Global IndianstoryAcclaimed Indian filmmaker, Shaily Sanghvi is on a mission to elevate India’s standing on the global cinematic stage

Acclaimed Indian filmmaker, Shaily Sanghvi is on a mission to elevate India’s standing on the global cinematic stage

Written by: Bindu Gopal Rao

(August 14, 2023) A writer, director, and producer based in Los Angeles, Shaily Sanghvi has made several inroads into Hollywood, with films like ‘Pandaal’, ‘Jasmine Flowers’, ‘Little Joys of the Finite’, ‘Haze Grey’, ‘The Grass is Greener’, ‘Pirouette’ and more.

Flash Back

Sanghvi grew up in Ahmedabad but her love for films made her shift to Mumbai right after her under-graduation. Even as a child she would be completely involved when watching movies. “When I was watching Kuch Kuch Hota Hai at the age of four, I was weeping because I did not want Anjali to leave Rahul at the station,” she recollects. Even today she admits that she draws inspiration from the beautiful painting that Sanjay Leela Bhansali creates in each frame. She completed her undergraduate course in Mass Communication from Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, where she was first exposed to filmmaking. She later moved to Los Angeles and finished her master’s from New York Film Academy (LA campus).

Indian filmmaker Shaily Sanghvi

Film Trip

For someone who has always been an expressive person, whether it was through her paintings, poems or learning dance forms like Kathak, Salsa, Bharatnatyam or Belly Dance as a child, she learnt early that there was a way for her to express all these forms together and this was when she fell in love with the craft. “I could use my poems for characters’ emotions, painting to make my frame aesthetic, and dance to understand complex human behaviours. And when I saw Zoya Akhtar and her films using each of these forms to express emotions her characters go through, my mind was set,” says Sanghvi. Incidentally, she made her first film during under graduation which she believes was guerrilla filmmaking in a true sense. “My parents became my production designers; my photography friend became my DOP and my room became my set. Not of much surprise, that film was not a great one. But what I did realise was the lengths I was ready to go to get that story to life and film it. I learnt a lot of what not to do from that and how to grow.”

Global Indian | Shaily Sanghvi

Tele Tales

The first time she saw a set was when she did an internship for India’s Best Dramebaaz, Season 2 on Zee TV. This was when she was still doing her undergraduate course when she found that they needed interns for a TV show. “There was not even a second of doubt that I wanted to do it. That was the first time I went to Mumbai for work and not to see relatives. That month of internship was enough to give me a lifetime of determination to go back and do this for life,” the Global Indian says. It was only after two years that she moved to Mumbai and joined Balaji Telefilms as Ekta Kapoor’s creative associate. And proverbially, there was no looking back as she has stints with Disney, Monozygotic (Roadies famed, Raghu and Rajiv’s production house), and Flipkart MiniTV after that. She also worked with several celebrities like Sonali Bendre, Sajid Khan, Vivek Oberoi, Ekta Kapoor, Vishal Malhotra, Mallika Dua, Rhea Kapoor, Akash Gupta and more.

Creative Path

One film that she is proud of is ‘Pirouette’ that has garnered various awards including the Best Drama award at the prestigious Synergy Film Festival 2022, alongside her well-deserved recognition as Best Female Director. The film is about this uncomfortable topic of desires through the journey of a ballet dancer and her struggle to fulfil her dreams. It talks about how sometimes the dreams that you choose do not choose you back. But does that make it the end? Life runs in circles, if you have not received what you desire, it is yet not the end. “Awards and recognition may not help your craft, but they do play a role to boost you. Pirouette being one of my early films to gain recognition gave me a boost to keep going,” she avers. Other than this, her horror-thriller film, ‘I Got You’ has also bagged a couple of awards in categories like best horror and best director. “One of the bigger milestones is creating my film ‘Alive’. Crowdfunded, this film holds a special place in my heart since it was roughly based on my experience of recent grief. Having lost my Badi Ma very recently, it took me a lot of courage to gather myself and make this film happen. The film is currently in post-production and we are working towards making it the best version of itself. Since it is based roughly on the way my family dealt with that grief, this film means to me a lot more than any of my creations,” she says.

Shaily Sanghvi at the Synergy Film Festival.

Indian Connection

Sanghvi is working to elevate India’s standing on the global cinematic stage and takes pride that she has a unique perspective of blending two cultures to bring a fresh story. “The last two films that I directed were both Indian stories. My film ‘Jasmine Flowers’ is about an Old Indian woman, residing in the US, hoping for a wedding invitation to her neighbour’s wedding despite her inauspicious status as a widow. What we explore in this film is not how regressive the traditions are but how in today’s time we are living against them,” says Sanghvi. Having a multicultural experience helps a lot while exploring human emotions. “I want people here to know India for things way beyond the dance we have in our films. Being amongst the biggest entertainment industry in the world the Indian film industry should be known for so much more, for the stories, for its culture, for so much that it has to offer and I want the world to see that,” she opines.

