Global IndianstoryKrithi Karanth: Conservation biologist leading efforts to alleviate human-wildlife conflict in India

Krithi Karanth: Conservation biologist leading efforts to alleviate human-wildlife conflict in India

Compiled by: Charu Thakur

(November 10, 2023) Most toddlers watch the big cats in the nearby public zoo, but not Krithi Karanth, who had the privilege of spotting her first tiger as a three-year-old in a jungle with her father. It was a beautiful early evening at Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka when she saw her first big cat, and for years to come, the jungle and national parks became her playground, thanks to her dad, a noted tiger biologist and conservationist and her grandfather, an environmentalist. Growing up, she learnt to track tigers and set camera traps. “In our family, you actually don’t have a choice when it comes to going out into the wild,” said the conservationist who became the first Indian and Asian woman to receive the WILD Innovator Award.

Although she explored the length and breadth of jungles across India, she wasn’t too keen to follow in the footsteps of her father as a conservationist, and instead wanted a PhD like her mother, which she did at Duke University. She had a plan, and she moved to the US to earn a BSc degree at the University of Florida, followed by an M.E.Sc from Yale University. It was here that she got attracted to the field when she spent four months at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary for an interdisciplinary project. “I was doing ecological and social science research. I love both. I’ve always been an interdisciplinary person. That trip made me realise I wanted to get into conservation,” she added. Despite getting into an accident and fracturing her leg, she was determined to return to the jungle, finish her interviews and line transacts.

Krithi Karanth | Global Indian

Finding her calling

That trip to Western Ghats helped her find her calling, and another trip in 2009 only cemented her passion for her work. Krithi conducted a research project in India, focusing on the growth and impact of wildlife tourism in 10 parks over six months, while also overseeing a team of 75 volunteers. “The actual engagement, spending time on the ground and interacting with people helped me realise how much I love being in the field in India,” added the conservation biologist. After spending 12 years in the US, she packed up her bags and moved to India at the age of 31, where she became a Ramanujan Fellow, and joined the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS) as a research fellow.

It opened up a door of opportunities for Krithi who connected with the wildlife and the people like never before. Her life underwent a significant transformation in 2011 when she was selected as the 10,000th research grantee by the National Geographic Society. This milestone was followed by another achievement in 2012 when she was named an Emerging Explorer by the same organisation. These experiences had impact on her as they enabled her to extend her focus beyond scientific research. She had the opportunity to connect with the wider public, impart her knowledge, and actively involve people in her work. “It put me on a public platform for the first time and helped me connect with people, globally,” she said, adding, “Many scientists don’t like being in the public spotlight and communicating why our work matters. We think if you publish a great paper in a top journal, the world will hear about it. They won’t. You have to connect with people in other ways.”

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In these years as a wildlife conservationist, Krithi realised that the relationship between animals and people is not always positive, owing to the acute human-wildlife conflict which includes animals attacking people, destroying their crops, or taking away their livestock. “Kids grow up with a negative, traumatic perspective on wildlife and significant economic hardship. They’re not going to appreciate the fact that India has the highest number of tigers or Asian elephants in the world, that it’s the best place to witness extraordinary animals,” she added.

A program to reduce human-wildlife conflict

This led her to the idea of a conservation program that employs education, artistic expression, narrative, and interactive games to spark inspiration among children residing in proximity to India’s wildlife. She soon founded Wild Shaale, which translates to ‘wild school’, to help fill in the gap in environment learning. The program also delves into the reasons behind conflicts involving wildlife and imparts strategies for responding in such scenarios. This initiative blends various elements, including games, storytelling, presentations, and videos, and features an adaptable curriculum. Krithi particularly enjoys her work with children in India, as she has found them to exhibit a higher level of empathy compared to their counterparts in Europe or the United States. The program has been implemented in 300 schools in seven languages with a revamped curriculum.

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In the program, students engage in creative painting, participate in interactive games, and attend informative presentations focused on Indian wildlife. They closely observe animal behaviours and their natural habitats. “The idea is that you start by making learning fun and if you make learning fun, then they’re already and excited about wildlife. I think that’s what’s really made a difference,” said the adjunct associate professor at Duke University.

Krithi, who was awarded the 2020 Eisenhower Fellowship, has also been a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader. Despite all the accolades and achievements, Krithi is hungry to do more. “What I’ve done is not enough. We can do more and can have a greater impact.” In the years to come, she is keen to expand Wild Shaale programmes across India and the world, working with colleagues in Kenya, Sri Lanka, or Brazil. “As long as my mind is working, there is always something I will be able to do.”

