Global IndianstoryThe Ironman: Methodical entrepreneur Nikhil Kapur’s journey is all about ‘Atmantan’

The Ironman: Methodical entrepreneur Nikhil Kapur’s journey is all about ‘Atmantan’

Written by: Vikram Sharma

(June 19, 2023) When Nikhil Kapur first heard about the Ironman challenges during a casual conversation with a friend, he was confident he could nail it with a mere three-four months of training. However, when he got in touch with a few coaches to discuss the plan, they advised him to give it at least 12-18 months.

The Ironman challenge is one of the most challenging in the world, and involves completing a long-distance triathlon consisting of a 3.86 km-swim, a 180.25-km bike ride, and a full marathon, which is a 42.20-km run. Participants must complete all three disciplines consecutively and within a certain time limit to be considered an Ironman finisher. Nikhil was determined and began training with a US-based coach. The training in each discipline — cycling, running and swimming — was gruelling.

Over the years, his determination and sheer hard work led him to complete not one but five Ironman events (a series of long distance triathlon races) across the globe, successfully. “The preparation for each race and the race itself has transformed me into the person I am today – both personally and professionally,” smiles Nikhil Kapur, Ironman Tri-athlete and wellness hotelier, speaking to Global Indian. Nikhil and his wife, Sharmilee Agarwal Kapur are the founders of Atmantan, a premium integrated-wellness resort in Mulshi, Pune, where Nikhil serves as Founder, Director and Sports Nutritionist. Nikhil, who also enjoys organic farming in his free time, was named in GQ’s list of ‘50 most influential Indians’ (under 40).

Nikhil Kapur

Taking on the Ironman challenge

It was in January 2014 that Nikhil signed for his first half Ironman event in Auckland. Thereafter, in July the same year, he did his first full Ironman challenge in Zurich. He went on to complete the Ironman competition in Kalmar, Sweden in August 2016, and another in Copenhagen in 2017. His fifth Ironman challenge was at Hamburg in July 2018.

“Hamburg was the most painful race of them all. I completed the race alright but in this race, my physical body gave up. However, my mind remained strong and kept pushing me to the finish line,” recalls Nikhil. In all other races, he says, it was the other way round. “The body was well-conditioned and the mind used to play games like why go so fast, go easy, why are you doing this and so on,” says Nikhil.

He feels Ironman races, like life itself, are very tough. “But if you have a plan and you start taking one step at a time, you come out a winner,” says Kapur.

Years of training not only made him physically fit but stronger mentally. “My mind is focussed and holds attention to the job at hand without getting distracted. It knows that if there is a low point, I can still bounce back from there,” says the five-time Ironman triathlete.

Nikhil during the Ironman Challenge

Early life

Born in New Delhi in January 1977, Nikhil travelled to new cities every two or three years as his father was in the Army. Most of his middle school and High school was in The Army Public School (TAPS, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi).

“My father was a professional sportsman. He played Badminton (Junior) for Punjab and then was in the National Squash Team (1964-70) when he was 2nd Lt in the Army. Both my sister and I got his sporty genes,” smiles Nikhil. The Kapur siblings were both very outgoing and loved to play sports. “We were jacks of all sports, actually,” he says.

A series of extraordinary events

Nikhil says there are so many ordinary and extraordinary things that have shaped him into the individual that he is today. “From having meals together as a family, to making sure that the driver eats when we eat on a long journey, to keeping yourself fit and active, to making sure that the job needs to be done at any cost — all incidences while growing up have helped build a strong value system in me. Since I come from a humble background, it keeps me grounded too.”

Nikhil Kapur

With his father getting posted to Pune, Nikhil too moved with him and did his BA(Eco) and MBA from Fergusson College & Symbiosis Institute Business Management. “I got my first job in Wipro Infotech from campus and then I worked in Reuters India. These six years provided me an insight into what goes into running an organisation, why systems and processes are important,” he informs.

When it came to academics, Nikhil was an average student right up to his college. While he was not into professional sports, he played a lot of Golf during college days and took up running too.

“All the running during the college days laid the foundation of my long distance running that I started after a few years. And this is life, what we do today lays the foundation of what we do next. This is applicable to our thoughts and actions,” he feels.

Lessons from Ironman

Ask him what he learnt by participating in Ironman challenges, Nikhil says it has taught him that ‘Impossible is nothing.’“I have followed my training drills to the T and each week I could make out that I was getting more and more efficient in each discipline. And that’s the idea, be more efficient as you race long distances,” says Nikhil, who loves cycling the most among the three sports (running and swimming being the other two).

During his Ironman events, Nikhil would have long conversations with other participants from across the world who had their stories to tell about how and why they took up the challenge. “All that I can say is that Ironman race is very much possible. Just assess your health properly and get yourself a coach who can train you the right way,” is his piece of advice.

At Atmantan

Nikhil Kapur with his wife.

Nikhil and Sharmilee had been closely monitoring the Wellness tourism space ever since the idea struck his wife during her college days. “Since the idea was appealing to us, we closely observed various factors including the economy, the wealth creation, the titration of lifestyle and the need for consumers for destinations that could transform the health,” says Nikhil, who also features in the Luxebook Top 100: Indian Luxury’s Most Influential People -2020! and was named among the “Fit & Fabulous – 2018” by Asia Spa.