Future Perfect

Films come with their own set of challenges. For instance, Pirouette was being shot on 35mm film camera and choreographing a whole ballet sequence and training the talent to perform it within the limited takes that a film camera allows to fit everything within the limited budget was hard. “Films are someone everyone will have an opinion on. That is the beauty of it. You make one film but that same film will be seen in a million different ways. That is not a test to your abilities but the natural way of art to exist,” she admits. Currently, she is working on the postproduction of three of her films and is preparing her next project, a web series to be shot in the coming year. See you at the movies!

Follow Shaily Sanghvi on Instagram and check her work on IMDB

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Shyamu

August 21, 2023 11:47 am

Congratulations Shaily….. All the best for your future endeavors…

Published on 14, Aug 2023

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Ayo Shanti: The native American in love with the Ganges and the indigenous Indians

(Jun 7, 2023)“I don’t usually talk about this but I think I can talk more freely about it with Indians – I am sure I had many lifetimes in India,” smiles Ayo Oum Shanti,” as she connects with Global Indian from New York City. The founder of the nonprofit World Water Hub (WWH), Ayo was born Roberta Weiri and changed her name later, to be in tune with her spiritual side. WWH began with Ayo’s passion project, The River Project–Ma Ganga (RPMG), which is a convergence of her experiences and fascination with the Ganges, her partner's love for his native country, and her acumen to bring people together to find solutions. “I was raised to be a citizen of the world,” says the eighty-year-old, who is working to build meaningful communications around water and raise funds for the Ma Ganga project in India. Her nonprofit was created to give local communities from around the world a voice, and the chance to participate and collaborate in developing viable solutions to problems involving rivers and other water related issues. [caption id="attachment_39678" align="aligncenter" width="414"] Ayo Oum Shanti[/caption] “We have just officially become part of the Pennsylvania based HSI (Humanitarian Social Innovations) fiscal

pan data-contrast="auto">“I was raised to be a citizen of the world,” says the eighty-year-old, who is working to build meaningful communications around water and raise funds for the Ma Ganga project in India. Her nonprofit was created to give local communities from around the world a voice, and the chance to participate and collaborate in developing viable solutions to problems involving rivers and other water related issues.

[caption id="attachment_39678" align="aligncenter" width="414"] Ayo Oum Shanti | Philanthropist | Global Indian Ayo Oum Shanti[/caption]

“We have just officially become part of the Pennsylvania based HSI (Humanitarian Social Innovations) fiscal sponsorship, and are addressing ourselves as HSI-WWF,” she says.

Passion to make a difference

Before her retirement, Ayo worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – one of the top cancer hospitals in the world. It was a setting where shared information and collaboration were at the heart of research to find cures. As a coordinator, Ayo helmed various collaborative and outreach efforts like conferences, seminars, symposiums and PRSS.

Using this experience, Ayo aimed to create a similar model with HSI-WWH, to solve global water-related problems like floods, drought, pollution and sewage. “I truly believe that there is a solution to all these problems. Education is important. We need to just open our minds to change the situation. Once humanity has the will to make changes, it will happen. Lots can be done with the change of mindsets,” she remarks.

HSI-WWF works as an open access educational resource. “In essence we are creating a global hub around river restoration and water management for education, sharing information and solutions, and for creating a platform for collaborations,” she says.

How did it start…

During her visits to India, Ayo would spend many afternoons at the Assi Ghat in Varanasi. “I love rivers in general but there was something really magical about the Ganges,” she says. This was when the seed of starting a non-profit around water and river restoration germinated in her mind.

[caption id="attachment_39681" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Ayo Oum Shanti | Philanthropist | Global Indian One of the ghats of the Ganges in Varanasi[/caption]

“There can be thousands of river restoration projects in the world and there could in hundreds in India alone, but there are hardly any platforms to bring all of them together,” says Ayo. “We are creating a space where people (those involved in river restoration and water management) can collaborate and share their experiences of what’s working for them and how others can benefit from those strategies.

The significance of indigenous communities

In addition to her NGO, Ayo has plans to establish a think-tank which would focus on the Ganges and other significant water bodies, supporting geo-hydrologic eco-systems worldwide.

In her last visit to India, she spent a lot of time with the rural communities of Rajasthan. I felt an instant connection with them. “I am grateful to the Gravis (Gramin Vikas Vigyan Samiti) for connecting me to their communities at Gagadi and Bap. I am thankful for the organisation’s generosity to teach me their amazing water management systems and to the community support on so many levels,” she says.

With first-hand experience interacting with indigenous people in Rajasthan Ayo has learned a lot. She strongly believes that they have the knowledge that we need. “I would like to group these indigenous knowledge-keepers with scientists in the envisioned think tank to come up with sustainable solutions” she says. “We should not be arrogant about our knowledge because indigenous communities have more knowledge than us. Their language is not that much of a barrier - if you want to communicate, you will be able to communicate with them.”

[caption id="attachment_39682" align="aligncenter" width="344"] Ayo with a person from rural Rajasthan, India[/caption]

World Water Quilt

To spread awareness on pressing issues, Ayo and her team have big plans for World Water Day 2024. The team is inviting, artists, photographers and poets to share their creations with them. All their creations will then be collated on fabric, in the form of a quilt and presented to the UN on World Water Day 2024 which falls on March 22. “We are hoping participation of creative minds from all over the world. Later, a book featuring the contributors of the project is also being planned,” she informs.

