Global IndianstoryCannes 2022: How India’s soft power was on display at the biggest film festival

Cannes 2022: How India’s soft power was on display at the biggest film festival

Written by: Charu Thakur

(May 28, 2022) The picturesque city of Cannes is pulsating with energy, glamour and glitz as it hosts the best of world cinema under one roof. Welcome to the Cannes Film Festival 2022, an annual affair that has the who’s who of showbiz turning heads on the red carpet and the best of the films up for screening. The 75th edition is unlike any other for Indians, at least, as India takes centre stage like never before. Being named the Country of Honour at Cannes Market, the spotlight is on India’s cinema, culture, and heritage, and a perfect celebration of its soft power.

Yes, Minister

If six Indian films were officially screened at the film festival, an array of Bollywood stars sashayed down the red carpet in exquisite numbers by top designers. But it was the many firsts for India that made Cannes 2022 a lot more special. The biggest film festival on French Riveria saw the largest Indian contingent led by Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur take over the red carpet at Palais des Festivals with biggies like Shekhar Kapur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Ricky Kej, and Prasoon Joshi in tow. Not just this, Rajasthani singer Mame Khan scripted history by becoming the first folk artist from India to walk the Cannes red carpet.

The largest Indian contingent at Cannes 2022

While the red carpet looks kept the global audience hooked, Cannes 2022 gave India the perfect platform to celebrate its heritage and rich history, and one man who pulled it off with elan was Anurag Thakur. The minister not only emphasised the diversity of India’s cinematic excellence but also hailed the OTT platforms for their content. “I stand here before you, honoured to represent a civilisation that is over 6000 years old, a youthful nation of over 1.3 billion Indians, and the world’s largest film industry that produces over 2000 films annually,” he said at Cannes, adding, “The land of storytellers is on the spotlight of the cinematic world today – ready to engage and collaborate.”

India’s offerings

R Madhavan’s Rocketry: The Nambi Effect proved Thakur’s words right when it received a deafening ten-minute standing ovation at the film festival. Based on the life of Nambi Narayan, a former scientist and aerospace engineer at ISRO who was falsely accused of being a spy and arrested in 1994, the film had its world premiere at Cannes. Along with this much-talked-about film, an array of other Indian films serenaded the audience including Shaunak Sen’s All That Breathes, Nikhil Mahajan’s Godavari, Achal Mishra’s Dhuin, Shankar Shrikumar’s Alpha Beta Gamma, Biswajeet Bora’s Boomba Ride and Jayraj’s Tree Full of Parrots.

Proud!!!🇮🇳
The hysteria surrounding @ActorMadhavan ‘s #RocketryTheNambiEffect is just getting started with the world premiere at #CannesFilmFestival receiving a thunderous standing ovation from the audience!

#RMadhavan #RocketryAtCannes pic.twitter.com/0ex05a757f

— Elfa World (@ElfaWorld) May 21, 2022

Though Cannes 2022 has turned the spotlight on India, its first tryst with Indian cinema began in 1946 when Chetan Anand’s Neecha Nagar became the first Indian film to win the Palme d’Or (which was earlier called Grand Prix du Festival International du Film), the highest honour in cinema. The next big turn came in 1954 when Bimal Roy’s Do Bigha Zamin was honoured at the Prix Internationale at Cannes, followed by Satyajit Ray’s Pather Panchali in 1956. For decades, Indian films like Devdas, Salaam Bombay, Titli, and Udaan have satiated the palates of film aficionados across the globe.

The Rai effect

Cannes 2022 | Aishwarya Rai | Global Indian

Aishwarya Rai makes her 20th appearance at Cannes

It was Aishwarya Rai who made Cannes mainstream for Indians with her first red carpet appearance in 2002 along with Shah Rukh Khan. And since then, the diva has been a regular at the film festival and has paved the way for other Bollywood stars like Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. Speaking of which, the Piku actress has marked her debut as a jury member, who along with seven others like Asghar Farhadi, Rebecca Hall, Vincent Lindon, Jasmine Trinca, and Ladj Ly, would announce the winner of Palme d’Or. “We can literally count on our fingertips the number of times anyone from India has been on the jury or has had the opportunity to represent the country at a platform such as this. To see India being recognised at a global level at a platform like this… I think it says a lot about where we are as a nation and the road ahead for us as a nation,” she told PTI.

Cannes 2022 | Deepika Padukone | Global Indian

Deepika Padukone on Cannes 2022 red carpet

The 12-day extravaganza that pulled out all the stops to bring the best of cinema, celebrities, and fashion under one roof is on the tail end of the celebration, but not without giving India a platform to project itself as a ‘global content hub’. From here, it’s only up and above for India.

