Indian Professor | Venu Govindaraju | Global Indian

Global IndianstoryAI for Good: The purpose behind Dr Venu Govindaraju’s postal services, and speech therapy initiatives

AI for Good: The purpose behind Dr Venu Govindaraju’s postal services, and speech therapy initiatives

By: Amrita Priya

(December 27, 2024) In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) evokes both awe and apprehension, there are pioneers working tirelessly to ensure its vast potential is harnessed for the greater good. One such visionary is US-based Dr Venu Govindaraju, a trailblazer in AI research whose contributions have transformed industries and improved countless lives. Recently honoured as the Person of the Year by the Council of Heritage and Arts of India, Dr Govindaraju’s illustrious career is adorned with awards and accolades. In 2024, he has also received the University of Buffalo’s President’s Medal in recognition of extraordinary service to the university.

From creating AI that deciphers millions of handwritten postal addresses across the United States, the UK, and Australia to spearheading initiatives that empower children suffering from learning challenges, the Global Indian‘s work exemplifies the transformative potential of technology. The Vice President for Research and Economic Development at the University at Buffalo and a SUNY Distinguished Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, his career spans decades of achievements that redefine the role of AI in solving real-world challenges. He is also the founder of the Centre for Unified Biometrics and Sensors, the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science and National Institute for Exceptional Education at UB.

Dr Venu Govindaraju received UB President’s medal for his work in computer science, engineering and AI

A fascination with the unknown

“I love research because it gives me the satisfaction of conveying to the world, to an audience, to the other curious minds, as to how I have been able to discover something that they have not,” Dr. Govindaraju shared, highlighting his lifelong passion for pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.

Born and raised in India, Dr. Govindaraju’s journey to becoming a global AI pioneer began with his undergraduate studies in computer science at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. “In the early eighties, computer science was just becoming mature enough to be offered as a discipline,” he recalled in one of Tech Talk episodes of University of Buffalo. After completing his degree, he followed the path of many ambitious students of his era, seeking advanced education in the United States. A generous presidential fellowship from UB brought him to the New York state’s flagship university, and it was a decision that set the stage for a remarkable career.

The early days: Innovating at Kodak and beyond

Dr. Govindaraju’s initial foray into research focused on computer vision. His PhD work, inspired by a partnership with Kodak, tackled the novel challenge of detecting human faces in photographs—a task that laid the foundation for the facial recognition technology we take for granted today. “In those days, it was a great novelty,” he remarked. Though Kodak’s film-based business ultimately faltered, the algorithms he developed proved prescient, influencing decades of advancements in AI.

Founder of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science | Global Indian

Dr. Venu Govindaraju

A subsequent postdoctoral position at UB’s Center of Excellence for Document Analysis and Recognition (CEDAR) marked a turning point in his career. Funded by the U.S. Postal Service, this project focused on the seemingly insurmountable problem of recognizing handwritten addresses. At a time when AI was experiencing its so-called “winter”—a period of stagnation and scepticism—Dr. Govindaraju and his team demonstrated its real-world applicability.

Revolutionizing postal automation

Under his leadership, UB’s team developed the world’s first autonomous system for interpreting handwritten addresses. This revolutionary system, capable of processing mail at 13 pieces per second, saved the Postal Service over $100 million in a single holiday season. “We were young, energetic, and full of bright ideas,” he said. “We took recognition rates from 0 percent to 14 percent in the first installation, and today, AI reads handwritten addresses with 96-97 percent accuracy.” In 1996, he was awarded a patent for his groundbreaking research in handwriting recognition and document processing, which became integral to automated mail delivery systems. His technology enabled USPS machines to automatically process nearly 25 billion handwritten mail items annually.

This breakthrough not only modernized mail processing across the United States but also inspired similar initiatives at Australia Post and the UK Royal Mail. The societal and economic impact of Dr. Govindaraju’s postal automation work remains a hallmark of applied AI innovation.

Founder of the Centre for Unified Biometrics and Sensors at IIT Delhi in 2016

Dr Venu Govindaraju at IIT Delhi in 2016

AI for speech therapy

Dr. Govindaraju’s current focus is perhaps his most impactful yet: empowering children with special needs through AI. As Director and Principal Investigator of the National Institute for Exceptional Education, Dr. Govindaraju is leading a National Science Foundation-funded initiative to develop AI tools for early screening of children with dysgraphia and dyslexia. This initiative equips educators with AI-driven intervention tools, helping students overcome learning challenges and ensuring no child is left behind. He is leading a $20 million National Science Foundation-funded initiative to address speech and language challenges in children.

“This project seeks to solve two fundamental issues: scalability and equity,” he explained. With approximately 60,000 speech-language pathologists serving 3-4 million children in the U.S., the gap is significant.

The initiative aims to revolutionize how children with speech and language needs are identified and supported. Using advanced AI tools, it automates the screening process, ensuring no child is overlooked during the critical early years of development. The program also introduces classroom-embedded robots that observe, interact, and create personalized intervention plans tailored to each child’s needs. By addressing the dual challenges of accessibility and customization, Dr. Govindaraju’s work ensures that children, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, receive the support they need to thrive.