Together, they scouted and selected a 42-acre parcel of land in Mulshi, Pune. Thereafter, the couple did much running around — for bank loans to finding architects who could understand the needs of a wellness centre, labour, permissions, doctors, trainers, chefs and masseuse and so on — Atmantan was launched in 2016.

“India has the traditional and proven knowledge systems of Vedanta, Ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga, herbal medicine and energy healing. Where else in this world is this available?” wonders Nikhil, explaining all that is available at Atmantan. The first 12 to 18 months was a challenging phase. “Since the concept was unique, it was challenging to establish ourselves as a brand that understands health, body, physiology, mind, energy really well and cares about people’s deteriorating health,” he says.

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Published on 19, Jun 2023

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Scribbling his way to Broadway: Indian-origin Shreyas Ayaluri has had a fascinating journey into screenwriting

(September 15, 2021) As a child, Shreyas Ayaluri would spend hours scribbling just about anything on pieces of paper. It made no sense to anyone but him. From doodles, shower thoughts, ideas, catch phrases or just to-do-lists – he would be at it for most part of the day. Once, his teacher suggested he carry a miniature note-pad to capture all his haphazard thoughts and be more efficient with his scribbling. He followed the advice religiously. Now, at 27, he continues to scribble, creates magic out of it and is unstoppable. His flair for writing has led this US-based Global Indian to become an acclaimed screenwriter. His work has been featured at some of the best screenwriting festivals in the world while he makes strides in Hollywood with his latest screenplay Elvis Escobar and Juniper Lea which is all set to grace the silver screen in 2021. That is not all: The latest feather in his cap is writing a song for Broadway which has him on cloud nine. [caption id="attachment_10390" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Shreyas Ayaluri with Quentin Tarantino[/caption] An uphill climb "While all this is magical, I would be lying if I told you that the path was all sunshine and rainbows. I cannot fathom that I wrote a song for Broadway," says a beaming Shreyas,

1. That is not all: The latest feather in his cap is writing a song for Broadway which has him on cloud nine.

[caption id="attachment_10390" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Indian-origin screenwriter Shreyas Ayaluri Shreyas Ayaluri with Quentin Tarantino[/caption]

An uphill climb

"While all this is magical, I would be lying if I told you that the path was all sunshine and rainbows. I cannot fathom that I wrote a song for Broadway," says a beaming Shreyas, speaking exclusively to Global Indian. Based out of Los Angeles, the youngster from Hyderabad likes to call himself a creative addict. His journey from being a scribbler to a screenwriter is as fascinating as it can get. Only, that screenwriting was never on his mind in his early days.

"After pursuing engineering, I gave advertising a shot. I worked as a copywriter for two years, trying to quench my creative thirst. It was my stint at the advertising firm that bridged the gap between science and arts," informs Shreyas, whose life took a 180 degree turn when he saw his first piece of work splashed across a huge billboard while walking home one day. "It moved me. All those feelings, emotions that I didn’t know existed in me, gushed through my body and I just knew it," recalls Shreyas, whose work has been featured and placed at the best screenwriting festivals including the likes of The Austin Film Festival, ScreenCraft, The Script Lab, StoryPros Awards and Film Empire.

[caption id="attachment_10391" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Indian-origin screenwriter Shreyas Ayaluri Shreyas Ayaluri with Jeff Goldblum[/caption]

While his stint in the ad agency where he wrote ads for major F&B brands changed his perception of telling tales and selling stories, which he refers to as the first step into the hero's journey, the determined youngster leapt at an opportunity to study screenwriting and film in the US.

It’s all in the family

Growing up in a traditional South Indian family, expectations were set and choices were made for Shreyas, whose father AK Srinivas was in the Indian Air Force. The options before him were straight forward, either join the Armed Forces or pursue engineering. "Luckily, my parents got my enthusiasm and my flair. They pushed me to explore further," informs the award-winning screenwriter, who first studied screenwriting at New York Film Academy and later at University of California.

Shreyas has written four feature length screenplays, two pilots and has multiple shorts to his credit. His very first screenplay Amuse Me fetched him an award for best screenplay and is still going strong at film festivals. The screenwriter says he loves to write custom comedies with a heart, soul and a mind of its own. His latest feature is called Elvis Escobar and Juniper Lea which is a romantic comedy. "The song I am writing for Broadway is still in production," informs Shreyas, who grew up listening to ABBA and watching movies like Top Gun over and over again. Shreyas, who has been in the US since 2018, also worked briefly with General Motors as a quality auditor.

[caption id="attachment_10392" align="aligncenter" width="621"] Indian-origin screenwriter Shreyas Ayaluri Shreyas with a friend[/caption]

Rooted in India

But like all successful people, Shreyas' journey came with a lot of ups and downs. "There were times when things got rough, financially, especially during the pandemic, as being an artiste is not a 9-to-5 job and one might work on a project for months without a paycheck. But one has to do what it takes to stay in the game and that’s what I did. Moonlighting and juggling different roles and working for less, it only brought me closer to my dream and made me realize that if you crave art that bad, you just have to be at it like a creative addict," says Shreyas, who did his schooling from Kennedy High and thereafter got admission in Page Academy in Hyderabad.