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Published on 10, Nov 2023

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From a gas station to a multi-billion dollar empire: The rise of the Issa brothers

(October 15, 2024) As teenagers, Zuber and Mohsin Issa were helping out at their parents' petrol station, mopping the floors and cleaning the toilet, when they hit upon their billion-dollar idea. Their story begins in a small home in Blackburn, where they lived with their parents Vali and Zubeda, who had migrated to the UK in the 1970s to work in the booming textile industry. Eventually, the family acquired a petrol station. Currently, the EG Group's empire includes around 6,000 stores and petrol stations, spread out across 10 countries. The Issa brothers themselves have a net worth of £5bn, according to the Sunday Times rich list. The boys had a modest upbringing, studying at Witton Park Academy. Neither was very interested in formal education, though and the brothers followed their parents' footsteps and joined the textile industry. Zuber, especially, showed an interest in retail. So, when, at the age of 17 or 18, according to his wife, Asma, an opportunity presented itself for him to buy a newsagent in Preston, he took it. The kiosk, called Euro News, was in Blackburn. Mohsin, on the other hand, teamed up with his older brother Zakir to co-found Europlastics, a plastics packaging company.

s packaging company.

[caption id="attachment_57870" align="aligncenter" width="347"] Issa brothers | Global Indian The Issa brothers[/caption]

In 2001, the Global Indians began their partnership, pooling in their savings to buy their first petrol station in Bury, Greater Manchester, and Euro Garages, which now spans over 10 countries, came into existence. They were backed from the start by private equity firm TDR capital.

"The boys would help out (their father) during their teen years. That is where the passion for petrol stations came in," said Asma, Zuber's wife, in an interview. The two brothers themselves are very private, and stay away from the media as much as possible.

From petrol station to an empire

However, they didn't want to just run a petrol station. Even as teenagers, the boys had recognized that merely selling fuel didn't bring in profits. They had to offer customers something more. And opportunity presented itself - around the same time, oil companies were selling off or closing their petrol stations to focus on production and refining instead. They saw an opening in making the shops on forecourts more appealing to customers who stopped by to refuel, incentivising them to spend on coffee, fast food and even groceries. To Issa, this was a transformation from the norm - "dirty, kiosk style stores offering cokes and smokes." They tied up with private equity firm TDR capital, bought up vacant sites and expanded.

The Issa brothers began acquiring the tired, run-down petrol stations and transformed the semi-derelict sites into bustling hotspots, collaborating with big supermarket chains like Spar and Carrefour, as well as fast food chains like Subway, KFC and Burger King. "Fuel sales were declining. We wanted to create a destination where you could get fuel, food-to-go and shopping. This is the formula and it works," Zuber Issa told Financial Times, in a rare interview in 2018, after he and his brother had been voted entrepreneurs of the year by Ernst & Young.

"I didn't know what they saw in the petrol industry. We had only been married a couple of years. We were actually on our way back from holiday in Malaysia, and he stopped off in Bury to see this site and then in the car he told me, 'I have just bought this,'" Asma added. Every Saturday, Zuber Issa would visit all the sites. And when he could no longer manage on his own, his brother Mohsin entered the picture.

The expansion strategy of Issa Brothers

The empire was built on debt, but in 2021, they expanded to the US by acquiring a controlling stake in the country's largest supermarket chain, ASDA. It was a historic deal, as the formerly British chain had been acquired to Walmart, and was bought back by the British-born Issa brothers for a whopping $8.5 billion.

In 2021, they became the largest outside investors in Castore, the fast-growing British sportswear brand. The Beahan brothers, who founded the brand, commented, "Since the brothers have invested, they have really pushed us to grow the business and have helped enormously to accelerate our strategy."

With Zuber spearheading strategies and acquisitions, in 2022, the Issa brothers diversified into venture investing, after leading an $80 million investment in fintech company Bud. They also made an $8.7 billion bid to buy up Boots, a pharmacy chain owned by Walgreens. They also teamed up with KKR in November 2021 for a majority stake in Jaja Finance, after which the company, which is a credit card lender, signed a deal with Asda to launch a new digital card.

When things go wrong for Issa Brothers

Not every venture has been successful, however. With its backing by TDR capital, the EG Group empire is mainly fuelled by debt, and wrong investments become that much more costly. In 2018, EG bought 540 petrol station sites in Australia for $1.73 billion. However, after having to down-value the business twice, EG is now keen to sell.

Moreover, according to media reports, Zuber is also allegedly planning to step down as the co CEO of EG, leaving entirely in his brother Mohsin's hands. In the meantime, Zuber is working to complete his own deal to buy a number of sites from EG Group, according to a report by Bloomberg. And in December last year, the EG Group also signed a deal to sell all its gas stations in the UK and Ireland to Asda, and also offload all its KFC restaurants in both countries.

Issa brothers | Global Indian

Living the high life

The Issa brothers have never forgotten their humble beginnings and have maintained strong ties to their hometown, Blackburn, where their parents continue to live. However, they have also built five luxury homes in Blackburn for themselves and their relatives, complete with basement swimming pools. They also used funding from the Bank of America to buy two private jets, a Bombardier Global 6000 and a Bombardier Challenger 350. Both planes, which flaunt the EG name, cost the Issas tens of millions of euros to acquire.

