(August 23, 2023) In a world where the ordinary often eclipses the extraordinary, San Francisco-based Karthik Subramaniam emerged as a true harbinger of the extraordinary. With his heart attuned to the rhythm of nature, he embarked on a week-long journey to the distant shores of Alaska with his favourite camera by his side. Little did he know that this journey would help him capture a stunning image of three bald-eyed eagles that would make him win Nat Geo’s Picture of the Year 2023 contest.
The stage of his revelation was set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, a haven where the skies seem to embrace the earth. The preserve, renowned as the grandest congregation of bald eagles on the planet, served as the canvas on which Karthik would paint its masterpiece.
With the sun’s rays casting a spell on the land, he found himself standing near the fringes of the waters on the very last day of his trip. With only a few hours left before the last ferry, he waited for the perfect opportunity with his camera resting on a branch. That’s when he heard a commotion and saw through his lens that an incoming eagle swooped in, intimidating its current resident, and took the prime spot. Amidst the chaos of feathered rivalry, Karthik seized the moment, capturing the sublime chaos in its raw, untamed form. In that fleeting moment, his lens transformed into a portal, bridging the realms of the ordinary and the extraordinary. Paying a tribute to George RR Martin’s novel A Dance of Dragons, he named the image Dance of the Eagles and submitted it to National Geographic Pictures of the Year contest. Selected from among 5000 entries across four categories – Nature, People, Places, and Animals, the picture was published in the May issue of Nat Geo magazine. “Every year in November, hundreds of bald eagles gather at Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska, to feast on salmon. I visited there last two Novembers to photograph them,” he told the magazine.
These annual visits helped him gain insight into the behavourial rhythms of the birds. “For example, when an eagle drags salmon to a dry spot, other eagles in the area would inevitably fly there to claim their share, and that leads to chaotic action. They also seemed to have some favourite spots to hang out, and usually, commotion ensues when an eagle wants an already occupied spot. This photo was taken during one such commotion,” he added.
Karthik Subramanium
A software engineer by profession, Karthik took up photography as a hobby. For the longest time he has been photographing landscapes and it was only in 2020, when like many he was grounded in his home, that he started experimenting with wildlife photography. His passion led him to wildlife reserves and forests. He journeyed to the Point Reyes National Seashore, the voyage a testament to his unquenchable thirst for the perfect shot, and soon parks became his sanctuaries. Sharing an anecdote, he revealed that upon hearing that two bald eagles were nesting on top of an elementary school two hours away from his home, he visited every weekend to capture them on his lens on their way out to hunt. The trial period paid off as he learned patience, something that helped him capture the award-winning photo.
His journey from the vibrant streets of San Francisco to the wild landscapes of Alaska encapsulates the essence of a soul driven by an insatiable love for photography. Through observation and enthusiasm, he harnessed the art of storytelling through his lens. His triumph in winning the prestigious National Geographic’s annual Pictures of the Year award is not just an accolade, but a reminder that in the pursuit of a dream, passion and perseverance illuminate the path to greatness. Karthik Subramaniam, the photographer, has not only captured images; he has captured the heart of photography itself.
(September 21, 2024) Trained as an architect, Ankon Mitra has found his calling as an artist, particularly through the ancient Japanese technique of origami. Over the past decade, the 42-year-old has carved a name for his unique art (central to which is the technique of folding) that transform materials as different as paper and concrete into monumental sculptures that redefine spatial dynamics and textures. Recipient of the All-India Gold Medal for Sculpture in 2018 from the Prafulla Dahanukar Foundation, his art has been published in the Victoria and Albert Museum's catalogue of ‘Papercrafts’ published by the Thames and Hudson in 2018. [caption id="attachment_56306" align="aligncenter" width="696"] Ankon Mitra[/caption] Having showcased his work across the world, including the CODA Museum in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands, and Arte Laguna, Arsenale de Nord, Venice (2021), the India Pavilion of the London Design Biennale at the Somerset House (2022), and the Shanghai Paper Art Biennale (2023), the artist has transcended boundaries due to the universal nature of his work. He shares with Global Indian, “My work is an extension of my love of nature. From a beehive to the center of a sunflower—everything I do is centered around nature. It is my inspiration and constant muse.”
He shares with Global Indian, “My work is an extension of my love of nature. From a beehive to the center of a sunflower—everything I do is centered around nature. It is my inspiration and constant muse.”
An accidental artist
Born and brought up in Delhi in an artistically inclined family, Ankon never explored the possibility of being an artist. “My mother worked with the Ministry of Defense, while my father was in the steel trade. While we were interested in the artistic side of life, no one in my family pursued it seriously.”