While at boarding school, Shreyas recalls how he would write letters to his mother Sridevi Ayaluri, telling her how much he disliked being there. "I didn’t hold back; I went on and on about how things could be different if I were back home. But what my mother remembers is how creatively I would tell that story through the letter," says Shreyas, who was the second rounder at the Austin Film festival of both 2019 and 2020 besides receiving several accolades for his work internationally.

So, what advice does Shreyas have for anyone starting off on a journey? "If anyone out there is still contemplating to take that first plunge, I say do it. It’s going to be difficult, scary and most likely you will fall. Pick yourself up, do it again and fall again. Falling may not be fun, but it’s just part of the process. I fall all the time but only I’ve learnt to bounce back quicker,” he says. Shreyas believes that every song has a story to tell and every story is a song, if understood well. "Be it stating facts or dreaming up a fiction, I try to put the right words to go with," he says adding that the one thing that helps ride the tide is his writing.

Reading Time: 8 mins

Waswo X Waswo: The ‘evil orientalist’ reviving Indian miniatures

(October 15, 2022) Waswo X. Waswo arrives at our video call looking irritable. The electricity had been erratic through the day - in Udaipur, the absence of air-conditioning is a serious problem. He has just returned from San Francisco, where he gave a talk at the Asian Art Museum. "I was afraid they would ask me to state my pronouns," he tells Global Indian, only half-jokingly. Waswo is the "old fashioned liberal," not given to accepting unfairness or dogmatism without a fight. It's a personal struggle, one that has also defined him as an artist.  As we speak, he was preparing for another debate, this time in Delhi, put together by Aakshat Sinha, on 'wokeism' in art. "Of course, I'm the anti-woke contingent." His art, an intermingling of photography and miniature painting styles, is a visual treat - it reminds me always of Henri Rousseau but mirrors his journey to find his identity, as a human being and as an artist. He works in the ‘karkhana’ style, working through collaborations with local miniaturists and border painters in Udaipur, reviving their legacy, bringing the artisans who have gone without credit for generations, to the fore, in India and abroad.  In his latest

st. He works in the ‘karkhana’ style, working through collaborations with local miniaturists and border painters in Udaipur, reviving their legacy, bringing the artisans who have gone without credit for generations, to the fore, in India and abroad. 

In his latest book, Karkhana, which will be out in November, Waswo documents his decades-long association with Indian artists - he works out of Udaipur, which has been home for the last two decades. His work comprises two styles, which often mingle with each other. There are hand-coloured digital portraits he co-creates with Rajesh Soni and the contemporary miniatures, which he conceptualises and are painted by the miniaturist R. Vijay, who also comes with a rich artistic lineage. Their collaboration of over fifteen years is a blend of genres, where Waswo himself is the protagonist, the bumbling foreigner trying to make sense of India. This extends to the miniatures, done in the Mughal, Mewar court Company School styles. 

**Udaipur – and the karkhana approach** 

Wandering through the bazaars of Udaipur, in his early days in India, Waswo fell in love with the miniatures on display in the shops. "They were generally low quality but I liked them." They were done following the karkhana style, with groups of people working on a single painting. The shopkeeper, however, announced proudly that he was the artist. Waswo learned soon enough about the artists who work quietly in the background, as they have for generations, never signing their work. When he began collaborating with R. Vijay, who comes from a long line of artists himself, Waswo had to coax him to put his name on it. "He said his name didn't belong on it and I had to push him to sign. Now, he always wants to sign his paintings." 

Waswo X Waswo first came to India in 1993 and spent 10 days here. In 1999, he came back and spent a month in Rajasthan. "That was when I started to fall in love with the place," he smiles. In the fall of 2000, he returned with his partner, Tommy, and stayed on for six months. "In 2006, I bought the home in Udaipur because I wanted to work with the craftsmen there. I see one of my jobs as finding what people are good at and trying to incorporate that into my work." 

The etymology of the karkhana, Waswo explains, goes back to ancient Persia. It's a story reminiscent of Orhan Pamuk. Karkhanas were artisans' workshops, which were brought to Delhi through the Mughal courts of Jehangir and Akbar, and miniatures were painted. "When Aurangzeb came to power, the artists were terrorised and escaped to places like Rajasthan, where they found patronage under the Maharanas of Bikaner and Jaipur," he says. It led to the founding of the Bikaneri, Alwar, and Mewar schools of art. The system continues to live on - "I didn't meet R. Vijay directly," Waswo says. "I met him through a shopkeeper."  

When he first started creating work in Rajasthan, Waswo was a photographer with a Rolleiflex and a dark room he had built for himself in Udaipur. "In the US, I used Ilford chemicals and paper and knew how things were mixed, as well as how to control water temperature. Here, the darkroom was always hot and dusty - dust is a real problem with negatives. I couldn't find the right chemicals either." The time had come to go digital and Waswo bought himself an Epson 2700, the first high-end digital printer in Rajasthan. "I met Rajesh Soni around this time, he saw the black and white photos I was printing up and said he could paint them." His grandfather, Prabhulal Verma, was a photographer for Maharaja Bhopar Singh of Mewar. "I pushed Rajesh to colour the photographs and one thing led to another." It resulted in a collaboration that lasted over 15 years.  

