Global IndianstoryFrom Pushkar to the UK: Vishal Tolambia on a mission to revolutionise sustainable fashion

From Pushkar to the UK: Vishal Tolambia on a mission to revolutionise sustainable fashion

Compiled by: Charu Thakur

(November 15, 2024) In the bustling lanes of Pushkar, a small town in Rajasthan, artisans work with skill and heart, carrying on a tradition of creating textiles and garments with a story. Today, these very craftspeople are making an impact far beyond Indian borders, reaching the fashion hubs of the UK and beyond. Leading this movement is Vishal Tolambia, a 27-year-old visionary whose roots in Pushkar’s garment industry have grown into an international initiative for sustainable fashion. “Over 1,600,000 tonnes of textile waste is generated even before a garment reaches a consumer, and directly ends up in landfills,” says Vishal, the founder of Humanity Centred Designs.

Based in the UK, Vishal has developed an innovative technology to convert pre-consumer textile waste into a durable, flexible recycled material. His work earned him a spot on Forbes’ 2024 30 Under 30, but his journey began years earlier in the town of Pushkar, where his family’s deep ties to the garment industry shaped his values and ambitions.

Vishal Tolambia | Global Indian

A Legacy in Textiles and a Commitment to Sustainability

Vishal’s journey began at home, where textiles were part of everyday life. His grandfather was a tailor in a village near Ajmer, a skill passed down to Vishal’s father, who built a garment manufacturing and export business. Growing up, Vishal spent his afternoons at his father’s unit, learning the ins and outs of the trade. Inspired by these early experiences, he went on to study at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Jodhpur, where his talents blossomed, and his collection inspired by Gujarat’s Rabari community won him the Best Graduation Project award.

As he learned more about the industry, Vishal became aware of the waste and environmental impact caused by textile production. Since India is the world’s second-largest textile manufacturing hub, the issue of pre-consumer textile waste is particularly severe. “One of the biggest challenges the small-scale factories face is the accumulation of pre-consumer textile waste at the manufacturing level,” the Global Indian observed. Determined to address this problem, Vishal began researching ways to reduce waste and create sustainable solutions.

Vishal Tolambia

The Move to the UK and Founding Humanity Centred Designs

This commitment to sustainability led him to the University of Arts London, where he pursued a master’s degree in Fashion Futures. Though financial constraints nearly prevented him from going, his strong portfolio won him a scholarship, allowing him to continue his studies in the UK. It was while pursuing his master’s, Vishal began studying textile waste issues faced by small-scale manufacturers in his hometown, Pushkar. His solution was a circular recycling technology that turns waste fabric into new, durable materials. This idea became the foundation of Humanity Centred Designs, a material innovation hub that he launched after graduation.

“For us, sustainability means enabling sustainable operations. It also means that we care for the planet and protect it, by making sure that 80 percent of our production is through renewable energy sources, responsible consumption of water, and minimized resource utilization,” he explains. His goal is clear: “To make all fashion MSEs in India circular.”

Expanding Impact: From India to the UK and Beyond

In just one year, Humanity Centred Designs provided support to over 150 small and medium-sized apparel manufacturers in waste management and sustainable practices. Vishal’s circular recycling technology has enabled manufacturers to reduce their environmental impact and compete in an increasingly eco-conscious market.

“Our innovative solutions have not only helped manufacturers to reduce waste and environmental damage but also helped them to stay competitive,” said the social entrepreneur who won Global Citizen award. His work now reaches beyond India, with two retail stores in Bath and London, where he sells recycled apparel to customers in six countries. Through these stores, Vishal also provides a platform for over 3,500 artisans in Pushkar, connecting their work to an international market.

This commitment to sustainability and community support defines Humanity Centred Designs. The company has become a center for material innovation, helping micro, small, and medium-sized apparel businesses adopt circular recycling practices. Vishal’s broader mission is to reshape the industry: “The goal is to make the fashion industry more sustainable, ethical, and responsible by reducing waste, reducing pollution, and promoting fair labour practices.”

Scaling Sustainable Fashion Globally

While Vishal’s journey began in Pushkar, his vision now spans continents. In the coming years, he plans to open 15 flagship stores worldwide to showcase recycled textiles and promote ethical fashion on a larger scale. His ambition doesn’t stop there — he hopes to bring circular recycling technology to over 500 marginalised SMEs in India, empowering communities and fostering sustainable development. “This will foster community development and environmental sustainability,” he said, looking forward to a future where his efforts can reach even more people and reduce the fashion industry’s environmental footprint.

As a member of the Indian diaspora in the UK, Vishal Tolambia brings his heritage into his work, bridging cultures and addressing global challenges. The Indian community in the UK has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and individuals like Vishal are leading efforts in technology, healthcare, and sustainable fashion. Through Humanity Centred Designs, Vishal shows how India’s innovation and talent can solve global challenges in waste and sustainability.

A Balance for the Future

For Vishal Tolambia, sustainability is more than just a strategy—it’s a way to create lasting change. “For me, sustainability means creating a balance between the needs of the present and future generations. I believe that a sustainable mindset and practices can benefit both the environment and society, and I strive to incorporate these principles into every aspect of our business,” he explained. His work with Humanity Centred Designs is a model for how fashion can evolve responsibly, reducing environmental impact, supporting artisans, and building a circular system that benefits everyone.