Incidentally, his passion for art stemmed from his interest in landscape architecture, as he confesses that he always loved the clean lines of a well-tended garden. He explains, “I was always interested in math and science, so that gives a great sense of grounding and balance to my art. Because I am artistically inclined as well as technically minded, I can see things uniquely.”
Folding is intrinsic to Ankon’s art. He started with folding paper, as it made him look at things structurally differently. The interplay of light and shadows in folded structures fascinated him, which led to his initiation into art. His ability to take the fragile, often overlooked medium of paper and transform it into complex, layered structures earned him recognition both in India and internationally.
“When you fold something, a flat structure appears three-dimensional due to the trick of light,” he notes and adds, “Fold is a natural form. We are all made of folds, and through my experiments, I hope to showcase diverse perspectives.”
He experiments not only with paper but with various materials like metal, wood, fabric (from ikat to zardosi), and even concrete, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms.
A mirage of forms
One of Ankon’s most significant achievements is his contribution to the intersection of art and science, where he applies the principles of origami to solve architectural and engineering problems. His large-scale installations explore eclectic concepts, creating immersive experiences that invite viewers to contemplate the delicate balance between order and chaos.
In a short period, the artist has made a name for himself. In 2014, when he had his first show (he laughs, saying he did not sell a single work from the exhibition), he introduced the concept of working with different materials to the art world. By 2016, when he had his second show, he had already made his mark and gained confidence, as was seen in stunning installations that included metal folding and using origami techniques to work with fabric.
His latest show, Maps Unfolded, uses historic maps (from traditional Indian pilgrimage maps, printed bazaar maps, and city maps) to create a stunning array of work. One interpretation shows the juxtaposition of the British Map of Jaipur from 1920 and the UNESCO World Heritage Map in 2012. While a folded surface gives a glance of the same localities separated by nearly a century, one can see how time changes borders, populations, and priorities.
He explains, “I want people to view narratives in unexpected ways. As one walks around the maps, different stories emerge from different views. The visual comparison shows how the syntax of the journey of cities and people can change with the passage of time.”
Other installations show the maps of Tibet that explore terrain through folds, while others use the Japanese technique of origami to create objects of startling beauty. Apart from maps, installations traverse the genres of space and nature, a recurring theme in the artist’s work.
The artist proudly states that group effort is core to his output. He works with a team of architects at his studio in Delhi, and given the size and scale of the work he does, collaboration is a key part of his artistic process. Another key aspect of his success lies in the fact that there is a dialogue between the artist and the material (from jute to cane) that shines through. Depending on the medium, he derives the process be it making molds, undercutting the strength of the material or creating distorted shapes.
In little over ten years, the artist has made his mark for his eclectic work without precedence. Ask him why, and the genial artist smiles, “It is because geometry is universal and I layer Indian sensibility throughout my works. The material, the sense of color, and the references are all Indian, while the outlook is international. My work marries global thought with Indian roots.”
Ankon’s work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries and art fairs across the world, and he continues to inspire with his pioneering approach. What makes his art special is its capacity to evoke wonder—a simple fold in his hands becomes a dynamic, intricate universe that mirrors the complexity of life itself.
(October 26, 2022) "Trust is earned and I will earn yours," said Rishi Sunak, soon after being sworn-in as the Prime Minister of the UK. It's cause for celebration by Asians the world over. Understandably so - it's an accomplishment with many firsts (he is the first Hindu and the first person of colour to hold the PM's office. He is also the youngest and richest ever). Poetic justice has definitely been served. Although his family's connections with Africa go back two generations, Rishi has never doubted that his roots are truly Indian. Having grown up in the UK, Rishi found success soon after college, working with two hedge funds and going on to become partner at one.Still, he left it all behind to head for the sunny, very promising California climes, where he quickly a name for himself with hedge funds and to graduate as a Fulbright Scholar from Stanford University, where he would also meet his wife, Akshata. Despite a life of privilege (which has caused controversy), Rishi has hardly been the man to choose the easy way - whether it's taking off across the Atlantic or choosing to enter politics as a Conservative candidate. His first bid
choosing to enter politics as a Conservative candidate. His first bid for Prime Minister was thwarted by Liz Truss although he burst back onto the scene with the overwhelming support of 190 MPs. As congratulations pour in from around the world, Global Indian takes a look at his journey.