How Roberta Weiri became Ayo Oum Shanti

Like some Americans, Ayo follows the shamanic tradition. It revolves around the principle of being devoted to the knowledge and care of other souls and, on nurturing the ecstasy of one’s own soul.

“20 years ago, when I got divorced, my entire life changed except my name.’ Fellow followers of Shamanism said - “In our tradition when you are starting a new phase of life, you give yourself a new name that’s in harmony with what your intention is for the new phase of life. Why don’t you do the same."

Ayo liked the idea and chose a name which is in tune with her utmost intentions. – “Ayo is an African name that means ‘joy.’ I look at my middle name ‘Oum’ as the music of the spheres and ‘Shanti’ is peace – so these are my intentions,” she says. “Spirituality is my top priority,” she smiles.

Connection with India

The spiritual soul nurtures a deep bond with India in her heart. “I grew up in what is called the Unitarian church. Under its umbrella, in Sunday school you spend the first three years learning about other religions before you learn about your own,” she mentions.

“So, the church used to bring people from other religions to talk about their beliefs,” Ayo says narrating a childhood incident. “I still remember, when I was six, an Indian woman came to give a lecture in a gorgeous red sari. I was extremely shy to speak but very clearly, I remember thinking, I come from where she comes from, although I had no idea where she came from,’ she smiles. That was the first time that Ayo had met an Indian but she felt as if she belonged to her culture.

[caption id="attachment_39683" align="aligncenter" width="378"] Ayo in Rajasthani attire[/caption]

By the time she turned a teenager she had made lots of Indian friends, and all her friends would wonder, “Why are you so comfortable with Indians?” Perhaps as Ayo believes, she has lived many past lives as an Indian. Later, when it was time to choose a partner, she chose an Indian.

Impact of early years

Growing up Ayo was profoundly influenced by her father, a first generation American, an artist, a machinist engineer, and a Spanish Civil War and WWII veteran. “He had a big heart and a deep respect for life, nature, and all humans. It was through him that I learned what it means to have unconditional love,” she shares. Her mother has had an equally powerful influence on her life.
 
“My mother was referred to as a ‘crusader for lost causes’ as she was always searching for common ground in all that she did. She was involved in UN-NGOs and was an organizer for the Gray Panthers - a series of multi-generational local advocacy networks in the United States which confronts many social justice issues,” she tells.

Her parents’ influences are evident in Ayo’s passion for putting community first. “We (WWF) are functioning out my retirement fund,” tells the change maker for whom ‘future of humanity’ matters more than her own ‘future’.

Impressive zeal at eighty

After the birth of her first child, education had taken a backseat for Ayo. “I returned to my college (Hunter College, NYC) after 45 years to get my bachelor's degree," she says excitedly. Ten years later in 2019, she did her master's in EDM (Emergency and Disaster Management).

[caption id="attachment_39684" align="aligncenter" width="488"] Ayo in Kochi[/caption]

 
A published poet and writer, a dancer, choreographer, world traveller, and astrologer, Ayo has held managerial positions in many industries. “If you look at my resume you would say, whoa! What exactly was she trying to do,” she laughs. “All that I have done gives me a broader perspective of different domains of the society,” she signs off.

Follow Ayo Shanti on LinkedIn

Reading Time: 5 mins

Dean Rakesh Khurana: Changing the world of education

(November 30, 2022) The official page of Rakesh Khurana on the Harvard College website describes him as "Not just a Dean, but a friend", adding, "When Dean Khurana walks into a room, the energy shifts to a more positive, welcoming environment. Khurana, a former Faculty Dean of Cabot House, exemplifies the mission of Harvard College; he transforms the lives of students daily through the connections he makes and the photos he posts on Instagram." The Dean of Harvard College Rakesh Khurana - an award-winning teacher and widely recognised scholar - has pioneered several changes in the modern education system to make it more inclusive and fun. His innovative methods in pedagogy and practice adaptability have made him one of the favourite teachers of his students. [caption id="attachment_32278" align="aligncenter" width="656"] Dean Rakesh Khurana[/caption] "The faculty needed to act to create a psychologically safe environment for engagement," Dean Khurana had said during an education conference, adding, "Where silence was not interpreted as agreement, where there was no pressure to behave simply to create unanimity, and where people were not judged for raising ideas before they were fully formed." Deeply involved with undergraduates’ daily lives outside the classroom, this Global Indian is changing

was not interpreted as agreement, where there was no pressure to behave simply to create unanimity, and where people were not judged for raising ideas before they were fully formed." Deeply involved with undergraduates’ daily lives outside the classroom, this Global Indian is changing the way educational institutions work, giving the mundane experience a more humane touch.

A man of knowledge

While not much is known about his childhood, Dean Khurana shared that his family moved from New Delhi to Queens, New York when he was just a toddler. Brought up in the largest of the five boroughs of NYC, the young kid was sharp and very observant of human behaviour, and that is what led him to pursue a bachelor's degree in industrial relations from Cornell University. He later earned an MA in sociology from Harvard and his Ph.D. in organisational behavior through a joint program between the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Harvard Business School in 1998.