Indian Professor | Venu Govindaraju | Global indian

Beyond technology: The human-centric vision

For Dr. Govindaraju, AI is not merely a collection of algorithms but a tool to enhance human well-being. “This is such a nice social-good, feel-good kind of AI,” he noted. “In today’s discourse, where there’s so much apprehension about what AI can and cannot do, this is for sure something that we must do.”

His efforts extend beyond education. In collaboration with the New York State Department of Health, his AI techniques have been instrumental in early illness outbreak detection. These innovations underline his commitment to leveraging technology for societal benefit. He has also founded the Center for Unified Biometrics and Sensors (CUBS), which focuses on integrating machine learning algorithms with sensors to improve tech spanning from civilian devices to prototypes for the Department of Defense.

Safeguards and ethics in AI

While enthusiastic about AI’s potential, Dr. Govindaraju is acutely aware of its risks. “The biggest con of AI has been the disinformation that we see all around us,” he cautioned. To combat this, UB has established a Centre on Information Integrity, bringing together experts from diverse fields to tackle the challenges of misinformation.

“AI is not just about computer science anymore,” he observed. “It’s becoming like mathematics, a fundamental tool across disciplines.” This interdisciplinary approach is central to his vision of AI as a force for good, ensuring that its benefits are accessible while its pitfalls are mitigated.

Dr Venu Govindaraju with Sibu Nair and Brian Kulpa after receiving the honour of the Person of the Year by CHAI

Despite this illustrious list of honours, Dr. Govindaraju remains deeply grounded. His awards include the 2001 International Conference on Document Analysis and Recognition Young Investigator Award, the 2004 MIT Global Indus Technovator Award, and the 2010 IEEE Technical Achievement Award. Further cementing his legacy, he was honoured with the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2014 and the IAPR/ICDAR Outstanding Achievements Award in 2015. That same year, he was named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors.

Driven by a profound love for discovery and a desire to inspire the next generation, he continues to lead transformative research and educational initiatives that redefine the potential of AI to solve real-world challenges. “When you publish, you have an audience out there who can read and see what you have been able to bring to the table,” he reflected. “That satisfaction carries for me, and I love it.”

Indian Professor | Venu Govindaraju | Global Indian

From reshaping postal systems to empowering educators and safeguarding truth in the digital age, Dr. Venu Govindaraju’s work is all about how AI should be used for purpose and integrity. His journey revolves around the transformative power of technology, and a call to use it responsibly—for the betterment of all.

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Published on 27, Dec 2024

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Tavish Bhasin: The copywriter-turned-chef making breakthroughs in cloud kitchen tech

Meet Chef Tavish Bhasin, a self-taught foodpreneur who runs Curry Castle, a cloud kitchen in Dubai and has worked with Michelin-starred chefs. (July 08, 2023) A copywriter at an event media company, Chef Tavish Bhasin was passionate about cooking, and this love for food helped him tip-toe into the world of culinary arts. From cooking for “half the office every week,” to selling burgers and hot dogs at events on the weekends, to his very own cloud kitchen, it has been quite a journey for the chef, who started cooking professionally at the age of 26. “My first cooking job was in 2014 at the Blue Frog under Chef Mrigank Singh, one of the first pioneers of modern Indian food, following which I spent two years at the Table in Colaba, Mumbai, (then listed on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants) under Chef Alex Sanchez. Those two years were some of the toughest, yet best years of my life, where I regularly got the opportunity to cook alongside Michelin-starred chefs whose guest dinners we hosted,” he tells Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_41034" align="aligncenter" width="440"] Chef Tavish Bhasin[/caption] Gaining Experience and Inspiration After gaining some valuable experience, Tavish Bhasin, now 32, moved to Dubai

gn="aligncenter" width="440"] Chef | Global Indian Chef Tavish Bhasin[/caption]

Gaining Experience and Inspiration

After gaining some valuable experience, Tavish Bhasin, now 32, moved to Dubai where he joined Five Palm Jumeirah. “I spent four years working across many restaurants and cuisines (including Mexican, European and Indian) and finally ended up as Head Chef at their new property, FIVE Jumeirah Village. Along the way, I led one of their restaurants, BLVD on One, to become the number 1 restaurant in Dubai on Tripadvisor,” he says.

In the spirit of adventure and with a hunger to learn, Tavish utilised his summers well as each summer he would spend around 45 days working at various Michelin starred restaurant in Europe “to learn new techniques and ideas and to get inspired; these included Quattro Passi in Italy, La Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons and Bibendum in England and The Test Kitchen in South Africa.”

As glamorous as this might sound, it was really hard work. He agrees that being a chef can be challenging as it is quite physically demanding. "I learnt early on that 14-hour workdays are the norm, with most of your time spent on your feet. It may seem glamorous from the outside, but to achieve your goals, you need to put in the hours and power through the tough days," says the chef, adding, the challenges differ as one grows in skill and designation. "Creative development, staff management, recipe standardisation, guest relations are other challenges that add up. There are no free lunches, so to speak.”