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Published on 28, May 2022

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India’s Unicorn Boom: How startups are changing the game

(May 11, 2022) In the last few years, India has emerged as the third largest ecosystem for startups globally with over 66,359 DPIIT-recognised startups across 642 districts. With many global leaders looking to invest in Indian market, the country is witnessing a boom in the number of unicorn companies - privately held startups with $1 billion valuation or above. Interestingly, India’s startup landscape has seen close to 100 unicorns being added since January 2019. Furthermore, the country is expected to birth more than 250 unicorns by 2025, according to the Iron Pillar report ‘India Tech Trends'. As the technology ecosystem continues to grow, Global Indian turns the spotlight on five companies, who recently made it to the country's unicorn club. MindTickle - Krishna Gopal Depura, Deepak Diwakar and Nishant Mungali In 2011, three Pune-based techies - Krishna Gopal Depura, Deepak Diwakar and Nishant Mungali started a group to take part in gamified knowledge-based treasure hunts as a hobby. The idea was not only to do something interesting, which could be at the intersection of fun and learning, but also transform the mundane life of corporates. Intrigued with the possibility of making a business out of their passion, they approached investors

orm the mundane life of corporates. Intrigued with the possibility of making a business out of their passion, they approached investors in 2011, pitched them MindTickle, and positioned the startup as a gamification platform for corporates.

[caption id="attachment_24360" align="aligncenter" width="699"] Krishna Gopal Depura, Deepak Diwakar and Nishant Mungali[/caption]

Ten years later, it was valued at $1.2 billion by SoftBank Vision fund, making it a unicorn company. Though MindTickle had its share of teething troubles, the founders never gave up on their vision. During an earlier interview, Krishna shared that though they were able to grab the attention of marquee venture capitalist (VC) fund Accel in 2012, over the next five years the business kept trickling in.

They had their eureka moment in 2015, when the founders realised that they were trying to sell their product in the wrong market. To set things right, MindTickle team used LinkedIn to gauge the need for training for sales executives. After realising that their product suited the US market, they focussed sharply on solving the pain points of business leaders who were looking for sharper and ready sales staff for their business.

Soon MindTickle started striking multi-million dollar deals with single customers. In 2017, MindTickle raised $27 million. Two years later, came $40 million in a series C round. Next to follow was a hefty cheque of $100 million from SoftBank Vision Fund in November 2020, which made MindTickle SoftBank’s first software-as-a-service (Saas) investment in India.

The startup now claims to have over 250 customers, and gets 80 percent of its revenue from the US, with the rest coming from Europe and Asia.

Follow MindTickle on Twitter and LinkedIn

PharmEasy - Dhaval Shah, Harsh Parekh, Siddharth Shah, Hardik Dedhia, and Dharmil Sheth

The pharma industry has never been an organised sector in India. However, a six-year-old company changed the game by bringing together patients, pharmacies and diagnostic centers on one platform. In 2015, two young Mumbaikars – Dharmil Seth, an alumnus of IMT Ghaziabad, and Dr Dhaval Shah, an MBBS from Rajiv Gandhi Medical College, came together to digitalise the medicine industry, so that one could order their medicines from a wide range of e-commerce medical stores online and get them delivered online without any hassles.

[caption id="attachment_24361" align="aligncenter" width="741"] Dhaval Shah, Harsh Parekh, Siddharth Shah, Hardik Dedhia, and Dharmil Sheth[/caption]

Since then, its B2B business has grown manifold. In 2019, PharmEasy merged with Ascent Health, to form API Holdings, which brought in three new co-founders on board – Siddharth Shah, Hardik Dedhia, and Harsh Parekh. In 2021, the startup joined the unicorn club and became the first e-pharmacy to do so with a valuation of $1.5 billion.

However, PharmEasy has its share of challenges, including the supply chain logistics. The biggest roadblock initially was the lack of digitised records. To overcome this, the founders ensured that every retailer they work with has digital records and a proper system by offering inventory management and accounting tools.

Today, the B2B pharma distribution business connects over a whopping 100,000 retailers to around 4,500 distributors. Furthermore, PharmEasy is looking to expand its diagnostic business which has witnessed a massive surge in the past year.

Follow PharmEasy on Twitter and LinkedIn

Moglix - Rahul Garg

Backed by Ratan Tata and Accel Partners, Moglix was launched in 2016 by an IIT-Kanpur and ISB alumnus, Rahul Garg. Headquartered in Singapore, its mission is to tide over the gap between B2B merchants and consumers, and develop an exclusive digital-trade ecosystem, tailor-made to satisfy the diverse needs of buyers and sellers.

[caption id="attachment_24362" align="aligncenter" width="655"] Rahul Garg[/caption]

One of Asia’s largest and fastest-growing supply chain services companies, Moglix joined India's unicorn club in May 2021 after raising Series E round funding of $120 million that boosted the company's valuation to surpass the $1 billion mark. However, the company did go through some tough time during the global pandemic. In the wake of the massive global supply chain disruptions due to the COVID-19, Moglix looked to partnering with enterprises across industry verticals to map their supply chain requirements and provide technology-enabled solutions that are customised and scalable. They even provided PPE, medical kits, cleaning and housekeeping items, and surface agents at economical prices through its e-commerce portal moglix.com.

At present, the company claims to provide solutions and industrial products to more than 500,000 small and medium enterprises as well as to over 1000 large manufacturers across India and the UAE. It has a supply chain network of over 16,000 suppliers, and operates across 40 warehouses along with an in-house logistics infrastructure.