[caption id="attachment_32279" align="aligncenter" width="632"] Rakesh Khurana Rakesh and Stephanie Khurana at Cabot House[/caption]

Since a young age, Dean Khurana was interested in pursuing a career in the field of education. And soon after he earned his doctorate, he became the founding team member of Cambridge Technology Partners and from 1998 to 2000 he taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After spending a decade at MIT, Khurana and his wife Stephanie were named master and co-master of Cabot House at Harvard University, and the couple still holds the position.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgSy72QVBLA

Later the same year Dean Khurana became the Marvin Bower Professor of Leadership Development at Harvard Business School and professor of sociology in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. "Most of the significant challenges and opportunities we face in the world are not things that anybody faces alone. They require building a foundation of trust and understanding, while also finding common ground with others. It’s hard for me to separate students, faculty, and administration — and while I know different people play different roles, ultimately I believe we are all 'Harvard'. How we work together and how we share our diverse perspectives have led to a deeper understanding of each other. This type of capacity-building has been central to creating a supportive and diverse living environment where students can safely embark on their journey of intellectual transformation," the Dean had told Legal Desire magazine when asked about why he includes his students' opinions for every small decision.

At the helm of Harvard

In 2014, Rakesh became the Dean of Harvard College. In his announcement, former Dean Michael D. Smith said, "Khurana brings to the deanship an intimate understanding of the Harvard College experience, a profound commitment to the values of a liberal-arts education, and a warm and compassionate personality that accompanies his belief in the importance of community and an inclusive approach to decision-making."

[caption id="attachment_32280" align="aligncenter" width="758"] Harvard University President Drew Faust greets Dean Rakesh Khurana at a recent graduation ceremony[/caption]

But, even when the students and faculty members were gearing up to welcome their new head, Dean Khurana was working on college policies to ensure that diversity and inclusion at Harvard. "Our diversity is our strength. To me, diversity of intellectual thought, which is deeply enriched by people who bring different cultural perspectives and lived experiences, is what is most valued here at Harvard College. We are educating our students to be citizens and citizen-leaders in one of the most diverse societies in the world, one that is becoming even more diverse, and the challenge for the American experiment — the challenge for the global experiment — is how we continue to thrive in that world, rather than retreat into tribalism, conformity of values, and closed-minded thinking," the dean had said during one of his initial speeches at the University.

[caption id="attachment_32281" align="aligncenter" width="645"] Dean Rakesh Khurana Dean Khurana with President Joe Biden[/caption]

A strong leader, and a dear friend to his students, Dean Khurana has been working hard so that Harvard students and faculty members find the opportunities to ensure the mission of the college is accomplished in a way that is both consistent with its values and meaningful within the current educational landscape. Even during the global pandemic, when other educational institutions were struggling, Harvard, under Dean Khurana's leadership, reported increased levels of participation among their students by the third week of online classes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJKAGC6nvXA

“Leadership, ultimately, is the ability to be comfortable with being uncomfortable,” adding, "It's the willingness to adapt and change to circumstance, but be steady in your values," the dean believes.

Follow Dean Rakesh Khurana on Instagram and LinkedIn

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Shachi Gurumayum: The Switzerland based recipient of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman is changing lives in Manipur

(December 7, 2022) “When I was leaving India, I knew I would do something for Manipur one day. I just didn’t know what and when.” Dr Shachi Gurumayum’s determination only grew over the years and in 2017, he started the MaolKeki Foundation. Named after his grandparents, the foundation works to uplift people in Manipur through social initiatives in agriculture, education and healthcare. In 2021, his efforts earned him the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. [caption id="attachment_32502" align="aligncenter" width="573"] Shachi Gurumayum during a field visit in Manipur[/caption] Born and raised in Manipur, Shachi is the founder and director of Switzerland-based AgriMayum, which stands for ‘House of Agriculture’. He also advises the World Benchmarking Alliance (Amsterdam), LadyAgri (Brussels) and is part of the Board of Sahel Consulting (Lagos). Giving back "I believe that if you are blessed, you share your blessings," Shachi tells Global Indian connecting from Switzerland. Growing up in Manipur, the son of an engineer father and a teacher mother, Shachi has happy recollections of his childhood. The community where he grew up comprised of smallholder farmers who lived a remote, very rural life. “There was no electricity, no infrastructure and a lot of civil society issues,” he says. It's now that the urbanisation is creeping in,

ata-contrast="auto">which stands for ‘House of Agriculture’. He also advises the World Benchmarking Alliance (Amsterdam), LadyAgri (Brussels) and is part of the Board of Sahel Consulting (Lagos).

Giving back

"I believe that if you are blessed, you share your blessings," Shachi tells Global Indian connecting from Switzerland.

Growing up in Manipur, the son of an engineer father and a teacher mother, Shachi has happy recollections of his childhood. The community where he grew up comprised of smallholder farmers who lived a remote, very rural life. “There was no electricity, no infrastructure and a lot of civil society issues,” he says. It's now that the urbanisation is creeping in, it was all marshland then.

If you are able to come out of such a rural environment and achieve something in life, you have to give back. It’s not just money, it’s also about sharing the knowledge and skills you have acquired over the years.