From Africa to the UK
For Rishi, it has been a long way here, a journey that began with his grandparents, who left India in search of a better life nearly a century ago. His parents were both born in Africa- his father in Kenya and his mother in Tanganyika, which later became part of Tanzania. It was part of a long and shared history - after the creation of the East African Protectorate in 1885, many Indians migrated there. Both regions were under British control at the time.
This symbiosis didn't last long, with vast numbers of Indians leaving East Africa in the second half of the 20th century. Politics had changed and Idi Amin's expulsion of the Indian minority from Uganda made life very difficult for the diaspora, who packed up their bags and moved. In 1966, Rishi's maternal grandfather Raghubir Sain Berry set off to the UK with his family. His wife sold her wedding jewellery to fund that trip.
Rishi's father went on to study medicine at the University of Liverpool while his mother studied pharmacy at Aston University. Rishi, who even did a stint waiting tables at an Indian restaurant, has spoken often of the sacrifices his parents made. "But it was Britain, our country that gave them, and millions like them, the chances of a better future."
Warmest congratulations @RishiSunak! As you become UK PM, I look forward to working closely together on global issues, and implementing Roadmap 2030. Special Diwali wishes to the 'living bridge' of UK Indians, as we transform our historic ties into a modern partnership.
A glowing article in The Tatlerdescribes Rishi Sunak from his days waiting tables at an Indian 'curry house' named Kuti Miah. The restaurant's owner was friends with Rishi's parents, Yashvir and Usha. Which is not to say that RishiSunak comes with a tear-jerker of a rags-to-riches, immigrant in the UK origin story. Far from it. Born to a physician father, Yashvir, while his mother, Usha, ran a pharmacy, his life was decidedly upper-middle class.
Still, even if there are doubts raised about his privileged upbringing, Rishi's capability as a leader is well-known and greatly appreciated among his party MPs. In 2015, he made his political debut by winning the constituency of Richmond, North Yorkshire, in the general elections. Despite early hurdles, he was quickly picked out as a rising star - according to The Tatler, this quality was spotted early on, even by his former boss at Kuti Miah. That year, in 1998, as the then 18-year-old Rishi was all set to enter Oxford University, his boss remarked, "You're going to be someone, Rishi." Sure enough, the fiercely patriotic young man, who grew up, thanks to his parents, immersed in the local community, never looked back.
His broad grin, which he flashes generously, belies the seriousness that lies beneath - Rishi's flawless record goes back a long way, he was Head Boy at Winchester College, an independent boarding school for boys and also editor of the school paper. He went on to read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Lincoln College, Oxford, where he first dipped his toe in politics, as an intern at the Conservative Campaign Headquarters. He graduated in 2001, which was also the year he gave the fateful interview about his 'working class friends' to Middle Classes: Their Rise and Sprawl.
California dreaming
After graduating from Oxford in 2002, Rishi joined Goldman Sachs, where he worked for three years as an analyst. Then, he worked with The Children's Investment Fund Management, a hedge fund firm and became a partner in 2006. After he moved to California, he worked in hedge funds and experienced the buzz of genius and enterprise that comes with being in the Silicon Valley. Eventually, he went to Stanford University for his MBA. Those were golden days in sunny California, a love affair that hasn't quite died out for Rishi Sunak.
Appearing on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuennsberg, he said, "You make the point about California. I have lived and worked in California and I actually think it's one of the reasons I would be good at this job.
Rishi went on to reflect on the "culture" of enterprise he witnessed during his two years living on the West Coast. "I think it's incredibly inspiring and empowering. If I was a young person, I'd want to go and do something like that." Rishi went on to add, causing some controversy as he geared up for the Prime Ministerial race that Liz Truss went on to win, that he will not rule out moving to his Santa Monica home if he loses the election.
Meeting Akshata Murthy
[caption id="attachment_31061" align="aligncenter" width="379"] Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murthy at their Bengaluru wedding in 2009[/caption]
The first time they met, Rishi said in an interview, he knew there was "clearly something." Akshata, the daughter of Indian billionaire and Infosys co-founder Narayana Murty was in Stanford University too and Rishi recalls re-arranging his schedule to take the same classes so he could "sit next to her." The couple married in 2009.
In a poignant letter to his daughter in 2016, Narayana Murty describes coming to terms with the man who stole his daughter's heart. "I, too, was a little sad and jealous when you told us you had found your life partner. But when I met Rishi and found him to be all that you had described him to be-brilliant, handsome, and, most importantly, honest-l understood why you let your heart be stolen. It was then that I reconciled to sharing your affections with him," he wrote. Akshata continues to manage her father's venture capital firm, Catamaran Ventures in the UK and together, the couple are the 222nd richest people in Britain, with a combined net worth of GBP 730 million as of 2022.
