her voice resonating with the conviction of someone who has lived through the absence of belonging. For Chhiba, founder of the globally celebrated platform Diet Paratha, this belief is the cornerstone of her work. With over 154,000 followers and collaborations with global brands like Vogue India and Burberry, Diet Paratha is far more than an Instagram page. It is a cultural reset—a platform where South Asians are celebrated not for fitting into stereotypes but for breaking them. “Diet Paratha is flipping cancellation into celebration,” Chhiba explains. This philosophy, central to her platform, has struck a chord with South Asians across the world. It has become a space to feel seen, a place to find opportunities, and a tool to amplify the voices of those long overlooked in creative industries. But behind the glossy posts and accolades lies a deeply personal story of identity, struggle, and determination. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anita Chhiba (@achhib) From Invisibility to Influence Born in New Zealand to Gujarati parents, Anita Chhiba’s journey to creating Diet Paratha is rooted in her own experience of feeling invisible. “I kind

" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0eaW2LMs-h/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14">

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Anita Chhiba (@achhib)

From Invisibility to Influence

Born in New Zealand to Gujarati parents, Anita Chhiba’s journey to creating Diet Paratha is rooted in her own experience of feeling invisible. “I kind of resented who I was from an identity perspective for over half my life,” she admits. Growing up in a predominantly white environment, representation for South Asians in media and culture was scarce. “New Zealand wasn’t exactly set up to nurture that side of me,” she says, reflecting on the cultural isolation she felt during her formative years.

Despite this, Chhiba’s love for art and storytelling persisted. A creative at heart, she found her way into graphic design after dropping out of high school. “Somehow, I made it to uni with my graphic design portfolio,” she recalls. Her career began with a creative recruitment agency, which introduced her to project management and advertising. By the time she moved to London in 2017, Chhiba had worked her way up to a senior level in advertising. But something was missing. “I was never seen, heard, or respected,” she says. “There wasn’t enough diversity—of thought or people.”

The Birth of Diet Paratha

Diet Paratha began as a passion project. Initially a digital mood board, the Instagram account showcased vintage Bollywood posters and South Asians excelling in unconventional spaces. “I had this massive archive of imagery,” Chhiba recalls. “During the pandemic, I started posting every day. People really started to feel seen.”

The platform’s name is a playful nod to the viral fashion watchdog Diet Prada, but the similarities end there. While Diet Prada thrives on takedown culture, Diet Paratha is all about celebration. “I wanted to create a space free from the shackles of cancellation and assimilation,” Chhiba explains. It’s a space where South Asians can be unapologetically themselves.

Today, Diet Paratha is more than an Instagram account. It has grown into a creative agency offering mentorship programs, hosting events, and producing projects that celebrate South Asian talent. The Family Tree Mentorship program, for instance, pairs emerging creatives with industry leaders, providing them with opportunities and guidance that Chhiba herself lacked growing up.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Anita Chhiba (@achhib)

A Cultural Reset in Action

Diet Paratha’s impact is tangible. In 2022, Chhiba collaborated with Vogue India to produce YouthQuake, a 27-page story highlighting South Asian talent. Over seven days, her team pulled off 21 shoots across the globe. “It was a cultural reset,” she says. The project was a testament to Chhiba’s ability to not only curate talent but to shift the narrative around South Asians in mainstream media.

Events like the Diet Paratha Family Meeting in Auckland have also brought the platform to life. The event, which united South Asian creatives from across New Zealand, featured panel discussions on navigating racism and culture in creative industries. “I hadn’t experienced anything like it in New Zealand,” Chhiba says. “It felt like we were finally telling our own stories.”

Flipping the Script on Representation

Chhiba’s vision for representation is nuanced. She avoids pandering to the “white gaze” and is deliberate about the narratives she platforms. “We are no longer accepting the notion of being put inside a box,” she asserts. For her, representation isn’t just about visibility; it’s about authenticity. “It’s about challenging the status quo while respecting our individual backgrounds.”

This commitment to authenticity has made Diet Paratha a trusted resource for brands and creatives alike. From casting all-South Asian lineups for Burberry to curating projects for Byredo, Chhiba has consistently demonstrated the power of meaningful representation. “It’s not just about being seen,” she explains. “It’s about being respected and paid.”

Building a Community, One Connection at a Time

At its core, Diet Paratha is about community. For Chhiba, success is meaningless without others to share it with. “The most fulfilling experience is bringing people together and having them feel seen,” she says. This sense of connection extends to every aspect of her work, from the creatives she platforms to the audiences who engage with her content.