[caption id="attachment_32504" align="aligncenter" width="739"] Indian Philanthropist | Shachi Gurumayum | Global Indian Dr Shachi receiving Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the Indian Embassy in Bern, Switzerland. He was felicitated by Ambassador Monika Kapil Mohta[/caption]

Manipur, which stands for the ‘land of gems’ has a special significance in the entrepreneur’s heart. It’s where his parents spent all their life. When Shachi started MaolKeki Foundation, he made his parents its trustees.

Finding his feet

“I remember my father scolding me in class seven or so because I came back home ranking towards the end of 30 students in the class almost flunking in math,” he smiles. “My father said, ‘an engineer’s son cannot flunk in math.

The carefree Manipur lad grew into an extraordinary student when he moved to boarding school in Karnataka, where he finished high school. That transformation would remain with him through his life. “I won the medal for being the school topper,” he says. From there, he went on to study Chemistry at St Stephen’s College, Delhi. After that, he earned his Master’s and a PhD from the University of Bristol in the UK.

A series of scholarships carried him through his educational career, from his bachelor’s degree in Delhi to his MSc in Surface and Colloid Science and later PhD in the same subject in the UK. “It’s very expensive to study in the UK otherwise and was certainly out of my reach if it had not been for the full scholarship,” he remarks.

MaolKeki Foundation

[caption id="attachment_32506" align="aligncenter" width="938"] Indian Philanthropist | Shachi Gurumayum | Global Indian The Maolkeki Foundation team[/caption]

Through last-mile agricultural training, health projects and nurturing agri-entrepreneurs, the foundation’s aim is to catalyse the development of people. The organisation achieves its purpose by designing and implementing socially impactful initiatives in agriculture, education and healthcare through strategic partnerships, grants and direct investments.

My belief is that no one party can solve society’s challenges; however, if we come together and create an ecosystem to share our knowledge, skills, resources and energy, much can be achieved collectively.

A district by Loktak Lake was one of the MaolKeki team’s first locations. “It is the only freshwater lake in the region, with the world’s only floating national park. That’s something to admire,” Shachi says. From there, his team, whom he gives immense credit, scaled up their reach to other parts of the state.

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

"The learning point during all this has been that the impact of an individual effort can never match that of an institutionalised initiative,” Shachi explains. Today, the Foundation works in synergy with Syngenta Foundation India, Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation, Anaha Trust, Sattva, NABARD and the Swiss TPH Support Group.

Life in the UK

England was eventful for Shachi. “I was very actively promoting STEM education.” He was promoting chemistry through the Young Persons’ Network of the UK Chemical Industries Association and was even invited to Buckingham Palace for his contribution to British science.

Recalling his meeting with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, Shachi tells he was in awe of the Queen’s charismatic presence and says, of Prince Phillip, “He was a curious man and showed genuine interest in knowing what I was doing.”

In the same event, Shachi met the CEO of BP, the multinational oil and gas company headquartered in London. That association led him to multiple interviews at BP and the opportunity to enrol himself into a fully-sponsored MBA programme at HEC Paris.

Indian Philanthropist | Shachi Gurumayum | Global Indian

Shachi quotes Steve Jobs as he looks back at his life: “You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So, you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”

Working in labs and doing research work was not the route that Shachi wanted to take forever so the MBA fulfilled his desire to venture into the commercial side of enterprises.

Choosing Agriculture

With a PhD in Surface and Colloid Science and an MBA, Shachi had options to work in diverse industries.

I could have worked in industries like personal care, and oil and gas but versus those I chose to work in the agricultural sector because I thought I would be able to take the lessons I learn to Manipur.

After working with companies like Lubrizol Corporation, Chemical Industries Association and BP, he joined Syngenta, the leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. He spent nearly a decade there, working his way up the hierarchy to multiple leadership roles in the Africa Middle East division. “I felt that there were lots of commonalities between smallholder farming in Africa and in India, especially Manipur,” he remarks.

[caption id="attachment_32514" align="aligncenter" width="563"] Indian Philanthropist | Shachi Gurumayum | Global Indian For Shachi, it was a moment to learn what farmers experience in carrying a 'sam' around![/caption]

In the process of spearheading the Good Growth Plan in Africa Middle East (AME), Shachi and the AME team trained over 300,000 farmers, mostly smallholders, in over 25 countries to increase their productivity. The experiences were setting the stage for the developmental changes that were about to happen back home in Manipur.

The new course in life

In 2017, Shachi left corporate life behind to establish AgriMayum GmbH  – his own business venture. Around the same time, he set up MaolKeki Foundation to fulfil the goal he had set at the time of leaving India decades ago. “If we don’t help ourselves, nobody will come and help,” he says. To address the gaps in his state, he has been lucky to find a helping hand from acquaintances there.

The affable Samaritan has also found support from his rich network of friends that he nurtured over the years. For instance, the network of Stephanians played a good role in helping him out with the complete know-how of setting up a foundation in India. “That made life easier."

One has to appreciate the advantage of going to a good college because of the good exposure and life-long access it provides.

Shachi Gurumayum's foundation offers annual MaolKeki Memorial Scholarship to a deserving Manipuri student at St. Stephen's College.