The political route
Rishi's entry into politics began in 2015 when he won the constituency of Richmond, North Yorkshire in the general elections, becoming the Conservative Party's rising star almost instantly. His entry, however, was not well-received by other conservative candidates, who resented this apparent upstart claiming territory they believed to be theirs. His victory was even more noteworthy because he contested "as a rank outsider," according to the Business Standard, "in the 97 percent white, prosperous rural Conservative bastion of Richmond in Yorkshire, where, the joke goes, there has been no immigration since the Norman conquest in 1066." However, his right-wing economic views - Rishi is an enthusiastic believer in free markets and a vocal critic of Brexit - helped him secure a historic win.
In 2018, Rishi was inducted in the UK government by then British Prime Minister Theresa May. Then 37-years-old, Rishi was a Conservative party MP (Richmond, Yorkshire) with great promise, entering the government as the parliamentary-under-secretary of state in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Incidentally, he was joined by another Indian-origin MP, also a pro-Brexit campaigner - Suella Braverman, who was Suella Fernandes at the time.
Rishi went on to make several contributions in the House of Commons, on issues like digital economy, social mobility and foreign direct investment. "From working in my mum's tiny chemist shop to my experience building large businesses, I have seen how we should support free enterprise and innovation to ensure Britain has a stronger future," Rishi told the media back in 2018.
[caption id="attachment_31063" align="aligncenter" width="744"] Rishi Sunak with his family[/caption]
The Conservative man of colour
As a conservative candidate of colour, Rishi's position is always likely to be precarious. Will he usher in a post-race era, or speak up for the hyper-local, ethnic problems that minorities face in the UK? Always fiercely patriotic, his loyalty to the UK cannot be called into question. However, he remarked, to the Business Standard, "British Indian is what I tick on the census, we have a category for it. I am thoroughly British, this is my home and my country, but my religious and cultural heritage is Indian, my wife is Indian. I am open about being a Hindu." Although he is given to phrases like "oh crikey," he does speak a smattering of Hindi and Punjabi.
Making history
In 2019, Rishi became the first Indian-origin to be named Chancellor of the Exchequer, taking over 11 Downing Street as one of the most powerful people in England. His term was, admittedly, fraught with controversy - he was charged with breaking lockdown laws, for instance. Finally, Akshata stepped in, saying she would pay the taxes, not because she had to because she “wanted” to do so.
On July 5, 2022, Rishi resigned from his post as Chancellor of the Exchequer, withdrawing support from PM Boris Johnson over a sexual harassment scandal within the government. He contested then as something of an underdog, with Liz Truss eventually being named the Prime Minister. He tenure was short-lived and tumultuous and on October 25, Rishi Sunak, who stood unopposed, was named the Prime Minister –in-waiting of the UK. Perhaps Rishi will have his own chance at rewriting history after all.
(November 12, 2022) For the pivotal global role of leading COP26 as its president, Alok Sharma stepped down from the post of secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy in former UK PM Boris Johnson’s cabinet. The British-Indian politician devoted the last one year in its entirety towards working for climate action after negotiating with 200 nations to reach an agreement on the historic Glasgow Climate Pact. As the COP26 chief, he understood that the COP summit is not any other international summit but a significant step to tackle a global problem which holds great urgency. Since 1995, the United Nations has been bringing together countries across the world for global climate summits – called COPs – that stands for ‘Conference of the Parties’ realising that climate change has gone from being a minor concern to a global priority. The 26th summit in the series was named COP26 and the presidentship was handed over to UK for the period of 2021-2022. The summit had taken place in Glasgow, Scotland with British-Indian politician Alok Sharma as the president of the global confederation. ‘No Drama Sharma’ Handling the challenging role with élan, devoting countless hours to virtual meetings and globetrotting
651 aligncenter" src="https://www.globalindian.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/card_Alok-Sharma-1.jpg" alt="Alok Sharma | Indians in UK | Global Indian" width="1009" height="567" />
Since 1995, the United Nations has been bringing together countries across the world for global climate summits – called COPs – that stands for ‘Conference of the Parties’ realising that climate change has gone from being a minor concern to a global priority.
The 26th summit in the series was named COP26 and the presidentship was handed over to UK for the period of 2021-2022. The summit had taken place in Glasgow, Scotland with British-Indian politician Alok Sharma as the president of the global confederation.