Follow Moglix on Twitter and LinkedIn

CoinDCX - Sumit Gupta and Neeraj Khandelwal

Even though the world of crypto is still volatile with no clarity on the legality of the digital asset, two college friends- Sumit Gupta and Neeraj Khandelwal – pooled in all their life savings to start cryptocurrency exchange CoinDCX in 2018. Unfortunately, it was the same year when Reserve Bank of India issued a banking ban on crypto transactions. Several crypto startups had to shut shop or continue operations while navigating numerous roadblocks. CoinDCX, too, decided to fight the uphill battle and was among the few players that contested the regulator’s ban in court.

[caption id="attachment_24363" align="aligncenter" width="707"] Sumit Gupta and Neeraj Khandelwal[/caption]

In March 2020, the Supreme Court lifted the ban on cryptocurrency exchanges and one-and-a-half years later, CoinDCX became the first crypto startup to enter the unicorn club with a $90 million funding led by B Capital. During an interview, Sumit shared that the CoinDCX team has seen the total spectrum of fundraising in the space during their journey. What helped them was keeping their heads down and focusing on building their company.

With over 3.5 million users, CoinDCX is now aiming to make crypto more accessible in India and accelerate its efforts of bringing 50 million Indians into the crypto fold.

Follow CoinDCX on Twitter and LinkedIn

GlobalBees - Deepak Khetan, Nitin Agarwal, and Supam Maheshwari

Based on the Thrasio model, e-commerce startup GlobalBees was founded in May 2021 by FirstCry founder Supam Maheshwari and Edelweiss’ former President Nitin Agarwal. The idea was to acquire digital-first brands across categories such as beauty, nutrition, food, fitness, personal care, lifestyle, home, sports and lifestyle, which have a revenue rate of $1 million to $20 million, and help them scale up and grow. In just seven months, GlobalBees made it to the unicorn list in December 2021, by raising $150 million in a Series A financing round led by FirstCry.

[caption id="attachment_24364" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Deepak Khetan, Nitin Agarwal, and Supam Maheshwari[/caption]

In the last few years, many ecommerce brands have cropped up in India, owing to the evolution of the ecosystem with better logistics, deeper internet penetration, and increased consumer interest and trust. However, what make GlobalBees different is their ambition to build the product and focus on innovation. The company acquires and partners with sellers on Amazon and equips them with capabilities across marketing and growth, technology, distribution, sourcing, branding, warehousing, logistics, R&D, product development, and operations — all things essential to rapidly scale the brands in the digital space.

GlobalBees has acquired 12 brands across categories, including The Better Home, Prolixr, Absorbia, Yellow Chimes, HealthyHey, and others. Presently, the company’s strategy is to work with these and build them up.

Follow GlobalBees on Twitter and LinkedIn

Reading Time: 7 mins

Aamandbasil: Celebrating love, food, and cultural blends on Instagram

(July 27, 2023) What do Italians and Indians have in common? Quite a lot, going by Suprateek Banerjee (aka Mango) and his wife, Daniela Barone (basil), the content-creator couple behind @aamandbasil on Instagram. For starters, they "both wake up in the morning thinking about what they're going to eat," as Daniela puts it. Close family ties are another similarity - Suprateek was thrilled to learn that Daniela's grandmother lives at the family home in Naples - "I was like, wow, this is just what we do. Our grandparents live with us in India as well, and we love them like crazy." In the early days of their relationship, Daniela checked out Suprateek on Facebook and was bowled over by the fact that he had his parents on his cover photo. Their relationship has been a mutual discovery of each other's cultures, and the heartwarming realisation that Indians and Italians have a lot in common. Daniela and Suprateek join me on a video call from Germany, where they now live. Our conversation goes well past the intended time – the couple are even more fun in real life than they are on Instagram. They refer to their Insta personas as “characters.”

even more fun in real life than they are on Instagram. They refer to their Insta personas as “characters.” Why, I ask. “Because we’re different in real life. I would never annoy Daniela that way,” says Suprateek. “And she’s definitely not such an angry person!” Their little skits are full of good-natured squabbles, celebrating their cultural differences with humour and understanding. The page is less than six months old but has already gained over 60k followers (and counting).

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A post shared by Mango and Basil | Comedy Creators (@aamandbasil)

Mind your language!

So how does a "small-town guy from Benaras," as Suprateek describes himself, meet and fall in love with a young woman from rural Naples? For Suprateek, the story begins in Benaras, when he decided to study abroad. Meanwhile, in Italy, Daniela was thrilled to learn that her PhD programme offered her a stint in Heidelberg. And so, the couple landed up in Germany, around the same time, each to study. However, their paths didn't cross.

As he grew fluent in German, Suprateek wanted to test his flair for languages. He signed up for Italian lessons on Duo Lingo. Daniela, on the other hand, returned to Naples after completing her PhD, and was trying to find work. She was simply too overqualified to continue living the rustic life of rural Italians and leaving home seemed the only option. That meant learning English. They both knew that the best way to learn a language is having someone to talk to. That's how both of them ended up on Tandem, in search of friends to speak to in Italian and English.

"It's hard to find a partner, even on Tandem," says Daniela. "I would chat with different people every day, they would come and go very fast. I needed someone to stay because I had an exam to write." And one day, Suprateek arrived. Daniela expected him to say hello and disappear. They began writing to each other and realised that they had a connection.