Vishal Tolambia | Global Indian

Today, Humanity Centred Designs stands as a powerful example of what can happen when one person’s commitment to change is backed by community values and clear purpose. Vishal Tolambia’s journey from Pushkar to the world’s fashion capitals is a story of dedication, creativity, and a vision for a future where fashion is sustainable, inclusive, and innovative.

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Published on 15, Nov 2024

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Theatre director Dipankar Mukherjee is amplifying the voices of the marginalised

(September 14, 2023) In a dazzling debut on the U.S. stage, "Returning to Haifa," a play adapted from the 1969 novella by the late Palestinian author and activist Ghassan Kanafani, took the audience by storm, earning thunderous standing ovations and critical acclaim. At the helm of this theatrical triumph stands Dipankar Mukherjee, the visionary Indian American director. As the co-founder and artistic director of the renowned Pangea World Theater, a Minneapolis-based international hub for art and dialogue, Dipankar's creative journey is deeply intertwined with his unwavering commitment to social justice, equity, and profound spirituality. These pillars, together with his keen political insights, serve as the cornerstone of his artistic endeavors. With an impressive directorial portfolio spanning across India, England, Canada, and the United States, Dipankar Mukherjee is not only a luminary in the world of theater but also a recipient of the esteemed Humphrey Institute Fellowship to Salzburg, solidifying his impact on the global stage. "I am truly committed to telling stories from multiple perspectives and highlighting those voices who have been unjustly vilified, marginalised, displaced, erased, or ignored," said the director, who is also a Ford Foundation delegate to India and Lebanon. Artistic brilliance Born in Kolkata (Calcutta) the

e. "I am truly committed to telling stories from multiple perspectives and highlighting those voices who have been unjustly vilified, marginalised, displaced, erased, or ignored," said the director, who is also a Ford Foundation delegate to India and Lebanon.

Artistic brilliance

Born in Kolkata (Calcutta) the director has a deep connection to his historic dramaturgical roots that extend thousands of years back. After finishing his education, Dipankar started working with various dancers and choreographers in India, the director expanded his wings to work in USA, Canada, and England.

"I've had the privilege of collaborating with talented dancers to craft cross-cultural performances, drawing upon my expertise in Kalaripayattu, an ancient Indian martial arts discipline. Throughout my journey, I've had the opportunity to collaborate with skilled choreographers/dancers hailing from India, the United States, and Canada, assuming the role of a director in these creative partnerships. My artistic vision has evolved organically, shaped by a steadfast dedication to principles of social justice, equity, and profound spirituality. These foundational values, intertwined with a keen sensitivity to contemporary political currents, serve as the guiding pillars of my creative work," the director said in an interview.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWhkT_l-7uk

Quite early in his career, the Global Indian won the prestigious Twin Cities International Citizens Award from the Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul for contributions in the area of human rights and international cooperation. It was around this time in 1995 that he was also involved in establishing the Pangea World Theater, along with his wife Meena Natarajan, who is also quite a well-known artist. "Our theater is shaped by the stories forged by artists who dared to speak their truth and blessed by our elders from multiple communities. We renew our commitment to the artists who are architects of our collective imagination and whose courage has been a part of the skein that created Pangea," the director said during an interview, adding, "We commit to a world of equity for the next 25 years and beyond."

The world's a stage

Eventually, Pangea evolved to become not just another theatre in America, but a platform for suppressed and unheard voices. "I always wonder why The Ordway, The Guthrie, and other famous Drama centers all over America would invite artists the world over including England, but they would never reach out to provide a helping hand to the struggling Native American artists, the Latina, the LGBTQ artists who are trying to change this world one street theater at a time, one play in the park at a time,” the director shared.

[caption id="attachment_44914" align="aligncenter" width="672"] Director | Dipankar Mukherjee | Global Indian A scene from the play Returning to Haifa[/caption]

And this is precisely what inspired their commitment to offering a nurturing artistic haven for those who needed it most. Pangea's extensive repertoire brims with creative expressions from artists of diverse backgrounds: people of color, Native Americans, African Americans, immigrant artists, and members of the LGBTQ community, all working towards positive change. In a recent conversation, the director emphasized the significance of this choice, both in dismantling systemic racism and in fostering more compassionate interactions among us all.

Giving back to the community

Amidst the endeavour of creating a globally renowned drama company, the theatre director remained deeply connected to his Indian roots. Pangea collaborates closely with local Indian organisations, including the India Association of Minnesota and the Hindu Temple. These partnerships have given rise to intriguing dynamics and interactions within the community. "To leave a different world for the next generation and be able to face them with integrity, we must take accountability. We must know our own history and acknowledge the debt we, as immigrants from India, owe to the Civil Rights movement as it’s because of this that we have the privilege of being on this land," shared the director.

Throughout the years, the director has partnered with various organisations, including SEWA, to shed light on pressing issues within the community, particularly domestic violence awareness. In 2017, the theatre produced a powerful play titled '5 Weeks,' a collaborative effort involving individuals from the local South Asian community. This production delved into the multifaceted narratives that constitute the often-overlooked history of the Partition of India in 1947. It eloquently portrayed stories of heartbreak, shattered identities, yearning, and memories of home during the turbulent period following the establishment of India and Pakistan's borders.