‘No Drama Sharma’
Handling the challenging role with élan, devoting countless hours to virtual meetings and globetrotting schedules, Sharma garnered praise for his balanced leadership and developed a reputation as being a calm and effective leader during his one-year tenure.
People sometimes describe me as 'No Drama Sharma'.
This statement of Sharma became very popular with the media and the people at large.
Though he was not as popular a politician as his colleague Rishi Sunak when he was chosen for the coveted post, his calm demeanour was well recognised even in his early days in Britain’s political scenario.
“Last November, the world gathered at COP26 against a fractured and fractious geopolitics, as a once-in-a-century pandemic dragged mercilessly on,” said Alok Sharma, while delivering the ceremonial opening speech of COP27 summit which is taking place in Egypt between November 6 and 18 this year.
“Leaders recognised that despite their differences, (which are) often profound, cooperation on climate and nature is in our collective self-interest,” he added while touching upon the achievements of his tenure in 2021-2022. He concluded his presidential role, handing it over to Egypt’s foreign minister, Sameh Shoukry for the next one-year term. The presidentship will then move on to UAE at the end Egypt’s term in 2023.
Green growth climate warrior
After nearly three years as president-designate and a year of full-time presidentship Alok Sharma completely moulded himself in the role of COP chief, often calling himself a ‘green growth climate warrior’ much to the delight of his family. Talking to Financial Times, the 55-year-old had remarked at the beginning of his term last year, its “the only time my children have been vaguely excited about my job.”
Though Sharma’s tenure has concluded, managing climate change will be governing factor in his future career moves. “This is something I cannot let go off. I am fully invested,” he told Financial Times.
The outcome of Sharma’s tenure
During his tenure, Sharma initiated and got successful in coming up with Glasgow Climate Pact after intense negotiations with almost 200 countries. It required strenuous work and herculean globetrotting, but the ace British-Indian politician ended up doing a good job.
“Cuts in global greenhouse gas emissions are still far from where they need to be to preserve a liveable climate, and support for the most vulnerable countries affected by the impacts of climate change is still falling far short. But COP26 did produce new “building blocks” to advance implementation of the Paris Agreement through actions that can get the world on a more sustainable, low-carbon pathway forward,” observed UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a message posted on the United Nations’ COP26 site.
However, Sharma was not completely satisfied with the outcome of his tenure. He had expected the results to be better.
Sharma in UK’s politics
The chartered accountant by qualification who is also armed with a BSc degree in Applied Physics with Electronics, started his political career in 2006.He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Reading West in 2010. Having grown up in Reading, a town west of London, the politician calls himself ‘a Reading man.’ He managed support in his home town to get re-elected for the constituency in the 2015 general elections.
[caption id="attachment_31654" align="aligncenter" width="984"] Alok Sharma with former UK PM, Boris Johnson[/caption]
With a background in STEM, Sharma’s first role in UK’s political landscape was to serve as a member of the Science and Technology Select Committee between 2010 – 2011. Later, serving as the parliamentary private secretary (PPS) to Mark Hoban, the then financial secretary to the treasury for a year, he honed his politician’s skills.
Sharma was selected for a tenure as Conservative Party vice-chairman from 2012-2015. The Indian descent politician also served as the co-chairman of Conservative Friends of India in 2014.
Causes close to heart
His campaign for longer prison sentences for those convicted of death due to reckless drivingand to reduce the number of first-class carriages on trains running between Reading and London to increase standard class capacity, brought him closer to the masses.
[caption id="attachment_31655" align="aligncenter" width="704"] Sharma with school kids[/caption]
Following the death of two cyclists, Sharma had initiated a parliamentary debate on reckless driving and backed it with a petition, which had managed to gain more than 55,000 signatures. He has been committed to needs of kids in the sphere of education from the beginning of his political career.
The soft-hearted politician was tearful in parliament in 2016, when as housing minister, he described the heart wrenching experience of meeting the survivors of a devastating fire in London that had killed more than 70 people.
Vital roles
An assignment that brought the politician close to his native country was his appointment as the prime minister David Cameroon’s infrastructure envoy to India. During his tenure he had remarked, “The India story is very compelling to British investors who are all chasing yield.”
[caption id="attachment_31657" align="aligncenter" width="889"] Alok Sharma with PM Modi during his India visit as COP26 President[/caption]
Thereafter, Sharma held some vital roles in the government, serving as minister of state for housing from 2017 to 2018 and as parliamentary under-secretary of state for employment from 2018 to 2019.