However, the Issas have a reputation as generous philanthropists, and set up the Issa Foundation in 2016. They make grants to individuals and organisations across the world, from England to India, as well as Albania, Bangladesh, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco and Sri Lanka, to name a few, in healthcare and education. In 2022, they made a £350K donation to hospitals in East Lancashire, and gifted them 127 defibrillators. They also continue to invest in Blackburn, including donating £5 million for the construction of a mosque. Their philanthropic efforts earned them a CBE in the 2020 Birthday Honours for services to business and charity.

Follow the EG group on their website.

Reading Time: 10 mins

Tradition, innovation, and exuberance: Exploring Chef Ranveer Brar’s kitchen

(June 13, 2023) It was a hot summer afternoon, and realising that his mother was feeling under the weather, a young Ranveer Brar decided to take over the kitchen to make rajma-chawal for the family. While he did it out of affection for his mother, this incident turned his whole life around. "I had no recipe but had observed when mother was cooking, the chef said in an interview, adding, "It turned out good enough for my father to secretly tell mom that he loved it! That sort of clinched the deal for me. I have been inspired by many people in my life and continue to be. Right from my biji, Munir Ustad, the street food vendors of Lucknow, and chef Charlie Trotter, to name a few." Standing as one of India's most renowned culinary artists, Chef Ranveer Brar's expertise lies in infusing traditional cuisines with a contemporary flair, showcasing his ingenuity and finesse. Having hosted and judged numerous popular cookery shows on Indian television, this Global Indian approaches food with a childlike exuberance that mirrors his passion for cooking. At the young age of 25, Brar achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the youngest executive chef to work

d judged numerous popular cookery shows on Indian television, this Global Indian approaches food with a childlike exuberance that mirrors his passion for cooking. At the young age of 25, Brar achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the youngest executive chef to work with a five-star hotel in India and went on to own several high-end restaurants in USA and Canada. With his celebrity status and a conglomerate of restaurants and television shows bearing his name, Chef Ranveer Brar has elevated India's culinary reputation on the global stage.

Inspired by the streets

Growing up in Lucknow, Chef Brar was always fascinated by the city's street food - especially kababs. But, the chef's first introduction to cooking was at a Gurudwara. Speaking about his growing-up years, the chef said, "For me, food has always represented an institution where learning never ceases. As a child, I was fascinated by the ‘buzz’ that happened in the communal kitchen, that is, the langar. The sheer volume of food being cooked by at least 50-60 people in that kitchen, turned out super delicious (without being tasted, since it was bhog) every single time made it extra special. It was also my earliest experience of cooking food in large quantities. Cooking at the langar instilled in me the values of cooking selflessly and with emotion and definitely, the importance of a clean kitchen and hygiene in general."

Chef | Ranveer Brar | Global Indian

He added, "But, my actual affinity towards cooking developed much later when I got exposed to Lucknow as a city. When I was older and started exploring the streets of Lucknow, the lanes, its food, and folklore started unfolding before me." This exploration led Chef Brar to start cooking at home, and eventually explore a career in the culinary industry. And quite interestingly, while others might have chosen to go to a culinary institution after finishing school, Chef Brar chose to travel a path less travelled. "Exploring Lucknow opened up a completely new world of possibilities of what one could do with food. I had my first culinary tutelage under Munir Ustad, a skilled kebab vendor in Lucknow," he shared.

Culinary innovator

After working with Munir Ustad for about six months, Chef Brar enrolled at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Lucknow, and eventually joined the Taj Group of Hotels, starting with one of their most prestigious properties, Fort Aguada Beach Resort in Goa. What is surprising is that during his first assignment itself, the chef was able to launch two restaurants in the hotel - Morisco and il Camino. In 2003, he shifted to New Delhi's Radisson Blu Hotel, becoming the youngest executive chef of his time in the country at the age of 25.

Chef | Ranveer Brar | Global Indian

"My cooking philosophy is to pour into dishes what I experience during my travels," shared the chef during an interaction, "Also, I like to want my cuisines to spark off interesting and insightful conversations. The objective is to touch a chord with people in a manner that reminds them of the same/ similar dish they might have experienced elsewhere. I am also driven by the principles of eating seasonally and locally. When we consume what’s natural to our DNA, sustainability automatically kicks in."

The chef moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where he established "Banq," a high-end Franco-Asian restaurant that garnered acclaim and multiple accolades. Notably, "Banq" was honoured with the prestigious title of Best New Restaurant in the World by renowned magazine Wallpaper. Building on this success, he assumed the role of Corporate Chef at the esteemed One World Hospitality Group, a longstanding restaurant consortium based in Boston. Sharing a special experience, the chef had once shared, "Cooking at “chefs in shorts”, Boston. It is a ticketed open-air event at the Wharf where more than 50 of the top chefs from Boston get together to cook their signature barbeque dishes. It’s a memorable experience with more than 3,000 people attending this event that takes place for nearly four hours."