 The Campbellian struggle  

"Through my paintings, I have learned to look at myself and question myself," Waswo tells me. "When I started, I was taking photos and writing poems, always with the idea that I would go back to the US and exhibit them. India was my subject and not my audience." He attracted quite a bit of criticism from the west, however, for his supposedly "white gaze." He was told he was "editing out modern India and keeping people blind to the truth."  

The western gaze, it seemed, wanted to see the crippling poverty, the starving children, and the dirty streets, not the moments of poignant beauty in which Waswo found inspiration. "I have always taken photos based on pictorialism, I like beautiful landscapes and common people - I like them as people. They have a lot of self-worth and awareness of that self-worth too." Coming from the US, where so many children are born to single parents, he found a deep appreciation of the Indian family structure." His critics, however, decided he was demeaning India.  

Struggles against postmodernism and the 'evil orientalist' 

He has always been a rebel, however, never given to conforming, either to the left or the right. In the US, in Wisconsin where he grew up in a Christian home, he came to terms with being gay. "I was very much on the left then, fighting for gay rights. I even made a speech to the Senate." In India, the struggle against the western system continued, albeit on the opposite side this time. "It has been a battle," Waswo admits. "I have been battling post-modernism for a long time, much before Jordan Peterson started talking about it." 

As he struggled to find himself and stay true to the artist within, Waswo found a solution - introducing himself into his works. Several series of miniatures were born of this - The Secret Life of Waswo X Waswo, Early Work with R. Vijay, A Dream in Bundi, and Lost. "I introduced myself into my work," he says. "He's the bumbling foreigner in India. The outsider doesn't understand where he is but still has an appreciation for the wonder, beauty, and kindness of people. He has grown into his own man now."  

Sometimes, he's the "evil Orientalist," a role he plays gleefully and to the hilt. In other words, he's wearing a fedora and a suit, chasing butterflies or squinting disapprovingly through his spectacles at a scene that is poetically, spectacularly Indian. In the series, The Observationist at Leisure in a Stolen Garden, he's also chased by a crocodile. Waswo and I go back many years and although I have seen his work for a long time, at first glance, I confuse him with the French master, Henri Rousseau. Waswo looks pleased when I tell him this. "He's one of my favourite painters. He's an outsider, who taught himself how to paint. He never even went to the Tropics, although he paints them extensively. I'm the same. I have no degree in fine art, I'm a photographer." The artists he works with are "very naive," far removed from the elitism of the art circles. "The artists were trained by other miniaturists but don't have academic backgrounds like many others in the art scene."  

The India Art Fair 

Waswo is now also working on a solo booth at the India Art Fair. He shows me around the works as we speak and sends me a photo of artists working on gold leaf linings. This series is a shift from Waswo's usual work. His artist, Chirag Kumawat, specialises in both realism and miniatures. "We're combining hard-core realism with miniature elements, it will be something nobody has seen before." Even Kalki, the god of destruction, makes an appearance in the paintings. "The world is changing at a very rapid pace. With the advent of AI, shifting politics, climate change, and pandemics, we are at a crossroads. Kalki makes an appearance because this is a time of chaos and we have to wait and see what emerges in the new era." 

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Reading Time: 8 mins

Raj Patel: Indian-American winemaker made heads turn at the US State dinner

Raj Patel is an Indian-American winemaker and the owner of Patel Winery in Napa Valley, California. As a first-generation wine producer, he made history by becoming the first Indian to obtain a liquor license for winemaking in Napa Valley. His journey into winemaking began with an internship at Robert Mondavi Winery, where his passion for wine blossomed, leading him to fulfill his dream of owning a winery. Patel Winery gained significant recognition after serving Patel Red Blend 2019 at the US State dinner for Prime Minister Modi at the White House. The winery offers four different wines, including Sauvignon Blanc and Napa Valley Cabernet, and exports its wines to various countries worldwide. (September 3, 2023) Amid a lavish spread of crisped millet cakes, summer squashes, marinated millet and grilled corn kernel salad and stuffed portobello mushrooms, stood a case of Patel Red Blend 2019 - a red wine - that grabbed attention at the US State dinner for PM Modi. 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 tells Global Indian. Started

tells 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."

Patel Winery | Global Indian

Two months since 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, and now there's that knowledge which is a nice thing."

Gujarati family adjusting in a new land

Born in the town of Pati in Gujarat, Raj's first brush with America was at the age of six when his family relocated to the country in 1972. Growing up in the US was nothing short of a challenge for this Gujarati family for whom getting even basic things like eggplant, garlic or ginger was difficult. "You couldn't find them at a regular grocery store, you had to go to a Chinese store to get it. In Berkeley, there was only one Indian store to support the daily needs of all the Indians in California. The world and the island feel very small when you are the only one of that type on the island," says Raj, calling America "very different 40 years ago".