Chef | Global Indian

Like most chefs, Tavish Bhasin too wanted to become a foodpreneur someday. While it was at the back of his mind from the start, he didn't want to take the usual route by starting a restaurant. Instead, he hit upon the idea of a cloud kitchen. He reveals, "It had always been a goal from day one to start my own food business. I'd dabbled with the idea of a cloud kitchen as early as 2009, and considering the restaurant set-up costs in Dubai, I decided to take baby steps into the world of entrepreneurship with a cloud kitchen." In retrospect, he calls it a wise decision as he understood over the time that "there are so many more aspects to a business that need attention than just the culinary one." He hasn't given up on the restaurant dream though. "Someday, we hope to have restaurants as well under our company banner."

Interestingly, Tavish grew to love Indian food, thanks to his mother’s and grandmother’s cooking. Added to that were his travels across India which showed him how regional cuisine could be healthier, more flavourful and delicious. Plus, no one was really focussing on this hidden gem at the restaurants in Dubai.

Originals Reinvented

Situated in the suburb of Al Barsha South in Dubai, he launched Curry Castle, his cloud kitchen, approximately nine or ten months ago. He defines the food he cooks as "Progressive Indian Cuisine." His menu is well-researched and the dishes are tweaked to suit this definition of what he serves. He says, "We use the term Progressive Indian Cuisine for what we're doing at Curry Castle and Dark Knight Hospitality (his brand). Dubai is a pretty evolved market; in our neighbourhood radius alone, there are more than 50 Indian restaurants."

"We feel we've found a gap in the market with progressive, healthy Indian cooking. Food that is delicious while also being healthy is something people are looking for in 2023 and we wanted to offer that by integrating low-carb, sugar-free, keto, gluten-free and vegan options into the first half of our menu. We want our food to be accessible to all, no matter what your dietary preferences. The second half of the menu is reserved for modernised versions of regional classics like Goan Raw Mango Curry with triphala and dry mangoes or our version of Duck Mappas, Lamb Shank Rogan Josh and a slow-cooked Smoked Dal that we finish with a 45-minute olive-wood smoke.”

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How has he tweaked the evergreen favourites to give them a healthy twist? He elaborates, "The low carb Butter Chicken, for example, omits onions and cashew nuts completely, along with sugar. Instead of the cashews we used almonds, peeled and soaked overnight; and we have replaced the sugar with stevia. Asafoetida replaced the ornamental onions, and after some tweaking and trials, we believe we have the ratio of sourness to sweetness to richness right. Another neighbourhood favourite is the Lamb Shank Rogan Josh as is the Smoked Dal. Personally, I love the 'Floyd's Raw Mango Goan Curry', named after the legendary late Floyd Cardoz [a huge influence in Tavish’s life] who paved the way for modern Indian cooking way back in the 90s.”

No wonder the response Curry Castle has received thus far has been very positive. "Surprisingly, our customers are a 60-40 ratio of Europeans and locals to Asian expats, though we anticipate this number will even out in the long run." Tavish's team at Curry Castle includes chefs who all have fine-dining restaurant experience. He adds, "Our vision from the start has been to serve restaurant-style, high-quality food that you can have within the comfort of your own home."

One would think the name of his company Dark Knight Hospitality harks back to Batman. Tavish laughs, “Funnily enough, the name has nothing to do with Batman though I can understand why you thought so. A dark knight or dark horse is an underdog, who succeeds against the odds, and we feel that represents us well. It’s also inspired by the fact that we run ‘dark kitchens’, or cloud kitchens are they are known in some parts of the world - so literally speaking, we are the ‘Dark Knights of the hospitality world’. That’s where it came from.”

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Since Curry Castle is already doing well, Tavish and his team plan to scale up locally. "Our immediate plans are to scale locally (Dubai is a big city) and we'd like to open at least a few more stores to make the brand more easily accessible to people," he says. He'd love to add at least three more dark brands as he calls them, and some slightly-elevated dine-in concepts to their stable before expanding further in the Middle East. "I would like to use my experience in fine dining in combination with my love for takeaways. Essentially, I want to use all the techniques I know with the best of Indian cuisine,” he concludes.

Chef Tavish eats at:

Streetery for the Best Asian food and Sichuan Wontons
Tresind Studio for a high-end Indian meal
Al Ostadi Special Kebab for authentic Iranian fare

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Reading Time: 6 mins

Chef Avin Thaliath: Transforming India’s baking landscape, one pastry at a time

(November 17, 2024) Dr. Avin Thaliath is redefining India's baking landscape with a blend of science, culture, and artistry, transforming baking from a foreign concept to an accessible art. His journey began in the aromatic kitchens of Kochi, but it was his studies in pastry-making in France that became a turning point. Trained in traditional French techniques, Avin returned to India with a bold vision: to bring world-class pastry education and innovation to the country. Co-founding the Lavonne Academy of Baking Science and Pastry Arts in Bengaluru, he set out to blend European precision with Indian flavours and conditions, inspiring a new generation of bakers. At Lavonne, Avin combines hands-on practice with deep culinary science, introducing students to techniques like autolyse and sourdough fermentation, and teaching them not just how to bake, but why each technique works. His dedication to creating an inclusive baking community and educating future chefs is paving the way for a uniquely Indian take on the art of pastry-making. [caption id="attachment_60121" align="aligncenter" width="547"] Chef Avin[/caption] His culinary journey began long before he ever donned a chef’s apron. It started in the kitchens of his childhood summers in Kochi, where he spent countless hours watching his mother

hef Avin[/caption]