[caption id="attachment_44915" align="aligncenter" width="666"] Director | Dipankar Mukherjee | Global Indian Dipankar Mukherjee and Meena Natarajan of Pangea World Theater[/caption]

"We have also organised gatherings to raise our voice and take strong action against islamophobia, homophobia, racist attitudes, colorism, patriarchy, and domestic violence within our communities. Reaching out and standing in solidarity with the Black community and indigenous community is our duty and understanding that we are a part of this ecosystem called America," the director said.

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Bishwadeep Moitra and Iris Strill: The Indian-French couple empowering Afghan refugee women

(January 19, 2023) One of the crowded alleys in Malviya Nagar takes you to the workshop of Silaiwali - a place that's a world of its own for the many Hazara women who fled the atrocities of the Taliban to make a temporary home in the heart of New Delhi. Sitting among a handful of benches and chairs with the whirring of the sewing machines in the background, one can see many Afghan refugee women busy sewing and crocheting a pile of upcycled fabric into beautiful dolls. It's been four years since the social enterprise Silaiwali came into existence, and till now has given employment to more than 120 Afghan refugee women. The brainchild of a former visual journalist Bishwadeep Moitra and his French wife Iris Strill, a product designer, Silaiwali upcycles waste fabric generated from apparel scraps to create handcrafted decorations by Afghan woman refugees in India. "Ecology and solidarity - our mission is to bring these two together. Our motto is A Stitch Against Waste. A Stitch for Freedom. We are not just making an effort to save the environment from textile waste but also helping marginalised artisans live a dignified life," Bishwadeep tells Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_34097" align="aligncenter"

t="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Indian.

[caption id="attachment_34097" align="aligncenter" width="855"] Silaiwali | Global Indian | Afghan Refugee Women Afghan refugee women at Silaiwali workshop[/caption]

Since the late 1970s, India has given shelter to Afghan refugees, and each year, more Afghanis make their way to New Delhi in the hope of a better life. Currently home to around 30,000 Afghan refugees, South Delhi is bustling with the marginalised community that's looking to start afresh in a new country. And Silaiwali is helping Afghan refugee women give another shot at life.

"Coming from a conservative society, these women mostly never left their homes before stepping into Delhi. But now they want to help their kids have a better life," adds Bishwadeep. Since Malviya Nagar is the hub for many of these refugees, Bishwadeep and Iris knew they had to take their workshop to them. In no time, their craft has found an audience in France, Korea, Japan, Germany, and other parts of the world. So much so that their skills caught the eye of the French luxury fashion house Chloé, who collaborated with Silaiwali for an exclusive range of rag dolls. "Hazara women are known for their embroidery skills, and now they are using the same craft for a wider audience, and it's helping them live a dignified life in India," adds Bishwadeep, who decided to start the venture in 2018 with his wife, after quitting a two-decade-long career in media.

Afghan refugee women | Global Indian | Silaiwali

Journalist-turned-entrepreneur

Having arrived in Delhi as a teenager from Ludhiana where his dad was posted, he never got the chance to complete his graduation owing to the violence that erupted in the capital during the Sikh riots of 1984. Though he did join an engineering course for a year, he gave up soon to start working in a printing unit. Designing was something that intrigued Bishwadeep, so he ended up joining India Today as a graphic designer in the early 90s, and later became one of the founding members of Outlook magazine during its launch in 1995. In the coming years, he rose to the ranks of Executive Editor. "For 21 years, I designed the cover of Outlook magazine and did stories. It was a free-thinking magazine, and I loved my work." However, in 2016, he decided to hang up his boots in the world of full-time journalism as boredom had slowly started crawling into the daily work. "I had done whatever I had to do."

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It was during his time in Outlook that he met his now-wife Iris at Sivananda Yoga Centre in Delhi in 2006. "Like most foreigners, she was interested in yoga, and that's how we first met at the yoga studio," laughs Bishwadeep, adding that she has been visiting India since 1999, and has years of experience in crafts and fashion, "training artisans in making design-oriented products." It was during her long years of working in India as a consultant to fashion brands that she came across the problem of textile waste and realised upcycling was the solution. "Moreover, she had worked with Afghan refugee women who were a part of United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) livelihood initiatives. That's how the idea of working with refugees struck us," reveals Bishwadeep, who has been married to Iris for 13 years now.

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The dolls that make Silaiwali unique

The idea of integrating upcycling with empowering skilled Afghan refugee women gave birth to Silaiwali - a social enterprise with a purpose, and also the concept of selling rag dolls. "Growing up, almost every individual at some time has played with a rag doll. Many people who are now parents played with one, while many kids made one as a part of crafts class or DIY programs." The hand-made dolls are a far cry from the plastic ones available in the market and provide an emotional connection along with celebrating cultural diversity. "Our dolls are for an audience that's conscious about sustainability, peace, equality, and the environment. We wanted to sell a product that has a back story to tell. We are using waste material as the fabric for the dolls which are made by skilled marginalised women who ran away from terrorism, and the income is helping them sustain in a new country."