[caption id="attachment_32515" align="aligncenter" width="877"] Indian Philanthropist | Shachi Gurumayum | Global Indian Shachi Gurumayum with his family during the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman ceremony at the Indian Embassy in Bern, Switzerland[/caption]

 Shachi and his team at MaolKeki Foundation focus on data and technology driven initiatives to support farmers. Because of their modern approach to address challenges, they have been able to impress a host of leading organisations for strategic partnerships and co-funding opportunities. Even Syngenta, the organisation where he worked before embracing entrepreneurship, has been a major supporter right from the beginning through Syngenta Foundation India.

Learning is fun

Enhancing his knowledge by enrolling in different courses is a vital part of Shachi’s life’s journey. The lifelong learner is currently enrolled at the Swiss TPH for an International Healthcare Management MBA programme. “It’s my second MBA,” he says, about the programme that emphasises practical, pragmatic lessons on the ground. “For each module that we have, we also have to do some practical work and submit reports, and I've focused all of them on activities in Manipur,” tells the Global Indian.

To combine agriculture and health at the very last mile in Manipur, Shachi and his MaolKeki team are facilitating the healthcare of farmers. Their health is assessed as they come to learn about new agricultural practices. Farmers are encouraged to get their routine health check-up done as a preventive measure.

Indian Philanthropist | Shachi Gurumayum | Global Indian

All these are novel experiences for them. Recalling one of the instances, Shachi says, “What was fun for the farmers was that some hadn't even weighed themselves in 10-20 years. Even standing on the scale was such a big attraction, apart from other basic primary care check-ups. The Foundation hired nursing staff for this purpose and has also worked on a tie-up with local healthcare centres to ensure farmers’ good health.

The philantropreneur is based in Europe for a majority of his time but spends a substantial amount of time each year in Manipur – the place closest to his heart and where his mother still lives – often accompanied by his family.

Follow Dr Shachi Gurumayum on LinkedIn
Follow MaolKeki Foundation on Facebook and its website

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Meet Teja Chekuri, the global F&B maverick who shaped India’s craft beer market

(August 7, 2023) How does a young engineer end up as the President of a company that owns a chain of restaurants, microbreweries the size of a gated community, and other food and beverage hotspots that are perennially popular? Teja Chekuri is one such entrepreneur born with vision and foresight. He says, in an exclusive with Global Indian, “After my master’s at Gannon University in Eire, Pennsylvania, I worked at Metlife and UPS. Then I set up my own IT services company. While travelling around the US, I observed that microbreweries were popular and I thought of setting up one in India. I was planning to move back to India and there were three cities with microbreweries already running – Bengaluru, Pune and Gurgaon. I saw the opportunity, wanted to have the early mover advantage and decided to go for it.” [caption id="attachment_43334" align="aligncenter" width="441"] Teja Chekuri, founder of the microbrewery Prost, in Hyderabad.[/caption] Microbreweries to Macro Businesses Teja’s food and beverage outlets span across India, the US and Canada. He started with Prost, a microbrewery, in Koramangala, Bengaluru in 2012. Though hailing from Telangana, the lack of permissions made him choose Bengaluru; he eventually launched Prost in Hyderabad in

Teja’s food and beverage outlets span across India, the US and Canada. He started with Prost, a microbrewery, in Koramangala, Bengaluru in 2012. Though hailing from Telangana, the lack of permissions made him choose Bengaluru; he eventually launched Prost in Hyderabad in 2016.

Simultaneously, based on his observations of the Indian cuisine served in the US, he decided to set up a chain of restaurants that would be unapologetic about their spicy foundation – essentially Andhra and Telangana food – not tweaked to suit the American palate. “In 2015, we launched Godavari in Woburn, 20 minutes away from Boston, Massachusetts. We did not want to do the sweetened versions of curries. We were not afraid to make it spicy; why should we change our food?” he asks.

[caption id="attachment_43320" align="aligncenter" width="581"] Prost Prost, Hyderabad.[/caption]

It might have seemed risky to many but incredibly, Godavari received a positive response, and is now in over 30 locations across the US and in Toronto, Canada. With plans to launch 21 more branches in the near future, with the latest ones set up in Denver, Colorado and Princeton, New Jersey, Godavari is present in Delaware, Toronto, Tampa, Jersey City, Minneapolis, Orange County, Atlanta, Columbus, Woburn, Philadelphia, Naperville, Houston, Schaumburg, Kansas, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Edison, Hartford, Herndon, Morrisville and Rhode Island etc. Despite 30-40 per cent of the menu changing once a year, the thali, the Andhra Chicken Curry and the Hyderabadi Dum Biryani are its most popular items. Godavari also serves idlis, dosas, sambar and rice and uluvacharu – dishes familiar to the fairly large Telugu speaking diaspora. And, the flagship Woburn restaurant, is still the biggest crowd puller, contributing over 300,000 USD to the company’s turnover every month.

Expanding Indian Cuisine’s Frontiers

Under the Godavari Group of Restaurants in the US, Teja continued to expand. Following the quick service restaurant model, Vaanga, serving fusion Indian food was started in 2017 in Boston. He then launched Madras Dosa Company [MDC] in 2021 in Seaport and Harvard Square, in the same city. He refers to MDC as a “Subway for dosas with a set menu – two kinds of batters, two chutneys [coconut and ginger; peanut is not used due to people’s allergies] and toppings like karam podi, sweet chocolate, onion, Horlicks, and more. There is even a Lays [chips] and an ice cream dosa available for kids. We are now looking to launch MDC at Times Square in New York too,” he reveals.

