Global IndianstoryAnsh Khanna: Creating Jin JiJi, a craft gin that celebrates India’s botanical heritage

Ansh Khanna: Creating Jin JiJi, a craft gin that celebrates India’s botanical heritage

Written by: Bindu Gopal Rao

(June 9, 2024) Ansh Khanna, Co-founder of Peak Spirits, found his passion for spirits sparked during a trip to Tuscany when he was 16 years old, where he visited a vineyard that had been run by the same family for 32 generations. He continued to travel extensively, especially to Uttarakhand, which is now home to his distillery. This passion led him to UCLA and UC Davis, where he specialized in winemaking. Gaining hands-on experience at Margerum Wine Company in California, he honed his craft in artisanal wine production. Seeing the interest in Indian-made craft spirits, Khanna launched Jin JiJi, a gin brand celebrating India’s rich botanical heritage. His mission is clear: to elevate Indian spirits on the global stage, continually innovating and sharing his passion with the world.

Wine On

Khanna grew up in Delhi and often travelled to the north within India and overseas. One place he recollects traveling to often was to Uttarakhand where he used to stay at a farm, which coincidentally, happens to be in the same area as their distillery. “When I moved to Los Angeles for my higher studies, my university was in LA, I used to wander off to the wine country on the weekends time and again and during the summers I relished the time to learn more about the subject,” he tells Global Indian. He commenced his journey with a strong educational background and obtained a Certificate in Winemaking and Wine Management from UCLA’s Viticulture and Enology Program, followed by additional studies at UC Davis.

Ansh Khanna | Jin Jiji | Global Indian

Shaping his career

Relocating, especially to the USA, a country with a unique culture and environment known for high-quality artisanal beverages, allowed him to delve deeply into the world of wine and spirits. “This experience provided a rich opportunity to explore and appreciate the wine world in depth. I became open minded and welcomed an understanding attitude.” The process taught him how to adapt and helped him immerse himself more mindfully in the role he was playing. “Being a part of the ecosystem during my time in the US was invaluable,” he remarks.

His career began at Margerum Wine Company, a charming winery situated in the Sta Rita Hills along California’s coast. Rita Hills is a wine region in Santa Barbara County, known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Joining just before the harvest season, he immersed himself in wine production from its foundational stages. “My job was an entry level position over there, that involved washing the tanks before grapes arrived, fermentation, barrelling and even bottling and packaging. It gave me a great perspective on wine production at the grassroots that involves small-scale, artisanal methods, often family owned.

These families emphasize on using their own family oriented traditional way of producing the wine. I absolutely enjoyed my time over there and if given a chance I won’t hesitate to revisit.” This included hands-on experiences such as harvesting grapes by hand before dawn, managing tank cleaning operations in preparation for grape processing, and actively participating in the bottling process, marking the culmination of the wine’s journey.

Gin journey

Ansh Khanna | Jin Jiji | Global Indian

He began Peak Spirits with a mission to take India to the world. Being in the US alcobev business, he saw a huge interest in Indian spirits but few offerings. His inspiration, however, came from a trip to Tuscany when he was 16 years old. “I visited a winery which was run by the same family for 32 generations, making phenomenal wine – and I was inspired to set up an enterprise that has the same longevity! Hence, we launched Jin JiJi first in the US and for many years it was an export only brand. Last year we launched Jin JIJI domestically,” he says. Naturally, he is inspired by the idea of creating spirits that put India at the forefront of the global craft spirits scene. “The gratification comes from our consumers who drink our spirits and enjoy them. The contentment of our consumers and to work for Peak Spirits, an Indian brand to take over the world is what drives me,” he adds.

India is home to one of the world’s best sources for diverse and high quality botanicals – with many of the world’s top brands sourcing from here since forever. The country’s rich soil makes it a nurturing habitat for biodiversity and ancient knowledge of botany helps to understand the categorization and usefulness of those herbs in different ways. “I often call India ‘the world’s botanical garden’, so it was very apt for our first offering to be in. Jin JiJi uses unique botanicals like Tulsi, Himalayan juniper, chamomile, and first flush tea for its Darjeeling edition. The slight burn from the tulsi and mild calming effect from chamomile dissolves its flavour into Jin JIJI, giving our Darjeeling edition the masala chai essence, a big time India’s favourite beverage. We aim at using the botanicals in production of Jin JIJI to achieve a unique undertone that distinguishes our gin from the rest,” he adds.

