Global IndianstoryFrom Infosys to Buckingham Palace: Dallas-Fort Worth entrepreneur Vishwanath Madhugiri drives global strategy and innovation

From Infosys to Buckingham Palace: Dallas-Fort Worth entrepreneur Vishwanath Madhugiri drives global strategy and innovation

Written by: Mallik Thatipalli

(January 18, 2025) When Vishwanath Madhugiri was at Infosys, he picked up valuable lessons from its founders, Narayana Murthy and Nandan Nilekani. From the former’s down-to-earth, disciplined nature and philosophy of simple living and high thinking, he learned that respect had to be genuine and mutual. From the latter, the importance of valuing one’s own, and others’ time. Habits that he imbibed and internalized in his own career.

In an interview with Global Indian, Vishwanath recalls, “NRN was the first person to arrive for any meeting, which exemplified his belief that everyone’s time was important. Nandan was exceptionally quick in replying to people—be it emails or calls, which exhibited just how much he valued effective communication and responsiveness.”

Vishwanath Madhugiri

It is this habit of lifelong learning that sets the co-founder and Chief Strategist at Saaz Micro, Inc. apart at every stage of his dynamic, nomadic career, he has embraced growth by observing, adapting, and applying those lessons, to create impact in the institutions and countries that he has lived and worked in.

From being invited by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 2014 to Buckingham Palace in recognition of his decade-plus public service and contributions; to being looked up to as a mentor to the next generation of leaders, he is a shining example of values-driven leadership in today’s fast-paced, chaotic business landscape.

Chiseled by life’s turbulence

Growing up in the heartland of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, the seasoned professional grew up in the politically charged decade of the 70s in India that witnessed turmoil aplenty. A studious child, he grew up listening to All India Radio and various international radio stations, as well as poring over the iconic magazines of the day, from India Today to The Illustrated Weekly of India. With a natural penchant for sports, current affairs, and geopolitics, his interests eventually coalesced into the well-rounded personality that he is today.

He recalls, “My father was a Professor at Jabalpur Engineering College, and I grew up on campus. I was shaped by my experiences there— the intensely intellectual and politically charged environment steeled me to view the world at large through a curiosity-tinged lens.”

Vishwanath Madhugiri | Global Indian

Vishwanath Madhugiri initiated his professional career with Hind High Vacuum in Bengaluru, giving him an entry into what would eventually prove to be an illustrious corporate career spanning three continents.

The Tata Years

Spending nearly nine years with a TATA Engineering dealership had a seminal impact on Vishwanath’s outlook towards business. The legendary TATA culture (that emphasize ethics and innovation, before the terms became buzzwords) coupled with his role entailing him traveling across the country, helped him gain invaluable insights into the economy, and a rare opportunity to appreciate how political decisions and policies impact the lives of ordinary citizens.

He observes with a smile, “Those were the days of the legendary JRD, who personified the very best values of philanthropy and culture that inspired some people to go above and beyond. The premium placed on quality, high standards and integrity meant that the TATA Group emerged as an island of excellence in a sea of mediocrity.”

The years with the TATA dealership further provided Vishwanath exposure to practices that no business school can teach. That living culture in an organization seeps down from the top. That it is possible to stick to your values in the midst of business chaos. As he moved out from India, he ensured that he took the best the country had to offer, helping him thrive even in challenging times.

Now armed with foundational values, Vishwanath embarked on his next chapter, where he would bridge gaps between India and the global market.

Chief Strategist of SAAZ Micro, Inc | Global Indian

The move to the UK

In early 2003, Vishwanath moved to the UK, propelled by opportunities the newly liberalized Indian economy offered. He worked with the University of Birmingham, Infosys and Lycamobile. He jests that while he thought he would have an easy time understanding the British accent (owing to years of listening to the BBC), he was flummoxed by the range of accents that change every 50 miles!

A firm believer in giving back, the enterprising leader approached the local Chamber of Commerce and offered his services on an impulse! The result – he became associated with the UK government body, UK Trade and Investment (now renamed the Department for Business & Trade), where he used his extensive experience in the Automotive and IT industries to help promote better trade and understanding between the UK and India. It was this honorary work that secured him an invitation to Buckingham Palace, an experience he cherishes.

While at Infosys, he was responsible for global research and non-linear commercial collaborations with universities, companies, and research labs and set up strategic partnerships with the likes of the University of Cambridge-UK, Purdue, Vanderbilt, USC, Fraunhofer Institute-Germany, and the Indian Institute of Science.

Vishwanath Madhugiri | Global Indian

Looking back, he says, “I’ve always taken the long view. It helped that I had stints at great organizations, which enabled me to take decisions without compromising my values.”

The American sojourn

A lifetime of learning culminated in his current role as Chief Strategist of SAAZ Micro, Inc., where a team of technologists, scientists, innovators and dreamers design advanced infrared imaging sensors and camera systems for space, airborne and defence applications. From sensors for the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes to designing state-of-the-art chips for ISRO, the SAAZ team is relentlessly pushing forward the technological envelope.

Ask the impact maker what continues to drive him at 61, and pat comes the answer. “Age is just a number and mentally, I am still young and curious,” he smiles and adds self-effacingly, “I’m a student for life, I’m really grateful for the opportunities that I received, and I’m keen that I continue to give back to society.”

Beyond his corporate role, the leader is actively involved in academia and industry advisory roles. He is a valued member of the Advisory Council at the Naveen Jindal School of Management, University of Texas at Dallas, where he shares his insights and experiences to guide future business leaders.

Beyond work

He is also a role model for Indians moving abroad. While the waves of immigration in the 90s and 2000s were about building a better life, today the Indian diaspora in the US (and elsewhere) aspire to much more than just earning money. They are leaders and policy influencers, excelling in creating impact in every field from politics to arts and entertainment, as opposed to the earlier niche of only working with software.