This was followed by 1947 – Truly Indian – a fine dining brand serving North and South Indian cuisine in Norwood, Massachusetts also in 2021. The next two ventures he has lined up for Boston include an Indian gastro bar called ‘Don’t Tell Aunty’, serving fusion food, and drinks concocted with Indian spices. The other is Boston Halal, following the quick service restaurant model, serving Mediterranean food.

[caption id="attachment_43322" align="aligncenter" width="692"] Prost Madras Dosa Company, Seaport.[/caption]

This year, Teja incorporated all his brands into the Golden Horn Company, of which he is the President. His initial investment of six crore rupees now fetches a neat turnover of Rs 250 crore. In the US, his partner who handles operations is Kaushik Koganti and Sree Harsha Vadlamudi partners him in India.

The company has clearly defined roles and demarcations. He says, “Every menu goes through six months of trials and tests; we have streamlined operations and 40 staff members oversee different departments for all the chains. Maintaining the highest standards is a must. It was tougher to get permissions and licenses in some cities and others were easier. But, ensuring that all the dishes taste the same across the outlets remains a challenge.”

The India Growth Story

Next on the anvil is Pangeo – a lounge bar on Bengaluru’s Brigade Road, spread over 20,000 square feet – to be launched shortly. And the world’s largest microbrewery spread over two acres, or 1.4 lakh square feet, in Marthahalli in Bengaluru again. Teja is looking at opening new outlets in Hebbal, Kanakapura and cities like Nagpur. Purple Potato, in Hyderabad’s Financial District, serving what he calls borderless cuisine, is also due to open its doors shortly.

Milestones and More

What could perhaps be his company’s biggest milestone this year though, has been his investment of buying a whopping nine franchises of Dunkin’ Donuts in the US. He says, “For two years, we have been trying to acquire these franchises. The company has very stringent rules about who they give them to. After evaluating us for a long time, they gave us their approval. We invested 18 million USD into acquiring nine of them in different locations.”

How does he stay ahead of the game? It is almost like he knows what is going to be the next big trend and gets on it before his competitors do. He says, “The food and beverage market is a volatile one. If you want to grow, you have to keep changing and evolving. You have to know what people want to eat when they dine out, all over the world. Currently, pan-Asian food is the popular trend.”

[caption id="attachment_43335" align="aligncenter" width="639"] Pangeo lounge bar, Bengaluru.[/caption]

If he didn’t have enough on his plate already, Teja has also been nominated to the Forbes Business Council, a prestigious networking platform where he is expected to give advice as a mentor, write articles and be part of expert panels, in business affairs.

With a busy lifestyle, long hours included, how does he maintain a work-life balance? He says, “I travel a lot for work, but when I am in Hyderabad, I make it a point to go home early to spend time with my wife and two daughters. I go to the gym every day and I catch up on my reading on flights.”

Teja’s career trajectory seems unstoppable with multiple food and beverage venues. His business could well become a case study at a business school in the future.

Follow Teja Chekuri on Instagram and on his website.

Ramayana’s global odyssey: Cultural adaptations and twists

(November 8, 2023) Ramayana, the ancient Indian epic, and the most revered text of Indian mythology stands as a timeless narrative that has transcended borders and evolved in multiple versions. The universal tale of the Indian mythology ventured into distant lands from India, in places like the heart of Indonesia to the exotic temples of Cambodia, and even the archipelagic Philippines. These adaptations, weave the lasting influence of the Ramayana on different cultures. Global Indian uncovers the footprints of the Ramayana in locales outside India, and how this has led to twists on the story of the timeless epic. Kakawin Ramayana: The Indonesian twist on an Indian epic The Ramayana arrived in Indonesia in the 8th or 9th century, and is known there as the Kakawin Ramayana. It has deeply influenced Indonesian culture, particularly among the Javanese, Balinese, and Sudanese communities, serving as a moral guide and a form of artistic expression. Traditional Wayang puppetry, including Wayang Golek and Wayang Kulit, helped integrate the Ramayana and Mahabharata into Indonesian culture. [caption id="attachment_46580" align="aligncenter" width="679"] Indonesia's artists depicting the story of Ramayana on stage[/caption] While the Kakawin Ramayana shares many characters with the Indian version, it also incorporates indigenous Javanese deities

dian.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/EejQYwdUEAAgmg_.jpg" alt="Indonesia | Global Indian " width="679" height="452" /> Indonesia's artists depicting the story of Ramayana on stage[/caption]

While the Kakawin Ramayana shares many characters with the Indian version, it also incorporates indigenous Javanese deities like Semar and his four sons. One notable difference is the portrayal of Sita, who is depicted as a strong and assertive figure in the Kakawin Ramayana, in contrast to the demure and patient Sita in the Indian version.