His culinary journey began long before he ever donned a chef’s apron. It started in the kitchens of his childhood summers in Kochi, where he spent countless hours watching his mother and grandmother cook. “I discovered early on that I had a peculiar nose for flavours,” Avin tells Global Indian. “I could pick out subtle differences in the same dish served twice. The sensitivity, along with the rich textures and tastes I experienced in their kitchens, laid the foundation for my future as a chef.”

These early encounters ignited Avin's passion for food, but it wasn’t just about nourishment—it was about memories. For him, food became synonymous with emotion, a connection which continues to influence his approach to cooking today. “Flavours have the power to evoke memories and emotions,” he says, of the principle central to his work as both a chef and educator. Having worked with two of the country's largest hotel chains, the Taj and the Orchids, he was part of the team which catered to dignitaries like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and President George W. Bush.

Discovering His Passion

Interestingly, Avin Thaliath didn’t set out to be a baker. While he had always enjoyed food, it wasn’t until a scholarship took him to France that he found his true calling. “I didn’t have the skills of a baker yet,” he admits, “but it was in France, during my internship, that I formally trained and fell in love with baking.”

Chef Avin | Global Indian

Working alongside a seasoned French chef who recognised his potential, the 39-year-old was handling intense shifts on his own. It was here, he baked his first baguette, an achievement he remains proud of. “I have an entire film roll of photographs of it,” the chef recalls with a smile. This experience marked the beginning of his lifelong fascination with the science of baking—a journey which has taken him across kitchens and classrooms, from Europe to India.

Avin’s approach to baking is unique, combining a deep understanding of the science behind ingredients with a respect for cultural traditions. “Baking is more than just mixing ingredients,” he explains. “It’s about understanding how those ingredients interact on a molecular level.”

His experiments with techniques like sourdough fermentation and the autolyse method have allowed him to refine not only European breads but also Indian breads. “Autolyse, where you let flour and water rest before kneading, can save up to 80 percent of the usual time required for gluten development,” he shares.

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Blending Ideas

Upon his return to India, Avin Thaliath found no place where he could practise the techniques he learned abroad. This led him to start Lavonne Academy in 2012, India's first international baking sciences and pastry arts academy, where he teaches aspiring bakers by blending his scientific knowledge with cultural context. “I want my students to understand not just the ‘how,’ but the ‘why’ behind traditional and modern techniques,” he says. This philosophy allows him to introduce his students to the complexities of baking, while also encouraging them to innovate and create new flavours reflecting their unique backgrounds.

Baking in India presents its own challenges, from the varying quality of flour to the impact of humidity and heat on the baking process. “Flours like T-55 or T-45 don’t have direct equivalents in India, so we have to adapt,” he explains. Success, he believes, comes from knowing how to ‘tame’ these ingredients. “Fifty percent of the battle is understanding your ingredients,” he says, noting how climate and local conditions play a crucial role in shaping the final product.

From Teaching to Writing

For the baker, one of the high points of his career has been the opportunity to return to Christ University, his alma mater, as a professor. “It’s rewarding to give back to the same institution where I nurtured my talents,” he says.

Now, Avin Thaliath is focused on passing the knowledge he has gained to the next generation of chefs. His new book, A Baker’s Journey, is his way of giving back to the culinary community.

The book explores the science and art of baking, explaining how ingredients like flour, yeast, and eggs interact to create flavor and structure. It emphasizes the importance of precision, blending traditional techniques with modern innovations. The book aims at making baking accessible for both hobbyists and professionals.

“I realized there was a gap in the literature,” he explains. “No one has yet attempted to combine the three crucial aspects of baking I focus on: the science, the art, and the anthropology. As an Indian chef, I felt it was important to contribute this perspective to the global culinary dialogue, as no Indian author has previously undertaken such a comprehensive exploration of baking”

Avin’s philosophy is grounded in hard work and resilience, qualities that have carried him through the toughest challenges. “There’s no substitute for hard work,” he tells his students. “It’s what will carry you through the toughest challenges. Smart work comes later, but the foundation of hard work is what matters.”

The Legacy of a Baker

The baker’s journey is far from over, but he has already achieved what many only dream of—success in his field, the ability to pass on his knowledge, and the chance to give back to the community which shaped him. For Avin Thaliath, it all comes back to his roots. “This book is inspired by my mother, Pauly Mathew, and my grandmother, Mary Paul Vithayathil. They were the ones who first showed me the magic that happens in the kitchen,” he notes.

Chef Avin

When he’s not teaching or writing, Avin enjoys experimenting with new ingredients and thinking about how he can make baking accessible to everyone. “My goal is to simplify baking for the everyday home baker,” he says, “to make it something anyone can enjoy, even if it’s their first time.”