Co-Founder of Saaz Micro | Global Indian

Vishwanath Madhugiri

His advice for young Indians on the move is to first seek to understand and then to be understood. He explains, “Young people going abroad are ambassadors of India and need to exhibit high standards of excellence. They need to be sensitive to the local culture and aspire to give back to the country that has welcomed them.” His message to youngsters – Attitude determines Altitude.

With the raging conversation around H-1B visas and anti-immigration rhetoric, what does the future look like? “It is no longer going to be easy,” he answers thoughtfully after a pause, “There is a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment across the world, but I firmly believe that Indians are at an advantage given our culture of adaptability and assimilation and the strong work ethic that we bring.”

Vishwanath has strived to balance career and family, something he admits has not been easy. He credits his software professional wife Leela for much of his and the family’s success. Apart from spending quality time with his wife, son Akshay, daughter Aditi and daughter-in-law Kiran, he loves reading books on current affairs, technology and geopolitics apart from mentoring start-ups and young professionals, an activity he enjoys.

Through every milestone, Vishwanath Madhugiri has shown that the right attitude, values, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning can help craft a legacy that shines as a north star, hopefully inspiring many others.

Vish Madhugiri is proud of:

The manner in which we have built SAAZ, a truly deep-tech company.
Strategic collaborations between Infosys and other research labs, companies, and universities, including the Cambridge University collaboration.
Learnings from the value systems, leadership quality and focus on excellence of TATA and Infosys.
Leading a life of quiet purpose.

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Published on 19, Jan 2025

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Chetna Maroo: British-Indian author’s debut book makes it to the 2023 Booker Prize longlist

(September 25, 2023) "It took three years. I write slowly, the first pages in longhand, then typing. I usually try to get each sentence and paragraph sounding right before I go on, reading and editing from the beginning of the story," says Chetna Maroo, the Indian-origin author whose debut book Western Lane has been longlisted for the 2023 Booker Prize. The 160-page novel revolves around Gopi, an 11-year-old who is brought up with two other sisters in the UK and is driven to become an athlete by her father as they struggle with grief. The novel, set within the context of the British Gujarati milieu, has been praised by the Booker judges for its use of the sport of squash as a metaphor for complex human emotions. "It’s an honour. It’s humbling to see Western Lane amongst all the books that have been longlisted in the history of the prize," the Kenya-born said in an interview. [caption id="attachment_45318" align="aligncenter" width="766"] Chetna Maroo[/caption] The novel, which is Chetna's debut, hit the stalls in February this year, and in a few months has garnered praise from book lovers all across. The London-based author moved to the UK from Kenya in childhood and

el, which is Chetna's debut, hit the stalls in February this year, and in a few months has garnered praise from book lovers all across. The London-based author moved to the UK from Kenya in childhood and grew up with three sisters and two brothers. It's this bond that she brought to life with Western Lane, telling the story of three sisters who grow up in the absence of a mother and their bond with one another. Reading the nuances of the squash in Western Lane, one could easily imagine that Chetna was a child prodigy. But growing up in the UK, she didn't pick up the squash racquet until her late teens as she calls herself "extremely uncoordinated" as a child. It wasn't until her 20s and 30s that she played squash properly. "I always liked the squash court and felt at ease at the squash court. There was something about the squash court itself, about the simple white box: it’s such a surreal, unfamiliar place, where time seems suspended and the outside world can be forgotten," Chetna added. It was her physical presence in the court for years that helped her bring the experience to the book.

However, writing wasn't her first passion. In fact, before taking up writing as a profession, she worked as an accountant for many years. While still keeping her day job, Chetna started taking writing seriously only a decade ago, wherein she wrote many short stories. Those years brought with it many rejections but also a couple of acceptances where her stories were published in The Paris Review, The Stinging Fly, and The Dublin Review. In 2022, Chetna was bestowed with the Plimpton Prize for Fiction for one of her short stories. Having been brought up on a great diet of books, she was always interested in the world of fiction, especially sci-fi and thrillers. And this love later metamorphosised into her passion for writing.

Western Lane | Global Indian

While she was glued to her desk at home writing short stories, she kept developing the story of Gopi for three years. It began with a month-long writing workshop in 2018 that played a catalyst in changing the trajectory of her life. It was in this workshop that she first developed the story of Gopi, however, it wasn't until the next six months that she began working on the book. "For a good six months, I read a lot of children's stories, and a lot of them were retrospective narratives," Chetna said in a podcast.

Having a personal tryst with squash and grief of losing her mother, Chetna was able to draw inspiration for the story of Gopi in Western Lane. "I lost my mother in my early 20s, so that's how I depict the grief part in the novel," she said. Western Lane tells the story of Gopi and her sisters who have recently lost their mother. Their father is bereft and struggling to parent his daughters, and encourages Gopi to hone her skills in squash.

Chetna Maroo | Global Indian

For someone who loves music and art, Chetna knew that writing was something that she had a chance with. Despite her novel being longlisted for the 2023 Booker Prize, Chetna doesn't believe in giving too much into the highs and lows of life. "I am in a happy state but I like to keep things steady. That's the best way forward." added the Global Indian.