Ramakien: Thailand's unique take on the Ramayana

In Thailand, the Ramakien, meaning the 'glory of Rama,' has become a national epic. King Rama VI played a crucial role in popularising it. The origins of the epic can be traced back to Vishnu Purana, Valmiki's Ramayana, and the Hanuman Nataka. While the original Ramayana portrays Lord Hanuman as acting alone when setting Lanka on fire, Ramakien tells of how he led a monkey army in the attack on Krung Longka (Lanka). Hanuman used his magical powers to create a bridge for his monkey soldiers to overcome the water barrier.

[caption id="attachment_46569" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Ramayana in Thailand | Global Indian Thailand's artists depicting the story of Ramayana[/caption]

Unlike the original Ramayana, which primarily focuses on Lord Rama and his virtues, Ramakien delves deeper into the character of the demon king, Tosakanth. Ramakien admires Ravana's resourcefulness and portrays his abduction of Sita as an act of love, evoking sympathy.

Reamker: Cambodia's enduring Ramayana influence

The Cambodian rendition of the Ramayana, known as 'Reamker' or 'Ramakerti,' traces its roots in Cambodian culture as far back as the 10th century AD. Ancient Hindu temples in the region contain early references to the Ramayana, while the famous Angkor Wat temple showcases various episodes from the epic. In Reamker, Lord Ram is referred as 'Preah Ream,' Ravana as 'Krong Reap,' Sita as 'Neang Seda,' and Lakshman as 'Preah Leak,' while Hanuman retains his name with a slight pronunciation variation.

[caption id="attachment_46570" align="aligncenter" width="667"] Ramayana | Global Indian Artists of Cambodia depicting the story of Ramayana on stage[/caption]

The influence of the Ramayana on Cambodian culture is strong the story is depicted on Angkor's bas-reliefs and temple frescoes. It's a central theme in the traditional shadow play, ‘Sbek Thom’ and also forms the basis of the popular masked dance Ikhon Khol. Cambodians revere the character of Ram not only from a Hindu perspective but also as an embodiment of the Buddha himself, adding a unique layer of significance to the epic.

Hikayat Seri Rama: Malay adaptation of the Ramayana

Hikayat Seri Rama is the Malay adaptation of the Hindu Ramayana, believed to have been written between the 13th and 15th centuries. It's one of Malaysia's oldest known manuscripts and quite likely the oldest illuminated Malay manuscript. While the core story remains faithful to the original Sanskrit version, some aspects were adjusted to fit the local context, including names' spelling and pronunciation.

[caption id="attachment_46572" align="aligncenter" width="643"] Ramayana | Global Indian Malaysia's artists depicting the story of Ramayana on stage[/caption]

Over time, numerous branch stories emerged in the Malay adaptation of Ramayana, elevating minor characters or introducing new ones. For instance, in some variations, Laksmana takes on a more prominent role, often overshadowing Rama. Rama, though virtuous, is sometimes seen as less decisive, with the younger Laksmana admired for his courage and assertiveness.

Maharadia Lawana: Ramayana's Philippine influence

The famous Filipino 'Singkil' dance, rooted in the Ramayana, is a cherished folk dance of the Maranao people of Lake Lanao. The Hindu religion reached the Philippines from the Majapahit Empire between the 17th and 19th centuries. During this time, the Ramayana integrated into the Philippines' folk literary tradition.

[caption id="attachment_46574" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Ramayana | Global Indian Phillipines' artists depicting the story of Ramayana on stage[/caption]

In the Maranao tribe, the Ramayana takes on a unique form known as 'Maharadia Lawana,' narrating the tale of an immortal ‘monkey-king’. This local dance style encapsulates the Ramayana's story, although certain elements are adapted or omitted. Notably, details about Lawana's (Ravana's) birth, death, and his motivation for kidnapping Sita are excluded. The fate of Lawana after combat remains ambiguous. In this version, Vibhishana's character is absent, and Hanuman and Lava-Kusa merge into a single character, Lakhsamana.

Sri Lanka's Ramayana journey: Echoes to heroic Ravana

Although there is evidence of early poetic works related to the Ramayana within literate circles in Sri Lanka, especially in Kumaradasa's fifth-century Janakiharana, it wasn't until the 14^th century that a substantial influence of the Ramayana became apparent in Sri Lanka. During this time the story got amalgamated with the Sinhala Buddhist folklore, literature, and temple practices. Ravana, in this version, is celebrated as a heroic figure, renowned for his exceptional warrior skills and compassionate rule, accompanied by remarkable intellect. Additionally, some even assert that Ravana may have been the first to pioneer aviation, centuries prior to the Wright brothers' achievements.

[caption id="attachment_46581" align="aligncenter" width="771"] This is considered to be the remnants of Ravana's Fort in Sri Lanka[/caption]

Sri Lanka and the Ramayana share a deep-rooted connection since the island nation has a significant mention in the Ramayana. It is believed to be the kingdom of Lanka, where the episodes of Lord Rama's quest to rescue Sita unfolded. The interlinking of Sri Lanka with the Ramayana has made the tiny island nation an integral part of the larger Indian cultural tapestry.

The multiple adaptations of Ramayana illuminates the power of storytelling and the ability of one epic to resonate with diverse societies, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. These adaptations have enriched the world literature and has helped India’s epic tale gain global significance.

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