In 2019, former UK PM Boris Johnson appointed him as the Secretary of State for International Development. During the 2020 cabinet reshuffle, he was promoted to the post of secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy, an office in which he served until 2021 before he was appointed to lead COP26. During his COP tenure Sharma retained his status as the member of the cabinet.
Inspiration of working for climate from family
The awakening towards managing climate change for a better future had been instilled in him at home, long before he was chosen as president-designate of COP.He considers his wife, two daughters and former US vice president Al Gore as the chief contributors to shaping his thought on global warming and climate policy.
Talking about mitigating effects of climate change he said in an interview smilingly:
When I was selected as president-designate for COP26, I got a text from my daughter with the BBC link of the announcement and accompanying that was the three-word message, ‘get it done’. I feel the pressure to make sure to collectively get it done.
Stints in Germany and Sweden during his early career in banking and finance also introduced him to adopt lesser harmful ways to live on this planet. At that time, UK was not as mindful as the other two countries, when it came to simple things like segregating garbage, making his Swedish wife cringe. Eventually, she gave him lessons on how to live better. On a flight one day, he watched Al Gore’s famous documentary, ‘An inconvenient Truth’ from start to finish. The film changed the way he saw climate change.
The indelible marks
As the saying goes, behind every successful man is a woman. In Sharma’s case, it was his wife who urged him to consider a career in politics, although he had by then settled into senior roles in banking and finance. His career thrived and Sharma was associated with organisations like Coopers & Lybrand Deloitte, and the Japanese firms, Nikko Securities and Enskilda Securities.
[caption id="attachment_31658" align="aligncenter" width="703"] Alok Sharma with his wife[/caption]
Both his daughters also cared passionately about the healthy environment and that too influenced the doting father’s outlook on things. Upon insistence of one of his vegan daughters, Sharma even gave up meat to cut his own emissions. Fatherhood in itself had an impact on how he wanted the planet to be for the future generation.
The India connection
Like the newly elected UK PM Rishi Sunak, Sharma took his oath in the House of Commons on the Bhagavad Gita in 2019. Born in the Taj Mahal city Agra, he had moved with his parents to Reading as a five-year-old. He grew up and studied in UK with a Hindu upbringing.
(October 7, 2022) The fifth and current National Security Advisor (NSA) to the Prime Minister of India, Ajit Doval was the youngest police officer in the country to be awarded the Kirti Chakra, one of the highest defence gallantry awards. He has always been the determined achiever. When he was in school, his teacher chose him to be part of the school boxing team because even as a kid, he never did accept defeat. The retired Indian Police Services (IPS) officer of the Kerala cadre and a former Indian intelligence and law enforcement officer started off his police career in 1968. He retired as director of Intelligence Bureau in 2005. Due to his exemplary services over the years, Doval is fondly known as the James Bond of India. His list of achievements is impressive. He was actively involved in anti-insurgency operations in Mizoram and Punjab. The officer played a key role as one of the three negotiators in the release of passengers from the hijacked IC-814 in Kandahar in the year 1999. Between 1971 and 1999, Doval successfully terminated at least 15 hijackings of Indian Airlines aircrafts, becoming a hero of the nation. Difficult projects handled successfully Doval successfully supervised
played a key role as one of the three negotiators in the release of passengers from the hijacked IC-814 in Kandahar in the year 1999. Between 1971 and 1999, Doval successfully terminated at least 15 hijackings of Indian Airlines aircrafts, becoming a hero of the nation.
Difficult projects handled successfully
Doval successfully supervised the September 2016 Uri surgical strike and February 2019 Balakot air strikes across the border in Pakistan. He also contributed towards ending the Doklam stand-off, taking decisive measures to tackle insurgency of the Northeast.
Talking about the atmosphere of conflict in the world right now, the Global Indian said in a recent conference:
If we want to tackle this atmosphere, it is important to maintain the unity of the country, and move as a united nation. The way India has been developing and progressing over the past few years, it will benefit every citizen of the country.
While answering questions related to his life, art of decision making and his journey to success, his advice for youngsters during a leadership talk with Dr Abhijit Jere, chief innovation officer, ministry of HRD was, “first consider the worst possible outcome and see if it’s affordable in such a way that the country can deal with it. Then work on this outcome by trying to make it better. Also have a backup plan so as to be prepared.”
The veteran of undercover operations
‘India’s James Bond’ spent seven years as an undercover operative in Pakistan gathering intelligence on active militant groups. The master spy managed to stay in disguise all those years, mastering Urdu and expertise in the country's history, culture and politics.