Dr. Avin Thaliath’s story is one of innovation and following his passion. “There’s something truly special about creating food and bringing people together,” he reflects. And with his new book, he hopes to inspire others to embark on their own culinary journeys—guided by the same love for flavours and the art of baking that has shaped his life.

QUICK TAKES

Favourite dessert? Crème caramel – the most difficult dessert to make
A baker you look up to? Chef Antonio Bachour, Chef Carlos Mampel and my mother
One dish you haven’t ever cooked and why? I’ve never cooked something without involving heart and soul.
Patisseries you like eating at: A small little bakery in Turkey where I ate simit, at Café Nantes, a bakery where I discovered the best bagels and Lavonne Café.

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Jayati Sinha’s ‘designs’ on empathetic housing for California’s homeless

(June 25, 2022) Stepping into California for her master's degree, responsible designer Jayati Sinha saw a jarring contrast in the landscape. The stunning high-rise buildings that lined the blue California sky, were matched with an equal number of tents queued up on the corners of the streets for the homeless. The alarming situation which left her "surprised" eventually made LA Mayor Eric Garcetti feverishly look for a solution, which he later found in a prototype built by Jayati and her team - a Pop Hut. The smart foldable and easily transportable temporary houses that give a "sense of belonging" to the homeless won the nod of the mayor in 2019 and can be a possible solution for the 161,548 homeless people in California. "I was surprised to find so many homeless people in a developed country like America. I realised it's not just a problem in developing or underdeveloped countries, it's a global issue," Jayati tells Global Indian over a call from California. Her invention might be a stepping stone to solving the homelessness crisis in California, and Jayati believes that the prototype can be replicated anywhere in the world, including India. [caption id="attachment_26124" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Jayati Sinha[/caption] The evolution of a childhood

target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Indian over a call from California. Her invention might be a stepping stone to solving the homelessness crisis in California, and Jayati believes that the prototype can be replicated anywhere in the world, including India.

[caption id="attachment_26124" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Designer | Jayati Sinha | Global Indian Jayati Sinha[/caption]

The evolution of a childhood dream

When she was quite young, a fortune-teller prophesied that she would do something with scissors when she grows up. The only interpretation that her ecstatic mother could derive at that moment was that her daughter would become a doctor. She did pick up a pair of scissors as a youngster but that was to make Barbie dresses. "I must have been in second grade and was very much inspired by the protagonist of Disney show That's So Raven. I was fascinated by how she designed something from scratch," smiles Jayati whose interest later developed into product design. Her father, who is a scientist and professor at IIT-Kanpur, would get new gadgets and toys from his foreign trips which piqued her interest in technology. "My brother and I would take them apart and see what was inside of them. This desire to blend design and technology led the way to my interest in product design, which is ever-expanding," adds the responsible designer.

Designer | Jayati Sinha | Global Indian

The National Institute of Fashion Technology, Bhopal gave wings to her dreams wherein the Kanpur-born enrolled for a Bachelor of Design in lifestyle products. The four years played a perfect catalyst in helping shape her ideology as a product designer. Her perception changed when she was in college and happened to visit a crafts cluster at a nearby village, where artisans practiced metal crafts. "It was an opportunity for us to learn from them and vice versa. The visit had an impact on me as I saw how they were keeping the culture alive with their crafts. But at the same time, they weren't getting paid enough," explains Jayati who couldn't get past the paradox. "They were busy making beautiful things but their own life was nothing like it." This pushed the 26-year-old designer to become more empathetic and do things in the future that create an impact.

The project that changed it all

This quest for purpose took her to the ArtCenter College of Design in California in 2017 for her Masters in Environmental Design. Two years into her degree, Eric Garcetti, the Mayor of Los Angeles, reached out to her college "looking for inspiration" to build budget houses for the homeless. The mandate was to build structures that were foldable, transportable, and something that gave them a "feeling of home". Soon she began ideating on Pop Hut along with her team that was led by Professor James Meraz. "It's temporary housing, like a transition house that homeless people can use when they have no place to go before they move to a permanent house once they get a job or something." While building on the concept, Jayati and her team were crystal clear about including "empathy" and a "feeling of home" to the Pop Hut. They did that by including a door, a house number, and a small porch. "It's not just a box but should give them a sense of home and belonging," adds Jayati who worked on Pop Hut for about a year. "The initial few months went into interviewing the homeless and understanding their psyche, gathering information and research and prototyping. We built the home in four months," reveals Jayati who was emotional about designing the house, adding, "We used translucent glass instead of transparent so residents feel less vulnerable. Having been on the streets for so long, they don't want people to look into their homes anymore. It gives them a sense of privacy."