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While the very first year got Silaiwali a huge order from a US fashion brand COS to make 50,000 key chains using waste fabric, making Afghan women work in a structured environment was one of their biggest challenges. "Since they come from a conservative society where their skills were never used commercially before, getting them to work in professional production was demanding. The products are made for high-concept stores across Europe, they demand high quality of production, and so everything has to be perfect." However, Bishwadeep is grateful that though the women are not trained, they are doing really well and their work is loved by all.

Empowering Afghan refugee women

Leaving the comfort of their country, they have moved to India in search of a better life, and hence, winning their trust was the first thing for Iris and Bishwadeep. "We had to make them feel safe. That was the first step. Even our workshop is like a zenana that provides them a haven." He credits Iris for her charm and personality which played a factor in making these women feel at home. "The way she handled them as a fellow worker and not an owner, made her stand apart. She is a Westerner and believes in treating the worker with dignity. She never misses a chance to ask the women for an opinion on the product as their input is equally vital." While Bishwadeep looks into the administration, marketing, communication, packaging, and graphic designing part, Iris' core focus is the product.

[caption id="attachment_34098" align="aligncenter" width="859"] Silaiwali | Global Indian | Afghan refugee women Iris Strill with an Afghan refugee woman at Silaiwali workshop[/caption]

Currently, 70 Afghan refugee women work with Silaiwali, a number that has gone down drastically from 120 last year. "For most Afghan refugees, India is a transit as they wish to migrate to Australia, Canada, or the US. Last year, Canada invited 1.4 million refugees, and 60 women from Silaiwali, along with their families migrated to Canada. It was heartbreaking to lose our artisans but it's a big gain for them as they get citizenship rights in those countries." Working with Silaiwali has empowered these refugee women who have now become key decision makers in their otherwise patriarchal families. "They are earning a livelihood from the skills they traditionally have. It has instilled a sense of confidence in them and now moving to a new country, they are ready to take on work and new challenges with more gusto and self-awareness of their skillset."

The path ahead

Over the last few years, Silaiwali has found collaboration with big brands like Uniqlo, Chloé, and Ulla Johnson. "In 2022, we partnered with Uniqlo, and had 50 pop-ups around the world including Milan, Paris, and London," says the 57-year-old who bid adieu to journalism to dive into entrepreneurship. "Working on a complex business right now, journalism seemed like a walk in the park," he laughs. From manufacturing to selling to working with the UN, he calls the work "wheel within wheels." When Bishwadeep began, he had no idea about export or how to run a business. For him, the last four years have been a learning curve. Though Silaiwali is bootstrapped, he has plans of scaling up. "We have only tapped into 2-3 percent of the world market. We are keen to go much bigger shortly through social media and exhibitions."

[caption id="attachment_34099" align="aligncenter" width="663"] Silaiwali | Global Indian | Afghan refugee women Silaiwali employs Afghan refugee women[/caption]

After the success of the India chapter of Silawali, Bishwadeep and Iris wish to replicate the model in countries like France. "The concept of upcycling and empowering marginalised communities of the region remains the blueprint for every chapter." With many of their artisans having moved to Canada, Bishwadeep wants to start one chapter in Montreal. "The trained Afghan women who have now migrated to Canada can restart what they were doing."

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You can place order for the dolls on their website

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Bantval Jayant Baliga: Man with the world’s largest negative carbon footprint wins Millennium Technology Prize

(October 4, 2024) Imagine a world where energy flows seamlessly - powering your home, car, and even life-saving medical devices - with minimal environmental impact. This isn’t science fiction. It’s the legacy of one man’s invention, an invention that has saved the world over $15 trillion in costs and reduced carbon emissions by the equivalent of three years of human activity. The mastermind behind this global transformation is Bantval Jayant Baliga. The Indian-origin scientist's groundbreaking invention of the Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) has reshaped industries and influenced millions of lives worldwide. In 2024, Professor Baliga stands at the brink of yet another milestone in his life. "This award comes at the culmination of my career, so the timing is perfect. It’s a flattering recognition of my work," remarked Bantval Jayant Baliga, an inventor, entrepreneur, and emeritus professor at North Carolina State University, following the announcement of his name for the 2024 Millennium Technology Prize. Awarded by the Technology Academy Finland, the prize comes with a €1 million reward, honouring innovations that have positively impacted millions of lives. Baliga will officially receive the award on October 30 in Finland from Finnish President Alexander Stubb. The inventor, who was named by

ctober 30 in Finland from Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

The inventor, who was named by Forbes as the person with the world's largest negative carbon footprint when inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame in 2016, now joins a distinguished list of Millennium Technology Prize laureates, including Tim Berners-Lee, creator of the World Wide Web, who was the first recipient in 2004.

[caption id="attachment_57340" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Indian Scientist | Bantval Jayant Baliga | Global Indian Bantval Jayant Baliga[/caption]

An alumnus of IIT Madras, Professor Baliga has 36 years of academic experience and holds 120 U.S. patents, many of which he has successfully commercialised through four startups based in North Carolina.

When I came to the United States, I arrived as a 20-year-old with a dream of creating technology that would benefit humanity. I feel my dream has been fulfilled beyond my wildest expectations.