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On the right foot: UK-based Dr Venu’s surgical solutions give diabetics new lease on life

(June 2, 2022) Hundreds of patients have passed through the able hands of Dr Venu Kavarthapu since he first began working at King's College Hospital in London, in 2006. Appointed as an orthopaedic consultant, Dr Venu soon realised, as he treated diabetic patients with foot problems, that surgical options were very limited. More often not, amputation was the only measure. His experiments with External and Internal Fixation techniques remained largely unsuccessful. Dr Venu decided to study the problem himself, developing, over years of extensive research, a surgical technique that revolutionised diabetic foot management. He went on to become the first doctor in the UK to have fully reconstructed a diabetic foot. Now a world-renowned surgeon with over 200 specific complex diabetic foot reconstructions behind him, Dr Venu's surgical procedure became part of a multidisciplinary Centre of Excellence for Diabetic Foot Management at Apollo Hospital. “Diabetic foot reconstruction surgery is a very complex procedure and requires advanced fellowship training,” explains Dr Venu, during an interview with Global Indian. “Multidisciplinary diabetic foot team support is also critical. My techniques are now followed across the world to great success,” he smiles. Over the years, he developed rods, plates and screws designed especially for

followed across the world to great success,” he smiles. Over the years, he developed rods, plates and screws designed especially for diabetic foot reconstruction surgery. It is, arguably, a revolution in the surgical field.

[caption id="attachment_25205" align="aligncenter" width="596"] Indian doctor | Dr Venu Kavarthapu | Global Indian Dr Venu Kavarthapu[/caption]

From rural AP to the UK

Dr Venu Kavarthapu was born in Tangutur, Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh in 1970. His parents -- Srinivasa Rao and Ramadevi had been into cloth dyeing work. The youngest of four brothers and inspired by an older, studious sibling, Prasada Rao, Venu was the only child in the house to choose medical school over engineering. “My mother encouraged me,” he says, by way of explanation. Venu did his MBBS from Guntur Medical College, graduating in 1992 with an interest in orthopaedics.

Travelling to the UK to train in orthopaedics was all the rage in India at the time and like many of his peers, Dr Venu set off for foreign shores. “My elder brother funded my travel to England in 1995,” he recalls. He completed his FRCS in 2003 and then did an MIS and Computer Navigation Hip Surgery Fellowship in Los Angeles. He then returned to London for a Hip Surgery Fellowship and the London Foot and Ankle Fellowship. Following this prolonged training period, Dr Venu was appointed as an orthopaedic consultant at King’s College Hospital in 2006, where the Indian doctor provides specialist services on hip, foot and ankle disorders.

Orthopaedics at King’s Hospital

"When I joined King’s Hospital, I was approached by Professor Michael Edmonds, a world-renowned diabetic foot physician, to become the orthopaedic member of his diabetic foot multidisciplinary unit. I accepted his offer and established the diabetic foot reconstruction service in our unit, which soon became the national referral centre," says the Indian doctor, who was given the post of an Associate Professor of Orthopaedics, the only one in the entire orthopaedic department at King's College Hospital, in recognition of his work.

Indian doctor | Dr Venu Kavarthapu | Global Indian

When Dr Venu began working at King’s College Hospital, surgery was not offered as treatment for deformed diabetic foot. Surgery attempts had yielded poor results globally and treatment was limited to “callipers and casts, with some amputations,” Dr Venu explains. “On the other hand, I had seen patients crippled by arthritis and other knee, hip or ankle injuries, all getting back to normal following replacement procedures. I wanted to provide similar surgical solutions to diabetic foot patients so they can be mobile again,” says the surgeon, who established the Hip Arthroscopy (hip keyhole surgery) and small incision Hip Replacement surgery in the hospital.

If the shoe fits… finding surgical solutions

Today, Dr Venu’s services are sought after the world over, with patients clamouring for his diabetic foot reconstruction surgery. He used the techniques he “had originally designed for midfoot and hindfoot reconstructions and continued to develop surgical techniques for combined midfoot and hindfoot deformity corrections, which became highly successful," he explains.

Despite the pressing nature of the problem Dr Venu was trying to address, his efforts at a solution were met with resistance and scepticism from clinicians and healthcare groups, who felt his techniques wouldn’t work. “I persevered,” he states, slowly developing the reconstruction process and then publishing research work on the new techniques as well as their improved outcomes. “As the scientific evidence on the success of our techniques became evident, many diabetic foot surgeons globally started visiting my centre to learn this technique," informs Dr Venu, who went on to establish ‘Charcot Foot Reconstruction Cadaver Workshop’ for surgeons, to provide practical training on the surgical techniques used.

For infected diabetic foot deformities, the Indian doctor developed a ‘Staged Reconstruction’ approach, that involved the first stage of infection eradication surgery, followed by another round three months later, which includes reconstructing the deformity. "This technique has now become the gold standard of treatment across the world," says the doctor, who runs short visitation fellowship programmes for overseas doctors including those from India. He has hosted about 100 specialists from Europe and USA over the past 10 years.

All diabetic foot reconstructions require extensive and prolonged clinical assessments, patient preparation and surgical planning. "Badly infected diabetic foot deformities are extremely complex to reconstruct, and the treatment is more expensive. The surgery needs to be done in stages and is very meticulous and is similar to the surgery performed for removing cancer tissue," says the doctor, who runs the only diabetic foot fellowship programme available in the UK and has trained about 10 surgeons over the past nine years since the start of the programme.

Philanthropy at home

In India, where a large portion of healthcare is provided in the private sector, the common man may find it difficult to afford such care. "The expenses come in the form of doctor consultations and hospital costs. Most diabetic foot doctors in India work in isolation and do not have access to a multidisciplinary team," feels Dr Venu, who was awarded with an Honorary membership by the Indian Orthopaedic Association in recognition of his services.

[caption id="attachment_25207" align="aligncenter" width="581"] Indian doctor | Dr Venu Kavarthapu | Global Indian Venu Kavarthapu, Founder of UKIDFF[/caption]

To address this issue, the Indian doctor recently set up a charity called UK India Diabetic Foot Foundation- UKIDFF which provides free multidisciplinary team advice from a large panel of experts to the doctors in India on diabetic foot treatment. UKIDFF also has plans to arrange medical camps in India in future and provide free treatment to poor patients with support from philanthropists.