[caption id="attachment_26123" align="aligncenter" width="526"] Designer | Global Indian | Jayati Sinha Pop Hut designed by Jayati and her team[/caption]

Made on a budget of $2000, the Pop Hut's journey from concept to reality had its share of challenges. If getting people to open up about their insecurities was a task, finding affordable material for the built was nothing short of a dare. "Making a connection where they feel safe enough to show their vulnerable side requires time. But this also made me understand how privileged I am to come from a family that supports me - emotionally as well as if need be, financially," says Jayati who gives a reality check on the stark difference in lifestyles between India and US. "Here, kids leave home at 16 or 18 years to support themselves. Many pay their fees with the money they earn at Starbucks or McDonald's. They don't get to explore the opportunities to grow or do something they are capable of. However, in India, teenagers get to focus on education without having to worry about how to fend for themselves," says the designer who in the process understood that everyone has a story and "they aren't homeless because they are lazy."

How an environmental designer became responsible

With the prototype getting a nod from the mayor and on its way to becoming a reality, Jayati believes that Pop Hut can be replicated in India too, but not without a few tweaks. "We'll have to learn about the environment - where it will be placed and understand a little about the problem of homelessness in India to make it a product that caters to the need of the people. We might have to change a few materials too, but overall this can be replicated anywhere," says the designer keeping in mind the population of 1.77 billion homeless people in India.

[caption id="attachment_26126" align="aligncenter" width="530"] Designer | Jayati Sinha | Global Indian Jayati Sinha working on Pop Hut[/caption]

Jayati, who is currently working with Accenture in California, is steadily unfolding the concept of "responsible design." While environmental designers focus on projects that are eco-friendly and sustainable, responsible designers collectively focus on "environmental, social and economic factors." "It's embedded in the decision-making of why we are doing what we are doing. We don't mind saying no to big clients if what they are asking for isn't good for the users. That's where the collective consciousness is now moving to," reveals Jayati who loves to work with clients who think about "humans as humans and not as profit." Currently busy exploring the EV space in her new project at work, she is understanding "how and why EVs are important and even if they are good for the environment, and how we can make it better," says the girl who loves unwinding by spending time with her German Shepherd, growing plants at her home, and working out.

[caption id="attachment_26125" align="aligncenter" width="363"] Designer | Jayati Sinha | Global Indian Jayati loves hiking[/caption]

She believes that winds of change are causing shifts like never before. "A lot of people now are not simply doing jobs for the sake of it, but most are busy creating an impact. Things are shifting on a larger scale," signs off Jayati.

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Reading Time: 6 min

Yamini Reddy: Captivating audiences in India and abroad through Kuchipudi

(June 4, 2024) As a toddler, Yamini Reddy would accompany her parents — both legendary Kuchipudi exponents — to all their concerts. She would even insist on performing with them. To amuse her, they would dress her up in a costume and make her wait backstage. During one such concert, Yamini got really tired and upset of waiting. Suddenly, she stormed onto the stage in the middle of her father's performance and insisted he announce her name. The audience, pleasantly surprised, asked to see her perform. This was how the renowned Kuchipudi dancer Yamini Reddy gave her first performance at the age of three. Since then, there has been no looking back.  "I was always crazy about dance. I used to watch my parents rehearse and perform and I wanted to be a dancer just like them. I was pretty clear from early on that this is what I wanted to do," smiles Yamini Reddy, one of the leading Kuchipudi Indian classical dancers, in conversation with Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_52129" align="aligncenter" width="809"] Yamini Reddy[/caption] Over the years, the three-time National awardee has wowed audiences in India and abroad. Her rhythmic expressions and flawless footwork came in for much appreciation from legends like Pandit Ravi Shanker and Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan among

ads/2024/06/banner-1024x606.jpg" alt="Indian Danseuse | Yamini Reddy | Global Indian " width="809" height="479" /> Yamini Reddy[/caption]

Over the years, the three-time National awardee has wowed audiences in India and abroad. Her rhythmic expressions and flawless footwork came in for much appreciation from legends like Pandit Ravi Shanker and Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan among others. In fact, Pandit Ravi Shanker even complimented Yamini saying "she is just made for dance and is a complete performer."

Ask her the secret behind her rare and extraordinary skills, Yamini says it's practice, and practice alone. "One should pursue their passions with an open mind and that's exactly what I did."

Dance abroad 

Over the years, Yamini has performed multiple times across Europe, UAE, USA, Russia and South-East Asia for both the Indian diaspora and international audiences with her performance at the Ekaterinburg, Russia highly appreciated.

"The audience abroad is absolutely wonderful. They are curious and eager to learn about our culture and find it fascinating. They are very appreciative,” says the renowned Kuchipudi dancer, who was awarded with District Rotaract Club Award (2000) and FICCI Young Achievers Award (2006), New Delhi.

During one such performance in Brazil, Yamini received a standing ovation by the audience who were mesmerised with her stunning performance. Moreover, she was the first dancer ever to have performed at the prestigious Wigmore Hall in London in 2011. 

[caption id="attachment_52130" align="aligncenter" width="837"] Indian Danseuse | Yamini Reddy | Global Indian Yamini Reddy[/caption]

Preparing for tours is a lot of work, says Yamini. "From curating the performance, choreography, rehearsal, tour planning takes a lot of time and effort. We usually have a team putting it all together,” says the recipient of Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar by Sangeet Natak Academy in 2007. She was also awarded the Golden Key to the city by the Mayor of Dublin (Ireland) & Ft Lauderdale (Florida, USA)

Talent not enough 

Dancing does come naturally to Yamini. "I think dance is a gift, either you have the talent or you don't but having talent alone is not enough. It takes a lot of consistent hard work in order to be successful," says the naturally gifted dancer, who believes that life teaches one to push through and find meaning in all that one does.