Suprateek felt the same way too. "I saw her profile and knew that she is a very simple person. As soon as we started speaking, I told her I wanted to meet her. She said no."

Love, actually

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A post shared by Mango and Basil | Comedy Creators (@aamandbasil)

After a while of waiting, Daniela agreed to let Suprateek visit her in Naples. Daniela spent a sleepless night before their first meeting, pondering the traditional Italian hug-and-kiss custom. The dilemma showed plainly on her face as Suprateek walked out of the airport. "She was so nervous, chewing on her nails," he smiles. When she saw him, however, her worries fell away - "she came straight up to me and hugged me," Suprateek recalls. Daniela showed him around Naples and by the end of that trip, their feelings were clear.

They knew they wanted to be together, but life still had some challenges in store. Daniela wanted to move to Germany to be with Suprateek but was still looking for work. "I was feeling completely useless at home,” she says. Daniela's frustration grew into self-doubt, despite being a top STEM student with a PhD. Suprateek stood by her, helping her write her CV and drafting the perfect cover letter.

Finally, an opportunity came her way, but with a catch. The job was in Ireland. Daniela wasn't sure but Suprateek urged her to go. So she went, and the couple made plans to meet every weekend. In 2020, Daniela finally found a job in Frankfurt, where Suprateek was living. After several years trying to make it work, the couple were finally in the same city. As they braved the pandemic together, they decided to marry. The couple wanted a small wedding anyway, and went to Denmark to tie the knot.

Aam and Basil

"Happiness is never grand," remarked the writer Aldous Huxley. That was the case with Daniela and Suprateek, who fell into the routine of their daily lives, going to work, coming back home and watching something on TV. "But we wanted to do something creative," says Suprateek. "We were in a unique situation where we come from two different cultures and life experiences, so we thought about sharing our story with people to make them smile."

In February 2023, they began @aamandbasil and have already gained some 60,000 followers (and growing). Daniela had a natural flair for acting, and the two threw themselves into the process, creating characters that are just slightly larger than life. They share the work, taking it in turns to write, act and edit, depending on who came up with the idea. "We share everything. Sometimes she cooks and I edit, at other times, she edits and I cook," Suprateek smiles.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mango and Basil | Comedy Creators (@aamandbasil)

The couple's message is simple. "There are many people don't know about my culture, or understand how similar we are. There are differences too but those can be explained with humour," says Daniela. "We want to show everyone that we are citizens of the world. We are not all that different, really, two cultures can blend and you can have fun during the learning process."

Daniela even felt instantly at home in India the first time she visited. "And I took her to Benaras!" Suprateek adds. "There is something very deep about Indians. You can find some roads that are full of chaos - there's a guy dragging a mattress, a woman trying to get her kids across the busy road, the horns are blaring. But even then, they are so chilled out," says Daniela. The feeling of "chill in chaos defines Benaras," Suprateek laughs. "Our food culture is also similar," Daniela explains. "At 9 am, my grandmom knocks on the door to ask, 'what shall we eat for lunch'?"

The ties that bind

It's the closeness of family bonds that holds them together most. "In Germany, people are very practical. Putting aged parents in an old people's home is a no brainer here," says the Global Indian. Neither he nor Daniela would ever consider that - "My grandma is 92 and she lives with us at home (in Naples)," says Daniela. Suprateek, who lost both sets of grandparents, makes the most of his time with Daniela's grandmothers. "Her grandmother speaks Napolitana, I can't even understand what she says but I can sit there and listen to her anyway."

https://youtube.com/shorts/Q977lkde-tA?feature=share

Our conversation has run well over time and they sign off with a word of encouragement for other couples like themselves. "Give the other person a chance, enjoy the differences," they say. "One thing is for sure, your life will never be boring!"

Follow Aamandbasil on Instagram

Reading Time: 7 mins

Meet Dr Masooma Rizvi, the art curator for the Maharishi Valmiki International Ayodhya Airport

(March 7, 2024) Dr. Masooma Rizvi is an art curator, architect, designer, museum curator, businesswoman, writer, critic, cultural envoy, mentor, and trainer, all rolled into one. A passionate advocate of presenting the rich tapestry of Indian culture and heritage in all her endeavours, Dr. Masooma Rizvi has curated the Emblem for the New Parliament House, inaugurated in 2021, on behalf of Tata Projects Pvt Ltd, designed interior spaces for Rashtrapathi Bhawan in 2011 when Pratibha Patil was the President of India, curated the murals at the Maharishi Valmiki International Ayodhya Airport, and many more. [caption id="attachment_49683" align="aligncenter" width="368"] Dr Masooma Rizvi[/caption] Art as a calling As a child, Masooma Rizvi would spend hours redecorating her dollhouses, cutting up walls and rearranging furniture until they were exactly to her liking. The family also travelled extensively, visiting museums around the world Growing up was also a whirlwind of new cities and experiences, as her father was an officer in the Indian Army. The family moved around a lot, but Telangana, where she was born and “spent a significant chunk of her childhood,” holds a special place in her heart. During those years, her grandmother, or amma, as she called her, was a

lot, but Telangana, where she was born and “spent a significant chunk of her childhood,” holds a special place in her heart. During those years, her grandmother, or amma, as she called her, was a big influence on young Masooma. “Amma was ahead of her time, always pushing me to explore, take on leadership roles and encouraging me to pursue my passions, even when they seemed out of reach,” she recalls. Through her, Masooma learned that excellence knows no age. “I was often the youngest in most classrooms and in extracurricular activities,” she recalls, in an interview with Global Indian. At school and university, she was heavily involved in extracurricular activities, from mock UN sessions to public speaking, which shaped her problem-solving and leadership skills.