The veteran had also played a key role in gathering intelligence for ‘Operation Black Thunder’ throttling Khalistan’s militancy in 1984. He worked in disguise of a rickshaw puller in the areas surrounding the Golden Temple, and then later posed as an ISI agent, befriended the militants inside the temple. He managed to earn their trust, and entered the Golden Temple, gathering all information from there and passing it on to security agencies. In 1990s, he went to Kashmir and convinced hardcore militants and troops to become counter-insurgents, for facilitating Jammu and Kashmir elections of 1996.
The major part of Ajit Doval’s career has been spent as an active field intelligence officer with the Intelligence Bureau (IB). His service to the nation has been honoured with several awards, honours, and records to his credit.
His views on the future of war and terrorism are firm. In the leadership talk hosted by the ministry of HRD, he said:
In today’s scenario cyber security and information is the key.
Retired yet super active
Doval became the founder director of Vivekananda International Foundation (a public policy think tank) after his retirement from Indian Police Services in 2009.
The die-hard patriot’s expertise was sought thereafter, for a top-secret mission for which he flew to Iraq in 2014 to understand the position on the ground, made high-level connections in the Iraq government, and ensured release of 46 Indian nurses who were trapped in a hospital in Tikrit, Iraq, after a month of his being there in the country.
Later, the super cop also headed a successful military operation in Myanmar along with the then Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag against National Socialist Council of Nagaland militants operating out of Myanmar.
Having served from 2014-2019 as National Security Advisor, in the year 2019, Ajit Doval got reappointed to the post for the next five-year term and was offered a cabinet rank in the second term of the Narendra Modi-led government.
Staying away from social media
Interestingly, in this era of the internet, for any personal communication Ajit Doval does not use the computer as ‘it can be compromised’. The top official has never signed up for any social media account. All his social media accounts are created by his fans and well-wishers. He believes that he is more of a solo person and likes doing things differently.
The national security advisor said in the leadership talk:
Live every second as the first second of the rest of your life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZe1DrZ_zdk
Son of an Indian Army officer, Doval grew up in Ajmer, Rajasthan and completed his school education from King George's Royal Indian Military School. He graduated with a masters in economics from University of Agra.
When faced with a choice between what you should do because of your duty and what you should do because of your passion, always choose the second option.
Doval advised students during his recent leadership talk.
Why Ajit Doval enjoys so much respect:
He has worked many years as an undercover agent not only in Pakistan but also in the northeast, Arakan, Myanmar and deep inside China to gather intelligence information on active insurgent groups that were a threat to India.
He managed to win the trust of hardcore Kashmiri militant, Kuka Parray in troubled Kashmir and persuaded him to surrender.
When the security forces charged inside the Golden Temple to get Khalistani terrorists out from there in 1984, Ajit Doval was one among them.
He has prevented 15 hijackings of Indian Airlines aircrafts.
He was the key negotiator which led to the freedom of hostages from Taliban when they hijacked the plane, IC-814 at Kandahar in 1999.
(October 10, 2024) Nikita Karizma was a student at the London College of Fashion when the call came from Lady Gaga. The popstar, who is known for supporting young talent in fashion, wanted Nikita to style her. "It was a real 'pinch me' moment," Nikita smiles. “There I was, heading off to Lady Gaga's studio to drop off my student work." It set the ball rolling on Nikita's career as a designer and entrepreneur, and she caught the attention of the talent scouts, who were already keeping an eye out for talented students from the London College of Fashion. "Fashion stylists started communicating with me and began giving me orders for musicians," Nikita says. Nikita's second big break came just as she graduated from the London College of Fashion, when she received a styling request from the UK's biggest girl band, Little Mix. She used the money she earned to launch her own eponymous designer line, NIKITA KARIZMA. The designer has gone on to dress a galaxy of stars across Hollywood, the UK and Bollywood, including Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner and Shilpa Shetty. "I like seeing people spread a positive message," she tells Global Indian, and that's exactly what she
lobalindian.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Indian, and that's exactly what she helps them do through fashion. "Your style says a lot about who you are and what you stand for in the world." Nikita has scaled up her business with a commercial line, KARIZMA, and recently purchased her first property to house her collections. To her, fashion is expression and empowerment combined, her style a fusion of understated Western influences and the bold, colourful cuts and prints of Indian design.