While performing, she keeps in mind the audience for whom she is performing and the presentation which is suitable for them. "I also make sure to communicate with the audiences and explain the pieces I am presenting to them through various techniques, so that they enjoy it much more," says Yamini, who is completely immersed in the performance because that is what ultimately connects her with viewers.

It's in the genes 

Born in New Delhi in September 1982 to legendary Kuchipudi dancers Padmabhushans Dr (s) Raja Radha Reddy and Kaushalya Reddy, she did her schooling from Modern School, Barakhamba Road and later graduated from Lady Sriram College, New Delhi. She also did her Masters in International Business from the Fore School of Management, Delhi.

As a child, she trained in Carnatic vocal and fine arts as well. In school, Yamini was an avid swimmer, who enjoyed reading and a bit of writing, only for herself. "For as long as I remember, I was very passionate about dance," says Yamini, who also presented her art before noted personalities like the President of Hungary, First Lady of Slovenia and the former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.

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Choreography

Yamini's choreographic pursuits have always been well appreciated, both by her critics and audiences. Her production, 'Harmony' along with modern dancer Leah Curtis from New York was well received by the audience and was invited to perform at the Nishagandhi festival in Kerala.

"I have been choreographing for a few years now. It's still a skill I am honing," informs Yamini, who has conceptualised and co-choreographed along with her father several productions such as 'Surya', 'Universe that is God', 'Drishya Kavya' to name a few. 

"Choreography is a beautiful creative process. It requires a lot of research and complete mastery over the subject. A thorough preparation always results in a more meaningful presentation," says Yamini, who has also authored a research thesis titled, 'Audience Development' for the Performing Arts in India.

Natya Tarangini

A major chunk of Yamini's time is consumed in the running of Natya Tarangini, which was started by her parents in New Delhi, with the aim of preserving and propagating music and dance in the coming generation. As an extension of the Delhi institute, Yamini launched the Hyderabad branch of Natya Tarangini in 2007.

"I started small with 4-5 students but now it has grown immensely. I have trained hundreds of students over the last 17 years. Our motto has always been to impart personal teaching to the students and I do my best to give personal attention and training to each and every student," says the recipient of the Pride of Telangana award.

She feels a lot of people are interested in learning dance and performing Kuchipudi. "But we have to work towards cultivating a good audience, through innovative presentations, quality performances and good dissipation of information," says Yamini, who was bestowed with the Devadasi National Award in 2007.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeOFQWhR-1U

Not easy 

She says dance is not an easy profession and requires a lot of hardwork and is usually with slim results. "But if one is passionate about it, they should stick with it and they will find their place. One needs to respect their art form and keep enjoying the process of learning and creating."

So does Yamini Reddy perform everyday? "I am a working mom, so my day starts with my sending my son to school. Thereafter, I am at my studio for my daily practice," says the renowned dancer, who makes it a point to practise regularly, irrespective of whether there are performances lined up or not. She feels it's important to have a disciplined approach, which also helps her keep fit, and in form for concerts. 

"I consider my body as an instrument which I need to keep tuned," smiles Yamini, who also indulges in regular exercises to keep her body mobile and flexible. Diet too plays a key role. "Eating the right kind of food for consistent energy and strength and stamina is important."

Dance, she says, requires her to bring the mind, body and soul to a single point of focus. "It is a meditation in movement. Consistent practice is the key. It helps us forget the body and reach a higher realm," says Yamini, who will be travelling to the UK soon for her next performance.

Her take on western dance

"Every dance is beautiful in its own right. After all, dance is one of the most primaeval forms of expression. It is cathartic and elevates  a performance to another level. Any style of dance has the ability to do this,” she feels adding each dance form is a reflection of the culture of its people. 

When not dancing, teaching or choreographing, Yamini loves to read books and is also a big movie buff who likes to watch movies in all languages and genres.

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In crypto mode: India’s early bird advantage to a Web3 world

Experts believe that the introduction of the digital rupee will see India zoom into a Web3 future, fueled by blockchain (February 4, 2022) India has taken the first humble step towards adopting new-generation technologies in its quest to become a $5 trillion economy. In her budget speech, India’s finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the arrival of a block-chain-based digital currency which will be issued by the Reserve Bank of India. As part of her announcement, she said, “The introduction of digital currency will lead to a more efficient and cheaper currency management system. It is therefore proposed to introduce digital rupee using blockchain and other technologies to be issued by the Reserve Bank of India, starting 2022-23.” While this statement was followed by a slightly dampening announcement to tax cryptocurrency income by 30 percent, blockchain and cryptocurrency experts believe that it is a step forward in embracing new-age technologies, and India’s early-mover advantage in adopting a Web3 way of life. The union budget of 2022 confirms more crypto adoption on the way as it presents fine-tuned clarity on the crypto landscape. There will be a sensational boom for cryptocurrency as more emerging investor classes begin to recognise the potential of

cryptocurrency as more emerging investor classes begin to recognise the potential of it, leading to more blockchain innovations KUNAL BAHL, founder, Snapdeal