Asked about the cost of the complex surgery, Dr Venu says the hospital costs for diabetic foot reconstructions are variable and depend on the complexity of the procedure. "Routine diabetic foot reconstruction surgeries performed in the early stage of the disease, cost much less. However, late presentation cases often require complex surgical procedures and can be very expensive," explains Dr Venu, whose wife Lavanya is an IT professional.

A writer and a teacher

His association with Indian Orthopaedics has been very close since he became a consultant. "I ran British Indian Visiting Orthopaedic Fellowship programmes and hosted over 100 senior orthopaedic consultants from various parts of India in my Hip Unit," says the specialist, who also appointed many junior orthopaedic consultants from India in his Orthopaedic department for a two-year specialist training.

Keen on spreading his skills and knowledge, Dr Venu Kavarthapu regularly pens articles in scientific journals, writes textbook chapters, teaches in webinars and speaks at various national and international meetings. This year alone, he will be participating in 17 webinars and speak in 11 meetings globally. "A large part of my teaching contribution is to India at present," smiles the father of two, who was elected as the President of Indian Orthopaedic Society UK and most recently as the President of the International Association of Diabetic Foot Surgeons.

His busy schedule leaves him with little time for family. "Going on walks to local greeneries in Kent and London with family, watching TV or movies and playing games is what I do in my free time," smiles Dr Venu, for whom Europe is the best holiday destination. The Indian doctor ensures he maintains a healthy diet and does physical activities in moderation.

Follow Dr Venu Kavarthapu on Linkedin and Twitter

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Global Indian gamechangers in science and technology

They're the movers-and-shakers at NASA and leaders in healthcare, space tech, engineering and gastronomy the world over. Global Indians are preceded by their reputation for excellence in scientific thought and research and have continued to prove themselves as modern Indian scientists year after year, bagging the biggest honours the world has to offer them. We take a look at the gamechangers in science and technology in 2022. Dr. Ravi Margasahayam, Global Space Ambassador, NASA [caption id="attachment_30544" align="aligncenter" width="359"] Dr. Ravi Margasahayam (photo credit: Dr. Margasahayam)[/caption] He started his journey as a young engineering graduate from Bengaluru, and is currently the Global Space Ambassador for John F. Kennedy Space Center, NASA. In a glorious career spanning over three decades, Dr Ravi Margasahayam has played an instrumental role in launching over a hundred Space Shuttle missions, which took more than 700 astronauts to space, including Indian-born astronaut, Kalpana Chawla. He is the only person of Indian origin to work, manage, and conduct research on both launch pads – Complex 39A and 39B – the same from where NASA sent humans to land on the Moon. “I once met former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and had the privilege of showing

umental role in launching over a hundred Space Shuttle missions, which took more than 700 astronauts to space, including Indian-born astronaut, Kalpana Chawla. He is the only person of Indian origin to work, manage, and conduct research on both launch pads – Complex 39A and 39B – the same from where NASA sent humans to land on the Moon. “I once met former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and had the privilege of showing him around the John F. Kennedy Space Center. He told me that he envied me, saying, ‘You did the one thing I couldn’t ever do – launch humans into space. You are an Astronaut Maker’,” shared the 69-year-old scientist.

In 2016, Dr. Margasahayam officially retired as the Co-Chair of the Ground Review Safety Panel (GSRP), which reviews safety for all payloads going to the International Space Station (ISS), from anywhere in the world. In 2019, he was nominated by NASA Astronauts and held the position of Solar System Ambassador for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in Pasadena, California. An eloquent public speaker, the NASA veteran has encouraged several young people to explore the secrets of the Universe.

“For me what matters is to inspire the next generation to ride on our shoulders and do better than us. We have opened a path to human spaceflight – live and work in space. What did not happen in 60,000 years, we have been able to do in the last 60 years. Humankind is much benefitted by space exploration, and we have a long way to go from here,” he said.

Dr. Kaushik Rajashekara, Global Energy Award winner

[caption id="attachment_32601" align="aligncenter" width="586"] Dr. Kaushik Rajashekara | Global Indian Dr Kaushik Rajashekara[/caption]

This scholar is working on making science-fiction show The Jetsons a reality. Dr Kaushik Rajashekara, one of the world’s leading experts in the field of transport technologies, is working on several futuristic projects that hold the potential to change the world and the way we travel. The recipient of the Global Energy Prize 2022 – the highest award in the field of energy – Dr. Rajashekara was one of the first engineers to work on conceptualising and also building an electronic vehicle, far before the technology became widely known.

“When I received the e-mail about my selection, I could not believe it for a moment. This award shows the importance of energy efficiency improvement and reducing emissions. I am proud of the contributions I have made to technologies that would improve the environment. Also, I have travelled to about 60 countries giving seminars on various topics at universities and conferences. It is humbling to recognise how many people contributed to my success, expecting nothing in return. ‘It takes a village’ is very true in my case, and I am fortunate that my village included some of the most encouraging and inspiring engineers in the field,” he shared.

Currently a Distinguished Professor of Engineering at the University of Houston, Dr Rajashekara wishes to pass on all the knowledge he has gained in the last three decades to new-age engineers to ensure that the evolution of science and technology never stops. “After 35 years of working in the world’s well-known Corporations, including ABB, GM, and Roll-Royce, I am very happy to be in the academic field. I am making use of every opportunity to educate and train the next generation of engineers. In a way, I worked all my life to be a professor and train others even when I was in the working industry,” the scholar said.