Chhiba’s community-building efforts are particularly evident in her mentorship initiatives. Through programs like Family Tree, she has created a pipeline for South Asian talent to thrive in industries that have historically excluded them. “It’s about expanding that network,” she explains. “Representation for some eventually translates into representation for others.”

Anita Chhiba | Diet Paratha | Global Indian

Navigating Challenges and Looking Ahead

Chhiba’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. As a South Asian woman in the creative industry, she has faced skepticism and bias. “Closed mouths don’t get fed,” she says, quoting advice that has kept her driven. “If you want it, you have to go after it.”

Balancing the demands of running Diet Paratha with her personal growth is another challenge. “My identity, passion, and culture are so wrapped up in my work that it becomes an ecosystem, constantly feeding itself,” she reflects. This interconnectedness has been both a strength and a source of pressure.

Despite these challenges, Chhiba remains focused on the future. She is selective about collaborations, prioritizing projects that align with her values. “It’s about taking ownership of our stories,” she says. For Chhiba, the ultimate goal is to empower the next generation of South Asians to tell their own stories, on their own terms.

A Legacy of Celebration

Anita Chhiba’s story is one of transformation. From feeling invisible in a predominantly white New Zealand to leading a global movement for South Asian creatives, she has redefined what representation looks like. Diet Paratha stands as a testament to her vision, proving that when you change the narrative, you change lives.

For Chhiba, the journey is far from over. “All my wildest dreams have come true,” she says, reflecting on her accomplishments. But she knows there is more work to be done. As she continues to build Diet Paratha, her mission remains the same: to celebrate South Asians not for how they fit in but for how they stand out.

Follow Anita Chhiba and Diet Paratha on Instagram.
Discover more fascinating Stories

Driven by compassion: Firoz Merchant offers second chances to those behind bars in the UAE

(March 8, 2024) “In the spirit of forgiveness and extending second chances to those who need to be reunited with family and society, we have recently donated AED 1 million to liberate over 900 prisoners as we approach the Holy Month of Ramadan,” shared Firoz Merchant on social media, recently. The Indian-origin Dubai-based entrepreneur and philanthropist is the founder and chairman of Pure Gold Group, which consists of Pure Gold Jewellers, FGM Holding, Pure Gold Real Estate Development, La Moda, and Pure Gold Manufacturing. He assists those incarcerated due to debt, ensuring they regain their freedom and dignity. In an interview, he expressed, Not everyone in prison is a criminal. I firmly believe that being in debt is not a crime; it's a consequence of the basic human desire to sustain and survive. Unfortunately, some individuals find themselves in situations where they are unable to honour their commitments, leading to repercussions such as imprisonment. I support and advocate for those individuals whom society often overlooks. Firoz Merchant [caption id="attachment_49778" align="aligncenter" width="565"] Firoz Merchant[/caption] Among the 900 prisoners granted freedom, 495 were from Ajman, 170 from Fujairah, 121 from Dubai, 69 from Umm Al Quwain, and 28 from Ras Al Khaimah.

" src="https://stage.globalindian.com//wp-content/uploads/2024/03/card_Firoze-Merchant.jpg" alt="Indian Entrepreneur | Firoz Merchant | Global Indian" width="565" height="563" /> Firoz Merchant[/caption]

Among the 900 prisoners granted freedom, 495 were from Ajman, 170 from Fujairah, 121 from Dubai, 69 from Umm Al Quwain, and 28 from Ras Al Khaimah. The philanthropist additionally covered their expenses and arranged for their return flights. “I am grateful for the support of the government officials who helped in the release of the prisoners,” he said.

Beyond this endeavour, Merchant is actively involved in various other philanthropic efforts, including caring for the elderly through his initiative 'The Forgotten Society'.

Enabling a second chance in life

With support from UAE police authorities, Merchant has played a crucial role in bringing joy to detainees in central jails across the UAE. Through his philanthropic efforts, he has contributed thousands of dollars towards their well-being and has facilitated the release of over 20,000 inmates since 2008. "Everything we do in this initiative strictly adheres to the guidelines and support of the UAE government," he emphasised.

In addition to covering their bills and fines, Merchant also assists detainees with airline tickets to their respective countries, ensuring their safe return home. For 2024, Merchant aims to secure the release of more than 3,000 prisoners. He has already made significant progress towards this goal, with the recent donation of US$272K (AED 1 million) supporting the release of over 900 inmates from UAE prisons, marking fulfilment of nearly one-third of his target.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foDs-dbQ7Q4

“My mother has instilled in me the values of kindness, generosity, and being a good human being. She has taught me that whenever I can help the society, I should embrace the opportunity,” said the philanthropist in an interview.

For those who tend to fall into debt Firoz Merchant has a piece of advice:

Don’t over commit or over borrow. Spend money reasonably and save money for bad times.