Professor Bantval Jayant Baliga said reflecting upon his journey

Helped save trillions of dollars

The 76-year-old electrical engineer's groundbreaking invention, the Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) is a semiconductor power switch that has decreased gasoline consumption by 10% and enhanced electrical energy efficiency by over 40%. This small chip, which regulates energy usage, is utilised in a variety of applications, including household appliances (from light bulbs to air conditioners and refrigerators), industrial products, automobiles (including electric vehicles and bullet trains), and renewable energy generation systems. IGBT is also a vital component in medical devices like compact cardiac defibrillators, playing a crucial role in saving lives globally.

It has generated over $15 trillion in cost savings for consumers and has laid the foundation for the smart grid. A smart grid is an advanced electrical network that uses digital technology to monitor, manage, and optimise the distribution of electricity efficiently. It enables the integration of renewable energy sources, enhances reliability, and reduces energy waste.

[caption id="attachment_57342" align="aligncenter" width="764"] Indian Scientist | Bantval Jayant Baliga | Global Indian Bantval Jayant Baliga[/caption]

Describing the energy-saving impact of IGBT, Baliga stated:

It adds up to over 180 trillion pounds of carbon dioxide over the last 30 years. That is as much carbon dioxide as human activity generates in three years.

Since its introduction, the IGBT has significantly reduced environmental pollution and saved consumers an estimated $36.5 trillion by cutting gasoline consumption by over 1.79 trillion gallons and reducing electricity usage by more than 133,000 terawatt-hours.

It has not just improved energy efficiency but has reduced pollution, and has lowered global carbon dioxide emissions by over 82 gigatons. Its impact on energy consumption over the past three decades has made a substantial contribution to environmental sustainability globally. Professor Baliga has received numerous awards and accolades for his invention.

[caption id="attachment_57334" align="aligncenter" width="641"] Indian Scientist | Baliga with Obama | Global Indian Prof Baliga received National Medal of Technology from US President Obama[/caption]

It all started when...

In 1974, when Baliga joined General Electric’s Research and Development Center as an engineer in the US, he and his colleagues faced a significant challenge. One of the company's vice presidents tasked them with developing a new technology that would be "better than all the existing technology they were using at the time." Baliga recalled, “Within a month of his request, I put together the patent disclosure for creating the IGBT.”

Baliga invented a new high-voltage transistor that, for the first time, utilised a metal oxide semiconductor gate region to control a bipolar current within a single device. This three-terminal power semiconductor device combined high efficiency with fast switching capabilities. Today, the IGBT is manufactured worldwide and controls the flow of power from electrical energy sources to various applications that require energy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hks2RuIA2do

An impactful, multidimensional career

After spending 15 years at the General Electric Research and Development Center in Schenectady, New York, Bantval Jayant Baliga joined North Carolina State University in 1988 as a professor of electrical engineering and was promoted to Distinguished University Professor in 1997, and is still associated with the academic institution. He has also founded four startups that produce products based on semiconductor technologies.

Among his several innovations is the GDMOSFET transistor, which is manufactured worldwide for low-voltage applications in computers, data centres, and automotive electronics. Baliga's accolades include the 2011 National Medal of Technology and the 2014 IEEE Medal of Honor.

Due to the significant impact of his work on energy consumption, it has been suggested that Baliga possesses the smallest carbon footprint in the world. However, he has a different perspective:

Many people can claim to have a zero-carbon footprint. I believe that it’s more accurate to say that I have the largest negative carbon footprint in the world.

Professor Baliga remarked

The impact of his inventions is expected to grow exponentially, as the IGBT is an essential component for the deployment of electric vehicles and the generation of renewable energy, both crucial in combating climate change.

[caption id="attachment_57333" align="aligncenter" width="488"] Indian Scientist | Bantval Jayant Baliga | global Indian Professor Bantval Jayant Baliga[/caption]

Influences that shaped the innovator

In a recent interview, Baliga credited his education at IIT Madras for shaping his career and contributing to his many successes. He also shared how his father, Bantval Vittal Baliga, influenced his path. His father was the first chief engineer of All India Radio after Independence and played an important role in establishing the Indian branch of the Institute of Radio Engineers (IRE), which later merged to form IEEE. “I grew up reading articles by influential engineers who won IEEE medals of honour. Now that I have received the IEEE medal myself, it’s an incredible honour to be part of that group,” he remarked.

Baliga described his father, a well-known electrical engineer, as a significant inspiration in his life. “My father was a very big inspiration,” he shared. “But I wanted to get out of his shadow and make my own mark in the world.”

He lived in Delhi until the age of 10 before moving to Bengaluru, where he attended Bishop Cotton Boys’ School. He went on to pursue electrical engineering at IIT Madras. After completing his undergraduate studies, Baliga moved to the United States in 1969 to pursue a master’s and PhD at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. "In 1969, the Indian government only allowed us to carry $10 due to limited foreign reserves. It was my first trip out of India, and I had never seen snow before,” he recalled.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkvrcXF9ooE

Bantval Jayant Baliga’s journey from India to becoming a globally recognised inventor in the U.S. highlights how Indian education and values, when combined with international exposure, can provide a solid foundation for groundbreaking contributions to science and technology, shaping industries and positively impacting millions of lives worldwide.