Professor Suresh Kumar Bhargava, scholar

[caption id="attachment_33366" align="aligncenter" width="394"] Professor Suresh Kumar Bhargava | Modern Indian Scientists[/caption]

Oblivious to his nomination, Professor Suresh Bhargava was sitting in his office when he received a letter informing him that he was being conferred with the Queen’s Birthday 2022 honour – Member of the Order of Australia (AM). Though his initial reaction was that of surprise, the academician also felt extremely excited to be honoured by the Queen. “I have received numerous awards for my scientific research. However, this one was for my contribution to the betterment of my community,” shared Professor Bhargava, adding, “It is incredible when people recognise your contributions that created a positive difference. I was thrilled that my adopted country valued my three decades of hard work.”

The scholar, who started his journey from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, has worked as a professor at esteemed Universities in six countries, and won several academician awards, including the most prestigious award in engineering, the ‘CHEMECA medal’. A living bridge between India and Australia, Professor Bhargava holds 12 patents, including one for gold-based metallodrug for cancer treatment. Living by the principle that his research should contribute to enhancing the environment, the professor also developed a nanotechnology mercury sensor to monitor the toxic smoke emission from refineries for industrial use.

Priyanka Srivastava, NASA space engineer

[caption id="attachment_25761" align="aligncenter" width="381"] Priyanka Srivastava | NASA Engineer | Global Indian NASA Engineer Priyanka Srivastava with Mars 2020 testbed[/caption]

She was just a little girl when she came across a news about Kalpana Chawla, which motivated her to join the space industry. Today, that young girl – Priyanka Srivastava – is working as a Space Systems Engineer at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The Indian-American engineer was a part of the team that designed the famed Perseverance Rover – a car-sized Mars rover to explore the Jezero crater on the red planet. “No one in my family is an engineer. Ever since I was a child, I was fascinated with space. I would often wonder if there was another solar system like ours that existed somewhere else. Even back in my school, I was always sure that one day I will join the space industry,” said Priyanka.

In her six-year-long stint with NASA, Priyanka has worked on four flight missions. The engineer is currently working on a mission to an asteroid called Psyche, and is very excited about the project. "This asteroid is supposed to be a core of a previous planet. NASA is sending a spacecraft there so we can learn what this asteroid is made up of. Eventually that will help us understand Earth’s core better,” shares the NASA engineer. Priyanka is also working on a mission to Europa, the smallest of the four Galilean moons orbiting Jupiter. The mission will be launched by NASA in 2024.

Dr Keshav Singh, scientist

[caption id="attachment_32114" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Dr Keshav Singh | Modern Indian Scientists[/caption]

In 2018, Dr. Keshav Singh, a professor of genetics at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, was experimenting with mitochondria in mice. The team introduced a mutation to induce dysfunction and, over the next few weeks, observed that the mice developed wrinkles and lost hair – their bodies were ageing. It was an exciting development – if the loss of mitochondrial function led to ageing in mice, could the opposite delay or even prevent it? So Dr. Singh restored the mitochondrial function in the now-wrinkled mice and sure enough, their skin cleared, and the hair grew back. It became the foundation for a startup – Yuva Biosciences.

Currently the Joy and Bill Harbert Endowed Chair and Professor of Genetics, Pathology, and Dermatology at the University of Alabama, Dr. Keshav Singh, the author of three books and over 100 research publications, is on Stanford University’s list of the top two percent of scientists in the world and one of Newsweek’s Innovation Heroes. For over two decades, Dr. Singh, one of Global Indian's gamechangers in science, has been at the forefront of mitochondrial research, working tirelessly to make a change. He even uses his talent for painting to create artistic renditions of mitochondria on canvas.

In October 2022, Dr. Singh and his team also received a grant from NASA, after a study showed that 57 astronauts suffered from mitochondrial anomalies after their stints at the International Space Station. The organisation has awarded Dr. Keshav a grant to do the animal studies – “We will take our mice and work at the NASA facility in Brookhaven, in a laboratory-created space environment,” he told Global Indian.

Dr Risha Jasmine Nathan

[caption id="attachment_26856" align="aligncenter" width="502"] Risha Jasmine Nathan | Modern Indian Scientists[/caption]

In June 2022, Risha Jasmine Nathan was named one of the world’s leading gastronomy gamechangers. She’s one of only four Indians on the 50 Next ‘Class of 2022’ list, which was unveiled at the first live awards ceremony in Bilbao, Spain. As we speak, Risha (pronounced with an ‘ai’, she emphasises), who recently resigned from her job as an assistant professor at Galgotias University in Noida, is preparing for her move to the UK, where she will begin work as a lecturer in forensic chemistry at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge.

The research that landed Risha on the global gamechangers list took shape when she was a PhD student in New Zealand. The idea came about as she completed her master’s thesis – “I had found a group of researchers using banana peels to remove lead ions from water,” Risha tells Global Indian. Qualified in analytical chemistry and toxicology, she decided to take the idea further through biosorption, pitching the idea at the University of Otago. Many a late night at the lab followed, as Risha experimented with orange, banana, cucumber, apple, kiwi fruit and potato peels to remove heavy metals from drinking water. It’s an experiment with countless applications, especially within the food and hospitality industries, where the bulk of the wet waste is generated.