[caption id="attachment_19488" align="alignright" width="299"] Web3 | India's Blockchain-based Digital Currency | Indian Crypto Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft[/caption]

The blockchain and Web3 love story

Web3 is essentially the future of the internet, one that is much more open, transparent, and hands back ownership to lay users. The current scheme of internet – Web 2.0 – blends commerce and computing, where biggies like Google and Amazon deploy complex algorithms to understand your surfing behaviour and tie-up with brands and retailers to push relevant ads, a Web3 way of life will let users choose who can view their data. In short, it democratises and decentralises the internet. Most importantly, Web3 is built entirely on blockchain, which is currently the most effective and secure way of data management. So, how does the announcement of the digital rupee really pave the way for India adopting Web3 widely? Global Indian explores.

Better career opportunities

Blockchain and cryptocurrency expert Neel Neeraj explains, “The fact that Web3 is based on blockchain, and cryptocurrency is the most recent success story of blockchain, sends out a clear signal that India is taking blockchain seriously. The digital rupee will be a good starting point to explore other applications of blockchain, such as Web3 development. One, it will open up career opportunities in crypto, blockchain, and Web3, while also providing the impetus for start-ups to undertake targeted innovation. Overall, it’s a good sign.” Neel, over the years, has incidentally helped e-learning companies’ device internationally recognised syllabi around blockchain applications.

India’s Web3 contribution to the world

[caption id="attachment_19489" align="alignleft" width="153"] Web3 | India's Blockchain-based Digital Currency | Indian Crypto Suruchi Gupta, CEO, Giant Protocol[/caption]

Indian innovators across the globe are already creating solutions that leverage blockchain for a Web3 future. Recently, young start-up founder Suruchi Gupta announced the introduction of a new protocol that can power Web3 development. “My company, Giant Protocol envisions a future where the internet is not a monopoly of a cosy set of global corporations, but a democratic and open one where every user is a stakeholder. Your internet bandwidth is your biggest asset, and we are working towards tokenising it virtually with incentives along the way,” explained founder Suruchi Gupta. Giant Protocol indeed ticks all the boxes for seamless Web3 development – ownership of users, control of users, and incentivising the users, all while maintaining the highest standards of security due to blockchain.

The figurative Sundar Satya of Web3

[caption id="attachment_19490" align="alignright" width="265"] Web3 | India's Blockchain-based Digital Currency | Indian Crypto Sundar Pichai, CEO, Alphabet[/caption]

At the brim, it does seem like Web3 will be a rebellious dream of anti-corporation individuals who want to create an alternate system of virtual computing, but the strange truth is that the corporations themselves are all for Web3. A few days ago, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc made a bold statement, “Any time there is innovation, I find it exciting. I believe Web3 is something we want to support as much as we can.” During this year’s earnings call, Pichai also acknowledged that many of his Silicon Valley partners are excited about Web3, and that his own company is looking for ways to innovate and add value, in the coming weeks. Incidentally, one of Sundar’s Silicon Valley friends is his Padma Bhushan companion and head of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, who is currently also busy in creating 3D digital avatars of Microsoft Teams, which he hopes will transition to a Web3 world soon.

Crypto leading the way

[caption id="attachment_19491" align="alignleft" width="233"] Web3 | India's Blockchain-based Digital Currency | Indian Crypto Abhay Aggarwal, CEO, Colexion[/caption]

Somewhere down the line, the impetus provided by the finance minister’s announcement of Crypto adoption will surely lay a red carpet for auxiliary innovation to follow. No wonder blockchain experts are gung-ho about the future. As Abhay Aggarwal, founder and CEO, Colexion, a blockchain-based NFT marketplace solution provider says, “Cryptocurrency seems to have caught the government’s attention after the finance minister recognised the currency as virtual digital assets. The highlight of the budget for me is that India will be launching its own digital currency by next year. It’s a historic move as people are finally clear that digital currency is here to stay and can make a rational choice while investing in cryptocurrency. I hope this catches on and banks, too, start getting involved with the crypto industry as well.”

This sentiment is echoed by Kunal Bahl, the co-founder and CEO, Snapdeal as well. “This is truly a digital revolution budget. We welcome

[caption id="attachment_19492" align="alignright" width="287"] India's Blockchain-based Digital Currency | Indian Crypto Kunal Bahl, CEO, Snapdeal[/caption]

the government's emphasis on creating new digital touchpoints to empower multiple aspects of our society and supercharge the start-up ecosystem. But it is MO Akram, Ideator at MetaSpace, and blockchain trainer that articulates this perfectly, “The union budget of 2022 confirms more crypto adoption on the way as it presents fine-tuned clarity on the crypto landscape. There will be a sensational boom for cryptocurrency as more emerging investor classes begin to recognise the potential of it, leading to more blockchain innovations.”

Cheers to blockchain, and a Web3 future ahead…

Reading Time: 8 mins