Compassion comes from humble beginnings

Firoz Merchant was raised in Bombay, in a family with limited financial resources. He was among nine siblings, with six boys and three girls. His father worked as a real estate broker, while his mother managed the household. The family struggled as their real estate business frequently faced challenges, leading to an unstable financial situation. Despite being a good student, he had to drop out of school when he was a mere 11-year-old to assist in managing their business's daily operations.

"After I joined the family business, and turned 13 or 14, our lives began to improve," he shared in an interview. Having honed business skills from a young age, he developed the mindset and skills of an entrepreneur as he grew into adulthood.

From India to Dubai

With his hard work, his business grew substantially in India, and in due course Merchant got married. In 1980, he travelled to Dubai for the first time with his wife, Rozina, for their honeymoon, and felt an immediate connection with the country.

One place which particularly mesmerised him as a tourist was the Dubai Gold Souk. A traditional market, the souk, located in Dubai's commercial business district in Deira, consists of more than 380 retailers. Most of them are jewellery traders. With the entrepreneurial spirit that he had cultivated since childhood, Merchant realised that the place offered a wealth of opportunities if he made the right moves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y1ZSbvQrZQ

Upon returning from Dubai, he expressed his desire to his father to relocate there and venture into the gold business. His father laughed at him but Merchant remained persistent, having left his heart in Dubai. Witnessing his determination over months and years, his parents finally gave in and allowed him to make the move. "My parents advised me to pursue my dreams without expecting financial support from them, given our situation. However, they offered their blessings and good wishes," Merchant shared.

In 1989, nine years after he had started nurturing his dream, Merchant embarked on his solo journey to Dubai to explore opportunities in the gold and diamond trading business, starting out with modest accommodations. As his circumstances improved, he was able to afford a flat, and called over his wife, and small children – a daughter and a son.

ALSO READ | From Zulekha Daud to Mama Zulekha: Story of UAE’s first female Indian doctor

Reaching the zenith

Starting out as a small trader, Merchant became successful in laying the foundation of what is now a large business enterprise. From humble beginnings, Pure Gold Jewellers has blossomed into a brand to reckon with. Starting with just one Pure Gold Jewellers store, the Pure Gold group now boasts off more than 150 outlets in places like Dubai, Northern Emirates, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar.

Merchant is proud of his accomplishments, “In 1998, within ten years of starting my business Pure Gold had become the largest importer of gold in Dubai, indulging in 110 tonnes of import out of the 600 tonnes that Dubai had imported that year,” he shared.

[caption id="attachment_49779" align="aligncenter" width="801"] Indian Entrepreneur | Firoz Merchant | Global Indian Firoz Merchant[/caption]

A market leader in the industry, in 2002, Pure Gold Jewellers became the first jewellery retailer in UAE to gain ISO certification, and the first jeweller to be awarded the World Diamond Mark. “When I look at the challenges and competitors, I consider them good for me because we get to learn from both,” the visionary leader says.

Always do business with integrity and good intention, and the almighty will support you.

Firoz Merchant

Gold Group’s portfolio consists of a wide range of exclusive brands, including jewellery crafted from gold, diamonds, pearls, and various other precious and semi-precious stones. Additionally, they offer product ranges from established Italian designers. Despite his remarkable achievements driven by his own vision and ambition, Merchant acknowledges his father's influence. "Closing deals is a skill I learned from my father," he remarked. "He taught me the importance of building long-term relationships with customers and working on long-term plans. Short-term success may come, but might not last long." Merchant shared, reflecting on the invaluable lesson imparted by his father.

Reaping rewards for philanthropy and entrepreneurship

Firoz Merchant has won several awards and accolades for philanthropy. He has been named in the Forbes Middle East Top 100 Indian Business owners in the Arab world. In 2017 the philanthropist received the Community Service Medal & Award from Lt. General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the UAE at the Interior Ministry.

Merchant has been inducted into Abu Dhabi Police’s community wing 'We Are All Police' for helping with release of inmates by paying off their debts.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Firoz Merchant. (@firozmerchantpg)

In recognition of his remarkable contributions to philanthropy and entrepreneurship in the UAE, Firoz Merchant was honoured with the UAE permanent residency, known as the Golden Card, in 2019. This prestigious acknowledgment of impacting the country’s economy came exactly 30 years after his initial arrival in Dubai as an aspiring trader. The honour was extended to his entire family.

Expressing happiness and gratitude on the occasion, he remarked, “The UAE is the university of the universe and among the greatest and most beautiful countries in the world with world class safety, security, education and healthcare for residents to lead a valuable life.”

Follow Firoz Merchant on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

Reading Time: 5 mins