Modi Magic: Indian elections attract global audiences as election tourism peaks

(May 17, 2024) When the ‘rockstar’ of Indian politics — Prime Minister Narendra Modi — was holding a five kilometer road show in his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi on May 13, among the onlookers and those cheering for him were several foreigners who had come to be part of the world’s largest ‘festival’ of democracy. Among them was Anna Anderson from the US, who, along with her group of four friends, waved and cheered for Modi, often hailed a global leader and a familiar face all over the world. Anna might not fully understand the dynamics of the mammoth Indian elections, but she was thrilled to witness and experience first-hand, what it feels like to be in the epicenter of Indian elections, that too in soaring temperatures. Election tourism was first introduced as an experimental model in 2012 in Gujarat, back when Narendra Modi was Chief Minister. The concept, which started out in Mexico in 2005, found success here too and this year’s mammoth election is likely to see some 30,000 ‘election tourists’. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) The rise of election tourism As the mammoth Indian election is underway, election

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

The rise of election tourism

As the mammoth Indian election is underway, election Tourism is at its peak with foreign nationals from all over the globe arriving in India, Varanasi in particular, as it happens to be the most VVIP constituency in the country. “We were so looking forward for this moment. Modi is a charismatic figure and getting to see him before our eyes is a memorable experience for all of us,” Anna tells Global Indian.

The group, which arrived in Varanasi recently for sightseeing and soak in all things spiritual, plan to be part of more road shows and public meetings by PM Narendra Modi in the days to come. Varanasi is witnessing an electoral frenzy like no other, as Modi filed his nomination yesterday.

Despite the sweltering heat, Anna and her friends had no issues waiting for PM Narendra Modi to arrive amid chants of “Bharat mata ki Jai” which filled the air across all thoroughfares in the city through which Modi’s cavalcade traveled.

“We walked a lot as there was restricted movement due to the road show. Yes, it was very hot but every moment was worth it. We now have something more to tell our people back home. Elections in India are so full of energy and enthusiasm,” says Anna, whose group spent their time in the iconic Assi ghat.

Anna and her group were briefed on all aspects of Indian elections before they went around Varanasi to experience the election fever. “Modi’s fan following in Varanasi is something to be experienced. We have never came across such huge following for any leader. No wonder Narendra Modi is a global leader,” says Anna, who also visited the Kashi Vishwanath temple, Sarnath among other places.

[caption id="attachment_51685" align="aligncenter" width="622"] Varanasi | PM Narendra Modi Campaign Foreign tourists at Varanasi | Photo Credit: Business Line[/caption]

The group has more election related events lined up in the days to come. “We are here for another 20 days and want to make the most of this ancient city and the elections as well,” adds the “election tourist.”

When it comes to the famous Assi ghat, not only did Modi himself pick up the spade and cleaned it soon after his victory in 2014, as part of ‘Clean India’ campaign, he went on to host French president Emmanuel Macron and the then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the serene ghat, where the star attraction is the “Ganga aarti” in the evening, which leaves those witnessing it, spellbound. Even the Kashi Vishwanath corridor underwent complete renovation a couple of years ago. These moves by the Prime Minister led to a massive boost in domestic and international tourism.

On the bandwagon

Gujarat-based Akshar Travels is one such travel company which has launched election tourism packages for foreign tourists this election season. “We have a six-night, seven-day election tourism package where foreign tourists will get to learn various aspects of Indian elections,” informs Manish Sharma, founder and CMD of Akshar Travels, who is also the Chairman of Tourism Corporation Society of Gujarat.

Priced at Rs 25,000 per person, the package combines election related activities with sightseeing tours. The package, which includes local transportation, breakfast and poll related activities enables tourists to participate in rallies, roadshows by India’s top politicians, particularly PM Narendra Modi and even provides opportunities to meet and eat with local politicians as well, for those who might be interested.

[caption id="attachment_51682" align="aligncenter" width="471"] Manish Sharma | PM Narendra Modi Campaign Manish Sharma[/caption]

While the Prime Minister was busy campaigning in other parts of the country so far, the focus is now in parts of Uttar Pradesh, particularly Varanasi, where he will be addressing a series of public meetings, hold roadshows among other outreach programmes. People of will cast their vote on June 1.

“Several tourists from the US, UK and Europe have already arrived or will be arriving shortly in Varanasi to witness the Modi magic, the thrill and excitement of elections while simultaneously indulging in spiritual activities,” says Manish Sharma.

Niche tourism

The use of elections as a niche Tourism product was first experimented in Gujarat in 2012 when Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister. It was even tried and tested in 2019 general elections as well during which over 8,000 foreign tourists opted for the election package, which covered the two states of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, which sent the most number of MPs (80 and 48 respectively) to the Lok Sabha.

This time around, the number of foreign tourists is expected to go up to 25,000 to 30,000. “This concept was inspired by the poll Tourism concept prevalent in Mexico during 2005. The idea came up for discussion at the prestigious World Travel market in London. Ever since, the concept has had a fair number of takers and has bolstered the resolve of its designers to take it to the next level,” informs Sharma.

The idea took shape from the fact that many random foreigners, who happened to be present during election time, watched with keen interest the rallies and public meetings addressed by politicians. Seizing the opportunity, operators like Sharma wasted no time in cashing in on Modi’s popularity and the high octane 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

[caption id="attachment_51686" align="aligncenter" width="523"] Varanasi | PM Narendra Modi Campaign Photo for representation only | Credit: Sara Di Giannantonio[/caption]

From researchers, students to heritage and history lovers, journalists and those who want to experience the sheer excitement of elections, have opted for the election package this time.

The parliamentary constituency has elected Modi twice in the 2014 and 2019 general elections. Now, the people of Varanasi, the world’s most ancient city, appear all set to pick Modi once again. On June 1, about 19.62 lakh voters in Varanasi will determine the fate of PM Narendra Modi, who is contesting from this seat for the third consecutive time. According to the records available with the tourism department, about 53.8 million tourists visited Varanasi in 2023 of which 13,700 were foreign tourists.