Chef | Ranveer Brar | Global Indian

It was during this time that the chef made his signature dish - Dorra kebab. "It is a kebab cooked on a smoked silken thread. It is as tender as the Kakori - if not more. I learnt and perfected it over the years, watching the masters, i.e., the street kebab vendors of Lucknow. The flavours that go into it are quite exotic, especially the sandalwood, and the best part, one that requires deftness and patience is pulling off the silk thread or Dora in a single stroke while leaving the Kebab intact," he shared.

Infusing flavours

The chef returned to India in 2015 and desgined the menu for various high-end restaurants, including MTV India, Haute Chef, English Vinglish, and TAG Gourmart Kitchen. Around the same time, Chef Brar made his first appearance on Indian television, with MasterChef, and subsequently several other shows including Ranveer On The Road, The Great Indian Rasoi, Food Tripping, and Himalayas the Offbeat Adventure.

[caption id="attachment_39932" align="aligncenter" width="635"] Chef | Ranveer Brar | Global Indian Chef Ranveer Brar with actor Pratik Gandhi, during the shoot of Modern Love Mumbai[/caption]

Interestingly, the chef has also designed menus for several luxury cruiseliners, such as Royal Caribbean International's Voyager of the Seas. Speaking about that experience, he said, "The galley runs like a well-oiled machine. Everyone knows what they are doing, it's amazing how it works like clockwork. There's no single extra spoke in the wheel. In a cruise/ship, timing is key. There are only 800 seats and 2,400 people to be fed. If you don't serve food in time, it won't be cleared up in time and the next meal won’t be served on time, essentially everything gets backlogged and that’s a bad thing to happen."

But the kitchen is not the only place where this chef excels. Chef Brar was recently seen in the six-episode anthology - Modern Love Mumbai - along with Pratik Gandhi and veteran actress Tanuja, which was directed by Hansal Mehta. "I was initially in two minds about acting. But to be honest, it has helped me discover a new aspect of myself, push my limits and know myself better! For instance, in BAAI, I played a chef, which was like second nature to me, with the added layer of someone who had whole-heartedly embraced their identity, and orientation and had only love to give. It was an extremely heart-warming experience that warmed up my own heart a little more," he said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8tKvDNxTTU

Looking forward, the chef wishes to inspire the next generation of culinary experts. "I would like to tell them to stick to their roots and basics. Also, identify their food philosophy, believe in it, and look for ways to manifest that in their cuisines," the chef advised.

Follow Chef Ranveer Brar on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and his website

Reading Time: 6 mins

Abhishek Dubey: Creating India’s international Taekwondo stars while navigating life in Korea

(October 8, 2024) A seasoned coach, athlete, sports professional, and researcher Abhishek Dubey has spent over 18 years working in and out of Korea, the birthplace of Taekwondo, creating his own mark in the world of the martial arts. Korea’s deep-rooted connection to Taekwondo, with its rich history and tradition in the sport, has made his time there even more impactful. For the past 24 years, Abhishek has also been running Mumbai-based Indo-Korean Taekwondo Academy which has produced international athletes who have brought laurels for India. Abhishek’s work bridges the cultural and martial arts heritage of Korea with the growing Taekwondo scene in India, solidifying his standing in both the nations. Recently, when one of his athletes, Rupa Bayor, achieved a world ranking of 9 and an Asian ranking of 2, it was a moment of great joy for Abhishek. “She is the first Indian to come in Top 10 World Rankings," the coach shares with Global Indian with pride. "Seeing how sports can act as a means of intervention, especially for athletes from underprivileged backgrounds, is the most satisfying part of this journey,” he reflects. “It’s not just about winning medals—it’s about how sports can change lives.” [caption id="attachment_57520"

athletes from underprivileged backgrounds, is the most satisfying part of this journey,” he reflects. “It’s not just about winning medals—it’s about how sports can change lives.”

[caption id="attachment_57520" align="aligncenter" width="532"] Indian sports coach | Abhishek Dubey | Global Indian Abhishek Dubey[/caption]

Falling in love with Taekwondo

Growing up in the suburbs of Chembur, Mumbai, the celebrated Taekwondo coach spent his childhood immersing himself in the offerings of the sports club at RCF Colony. In 1991, when he was 11, a newly established Taekwondo club at the sports facility caught his eye with its crisp uniforms and disciplined training sessions. What began as a mere curiosity quickly evolved into a lifelong passion. Under the guidance of Master Sunil Saxena and Late Rajesh Menon, Abhishek embarked on a journey in Taekwondo, eventually representing India at international events and winning numerous medals.

Abhishek’s expertise and deep passion for the martial art not only shaped his own life but also had a great impact on the athletes he coached, many of whom have gained international recognition and rankings in Taekwondo. His dedication to the sport also led to a lasting connection with South Korea, where he continues to work professionally in the field of Taekwondo. He is also pursuing a PhD at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, focusing on sports as development tool in empowering women.