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How YouTuber Ravi Prabhu travelled to every country in the world without quitting his job

(September 14, 2024) All that is left for Ravi Prabhu to discover is the world above earth. That’s because he’s done travelling to every nook and corner of the world, covering a mind boggling 30 lakh air miles — the distance equivalent to travelling eight times to the moon! Over 600 people from all over the world have gone into space while more than 6600 people have scaled Mount Everest. But it’s only 280 out of 850 crore people of the world who have visited every country in the world. Ravi Prabhu is one among them. “Travelling is quite addictive, and has probably become a compulsive disorder for me. I tend to go crazy in my head if I do not travel for long,” smiles Ravi Prabhu, a Telugu YouTuber, in a chat with Global Indian. Over the last 27 years, he has travelled to all the 195 countries in over a 1,000 airlines. His travel accomplishments have been verified by the most astute travellers of Nomad Mania. [caption id="attachment_55929" align="aligncenter" width="396"] Ravi Prabhu[/caption] Recently, Ravi spent nine days in Venezuela marking his final country on the atlas. “I covered 10 to 15 countries every year. I have been to many countries more than 10 times

024/09/ravi-youtuber-682x1024.webp" alt="Indian traveller | Global Indian" width="396" height="595" /> Ravi Prabhu[/caption]

Recently, Ravi spent nine days in Venezuela marking his final country on the atlas. “I covered 10 to 15 countries every year. I have been to many countries more than 10 times and visited over 100 countries more than once,” says Ravi, who started his travels in 1997 and has been unstoppable ever since.

Off to US

Ravi Prabhu took off on his travels after he moved to the US for higher studies in 1996. He completed a double Masters in Business Management with a specialisation in Information Systems from the University of Memphis. Thereafter, he began working as an information systems/management consultant on a long term project with a client from a different city. Since his client covered his travel expenses, he wasn’t required to relocate.

“However, I would fly every Monday to work, and once work ended on Thursdays, I would travel to Europe every other weekend for pleasure. With the number of flights I took, and always armed with a window seat and stunning views, I felt as if I were an eagle soaring high up in the sky with wide wings trotting around the world,” says the Indian-American.

The first country travelled to (after US) was Holland, followed by Belgium and France. Thereafter, the itch to travel drove him to visit all the 195 countries. “When you travel, you come across real challenges and learn many more things than what we read in books. I have lived through extreme hot and cold temperatures while being on opposite ends of the world,” says Ravi, who holds an American passport. Presently, he is using his 14th passport.To fulfill his dream of exploring the world, Ravi took up a IT consulting job so I could have the flexibility to travel and work as well. “I work six to eight months a year and then travel,” he says.

Welcome in Pakistan

His experiences in Pakistan and Afghanistan were better than he could have imagined. “Everywhere I went in Pakistan, when I introduced myself as Indian, the people were more than welcoming. They even gifted me clothes, shoes and many more items,” recalls Ravi, who, as one of the most travelled south Asian, was also part of three live shows by reputed Pakistani channels including Dawn.

[caption id="attachment_55930" align="aligncenter" width="478"] Indian traveller | Global Indian Ravi Prabhu has travelled to every country in the world.[/caption]

Being an Indian and raised in India, where all one hears about is Pakistan, LoC (Line of Control) and PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir), Ravi says his visit to Gilgit-Baltistan (in PoK) brought another sense of accomplishment. He has travelled to Pakistan not once, but thrice.

Being a traveller in war-torn Afganistan

In February 2020, Ravi set off on a five-day trip to Afghanistan, which he describes as thrilling and scary at the same time. “Afghanistan was country number 186 for me. It was the pre-Taliban era but bomb blasts, kidnappings and attacks used to take place regularly. Yet, it was a memorable experience,” says the globe-trotter who was ranked as the No. 1 traveller from India by Nomad Mania.

During his visit to Baluchistan, Ravi was able to visit Hinglaj Mata temple, where not many are allowed. “Luckily, I’ve never lost my way in any country as I do a thorough research on each destination,” says the travel freak, who did couch surfing at few places. He did undertake a few trips without a plan and discovered sights serendipitously, but never lost his tracks. Moreover, language is no longer an issue, says Ravi, with the advent of handheld gadgets and mobile apps.

Carbon-friendly

He also tries to factor in environmental friendliness. “I try my best to stay in boutique hotels, use public transport and try to keep my carbon footprint low,” he explains.

After the initial 100 countries, Ravi began choosing adjoining countries so he could cover more nations in one go. “But I don’t travel full time and had to factor in my work and family. Time is the biggest hurdle,” says Ravi, who even travels with wife Swathi and daughter Anoushka.

Ravi Prabhu | YouTuber | Global Indian

During his visits, Ravi tries to inform people about the culture and heritage of the two Telugu States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and even motivate people to visit. So far, he has invested well over Rs 25 crore on his journeys. He met all the expenditure by himself.

Visakhapatnam boy

Ravi Prabhu was born in Odisha and then moved to Vishakapatnam, where he completed school and junior college. After that, he moved to Hyderabad and did his Masters in Political science between 1994 and 1996.