However, he is quick to add that things have changed multifold in the last few decades, thanks to inclusivity and diversity. "The Americans love Indians, who are very well accepted in this country. Indians have completely adapted to the term when in Rome, do as the Romans do. They have completely adapted more so than other cultures have. Indians now make one of the largest contingents in the US. As a matter of fact, I won't be surprised that in the next 10 years, Indians would be one of the biggest proportions."

Still when he got into the business of wine making in 2007, Raj was the first Indian to get a liquor license to produce wine. "Even as a vintner, I was the first Asian person in the Napa Valley. But now it has diversified as we have a couple of Chinese and Korean people, a gentleman from Pakistan and someone from Singapore," reveals Raj, adding that Napa Valley has an inclusive environment. It's only in the last 5-6 years that more Indians have ventured into wine making in Napa Valley, however, the large number of customers continue to be Caucasians. "There are country clubs that I had gone to 20 years ago they probably wouldn't even let me in, and now we do winemaker dinners there. The world has changed."

Raj Patel | Winemaker | Global Indian

Passion for winemaking

The passion and love for wine began when as he stood in the sprawling vineyard of the Robert Mondavi Winery in the Napa Valley for his internship. "I had finished my BioChem degree at the University of California, and they were looking for someone for lab tech." What began as a "necessity to earn a few extra bucks during summer break" turned into a life-long passion after being exposed to tasting some of the best wines and meeting the Mondavi family. "They told me I have a great palate and I should pursue this. It was so out of the box that I didn't even think about it. Over the years, I collected wine and visited wineries in Napa." Coming from the dry state of Gujarat, he had no idea how to get into the wine making business as a young lad. However, he wrote it down as a goal in his diary that he wanted to own a winery by the age of 55, something he accomplished at 40.

But before translating his dream into reality, he worked for 19 years in Bank of America "on the mortgage and credit side." "I have a strong exposure to the finance world but I did stay with the goal. I was somewhere convinced that at some point I was going to buy a winery." It was while working in corporate America that the Patel Winery happened. "I was starting a winery and working at the credit side, and it was long hours doing both things at the same time. I was actually both until a month ago. Now I am going to focus on the winery and start a mortgage bank."

Luck is what happens when opportunity meets preparation, and Raj prepared himself well in these years. From tasting wines to collecting wines to visiting vineyards, he never missed a chance to tell people that he has plans of opening a winery in the near future. A business meeting at a brewery in Baltimore helped align the right people, and assisted him in putting the winery together. "If you tell enough people what you want to do, you will eventually run into people that will help you. It's one of the key things - having confidence in what you want to do. There are times when you will succeed and times when you won't but the key is to have a plan, dream or idea and stay focussed. Tell the people what you want without giving away the secret sauce. People will help you."

Patel Winery | Global Indian

A wine - class apart

The right assistance helped him establish Patel Winery in 2007, and in a few years, the combined magic of him as an owner and that of his winemaker Julien Fayard, helped catapult Patel Wines to new heights. It's their attention to detail that sets Patel Wine apart from its competitors. "The wines that we make even by American standards or European standards, the quality is in the top 1 percent. You look at the reviews, you are talking about some of the toughest critics that review these things and we are in that top 1 percent. Once you try it, it may change your bias forever," says Raj who did not hesitate to put Patel on the wine. "A lot of Patels love the fact that I did that with the name." Though many advised him against it initially, Raj says it helped "elevate things" for Patel Winery. But it was an uphill task initially. No one showed up on his table at wine tasting sessions as most people gravitated towards known brands. But slowly it was the name that drew many curious wine tasters to his table, and "they liked what they tasted." "Today, when I start pouring, there are five-six people deep waiting to taste the Patel Wine because they want to know what is new. The gratification that you get from all the hard work over the years is amazing."

Raj is happy that Indians in the US now have clung to it. "A lot of Indians buy an exorbitant amount of Patel Wines," says the winemaker, revealing that many Indian-Americans are into collecting wines. "Collecting wine, holding wine and knowing about wine even in India has become very suave, especially among the women. In many cultures, women drinking whiskey or beer is frowned upon but wine is never frowned upon. In fact, it's considered sophisticated. It gives a sense of elegance, and that's something that they have here (US) gravitated towards too."

Two decades in the business of winemaking made Raj patient. "What we make doesn't happen overnight." However, having temperament is something that he considers vital in this business. Having had proposals to make champagne and diversify into other liquor, he decided to stuck to his core. "We make the wines we know. In a perfect world, I would have made just one wine. But we only make four different types of wine - Sauvignon Blanc, Red Wine (which was served at the White House), a Napa Valley Cabernet and Coombsvilla Cabarnet - which is great because it keeps us focussed, and people see that in our quality."

Patel Winery | Global Indian

Raj, who loves skiing and hiking, eventually plans to buy his own vineyard and have his own tasting room. Looking for expansion, he wants to grow the winery to about 3000 cases. "At some point, we will also come up with other products."

Coming from a lineage where his uncle's brother was one of the first Patels in the US, Raj is glad that happy to be carrying forward the baton of "the firsts" in America. "In 1923, my uncle's brother was only 17 when he came to America, exactly 100 years ago. Imagine coming to a country in the early 1900s, when you had no idea how the outside world looks like. He was brave to do so. His journey has been documented in a book called The Pioneer. In 1958, his brother came to the US, and my maternal aunt who called our family in 1972." With firsts come a lot of challenges, but Raj like his lineage didn't bow down and created a name for himself. "People say Patel Wine was served at the White House, trust me there have been some 18 tough years behind it," he signs off.