For as long as she can remember, Nikita Karizma's life has been about fashion and textiles. She even recalls the day former Miss America Nina Davuluri, the first Indian-origin woman to hold the coveted title, walked into her mother's store in London. "We dressed her too," she says. "In one campaign, my mum had Aishwarya Rai before she became Miss World." Her mother's store specialised in wedding lehengas, and often styled celebrities for Asian magazines. The business of fashion was dinner-time conversation, and Nikita also began working for her parents early on. Even today, Nikita is at the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship and profit, and of bridging her family’s rich, varied cultural heritage, with roots in India, Kenya and the UK.
Fashion is in her DNA, and the family has been in it for some six decades now. It began with Nikita's grandparents, who ran their own clothing store in Kenya. When they migrated to the UK, they resumed operations there, specialises in Indian sarees, catering to the ever-growing Asian community in London. Although the family has strong ties to Kenya, Nikita was born and raised in the UK, growing up on London's Ealing Road, "which feels like Mumbai," she laughs. "A lot of immigrants live in this neighbourhood, you can hear Indian languages being spoken around you."
Nikita began work young, helping her parents out at their London store. "I would meet customers, go on trips to do the buying and talk to sales people," she says. They sold Indian clothes to the diaspora, making outfits for occasions like weddings. Her early exposure to fashion, therefore, came with strong ties to her Indian heritage, which she maintains to this day, although her own clothing lines are predominantly western. "People ask me why I didn't launch an Indian fashion line, but my parents have already done that, and done it well. There was no need for me to duplicate what they were already doing." To her surprise, she found orders pouring in from the South Asian community. "It was only when Bollywood stylists started requesting them that I realised how much my culture is part of me," she says.
The celeb life
If Nikita were to claim a niche, it would likely be designing for musicians and pop stars. "I love celebrity and popular culture," she says. "I love seeing music spread around the world like wildfire, especially when it spreads a positive message." Her exposure to celebrity culture came fairly early, starting with her parents. When she was 16, Nikita began working for Sony TV as a presenter. "I was sent to music video sets and would interview celebrities." She was very shy then, but used the opportunity to build confidence, going on to interview stars like Hrithik Roshan and Rakesh Roshan, Celina Jaitley and Rishi Rich. "I began to understand this world and also to understand celebrities as human beings," she says. "It's hard for them to connect with everyone but at the end of the day, everybody wants to be loved and understood."
The business of design
A natural leader and entrepreneur, Nikita understood, by the time she went to college, the practicalities, the cash flows and the costs of running a fashion business. It stood her good stead. "A lot of designers go into fashion school and become very strong designers. But they don't really train you on how to run a business at fashion school. For me, that came through my upbringing," she says. When the time came for university, she chose the London College of Fashion.
The university was well-connected in industry circles and Nikita Karizma was still a bright-eyed student when she received a styling request that blew her away, from Lady Gaga. The popstar, who is known for supporting young designers, went on to be styled by Nikita.
Finding strength in diversity
Nikita knew at the outset that she wanted to have her own clothing line. She used the money she earned from the Little Mix commission to start her own business. Although it seems an obvious choice, considering her family’s line of work, Nikita was still a young, woman of colour trying to make a mark in the highly competitive, often cut-throat world of fashion. "In fashion school, I was the only Indian girl. When I go to networking events, I'm still the only Indian girl in the room. This was the case both in the UK and in America," Nikita remarks. She found her "cultural creative tribe" in the Indian stylists who began reaching out to her. This was how her designer line, Nikita Karizma, came to be.
The young designer remained unfazed by the fact that she was different. "My family prepared me for it. They told me not to worry about being in a minority and to just focus on my talent and skillset," she says, adding, "That's the only thing which matters in the long term. Ultimately, it comes down to your product." These were also the early days of social media, and influencers weren't really a thing. "It wasn't a desirable career path and a job. People didn't understand the path I had taken." This was also before the world had taken to posting every detail of their lives on social media. With very little documentation, the fashion industry remained insulated from the rest of the world. Things have come a long way since, and now, being a fashion designer is a highly sought-after job. "These days, when I post videos of what I do at work, they are seen as aspirational. But it's also a saturated and competitive market," she says. She kept her head down and focussed on her skillsets, and on creating the best products. "Ultimately, if your work is good, people want to wear them. As long as that happens, I know I can carry on in the long term."
Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murthy at their Bengaluru wedding in 2009[/caption]
Rishi Sunak with his family[/caption]
Alok Sharma with former UK PM, Boris Johnson[/caption]
Sharma with school kids[/caption]
Alok Sharma with PM Modi during his India visit as COP26 President[/caption]
Alok Sharma with his wife[/caption]
Nikita Karizma[/caption]