Driven to learn

Khanna believes that every day is an opportunity for new learnings, and he says that he gets up every day to gain new experience and dive into the ocean of knowledge and wisdom. “Since, one can never know everything! One can also say I’m a learner by heart, I am by nature curious and embrace challenges while learning continually and celebrating even small achievements. For me it’s the improvement in my professional skills and my personal growth, that matters,” he adds. In his free time, he likes collecting and reading about wine, the journey that started at the university is still going on and he admits that there is enough to learn more about one’s passion. “Other than that, I look forward to eating at interesting restaurants around the world with chef’s special menus or the area specific local dishes. My engagement with food also involves cooking sometimes as well. For relaxation I play golf and I travel. Travelling brings me the fresh energy to unwind, at the times I feel blocked, traveling helps me,” he says.

Jin Jiji by Peak Spirits

For someone who loves the world of wines and spirits, he is quite enthusiastic about producing more and more quality wine and spirit. “I would like more people to experience the synthesis of phenomenal and mystical spirits that gains its uniqueness from blending botanicals and invent more of such wilderness hidden amidst the majestic soils of nature. Hence, my future plans include many new spirit offerings in the works and I want to base my future endeavours out of the same,” he signs off.

Ansh Khanna’s journey from Delhi to becoming a prominent part in the global spirits industry exemplifies his dedication and passion for innovation. With Jin JiJi, he has successfully highlighted India’s rich botanical heritage, bringing unique flavors to the international market. His continuous pursuit of excellence, combined with his deep-rooted connection to his homeland, drives his mission to position Indian spirits at the forefront of the global craft scene.

Follow him on Linkedin, Instagram.

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Published on 09, Jun 2024

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Afforestt: Shubhendu Sharma shows you how to grow a 100-year old forest in 10 years

(August 7, 2024) In 2010, Shubhendu Sharma decided to try something in his backyard. He cleared the grass from the 75-sq metre space, in Kashipur, Uttarakhand. Shubhendu began with the soil, making sure that it could hold moisture and nutrients. Then, he planted over 200 saplings, all of them native to the area, comprising around 19 species of shrubs and trees like timber, guava, and mulberry. In a couple of years, the shrubs and trees were growing tall and thick, the dead leaves would decompose into humus and convert to nutrients, as the forest became a single, living, breathing organism that can regenerate forever. This is the Miyawaki Method, named after Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, one of Shubhendu's teachers and his great inspiration. Now, as the founder of Afforestt, Shubhendu takes inspiration from the Miyawaki Method to grow mini forests in homes, schools, factories and open spaces, creating 75 forests in 25 cities across the world, including the USA, Netherlands, Singapore, Pakistan and India. [caption id="attachment_51553" align="aligncenter" width="745"] The forest in Shubhendu's backyard. Photo: Afforest[/caption] Afforestation is not as simple as planting a bunch of trees. A forest functions as a single organism made up of trees, shrubs, herbs, fungi

"745" height="453" /> The forest in Shubhendu's backyard. Photo: Afforest[/caption]

Afforestation is not as simple as planting a bunch of trees. A forest functions as a single organism made up of trees, shrubs, herbs, fungi and million sof other organisms, all of which interact with each other and their surroundings. But until 2009, Shubhendu Sharma had not thought about all these things. Growing up in Nainital, he loved machines and how they work, and wanted to be a engineer. He followed through on his dream, graduating with a degree in engineering and landing a job at the top company on his list - Toyota, where he specialised at making cars. He learned how to convert natural resources into products, how sap was dripped out of the acacia tree and converted to rubber to make tyres. "We separate elements from nature and convert them into an irreversible state. That's industrial production. Nature, on the other hand, works by bringing elements together, atom by atom."