From athlete to coach

As an athlete, Abhishek Dubey’s achievements speak volumes. From participating in the SAI Open Nationals in 2001, narrowly missing a medal at the Korea Open in 2012, to winning gold and the Best Poomsae Athlete Award at the 2013 Korean Ambassador’s Cup, his career is filled with moments of personal triumph. Yet, he humbly acknowledges that his most significant accomplishments lie not in his individual accolades but in his role as a coach.

[caption id="attachment_57523" align="aligncenter" width="748"] Indian sports coach | Abhishek Dubey | Global Indian Coach Abhishek during the training for the 8th Asian Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in Vietnam[/caption]

He has nurtured medalist for India at the 2024 Asian Taekwondo Championships, Australian Open, Oceania Open, WT President Cup Oceania, WT President Cup Europe, Croatia Open, XIII South Asian Games, VI Commonwealth Taekwondo C'ships Scotland, 2015 Korea Open, and the 2010 Yeongcheon Open.

The Indo-Korean Taekwondo Academy in Mumbai, which he co-founded with his childhood friend Chakrapani Koirala at the age of 20, just before graduating from university, embodies his commitment to the martial art. “What began as a part-time club has blossomed over the last 24 years into a training ground for elite athletes. Above all, it is a place for good Taekwondo practitioners with rich human values,” he says.

Watching his athletes gain international success

His greatest fulfilment as a coach comes from watching his athletes achieve international success. Some of his proudest moments include Ishee Pardeshi’s victory at the Yeongcheon Open in 2010, her triumph at the 2014 Commonwealth Taekwondo Championships, and her strong performances at the Croatia Open and the Asian Championships.

“The journey has been fulfilling every day," he reflects. Recently, seeing one of his athletes, Rupa Bayor, win India’s first Asian medal in Taekwondo Poomsae has been especially satisfying for him. “Considering the challenges she faced, coming from a background where opportunities are scarce, her success is even more meaningful. When she first arrived in Mumbai on our scholarship program, she wasn’t ranked in the top 500 WT World rankings, and today she’s ranked 9th in the world and 2nd in Asia, becoming the first Indian to come in Top 10 World Rankings. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how sports can serve as a means of intervention, helping to shape a young athlete’s career and life,” he mentions.

[caption id="attachment_57521" align="aligncenter" width="657"] Indian sports coach | Abhishek Dubey | Global Indian Coach Abhishek Dubey with Athlete Rupa Bayor[/caption]

Special connection with Korea

Abhishek has been traveling to Korea since 2007 for international Taekwondo championships and sports education, continuing until 2015.

Then in 2015, he received a full scholarship from the Sports and Culture Ministry of the Republic of Korea to pursue a Master's in Global Sports Management, which opened new doors in sports research and management. “Since then, I’ve been involved in research work on sports for development. So yes, it’s been 18 years of going back and forth between Korea, and now I’ve been pursuing my Ph.D. since 2020," he says.

Abhishek is writing his thesis on the impact of sports development programs in empowering women in India. “It’s been overwhelming and time-consuming. At times, my professional commitments have derailed my Ph.D., but seeing young athletes grow in the sport brings me immense joy,” says the coach who frequently returns to India to nurture elite athletes who represent the country.

It’s exhausting at times - managing the academy and athlete development in India, and my research and other professional engagements in Korea - but I continue my PhD without neglecting my duties towards Taekwondo because I believe that while there are plenty of PhD scholars in India, there is yet to be a world champion in our sport. That’s my quest: to create one in the near future.

Abhishek remarks

Celebrating Taekwondo and its Korean heritage

Taekwondo is more than just a sport in Korea; it is a national treasure. It promotes perseverance, respect, humility, and integrity in practitioners who are taught to uphold these values in their daily lives. The sport is often integrated into school curricula, emphasising its importance in the formation of character and discipline by training the body and mind of the youngsters.

[caption id="attachment_57522" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Indian sports coach | Taekwondo Star | Global Indian Abhishek Dubey at the International Referee Seminar conducted by the World Taekwondo Federation where he became the first Indian Taekwondo Referee to win the coveted Best Participant Award for Kyoroogi in South Korea[/caption]

Taekwondo is one of the oldest martial arts of the world, originating in Korea over 2,000 years ago. The name reflects its essence: Tae (foot), Kwon (hand), Do (art). Its roots can be traced back to ancient Korean martial arts, including Taekkyeon and Hwa Rang Do, practiced by warriors and royal families. Taekwondo began to take shape as a unified martial art form under the influence of various masters who sought to promote Korean culture and heritage after the Korean war (1950-53). In 1955, the term ‘Taekwondo’ was officially adopted, and the sport quickly gained popularity both in Korea and internationally.