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Reading Time: 8 min

Metal meets mettle: How Deepikka Jindal forges the future from tradition with Arrtd’inox

(November 27, 2023) When Deepikka Jindal began Arttd'inox as a passion project, she hadn’t anticipated its transformation into a pan-India eco-conscious lifestyle business. The project grew quickly into a distinguished brand under the JSL Lifestyle umbrella and Jindal now operates 10 stores across the country. The high-end lifestyle brand works with hand-beaten stainless steel and precious metals, employing and empowering heritage artisans from across the country and incorporating ancient methods like hammering, Dhokra, Tarkashi and metal raising, to create a blend of traditional and contemporary designs. The Creative Head and Managing Director of Jindal Lifestyle Ltd, Deepikka Jindal talks to Global Indian about her journey. Hailing from a quintessential Kolkata-Marwari family, her early years were deeply rooted in the rich cultural traditions of her community. She attended Loreto Convent, a renowned school in the city with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and admits she was a shy and timid girl, navigating life quietly. “One of the most important things I learned growing up was my family’s deep respect and a strong desire to carry forward the 'Sanskaras' we were taught. They instilled the belief that 'We are only as good as what we have learnt from those before us

e 'Sanskaras' we were taught. They instilled the belief that 'We are only as good as what we have learnt from those before us and what we do for those who come after us.' This principle has been a guiding force throughout my journey,” she says.

[caption id="attachment_47067" align="aligncenter" width="270"] Image courtesy: Deepikka Jindal[/caption]

Finding her path

Immersed in this traditional upbringing, being an entrepreneur wasn’t part of the plan at first for Deepikka Jindal. Her primary focus was on nurturing her family, and when the time came, she wholeheartedly embraced her role as a homemaker. At the age of 19, Deepikka married into the illustrious Jindal Steel family. It transformed her life profoundly, and introduced her to a new, diverse set of roles and experiences.

“While fulfilling my duties as a wife and mother, I also had the privilege of travelling extensively with my husband, and gaining exposure to a wonderful tapestry of cultures and environments,” Jindal says. “It enriched my global perspective and broadened my horizons.” These were pivotal life experiences, marking a period of growth and learning.

All the while, she continued to nourish her deep passion for art and culture, first through her upbringing in the culturally vibrant city of Kolkata, and later through her extensive travels. She would channel this by creating beautiful and inviting spaces for special occasions and family gatherings.

Metal Allure

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Deepikka Jindal may not have imagined then where this passion would lead her. As she approached her 40s, she founded Arttd’inox as a passion project. Her idea took off. Today, with 10 stores across the country, Arttd’inox is a distinguished company in its own right under the JSL Lifestyle umbrella. Her mission is to transcend the ordinary, which she does by taking everyday objects and transforming them into elegant works of art. “This journey allowed me to seamlessly merge my lifelong fondness for design with a newfound entrepreneurial spirit, creating a harmonious fusion of passion and business,” she says.

Jindal’s mission does not end with aesthetics. She is committed to the revitalisation of India's craft traditions by partnering with artisans from diverse regions. Arttd’inox partners with heritage artisans across India, weaving traditions like chasing, metal raising, hammering, Dhokra, Tarkashi, and stone inlay into their stainless-steel creations. “We are empowering artisans to delve deeper into their crafts, encouraging them to explore different materials and techniques while showcasing their work in the global market,” Jindal explains. The artisans are also brought up to date with new designs, motifs, materials and colour combinations, so that their work can meet contemporary demands as well. “This also sparks new product ideas for diverse markets,” she remarks. “By enabling artisans to access new markets and create innovative products, we have contributed to increasing their income, thereby improving their living standards, and supporting their families,” says Jindal.

An eventful journey

With over ten state-of-the-art Arttd'inox stores across India, Jindal admits that her entrepreneurial journey has allowed her to blend her profound commitment to crafting beautiful spaces with her newfound entrepreneurial spirit. This she says is a harmonious fusion of passion and business, and it has been extremely fulfilling. “Through this journey, I have come to realise that we are not merely products of our past but also architects of our future.”

The journey has helped her gain valuable insights into overcoming challenges to achieve a higher purpose. A deeply spiritual person, she has learned to maintain her connection to her spiritual, physical and mental well-being, as she makes strides in the business world. “As I look back on the path that brought me to where I stand today, I am brimming with gratitude for the unique mix of opportunities, challenges, and personal growth that have moulded both my life and me,” says Jindal.

Balakncing act

Deepikka Jindal | Jindal Lifestyle Ltd | Global Indian

A firm believer that neglecting self-care is unsustainable, both in business and personal life, Jindal is clear that taking time for oneself, engaging in activities that bring happiness and inner peace, is imperative. “For me, spirituality is the cornerstone of this self-care journey. Through my spiritual endeavours, I have experienced a profound impact on my personal and professional growth. It has brought a sense of calmness, enhanced my ability to prioritize, and provided clarity for making decisions,” says Jindal who is a staunch follower of Raj Yoga meditation, deeply rooted in the Brahma Kumaris tradition. By prioritising what truly matters and shifting her mindset, she has consistently found a harmonious balance between work and life. This approach has always been her way of dealing with challenges.”