Masooma also loved art, and since her family travelled extensively, Masooma visited museums around the world, where she would see the intersection of design and technology used to captivate visitors. However, back in India, she would visit government buildings and Army offices with her father, which looked plain and drab in comparison. When she eventually began her career as a curator, she did so by beautifying Army messes and museums. However, when she first toyed with the idea of art as a profession, her parents encouraged her to do science instead, as she was a good student. She followed their advice, even though her heart was elsewhere. Besides, Masooma had met her now husband at the age of 18, and wanted to ensure she followed her mother’s advice of always remaining economically independent.

Wearing Multiple Hats

[caption id="attachment_49684" align="aligncenter" width="496"] Dr Masooma Rizvi at the inauguration of the Chennai Airport[/caption]

The greatest influence on her career as a designer and curator was former President APJ Abdul Kalam. He wanted a hut built in Rashtrapati Bhavan and a call was issued to artists to share their designs. Masooma sent hers in too - her idea was to get people from Northeastern India to make an eco-friendly bamboo hut and then paint on that. The idea, and the simplicity of her approach appealed to Dr Kalam. That project marked the start of her journey with government buildings and structures.

Rizvi has always believed in the inspirational words Abdul Kalam said to her, “you have to dream before your dreams come true” and in her life many roles happened quite organically because she dreamed of making a difference in many ways. “Diving into multiple creative roles has been both challenging and thrilling. I started my journey with interior design, which was my gateway into the world of creativity and space optimization. That opened doors to art curation and museology, where I could expand my skill set and really challenge myself with projects that demanded high levels of creativity under tight deadlines,” she says. Being passionate about guiding artisans and students directly, fostering an environment in which ideas can flourish, she does that either directly or by participating in panels and exhibitions that helps her stay connected to the creative community while also learning and growing.

Art curator

As a job that has no set timelines and never truly ends, curating art she admits is a task that requires a fine balance between artistic intuition and strategic planning. When curating art for projects, especially those with governmental oversight, she dives deep into the space's history, its architectural significance, and the vision behind the project. “The key is curating art that speaks not just about the space itself but tells the stories we want to tell within those walls. My process is meticulous, ensuring each piece of art aligns with the project's broader narrative and aesthetic. It's complex but incredibly rewarding, demanding a deep understanding of art, its cultural significance, and how to integrate it seamlessly into the designated spaces,” she explains.

[caption id="attachment_49687" align="aligncenter" width="516"] Artworks at the Rashtrapati Bhavan[/caption]

Global focus

She describes her work abroad, on projects in China and Bahrain, that were distinct in their challenges and learning, as eye opening. In the White Horse Temple project in China, her team constructed a building reminiscent of a stupa, housing over 300 artworks. “The project was about creating a dialogue between cultures through art, tracing the journey of Buddhism from India across the globe,” she explains. In Bahrain, she worked on the Indo-Bahrain friendship mural at the Indian Embassy, which celebrated the longstanding connections between the two countries through symbolic art. The mural tells the story of the historical trade relationship, where India sent silks and spices in exchange for Bahrain's pearls. “It was a lovely way to represent the deep-rooted relationship between two countries that has stood the test of time. In the centre of the mural is the tree of life, a significant concept in both countries,” she says. These projects were challenging but extremely rewarding as they highlight the important role art plays in storytelling, cultural exchange, and creating impact.

Bespoke solutions

She started Belita Design Solutions with a desire to challenge the status quo in interior design and to honour the creative process in every project she undertakes. “I wanted to break away from the traditional 9-5 where new ideas were stifled and cookie cutter solutions were the norm. At Belita Design Solutions, our ethos is built around crafting bespoke solutions that go beyond aesthetics to address the functionality and soul of a space. We aim to steer clear of one-size-fits-all solutions, instead focusing on tailoring our designs to meet the unique needs and narratives of each space. This approach has allowed us to tackle a wide array of projects, pushing the boundaries of design and setting new benchmarks in the industry,” she says.

Museum musings

Entering museology she says, was about marrying a passion for history and art with a commitment to education and public engagement. “It is essential to immerse yourself in the museum world, understanding not just the theoretical aspects but the practical challenges of curating and managing museum spaces. The role of a museologist goes beyond curation; it's about making museums interactive, engaging, and educational spaces that invite visitors to explore and learn. This field requires a deep love for art and history, along with the creativity to present it in ways that resonate with todays and tomorrow’s audiences,” she explains on her role as a museologist.