Building Brand India

Political analyst Rajalakshmi Joshi says PM Modi's target of winning 400+ seats has generated a lot of buzz worldwide. “There have been numerous rallies, marathons, walks in support of Modi in various cities of the US, UK, Germany, Philippines, UAE, etc with the goal to see Modi as PM for the third consecutive time,” points out Joshi, which she says is an indication of soaring global popularity of the Indian PM. This in turn has caught the attention of foreigners as well, who want to see him in person if they get a chance.

[caption id="attachment_51502" align="aligncenter" width="421"] Political analyst, Rajalakshmi Joshi Rajalakshmi Joshi[/caption]

Addressing tens of thousands of people of Indian origin in Australia, the US, the UAE, Japan and elsewhere, Modi has effectively created a novel tool of foreign policy, she says, adding, “And it’s one that the whole world is talking about.”

Reading Time: 5 mins

Rooted in Legacy, Driven by Vision: Dhruva Jaishankar and Vishwa Shastra

(November 28, 2024) With striking similarities to his father, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Dhruva Jaishankar carries a familial resemblance that’s hard to miss. Yet, when it comes to influences, Dhruva candidly admits that his grandfather, late Krishnaswamy Subrahmanyam—a renowned strategic affairs analyst, journalist, and former Indian civil servant—had a more profound impact on his worldview. "My grandfather was more of a thinker and analyst, whereas my father is more of a doer in active diplomacy," he reflects, speaking to Global Indian from Washington, D.C., and crediting deep conversations with his grandfather for shaping his perspectives on international relations. Today, as a foreign policy expert and the founding Executive Director of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) America, a subsidiary of India’s ORF, he is working to build bridges between the U.S., India, and the developing world. [caption id="attachment_60724" align="aligncenter" width="604"] Dhruva Jaishankar[/caption] Dhruva is now gearing up for the release of his first book, Vishwa Shastra, published by Penguin Random House India. The book provides a comprehensive exploration of India’s interactions with the world, blending historical insights with forward-looking strategies. Dhruva’s research on foreign policy, defence, security, and globalization, has appeared in several books, policy reports, and prominent publications,

p" alt="Indians in USA | Dhruva Jaishankar " width="604" height="404" /> Dhruva Jaishankar[/caption]

Dhruva is now gearing up for the release of his first book, Vishwa Shastra, published by Penguin Random House India. The book provides a comprehensive exploration of India’s interactions with the world, blending historical insights with forward-looking strategies. Dhruva’s research on foreign policy, defence, security, and globalization, has appeared in several books, policy reports, and prominent publications, cementing his reputation as a thought leader.

Influenced by a thinker

During his formative years, Dhruva Jaishankar lived a truly global life, moving across continents with his diplomat father—experiences that profoundly enriched his worldview. While Dhruva Jaishankar acknowledges the global exposure his father’s diplomatic career provided, he emphasizes the intellectual influence of his grandfather, Krishnaswamy Subrahmanyam. "My grandfather was opinionated analyst and eventually joined the defence think tank IDSA, where he became its second director until the mid-1980s. Later, he transitioned to a career in media, writing about strategic affairs. He passed away in 2011, but I was fortunate that our careers overlapped for a few years," Dhruva recalls.

During this time, he engaged in deep conversations with his grandfather that shaped his analytical approach to international relations. " My grandfather’s career in strategic affairs and his deep thinking on India’s role in the world had a lasting impact on me," Dhruva reflects. These insights, paired with the global exposure his father’s career afforded him, helped Dhruva develop his own unique perspective on global affairs.

[caption id="attachment_60732" align="aligncenter" width="465"] Indians in USA | Dhruva Jaishankar | Global Indian Dhruva Jaishankar[/caption]

A global upbringing

Born in Delhi, Dhruva Jaishankar spent his childhood moving across several countries, including the U.S. (where he lived briefly at a very young age), Sri Lanka, Hungary, India, Japan, and the Czech Republic. He began his schooling in Sri Lanka and continued his education across these nations before eventually moving to the U.S. for college.

This global upbringing instilled in him a deep understanding and appreciation for different cultures—an experience that would later become the bedrock of his professional life.

The spark of a career

Dhruva Jaishankar’s interest in foreign policy deepened with a significant moment during his freshman year at Macalester College in the U.S., where he was pursuing his bachelor’s degree in history. "9/11 stirred a deep interest in security studies," he recalls, "and laid the foundation for what would become my lifelong career in foreign policy and international relations."

[caption id="attachment_60729" align="aligncenter" width="710"] Indians in USA | Dhruva Jaishankar | Global Indian Dhruva Jaishankar during the early days of his career[/caption]

After graduating in 2005, he moved to Washington, D.C., where an internship at the Aspen Institute proved to be a turning point. "After finishing college, I moved to Washington, DC, without a clear idea of what I wanted to do. I ended up getting an internship at a think tank, which plunged me into the heart of U.S.-India relations at a pivotal time, just as the two countries announced a civil nuclear agreement," he explains.

Despite his grandfather’s legacy as a prominent Indian think tank leader, Dhruva admits he initially knew little about the field. "Although my grandfather had run a think tank in India, I didn’t know much about what the work entailed," he smiles. "That internship turned out to be a huge learning experience for me. That was my introduction to this world."

Choosing international relations over journalism

Early in his career, Dhruva faced a crossroads: should he pursue journalism or follow his growing interest in international relations? He briefly explored journalism, working as a news writer and reporter for CNN-IBN in New Delhi.

Ultimately, his passion for security and foreign policy won out. He pursued an M.A. in security studies from Georgetown University, where he was surrounded by military and security professionals. Initially feeling like an outsider, Dhruva Jaishankar credits this environment with building his confidence to engage in high-level discussions on global security, a skill that would become invaluable in his career.