Life lessons

Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, she has picked up some valuable life lessons that have truly shaped her perspective towards work and life. “I have learned that tough times are not roadblocks; they are stepping stones to personal growth,” says Jindal. Maya Angelou’s words, ‘You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated’, have been her “guiding star.” Learning to face challenges directly and keep a constant check on herself is an essential part of her journey. “It helps me adjust, reconfigure and make progress towards my goals, step by step.”

Deepikka Jindal has transformed herself from a timid young woman, to a go-getter, showing resilience when times are tough, and being patient always. “Challenges are not setbacks; they are opportunities to build character and become stronger. I have also come to understand the immense value of working together as a team. Building and nurturing a strong, united team is key. Success is often a group effort, and a cohesive team can achieve much more than an individual.”

Advice for budding entrepreneurs

Build a lasting brand rather than chasing trends, Jindal believes. Resilience and persistence are often the keys to success. “Exercise caution against impulsive decision-making and opt for well-considered choices informed by research and insight,” she says. “Moreover, understand the profound power of teamwork in achieving your entrepreneurial goals. Also, never underestimate the sigknificance of your physical and mental well-being; it not only guides optimal business decisions but also contributes to your long-term health and success. Lastly, incorporate practices like yoga and meditation into your routine, cultivating the calm and focus essential for navigating the entrepreneurial journey,” says Jindal.

[caption id="attachment_47072" align="aligncenter" width="460"] Tiara Centerpiece by Arttd'Inox[/caption]

In the pipeline

Jindal’s plans involve a concentrated effort to solidify the brand’s presence within the national market, focusing on Arttd'inox's reputation as a high-end lifestyle brand celebrated for intricate handcrafted designs, eco-consciousness, and opulent offerings. “We are also enhancing our online presence and collaborating with global artisans and designers for limited edition merchandise. Ultimately, our vision is to make stainless steel a consumer lifestyle brand rather than just an industrial material, enriching everyday life with its exceptional artistry and quality,” she concludes.

Follow Deepikka Jindal on LinkedIn and explore Arrtd'inox through their website.

Akshat Saraf: The steel scion and AI startup founder who made it to the finals of the Microsoft Imagine Cup

(June 11, 2024) When Microsoft flew Akshat Saraf and his Mexican classmate Jorge Garduño to their headquarters in Seattle as part of the Microsoft Imagine Cup recently — they fully expected it to be an eventful week in their lives. But it turned out to be much more than that. Not only did they get to attend MS build, where they met with the global developer community, they attended keynotes by the likes of Satya Nadella and Sam Altman. What more, they even received a pat on their backs by Satya Nadella. “We met Satya backstage right before his keynote. He wished us the best of luck and said he was very impressed by our work before patting us on the back. It was an incredible experience that we will cherish forever,” smiles Akshat Saraf, an MBA student of Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, UK, in a chat with Global Indian. Akshat and Jorge were declared runners-up in the recently concluded Microsoft Imagine Cup, a global competition that encourages students to create AI-based solutions to real-world challenges. More than 1,500 startups entered the competition, in which Akshat and his MBA classmate’s innovative AI startup, JRE reached the top three. [caption id="attachment_52320" align="aligncenter" width="396"] Akshat and Jorge, co-founders, JRE, at the

ee.

[caption id="attachment_52320" align="aligncenter" width="396"] Akshat and Jorge, co-founders, JRE, at the Microsoft Imagine Cup[/caption]

Microsoft Imagine Cup

Akshat and Jorge first entered another competition, the “Oxbridge AI Challenge”, where AI startups from Oxford and Cambridge come and pitch their ideas. After being one of the winners of this challenge, they were fast-tracked to the Imagine Cup due to their partnership with Oxbridge AI.

“The Imagine Cup was a huge time commitment and an incredible learning experience for us, filled with multiple mentor calls, expert guidance, and product improvement over the course of four months,” says Akshat, who also got an immense amount of pitching experience through it, which made the team much stronger.

The Imagine Cup was an eliminator-style competition, and Akshat and Jorge had to bring their A-game every round. “When we got the news that we had reached the world championship and were amongst the top 3 out of over 1500 startups that applied, we were over the moon and in utter disbelief,” says Akshat.

As World Finalists and runner-ups of the Imagine Cup, the dynamic duo received an equity-free grant of $50,000 from Microsoft, which they have fully deployed towards bootstrapping their company.

Akshat Saraf | Global Indian

At the MS headquarters, Seattle

At Microsoft headquarters in Seattle, Akshat and his classmate met with experts in the field, learnt about the exciting new tech they are working on in the campus and also got to be on the Ms Build keynote stage in front of thousands of people. “It consisted of multiple rounds, with the semifinal round consisting of 18 people and us achieving the top 3,” says the 28 year old.