Translating to ‘the way of the foot and fist,’ Taekwondo has become a global phenomenon, and Abhishek is proud to play his part in it. “It’s been a beautiful experience. Will always be indebted to the love, knowledge, friendships and bonds that have been built through the sport of Taekwondo in Korea,” he remarks.

Life in Korea

Abhishek has worked as a researcher with the Seoul Olympic Museum, served as a Communication Manager for the Gangwon 2024 Youth Olympic Games, and worked as a Research Assistant at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, describing it as “an experience of a lifetime.” He shares, “I cherish every opportunity that my 18 years of travel in and out of Korea have brought to my life, and I love engaging with the sport and culture here.”

[caption id="attachment_57526" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Indian sports coach | Taekwondo star with Kukkiwon President Grandmaster Man Soon Jung in 2014 | Global Indian Abhishek Dubey with Kukkiwon President Grandmaster Man Soon Jung in 2014[/caption]

The coach and researcher can communicate in Korean, having studied the language during his university days in Korea. “I am still trying to learn more,” he remarks.

An ambassador of India in Korea

The Indian community in Korea is diverse, consisting of professionals, students, and skilled workers who contribute significantly to various sectors, including technology, education, hospitality, and business. “Of late, the India diaspora is growing especially with students and people in the IT industry,” remarks Abhishek.

Many Indian students are attracted to Korea's advanced educational institutions and its emphasis on research and innovation. Scholarships and programs aimed at international students have further encouraged this trend, with Abhishek serving as a prime example.

As a professional, scholar, and coach in the world of Taekwondo, a national heritage of Korea, Abhishek Dubey is contributing to strengthening Indo-Korean ties in his own way.

[caption id="attachment_57525" align="aligncenter" width="555"] Indian sports coach | Indian coach | Global Indian Abhishek Dubey[/caption]

Plans for future - giving back and elevating India’s position

Abhishek aims to apply his expertise in both sports management and the martial art form to support the growth of India's Taekwondo community in different capacities and in several meaningful ways.

“I would love to establish an Elite Athlete Taekwondo Training Program/Center for youth from marginalised communities in India and develop a concrete plan to create India’s first World Champion in the Olympics,” he signs off with a determination to keep empowering the next generation of athletes and elevate India's presence in the global Taekwondo rankings.

Follow Abhishek Dubey on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn

Reading Time: 5 mins

Illinois University alum Shashi Kumar is revolutionising the dairy industry in India

(August 21, 2022) What is the most innovative marketing tactic that you have heard? I came across one a few days ago during my interaction with dairy pioneer Akshayakalpa Farms and Food's CEO, Shashi Kumar. An avid chess player, Shashi would go to chess tournaments in Bengaluru during the company's initial days and give free milk samples to all the participants to market his products. Later, the entrepreneur even started organising chess tournaments, to give a boost to both the game and his product. Interestingly, their brand ambassador is Grandmaster Nihal Sarin. [caption id="attachment_28249" align="aligncenter" width="641"] Shashi Kumar, entrepreneur[/caption] Although many were not sure if Shashi was doing the right thing by leaving his well-paying job in the US and starting over in India, his dedication and hard work have made Akshayakalpa India’s first and the biggest certified organic milk company. "We do sales of about Rs 14 crore every month and most of our customers contact us via our app. When I and my partners started the company, we made a promise to never bribe any official and create an ethical and sustainable business model. I am very proud that we have been able to do that," shares Shashi

rtified organic milk company. "We do sales of about Rs 14 crore every month and most of our customers contact us via our app. When I and my partners started the company, we made a promise to never bribe any official and create an ethical and sustainable business model. I am very proud that we have been able to do that," shares Shashi as he connects with Global Indian over a video call.

A farmer-turned-engineer

Born in a farming family, Shashi has always loved being in nature. However, while he enjoyed working on the farm, his father was determined to send Shashi to a city. "Farmers do not earn well, and my father also had to stop farming after a while because the income was not so good. So, he encouraged me to do engineering and leave our village," shares Shashi.

Motivated by his father, Shashi pursued a bachelor's in software engineering from Bangalore University and later went to the United State of America to pursue a master's from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago. A specialised telecommunication engineer, Shashi soon joined Wipro Technologies. "It was a whole new world for me - so much to do, and so much to learn. Since I was a dedicated employee, my company rewarded me generously as well," shares the entrepreneur. However, despite having a great job and loving family there was something amiss, which always bothered Shashi.

[caption id="attachment_28250" align="aligncenter" width="666"] Entrepreneur | Shashi Kumar | Global Indian Akshayakalpa farm[/caption]

"It is difficult to cut off from one's roots completely. I loved farming and wanted to return to it, however, didn't know what to do about it. Incidentally, I had other friends in the US who also wanted to return to the country, but found it difficult to come back," informs Shashi. However, as they - where there is a will, there is a way. While his friends couldn't return to India, they decided to support Shashi in his endeavours. The entrepreneur left his 17-year job at Wipro in 2010 to return to India to explore opportunities in the dairy industry. "My father was not too pleased with my decision. When I told him about my plans to start Akshayakalpa, he told me, 'Are you going to feed me, or will I have to feed you," laughs Shashi.