[caption id="attachment_60731" align="aligncenter" width="413"] Indians in USA | Observer Research Foundation | Global Indian Dhruva Jaishankar during the early days of his career in India[/caption]

Being Global Indian: Bridging local and international realities

Working for prestigious organizations including Stephen Cohen as research assistant, and German Marshall Fund (GMF) in Washington, D.C., where he managed the India Trilateral Forum, a policy dialogue involving participants from India, Europe, and the United States, deepened his understanding of security and foreign policy. He also worked as a program officer with GMF’s Asia Program for the initial three years in the organization.

Dhruva returned to India in 2016 to work as a Fellow for Brookings India. This role marked a deep dive into India’s foreign affairs, counterterrorism, and nuclear non-proliferation. “At Brookings India I managed a lot of the new institution’s foreign policy and security activity. It enabled me to travel the length and breadth of India, around South Asia (Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka) and Southeast Asia, and I produced reports on defence technology, U.S.-India relations, and India’s Act East policy,” he shares. Later, he also served as a visiting fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

[caption id="attachment_60725" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Indians in USA | Dhruva Jaishankar | Global Indian Dhruva Jaishankar[/caption]

Building ORF America

"Over the course of my 15-year career, I worked in diverse roles across various institutions in India, the U.S., and briefly in Singapore. This experience exposed me to a wide range of issues, regions, and the practical aspects of running a think tank," he shares. In 2020, Dhruva embarked on a new journey as the founding Executive Director of ORF America, the Washington, D.C.-based arm of India’s Observer Research Foundation, which began its journey in 1990.

In 2020, ORF was planning to establish its first affiliate outside India in the U.S. "Our paths crossed," Dhruva explains, and his experience in think tanks made him a natural fit for the role. This led to him becoming the founding Executive Director of ORF America, marking a significant milestone in his career.

He and his team at ORF America has focused on fostering cooperation between the U.S., India, and other global partners on pressing issues like technology policy, energy, climate, and international security.

[caption id="attachment_60790" align="aligncenter" width="668"] Indians in USA | Observer Research Foundation | Global Indian Dhruva Jaishankar[/caption]

Bridging the developed and developing worlds

"What differentiates ORF America from a lot of other think tanks in Washington is the focus on bridging the developed and developing worlds on various global issues," Dhruva explains. Under his leadership, the organization has launched several ambitious projects.

At ORF America, we conduct research on U.S.-India relations, U.S. alliances and partnerships, and Global North-Global South engagement. We also convene topical roundtables in Washington and conferences around the world, including in India, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Finally, we organize leadership development programs, including on climate and energy issues, China, and AI policy,” he mentions.

ORF America collaborates closely with ORF’s three centres in India—Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata—as well as its Middle East branch in Dubai. "We collaborate closely and work together on various projects," Dhruva says, highlighting the organization’s unified approach.

Indians in USA | Dhruva Jaishankar | Global Indian

Matters of the heart

Married to an American historian, Dhruva started his family in Delhi before moving to the U.S. “We keep personal and professional life separate,” says the devoted father of two children, ages seven and four. Although he travels frequently for work, he makes an effort to spend quality time with them. He enjoys cooking for his kids and being with them during this stage of their lives, as they grow and learn new things. “Outside of work, I spend most of my time being a father,” he smiles.

Enjoying life in America, the Global Indian remains deeply connected to his native country, with its capital, Delhi, holding special significance in his journey. He was born in the city, returned at age nine, and later moved back twice as an adult. “In fact, I started my family there, and my first child was born in Delhi,” he shares.

Vishwa Shastra: India and the World

Dhruva Jaishankar is excited about the next milestone in his journey—the release of his debut book, Vishwa Shastra, published by Penguin Random House India. The book offers a comprehensive exploration of India’s historical and strategic role on the global stage.

[caption id="attachment_60733" align="aligncenter" width="431"] Cover image of Dhruva's book[/caption]

"One big motivator for me," Dhruva shares, "was the many talks and presentations I gave to student audiences across India, while I was working there between 2016-2019. Students from diverse backgrounds—not just social sciences but also law and engineering—showed a deep curiosity about India, its international relations, and its history. I realized there wasn’t a good book that offered a comprehensive starting point to understand India's interactions with the world."

He added, “My primary goal in writing this book was to create a foundation, especially for young Indians, but also for anyone interested, to learn more about India and its international relations."

The book delves into India’s ancient connections with regions spanning the Mediterranean to Asia, the enduring impact of colonialism, and the country’s post-Independence challenges, including its rivalries with Pakistan and China. It provides a framework for understanding India’s evolving geopolitical landscape while presenting forward-looking strategies. The second part of the book addresses five critical challenges: leveraging the economic environment for growth, integrating with neighbouring countries, balancing relations with a rising China, combating terrorism, and advocating institutional reforms in global governance.

Renowned writer and politician Shashi Tharoor has endorsed Vishwa Shastra, calling it, “An impressive tour d'horizon spanning centuries of India's strategic thought, traditions of statecraft, and contemporary foreign policy.” Indians in USA | Dhruva Jaishankar | Global Indian

The enduring bond with his roots continues to inspire Dhruva Jaishankar’s work. While influenced by his family’s legacy, Dhruva Jaishankar’s journey is defined by his own vision—one that aims to elevate India’s role in an interconnected world, bridging continents and generations alike. With his first book, Vishwa Shastra, he hopes to further this mission and contribute to a deeper understanding of India’s place in the global arena.

Follow Dhruva Jaishankar on LinkedIn

Reading Time: 5 mins

From Infosys to Buckingham Palace: Dallas-Fort Worth entrepreneur Vishwanath Madhugiri drives global strategy and innovation

Written by: Mallik Thatipalli

Chiseled by life’s turbulence

The Tata Years

The move to the UK

The American sojourn

Beyond work

Vish Madhugiri is proud of:

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