A fulfilling journey

Her journey has taught her that there is always a solution to every challenge if you are willing to seek it out. Each project is unique, necessitating a tailored approach that balances creativity with practicality. “Learning the value of strategic thinking, understanding project goals, and finding the best path to achieve them have been key lessons. Also, recognizing the importance of rest and recharging has been instrumental in maintaining my enthusiasm and creativity in my work,” she says. Facing challenges head-on has been a hallmark of her career, navigating the complexities of design or pushing creative boundaries, using a mix of perseverance, innovation, and teamwork. An artist herself painting, travelling, and reading are her free time indulgences. “As my team grows and becomes more autonomous, I anticipate Belita Design Solutions venturing into more ambitious and creative projects, continuing to push the boundaries of what's possible in design and art,” she concludes.

Learn more about Dr Masooma Rizvi and Belita Design Solutions on the company website.

Bengal to Barbados: Sabir Nakhuda’s quest to unveil the untold story of Indian migration on the Caribbean island nation

(September 5, 2024) Nestled in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, Barbados is an island country in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies, next to North America. It's one of the more populous and prosperous Caribbean islands. The story of Indian migration to Barbados began around 1910 with Bashart Ali Dewan from West Bengal, the first documented migrant from India to the island. Intrigued by this historical narrative, Indian-origin Sabir Nakhuda, a former journalist and author who grew up in Barbados, dedicated 15 years to researching and crafting his book - Bengal to Barbados: A 100 Year History of East Indians in Barbados. “It is a labour of love and a crucial mission to preserve the history of a community whose story needed to be told,” he remarks while connecting with Global Indian. This year Sabir Nakhuda co-founded the Bengal to Barbados Foundation Inc. and Bengal to Barbados Digital Project with his friend Suleiman Bulbulia to highlight the distinctness and impact of East Indian-Bajan identity. The digital project, which is being co-curated by the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, weaves together migration stories from Bengal, Gujarat, Sindh, and South India with themes of cultural integration, heritage, and intergenerational experiences. [caption id="attachment_55453"

s Digital Project with his friend Suleiman Bulbulia to highlight the distinctness and impact of East Indian-Bajan identity. The digital project, which is being co-curated by the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, weaves together migration stories from Bengal, Gujarat, Sindh, and South India with themes of cultural integration, heritage, and intergenerational experiences.

[caption id="attachment_55453" align="aligncenter" width="602"] Indian Art and Culture | Bengal to Barbados | Sabir Nakhuda | Global Indian Sabir Nakhuda (centre) with Indian-origin people during the launch of Bengal to Barbados Foundation and digital project[/caption]

Quest to revive Indian legacy in Barbados

In 1953 author Sabir Nakhuda’s father travelled from the village of Tadkeshwar in the Surat district of Gujarat to the distant Caribbean Island of Barbados for work. He was one of those Indian migrants from the region who were seeking better opportunities far from home. Five years later, in 1958, when Sabir was just ten years old, his father sent for him to join him in this new land. His mother and younger brother followed them in 1960, and the place became their new home.

“Growing up in Barbados, I navigated a unique cultural landscape, balancing my Indian roots with my new life in the Caribbean. I completed my primary and secondary education on the island, and later, pursued higher education in Canada. Fluent in Gujarati, Hindi, and Urdu, I always maintained a strong connection with my heritage, even as I adapted to my new environment,” Sabir tells.

It wasn’t until he began working at The Barbados Advocate, one of the oldest newspapers on the island, that he realised how little was known about the East Indian community in Barbados. He came across a few interviews from the 1950s with two elders from their community, which touched on their arrival in Barbados. But it quickly became apparent that there was so much more to uncover. “There were no documented records or any other accounts of our community’s history on the island. This realisation sparked a determination in me to dig deeper and document our story,” he remarks.

[caption id="attachment_55465" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Indian Art and Culture | Sabir Nakhuda | Bengal to Barbados | Global Indian Sabir Nakhuda at the 2024 Genealogy Market, Barbados[/caption]

With no written records to rely on, Sabir turned to oral history, visiting and interviewing various members of both the Barbadian and East Indian communities. He collected documents, photographs, and artefacts, piecing together the fragmented history of this often-overlooked group.

During my research, a particularly significant moment came when a family of early Bengali migrants shared an airmail letter with me. The sender’s address on the back of that letter led me to India, where I was determined to trace the roots of the first migrant who came to Barbados.

Sabir Nakhuda shares

In 1999, Sabir took a trip to India with a purpose – to find the first migrant from India who landed in Barbados. It was a journey that took him to the village of Jinpoor, where he found the descendants of the first migrant - Bashart Ali Dewan. It took him about two weeks to find the village of the first migrant.

“I interviewed his sons, other family members, and villagers, documenting their stories through pictures, videos, and recorded interviews. Often, my Bengali friends helped translate, ensuring that the rich history of these families was accurately captured. These recordings, now preserved in my hard drive, form a crucial part of the historical record I have worked to create,” he says.

[caption id="attachment_55456" align="aligncenter" width="457"] Indian Art Culture | Bengal Barbados | Sabir Nakhuda | Global Indian Bashart Ali Dewan - first Indian migrant to Barbados | Photo Courtesy : Bengal to Barbados Foundation Inc[/caption]

Keeping heritage and connections alive

Along with his research, Sabir Nakhuda has also collected various Indian artefacts, including old bicycles, jackets, relics, and photographs. These items, along with the history of the East Indian community, have been displayed in genealogy and archive exhibitions in collaboration with the Barbados Archives Department, where Sabir has been a contributor for many years.