Taking the less travelled road

That the dairy industry can be a profitable avenue to invest in is no secret. However, Shashi did not want to do this the easy way by bribing officials and compromising the quality of his product - a principle he still swears by. "I started surveying around 200 villages around Bengaluru and found that most farmers have left villages and work menial jobs in bigger cities. So, I decided to approach one farmer from one village and help him run his business successfully. Incidentally, I didn't have to look far. I found 20 auto-drivers in Bengaluru who were once farmers, and convinced them to give our sustainable dairy model a try," he shares.

[caption id="attachment_28253" align="aligncenter" width="626"] Entrepreneur | Shashi Kumar | Global Indian Shashi Kumar with Grandmaster Nihal Sarin[/caption]

But what is a sustainable dairy model? "It’s one where the farmer doesn't have to rely on any chemicals or pesticides. We ask farmers to start with dairy, as that can help them with daily cash flows. Cow-dung also works as a natural fertiliser for the soil, so it’s a win-win situation,” he quips. Once the farmer has a daily cash flow, the Akshayakalpa team introduced fodder into the existing operation so that farmer is not reliant to buy that from outside. "This also helps in producing organic and good quality milk that can be later sold in the market. We have very strict quality control on what farmers feed their cattle and how they are kept. We do timely inspections to ensure that those parameters are met. Meanwhile, the farmer can start cultivating any other crop on their land."

What started with 20 people is a happy family of 700 today. Shashi and his team have been able to not only help the farmers build a successful business model, but also restore the soil health in the villages they worked in. The company collects milk at various centres across Karanataka and after carefully processing and packaging it, distributes the product to about 10,000 houses in southern states every morning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS86CM17I_c

However, Shashi is not just the CEO of India's fastest-growing agricultural company. This FIDE-rated chess player loves to take part in tournaments from time to time. A vocal environmentalist, Shashi has also been dedicating time towards tree plantation drives. "I am also actively involved with several initiatives like recycling plastics generated from milk packets, and a tree plantation drive that includes adopting a two km stretch every year to plant as many saplings there as possible. I continue to tend to these saplings for at least four years," shares Shashi as he logs off.

Follow Akshayakalpa on LinkedIn and Twitter

Reading Time: 6 mins

How these women take social activism, sustainability, AI & cricketing prowess forward

GI celebrates Women’s Day with these stellar women who have charted their own path in their chosen careers, and with that have done India proud. (March 8, 2022) Women must be empowered to pursue their own choices. Whether it is Ashwini Asokan who returned back to the country to apply AI meaningfully, Mithali Raj, captaining the women's cricket team, Anu Sridharan, the Berkley trained social entrepreneur or Jasmeen Patheja, an artist working to end street harassments - all carved their own unique identities brilliantly serving as examples for future generations to imbibe. Jasmeen Patheja, founder, Blank Noise The artist, and social entrepreneur in public service hones ideas to grow positive thought and public action. Founder of Blank Noise, a growing community of action sheroes, heroes, theyroes, citizens and others, she works toward ending sexual and gender-based violence. She started Blank Noise in 2003, in response to the silence surrounding street harassment. Her goal is to mobilise communities towards the right to be defenceless and free from fear. Jasmeen received the prestigious Visible Award for socially engaged art practice and was also awarded the Jane Lombard Fellowship by the Vera List Center for Art and Politics at the New School, New

lowship by the Vera List Center for Art and Politics at the New School, New York. She has been listed by BBC as one of the 12 artists changing the world in 2019. Jasmeen is a Ted speaker and Ashoka fellow.

[caption id="attachment_20927" align="aligncenter" width="644"] Women's Day | Women Achievers | Global Indian Jasmeen Patheja, founder, Blank Noise[/caption]

In a conversation with Global Indian, she says, “My goal for this year is to continue designing methodologies of citizen participation, that allow citizens to feel, empathise and take agency in ending gender-based violence and victim blame. This is a societal issue and it rests on each of us to step in.”

[embed]https://twitter.com/jasmeenpatheja/status/957555277292695552?s=20&t=J9kPx6q8zur1hcQKhFlT8A[/embed]

A proponent of being the change she wants to see, she adds, “This is an invitation to become that action shero/action theyro/action hero; not an apathetic bystander but an empathic powerful witness.” Her agenda is to find ways to call in to unite against the shaming, policing, and blaming of survivors of gender-based violence. “When each of us intervene in our own silence, we will have the power to change a society that victim blames. This could be anywhere, be it the office cafeteria, the internet, campuses, the dinner table, the streets. #INeverAskForIt,” she concludes.