Beyond the semi-final stage, they not only had expert mentors from within Microsoft but also industry experts that they specifically reached out to in order to give them a well-rounded start-up even beyond the competition. “We put in immense amounts of work in building not only our product but also the pitch, viability, financial projects, etc. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Together, they competed against incredible companies amongst some of the brightest minds in the world.

JRE

JRE is a startup co-founded by Akshat and Jorge along with another AI expert based in Mexico Elí Cuéllar. They use their proprietary AI and plug-and-play hardware-software combo to make steel production more profitable and sustainable.

“Our AI model detects anomalies in the steel manufacturing process, giving way to massive reductions in reprocessing costs and wasted yield,” explains Akshat. Through the system, they have created bespoke models for each manufacturer, making it a perfect custom fit for their respective plants and style of operations.

“We (Akshat and Jorge) met at the University of Oxford and were the only two people out of a cohort of 340 who were associated with steel. We immediately hit it off and decided to build something amazing together to make an impact on steel.”

They spent months working and created a solution that is a win-win for the pockets of steel manufacturers while also being great for the environment. Akshat says the product is ready for deployment, and they are in talks with large manufacturers to launch it.

Inspired by businessmen

Born in Hyderabad, Telangana, Akshat completed his schooling from Oakridge International School, Hyderabad in 2013. He then went to Indiana University Bloomington for Bsc in Management.

“Indiana university was a huge culture shock for me. I moved there at the age of 17, my first time in the USA, and it was extremely daunting at first. However, it taught me a lot about being self-reliant, independent, and brave,” says Akshat, who completed his undergrad in 2017.

From a very young age, he was inspired by businessmen. Although interested in many things, he always had a calling for entrepreneurship and the business world. “I always knew business was what I wanted to do, along with creating lasting value,” says Akshat, who did his Executive Masters - PGPMFAB (family business) from Indian School of Business (ISB) in 2022-23 followed by MBA at the University of Oxford, which he will be completing in September this year.

At Radha TMT

Prior toBefore he left the country for his Executive Masters, Akshat was actively involved in his family business, which runs under the banner of Radha TMT, as the company’s Director. He worked there for six years before coming out for the MBA. “I helped scale growth through sales, launching completely new brands such as rhino 600+, our flagship premium product. I also did a 360° revamp across the sales and marketing divisions,” he says.

For the initial two years, he studied each aspect of production and plant operations. This allowed him to understand the recipe fully, before he went further on to tweak the sales and marketing recipe post expansions. “My involvement in Radha stretched beyond just operations and sales, first at an executive level, and later at a more strategic level.”

Networking

Academically, Akshat has always done well. “I was on the Dean’s List for multiple semesters during my undergrad, graduated with honours distinction deans list from ISB, and so far been faring very well at Oxford as well,” he smiles.

However, the main value he extracted through his studies post high school has been centered around networking, which give him as much pride as his grades. “It’s about the hands you shake, not the grades you make,” he says, quoting a guest speaker, who made the remark during a session during Akshat’s undergrad.

At Oxford

“Oxford has been phenomenal - unlike anything I have ever experienced,” says Akshat. He describes Oxford as a Harry Potter-type city, in which one is constantly around immense intelligence. He says the overall ecosystem around the university is phenomenal, to say the least.

He feels it is also extremely challenging, as the cohort is extremely talented, diverse, and accomplished. “About 97% of our cohort consists of international students, representing 70 countries from across the world. This diversity brings an incredible variety of cultures, thought processes, and ways of doing tasks,” says the proud Oxonian.

In the pipeline

“This is a very exciting time for us as founders. We wish to continue to explore the potential of AI to the fullest extent in manufacturing, especially in steel manufacturing,” says Akshat, who hopes to deploy JRE systems in every steel manufacturing plant that exists whilst also developing new products that help him continue to create a sizable impact on the steel industry.

His vision is to continue creating improvements in both the commercial and sustainability spheres of manufacturing, truly embodying our motto - People, Planet, Profit. “I have a pretty packed schedule currently, working on JRE and attending the last semester of classes at Oxford.”

Akshat Saraf | Global Indian

Fitness forward

Akshay has been a black belt martial artist in multiple forms. He started training due to a severe orthopaedic issue he faced as a kid when a doctor told him he wouldn’t be able to walk past his teenage years. “Martial arts changed my life, not only from a fitness standpoint but also from a mental aspect. It instilled a lot of focus, resilience, and willpower in me, thanks to the guidance of my sensei, Mr Farzaan Merchant,” says Akshat, who even completed a half marathon a few months ago.

Akshat makes sure he doesn’t miss his workouts, and particularly enjoys running and lifting weights. “Besides this, I spend time with my wife and my friends, and I also try to attend as many of the 1000 activities that are constantly happening around the vibrant student community at Oxford,” smiles the youngster.

He listens to audiobooks frequently and among his favourites is ‘Can’t Hurt Me’ by David Goggins. “That is more than just a book; it is basically a mental gym developing the muscles of willpower and a never-give-up attitude,” he says. For inspiration, he likes to watch his favourite Hindi movie “Guru,” loosely based on the life of industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani.

Giving back

Akshat has always been passionate about the cause of education for the underprivileged. He worked with an organisation called ‘Teach for Change’ starting as a volunteer and then serving on their advisory board till last year.