“I also give lectures on the arrival of East Indians and their contributions to nation-building in Barbados, ensuring that our story is told and remembered,” tells Sabir who is enjoying an active retired life.

Due to his research that lasted 15 years, the author and former journalist has developed strong connections with the families of other Bengali migrants across various villages in West Bengal. “Although I am a Gujarati and not related to Bashart Ali and his family, I visit them and family members of other migrants spread across various villages in Bengal, whenever I travel to India.” he mentions.

[caption id="attachment_55463" align="aligncenter" width="844"] Indian Art and Culture | Sabir Nakhuda | Bengal to Barbados | Global Indian Sabir Nakhuda presented his book to Barbados PM Freundel Stuart in 2013 and President of Guyana, Mohammed Irfan Ali in 2023[/caption]

Sabir Nakhuda has been to many parts of India dozens of times, and makes a point to visit his own uncles, aunts and extended family members in India, whenever possible.

One of my most cherished experiences was being invited to speak at the Visva-Bharati University at Shantiniketan in West Bengal in 2019, where I discussed the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean. I was elated to visit the place built by Rabindranath Tagore, as he is one of my favourite poets.

Sabir Nakhuda shares

In addition to his historical work, Sabir Nakhuda also writes poetry in English, Gujarati, and Urdu, and has continued his oral research, currently focusing on a book on the migration of Muslims from India to Barbados. “This upcoming work will detail the names of the villages from which Muslims have migrated, the history and pictures of these villages, and a chronology of every individual who came to Barbados from 1910 to 2023,” he says.

Creating legacy for future generations

The year 2016 was eventful both for Barbados as a nation and for Sabir Nakhuda as an author. It was the year when the nation celebrated 50 years of its independence. The same year, while attending the Commonwealth Prime Ministers meeting, Barbados's PM Freundel Stuart presented Nakhuda's book Bengal to Barbados to India's PM, Modi. "PM Stuart later told me that he discussed the context of my book with PM Modi and highlighted the contributions East Indians have made in various fields of nation-building," the author recalls. The foreword of the book was written by none other than PM Stuart himself.

During Barbados’s 50th anniversary of independence, the author was selected to serve on the committee organizing the celebrations. A time capsule was placed at the historic site of Independence Square in Bridgetown, the capital, where the Independence flag was first raised. Among the artifacts, two books were included: the autobiography of Sir Garfield Sobers, a former Barbadian cricketer who is considered Barbados's national hero and the greatest all-rounder in the world, and Bengal to Barbados.

The time capsule is set to be opened on Barbados's 100th anniversary in 2066. While I may not be around, my future generations will be, and most importantly, the legacy of the East Indian presence and our stories will resurface.

Nakhuda says with pride

[caption id="attachment_55690" align="aligncenter" width="433"] Indian Author | Sabir Nakhuda | Global Indian Cover Image of Sabir Nakhuda's book[/caption]

Connecting the dots

Sabir Nakhuda's friend Suleiman Bulbulia’s interest in co-founding the Bengal to Barbados Foundation Inc. with him stems from the same deep commitment to preserve and promote the history and culture of the East Indian community in the Caribbean island nation. He even has a distant connection with the first documented Indian migrant to the country. “My paternal grandfather's second wife was related to Bashart Ali Dewan, the first documented East Indian migrant to Barbados,” he says.

Born and raised in Barbados, Suleiman's paternal and maternal grandfathers migrated from Kaphleta, Gujarat in the 1930s. With the Bengal to Barbados Foundation Inc. the retail senior manager by profession seeks to bridge cultural understanding and acceptance of Indian-origin people in the island nation.

[caption id="attachment_55460" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Indian Art and Culture | Suleiman Bulbulia | Bengal to Barbados | Global Indian Suleiman Bulbulia during the launch of Bengal to Barbados Foundation and digital project[/caption]

Both Sabir Nakhuda and Suleiman Bulbulia are dedicated to documenting the stories, history, and legacy of East Indians in Barbados. Their goal is to collect tangible, historic items from the Indian community to create a permanent display of these artefacts. Additionally, they aim to share the collected information through their website and social media platforms.

“Our efforts have centred around providing accurate historical information about the Indian community in Barbados while promoting their culture, knowledge, and heritage. These efforts have led to an understanding and acceptance of the Indian community among both the government and the general public in Barbados. Additionally, our work has strengthened the bonds of friendship between India and Barbados,” Suleiman signs off.