Follow Jasmeen Patheja on Twitter

Ashwini Asokan, founder, Mad Street Den

She spent over 10 years working with Intel in the US before she decided to return home to India to launch her own AI company with her neuroscientist husband Anand Chandrasekaran. Today, her company Mad Street Den builds models of generalisable intelligence that can be deployed through meaningful applications across industries. A Carnegie Mellon alum, Ashwini and her team teach machines to see and experience the world like humans do. As a product designer and cultural researcher, Ashwini explores how AI can be applied meaningfully for people’s use across the globe. “I left Silicon Valley to come to India to start an AI company with my husband; I am a woman co-founder of an artificial intelligence company and I don’t write a single line of code. And I wear this story on my sleeve to tell everyone to back off with their stereotypes,” the 40-year-old said in an interview.

[caption id="attachment_20926" align="aligncenter" width="667"] Women's Day | Women Achievers | Global Indian Ashwini Asokan, founder, Mad Street Den[/caption]

Always vocal about how women should take charge in the world of startups, Ashwini has been working to bring gender parity in the world of AI and technology. Although a lot of women graduate in tech and are eligible for employment, their numbers dwindle over the years as they marry and have kids. This, says the entrepreneur, is largely due to the system with its lack of infrastructure and policies to support a woman and her various roles. At Mad Street Den, Ashwini has tried to ensure that her team has an equal number of men and women as she hopes for a day she will make a list for being an entrepreneur and not a woman entrepreneur.

Follow Ashwini Asokan on Twitter

Mithali Raj, Indian women's cricket team captain

Cricket is nothing short of a religion in India, and women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj is aware of the mania. She became only the third cricketer and the first woman to appear in six world cups. The 39-year-old is leading the women's cricket team to the ICC Women's World Cup 2022 in New Zealand, and has her eyes set on the trophy.

[embed]https://twitter.com/M_Raj03/status/1498201369550868480?s=20&t=dBKUYxnvbGqpMrjc9TkYCQ[/embed]

She was just 10 when she first picked up a bat. But at 16, she clocked in a whopping 114 in her ODI debut against Ireland, thus wowing the world with her finesse in a sport that was considered a male-oriented game. In the next few years, the Arjuna awardee set the ball rolling by leading India to the 2005 World Cup final and lifting the winner's trophy Asia Cup. The Jodhpur-born Tamilian is the not just the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket but the only female cricketer to surpass the 7,000 run mark in women's ODI matches.

[caption id="attachment_20924" align="aligncenter" width="724"] Women's Day | Women Achievers | Global Indian Mithali Raj, Indian women's cricket team captain[/caption]

Raj has been an inspiration to millions of girls in India to follow their dreams and not give up. "Women in sport are powerful catalysts of change and when they get the appreciation they deserve, it inspires change in several other women wanting to achieve their dreams. I sincerely hope that my journey inspires young girls across the country to pursue their dreams and know that only when you dream can you make it happen,” the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna awardee wrote on Twitter. After 22 stellar years in cricket, she now wants to fulfil the dream of holding the "elusive" World Cup trophy before she hangs up her boots.

Follow Mithali Raj on Twitter

Anu Sridharan, founder, NextDrop

Anu Sridharan was 23-years-old when she co-founded NextDrop. The year was 2011 and Anu wanted to “rid the world of its water problems.” The company started work in Hubli-Dharwad, Karnataka with a simple model - SMS alerts that provide real-time information on local water supply. Then a student at Berkley University, NextDrop began as a college project, where their pilot project won a prize from the Knight Foundation. In 2012, Anu was listed in the Forbes (USA) 30 Social Entrepreneurs Under 30 for her work with NextDrop. Four years later, she featured in the same category in Forbes Asia. She has been a TED Unilever speaker and was part of the 2017 Y Combinator Batch.

[caption id="attachment_20933" align="aligncenter" width="712"] Women's Day | Women Achievers | Global Indian Anu Sridharan, founder, NextDrop[/caption]

Currently, the head of marketing and development at CSEI, ATREE, in Bengaluru, much has changed for Anu, especially on the personal front. She is now mother to a toddler and life, she says, is different in ways she couldn't have imagined. "Through work, I have often been in situations where I have been one of the only women. It gave me a different perspective and also helped me understand that what I brought to the table was unique." Having a baby has drastically changed her view of things, "Now, I realise that going to a meeting after 7 pm is very hard, we can’t be in meetings that clash with dinner time or bath time. Yes, it sounds like a small thing but it’s very real to us. We're not conscious enough of women with children and simple provisions can make it so much easier for a woman to be in a workplace."

[embed]https://twitter.com/anusridharan/status/1407346883492777996?s=20&t=UTUlac9BOSK4rWn0fun0tw[/embed]

How does she navigate the situation? "I simply ask for what I want," she smiles. "There's no point in feeling bad about asking for what we need, let's embrace it instead. And I have found that people are very accommodating, it's just that we don't always realise or understand what another person needs."

Follow Anu Sridharan on Twitter

Reading Time: 5 mins