He had a penchant for travel ever since he was a kid. “When I was in class 6, my mother gifted me an atlas. I used to spend hours going through every nook and corner of the world,” he recalls. While his father retired from the State Bank of India, mother worked in the AP Education department.

Ravi’s parents were travellers as well. “Even though we belonged to a very ordinary middle-class family, they left no stone unturned to show us (Ravi and his sister) places across India,” he says. When he was 10, he travelled to Bhutan, his first trip outside India.

Seeing myriad places as a kid enhanced his interest to explore more places far and wide. “I aspired to see many places but never thought of covering each and every country in the world even in my wildest dreams. But when I started exploring the world, I moved my goal post further ahead after every 10 or so countries, thereby eventually traveling the world.”

Ravi Prabhu | YouTuber | Global Indian

YouTuber

Ravi Prabhu has close to 8 lakh subscribers, and a huge fan following and his YouTube channel features his travel experiences, and insights into his journeys, including the cultures, cuisines, and people he encountered along the way. “It’s a visual treat for travel enthusiasts, as they see the beauty of each destination through the lens of my camera,” says Ravi, whose passion for travel is evident in his videos.

He even shared his experiences with the students and faculty at the University of Hyderabad.

Through his channel, Ravi aims to provide a glimpse into the diverse cultures and lifestyles of people from different countries and promote unity in diversity.

Incredible India

Even though Ravi has travelled the world, he says nothing matches the charm, variety and thrill of India. “I have been to 23 states in India. I’m yet to explore north east. There’s never a dull day in India, and there is always something different every few kilometres,” smiles Ravi, adding a lifetime isn’t enough for him to explore India.

People can always find something unique, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be ‘foreign’ travel. “We live in an amazing world filled with beauty. Small constraints should not limit anyone from travelling,” he feels.

Indian traveller | Global Indian

Future plans

Now that he is done with exploring the world, Ravi says he is open to explore the space, even though he is not very keen. “I like to keep my options open,” says Ravi, who is presently undertaking more and more road trips to different destinations in India.

Now that he has accomplished his lifetime dream, Ravi says he would like to focus on knowledge sharing. “I plan to write a book on my travels. Besides, I would love to visit educational institutions and share whatever knowledge I’ve gained through travelling,” says the traveller.

Follow Ravi Prabhu on Instagram and YouTube.

Rajni Kumar: The remarkable tale of an educator with British roots and Indian heart

(October 15, 2023) In 1946, a young girl named Nancie Joyce Margaret Jones embarked on her very first journey from England to India to reunite with her lover, Yudister Kumar. Yudister, who had completed his studies in the UK, had returned to India but was battling tuberculosis, a perilous ailment in that era. Nancie and Yudister had crossed paths in England as fellow students at the London School of Economics. Little did Nancie know that the foreign land she was travelling to would eventually become her cherished home for the next 76 years of her life, and she would end up winning one of the highest civilian honours of the country – The Padma Shri. From United Kingdom to India Rajni Kumar, born as Nancie Joyce Margaret Jones, was a revered British origin educator who passed away last year at the age of 99. Affectionately addressed as ‘Aunty Kumar’ by those who had the privilege of knowing her, Rajni was the visionary founder of the Springdales Group of Schools. The group has two campuses in Delhi, one in Jaipur, and another in Dubai. Starting from a kindergarten from her living room at East Patel Nagar in Delhi with 24 children

nk" rel="noopener">Springdales Group of Schools. The group has two campuses in Delhi, one in Jaipur, and another in Dubai. Starting from a kindergarten from her living room at East Patel Nagar in Delhi with 24 children and three teachers, Springdales Group now caters to thousands of students in India and Dubai.

[caption id="attachment_45968" align="aligncenter" width="329"] Indian Education | Rajni Kumar | Global Indian Rajni Kumar[/caption]

Although Rajni retired at the age of 88, she remained deeply involved with the Springdales Education Society as its chairperson and continued her association with the Delhi schools’ literacy project, an initiative aligned with the National Literacy Mission.

Additionally, she played a significant role as one of the founding members of the National Federation of Indian Women that was established in 1953.

During her illustrious career in education, Rajni Kumar also served as the chairperson of Lady Irwin College and held the position of vice president at National Bal Bhavan. Her exceptional contributions to the field of education was acknowledged with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2011 by the Government of India.

Flashback

“No doubt the greatest event in my life was leaving England, the country of my birth, to follow the stirrings of my heart and to make my home in this wondrous and fascinating country – India – with the man I loved. So this is where I shall begin my story,” she wrote in the introduction of her memoir ‘Against the Wind: A life’s Journey’, which was published in 2019, three years prior to her death.

Born in London in 1923, Rajni graduated from the London School of Economics in 1941. There, she had also met Yudister Kumar, who would be her husband. Love blossomed between them and they spent their carefree days as students enjoying each other’s company.

Yudister Kumar graduated from LSE, trained as a barrister at Lincoln’s Inn in London and earned himself the distinction of ‘extra-mural scholar’ from Cambridge University. He returned to India and to his family’s dismay, chose to align himself with the left-wing faction of the Indian freedom struggle, a decision that deeply upset his mother. In fact, his mother's opposition to his political involvement was so vehement that she resorted to sending him to a sanatorium upon learning about his ‘illness’.