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To know more about Bengal to Barbados Digital Project, visit its website

Reading Time: 5 mins

On a high note: Maestro Debashish Chaudhuri is a shining star in the music world

(November 23, 2022) His first job was as a music teacher at St. James' School, Kolkata in 1995. Surrounded by several instruments, a young Debashish Chaudhuri would often daydream about giving a stage performance someday. Little did the maestro know that one day, he would become one of the finest symphonic conductors of Western classical music. Based in the Czech Republic, the maestro has worked with several leading European orchestras such as Prague Philharmonia PKF, Brno Philharmonic, Czech Chamber Orchestra Pardubice, Plzen Radio Symphony, South Bohemian Chamber Philharmonic, Karlovy Vary Symphony, Hradec Kralove Philharmonic, Zlin Philharmonic, Moravian Philharmonic, State Philharmonic Zilina and several others. [caption id="attachment_32033" align="aligncenter" width="621"] Symphonic conductor, Debashish Chaudhuri[/caption] Currently, the maestro is serving on the governing body of The Antonín Dvořák Music Festival and is part of the Petrof Art Family. Recognising his contributions to the world of music, the Government of India awarded him the highest award for non-resident Indians, Pravasi Bharat Samman in 2021. Interestingly, Chaudhuri also received the prestigious Distinguished Contribution to Diplomacy Medal from the Czech Republic in the same year. "Music was something that truly and deeply fulfilled me. I knew well before my teens that music had to be a

t award for non-resident Indians, Pravasi Bharat Samman in 2021. Interestingly, Chaudhuri also received the prestigious Distinguished Contribution to Diplomacy Medal from the Czech Republic in the same year.

"Music was something that truly and deeply fulfilled me. I knew well before my teens that music had to be a part of my life, which was quite early on. I don’t mean to say that I wanted to be a conductor at once, at that early age," the maestro said during an interview with Serenade Magazine, adding, "I have always been extremely passionate about music, even before I could walk."

Born to music

There is hardly any home in the entire state of West Bengal without a musical instrument. And maestro Chaudhuri's house was no different. His childhood was spent listening to a lot of Rabindra Sangeet, Bollywood, and other folk songs. "I guess this love (for music) was kindled by my parents, both of whom love music. Ever since I remember, there was always some music playing in the house. Even my grandparents – we all were lovers of music and in Bengal, it’s quite normal to have all sorts of songs sung in the house throughout the year," he shared.

Maestro | Debashish Chaudhuri | Global Indian

Growing up, Chaudhari moved to various cities, and even countries, as a result of his father's frequent postings. Everywhere he went, he would try to learn more about the local music and art, which inspired him further to pursue a career in music. It was during his teenage years that he decided to leave his academics and concentrate on his music studies. "India isn’t typically a country where society would encourage a musical career with the same enthusiasm and awe, as in the West, not even in Calcutta. I recall several people discouraging me when I decided not to further my academics and concentrate on music alone. Fortunately, those people weren’t my parents or some other very key people, who believed in me and gave me that space to grow in the way that they all felt was natural for me," the maestro recalled.

After finishing his diploma in music, Chaudhari joined St Jame's school in Kolkata, where he conducted their four choirs. This experience pushed him to learn more about European music and he eventually founded the St. James' School Orchestra and the Calcutta School of Music Chamber Orchestra, over the next few years.

The heart of Europe

Three years after he got his first job, Chaudhuri got a chance to move to Prague and was the first Indian to have studied at the Prague Conservatory. He also trained under maestro Gianluigi Gelmetti at the Chigiana Academy of Music in Siena, Italy, where he studied symphonic conduct.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yf-G9SLhlw

"I suppose, the influence in Prague was at various stages and by various individuals. Not only one’s teachers but also the fact that you can come into such close contact with such great international musicians and talk to them, hear their views and share their experiences. So many names were just on the labels of cassettes and records for me and suddenly, you are talking to them without any “false barriers”! My love for Dvořák’s music was cemented very early on due to the closeness I developed quite by chance, with his descendants and family; they are among my closest and oldest friends here now," the maestro said.

Conducting acclaimed Philharmonics around the world

In 2004, Chaudhuri did his conducting at the Janáček Festival in his Silesian hometown of Hukvaldy, at the annual festival. Since then, he has worked with various orchestras, including Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra, Prague Philharmonia, Stratus Chamber Orchestra (USA), Žilina State Chamber Orchestra (Slovakia), and Karlovy Vary Philharmonic Orchestra.

[caption id="attachment_32035" align="aligncenter" width="645"] Maestro | Debashish Chaudhuri | Global Indian Debashish and Jana Chaudhuri[/caption]

Still connected to his roots, the maestro was the brains behind rediscovering the original orchestral score of Czech composer J.B Foerster's song cycle based on Rabindranath Tagore's 'Gitanjali'. "Being a non-European conductor isn’t all that rare, there are so many now and they are often better received than the native ones today. I guess that there were challenges but I never took them in that light and I don’t want to start thinking that way now, after so many years. Whatever they may have been, one had to cross them if one wanted to get to one’s goals. Sometimes it’s better not to know the problems and challenges beforehand," he had said, when asked about the greatest challenges he faced in his career, in a recent interview.

Making a difference back home

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8CQ721uiwg

Married to one of the most applauded Czech pianists, Jana, Chaudhuri wishes to help young Indian artists, who are passionate about making a career in music. "We decided a few years back to start a family scholarship for Indian citizens, based out of India, who wish to further their knowledge in European classical music. Since 2016, in connection with the Calcutta School of Music, we sponsor such people to attend the now 25-year-old Ameropa Music Courses in Prague. Over the summer months, they come into contact with others from around the world and teachers, who guide them in a very intense concert-filled course in solo and chamber music. The course can be attended by anyone who doesn’t get the scholarships as well, as they are paid and open to all who reach the standards required. Talent is a massive resource in India we believe," the musician shared.

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Reading Time: 7 mins