During that period Nancie had enrolled herself at the London Institute of Personnel Management and took up her first assignment as a personnel officer in the Morgan Crucible Company situated on the banks of the Thames.

[caption id="attachment_45973" align="aligncenter" width="376"] Indian Education | Rajni Kumar | Global Indian Cover image of Rajni Kumar's memoir[/caption]

All for love

When Rajni learned about Yudister’s unfortunate condition, she was irresistibly drawn by the powerful force of love. Unable to resist, she followed her heart and set out on her journey to India by sea, arriving on a ship that docked in Bombay.

“It had been a novel experience to travel by sea from London. Apart from a short ferry trip across the English Channel to the Netherlands in 1938, on a school exchange programme, I had never been able to travel abroad,” she wrote in her memoir.

Upon Yudister’s recovery from the illness, at the young age of 23, she exchanged vows with him, and adopted the name - Rajni.

Stumbling upon the calling of her life

Two years after her wedding, while Rajni was living in Kasauli, she received a surprising request from Indian Army officers. They asked her to establish and manage a school for the children of the Indian Army in Kasauli, a proposal that left her quite astounded.

“Me? I said in astonishment. But I don’t know anything about running schools! I have run some classes for young workers in a factory as part of their extension education. But that is about all,” she wrote in her memoir.

Nonetheless, she accepted the challenge and proceeded to run the school. Just two years later, in 1950, she further expanded her educational endeavour by assuming the role of a principal at the Salwan Girls School in Delhi, a position she held until 1955.

[caption id="attachment_45969" align="aligncenter" width="639"] Indian Education | Rajni Kumar | Global Indian Rajni Kumar with school children[/caption]

During her tenure at Salwan Girls School, Rajni Kumar played a pivotal role in the establishment of the National Federation of Indian Women in 1953.

1955 proved to be a turning point in Rajni’s career as she went on to establish her own school - Springdales. Initially, it operated as a kindergarten from the living room of her home. Over time, this modest beginning evolved into a renowned institution, with three schools in India and one in Dubai.

Striding ahead with success

With her emphasis on ‘holistic development of a child, not just marks’, Springdales Group has achieved many milestones in its 48-year journey.

The institution introduced Russian as a third language under the Indo-Soviet cultural programme - the first school in the country to do so in 1971. Springdales squad was chosen as the first flag bearers to lead the school children of Delhi in the Republic Day Parade of 1974.

In 1980, none other than the President of India, Shri Sanjeeva Reddy presided over the silver jubilee celebrations of Springdales.

[caption id="attachment_45971" align="aligncenter" width="454"] Indian Education | Rajni Kumar | Global Indian Rajni Kumar with Dalai Lama[/caption]

Throughout her career, the Global Indian received numerous awards and accolades for her outstanding contributions in the sphere of education. In 1983 Rajni Kumar received the Nehru Soviet Land Award by Rajiv Gandhi, for her initiatives to promote international friendship and understanding among children of the world. She received a gold medal and a two-week tour of the USSR as part of the award.

Widening her spectrum the educator assumed the role of chairperson at Lady Irwin College, Delhi and served as vice president at National Bal Bhavan. Also, she actively participated in global events such as the Global Peace Conferences in Geneva and the World Congress for the Rights of Children in Moscow.

The Government of South Africa bestowed a special honour upon Rajni on International Women's Day in 2005. In 2011, she became the recipient of the Gr8! Women Award instituted by the Indian Television Academy. The same year, the Government of India recognised her exceptional work with the Padma Shri, and in 2012, she was bestowed with the Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo by the Government of South Africa.

Best foot forward

Sadly, her husband Yudister, who was a pillar of strength for Rajni and helped her grow Springdales, was not there to celebrate many of her successes. He passed away in 1976 after battling cancer. Rajni continued to be of service to the Springdales Group that she had fondly established with Yudister, until she retired in 1988.

In her farewell message to the Springdales fraternity on the last day of her role as the founding principal on March 31st 1988, Rajni wrote – “The late Dr Gyan Chand, the well-known economist and good friend of the school once said to me, “Rajni, the real test of your success will be when the school runs better without you. I am confident that my successors will allow me to pass that test with flying colours and that Springdales will not only maintain its great traditions but will transcend to greater heights in the future.”

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

Following her retirement she remained deeply involved with the Springdales Education Society as its chairperson and continued her association with the Delhi schools’ literacy project. Upon requests of her well-wishers who fondly referred to her as ‘Aunty Kumar’ she came up with her memoir in 2019, at the age of 96, three years prior to passing away.

Always a jovial human being, who considered India as her country, Rajni passed away peacefully on November 10, 2022, at the remarkable age of 99, leaving behind a strong legacy in the sphere of education and social service.

“I feel joyful because I know that Springdalians have not only become good doctors, engineers, artists, musicians, or film directors but above all they are good human beings, inspired, perhaps, by the words of the late President of India Dr Zakir Hussain when he inaugurated our school building and said – ‘Be proud of the building but let the building be proud of you,’ she had remarked in a message to her students in whose hearts the loving memories of Aunty Kumar are etched forever.

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