Then, in 2009, Toyota invited Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki to plant a forest at their factory, Miyawaki's first forest in India. "I was so fascinated just by looking at pictures of his work in his presentation that I joined his team as a volunteer," says the Global Indian. "I learned the methodology and like any engineer, I wrote a standard operating procedure on how to make a forest." He volunteered at the afforestation of the Toyota factory, and for the next year and a half, observed, studied and wrote manuals on the Miyawaki Method.

The Miyawaki method: A deep dive

Miyawaki believed that if a land is deprived of human intervention, the forest will return to it. This begins with grasses, then small shrubs, trees that are pioneer species, usually soft wood that are fast growing, and finally slow growing trees like oak start to appear, Shubhendu explains.

[caption id="attachment_51555" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Shubhendu Sharma | Afforestt | Global Indian Visual credit: Shubhendu Sharma | TED[/caption]

"To make a forest, we start with soil. We touch, feel and even taste it to identify w hat it lacks." Soil that is too compact won't allow water to seep in and is mixed with locally available biomass, like peet, so the soil can absorb water and remain moist." Plants need water, sunlight and nutrition to grow. If the soil doesn't have nutrients, they don't just add them. Instead, they add micro organisms to the soil which feed on the biomass, multiply and produce nutrients for the soil.

The other important thing is to use only native species. "What existed before human intervention is native," Shubhendu explains. They survey national parks and reserves to find the last remains of a forest, the sacred grooves and forests around old temples. If they don't find anything they visit museums to identify the species that belong there. "Then we identify the layers - shrubs, sub-tree, tree and canopy." They sometimes make fruit bearing and flowering forests, those that attract a lot of birds and bees, or simply a native, wild evergreen forest. "We collect the trees and germinate the saplings and make sure the trees belonging to the same layer are not planted side by side or they will fight with each other for sunlight."

Finally, on the surface of the soil goes a thick layer of mulch, so the soil can stay moist when it is cold, and remain protected from frost in the winter. Even while it's freezing outside, Shubhendu says, "the soil is so soft that roots can penetrate rapidly."

How does the forest grow?

In the first three months, roots reach a depth of 1 meter. These roots form a mesh, tightly holding the soil. Microbes and fungi live through this network of roots. “If nutrition is not available in the vicinity of a tree, these microbes will bring the nutrition to it.,” says Shubhendu. Whenever it rains, mushrooms appear overnight. This means that the soil below has a healthy fungal network. Once these roots are established, the forest grows on the surface.

[caption id="attachment_51554" align="aligncenter" width="513"] Shubhendu Sharma | Afforestt | Global Indian Shubhendu Sharma[/caption]

“As it grows, for the next two or three years, we water the forest,” he says. “We want to keep all the soil and nutrition only for the trees.” As the forest grows, it blocks the sunlight. Eventually, it becomes so dense that sunlight can't reach the ground anymore. Weeds cannot grow because they need sunlight too. At this stage, every drop of rainwater that falls into the forest doesn't evaporate back into the atmosphere. This dense forest condenses moist air and retains the moisture.

“Eventually, we stop watering the forest, and even without watering it, the floor stays moist, sometimes dark,” Shubhendu says. When a leaf falls on the forest floor and starts decaying, this decaying biomass forms humus, which is food for the forest. As the forest grows, more leaves fall, so that means more humus, more food, and the forest keeps growing exponentially. Once established, the forests will regenerate again and again, probably forever. In a natural forest like this, no management is the best management. “It's a tiny jungle party. This forest grows as a collective. If the same trees, the same species had been planted independently, it won't grow so fast. And this is how we create a 100-year-old forest in just 10 years.”

Learn more about Afforestt on their website.

Architect Anupama Kundoo: Bridging tradition, modernity and sustainability

(June 14, 2024) "A gem among the rubble," the New York Times said glowingly, of the replica of Wall House by Anupama Kundoo at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2012. Kundoo, who was living and teaching in Australia at the time, had brought a team of Indian craftsmen with her to Italy to construct the replica. Many of the craftsmen, who had never left India before, found themselves amid a truly international collaboration, working with students from the University of Queensland and the IUAV on the construction. The experimental, versatile modernist The real thing is her own home in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, where Anupama began her practice. The building responds to many issues- socio-economic concerns and low environmental impact. Anupama and her team also employed unskilled workers and used pre-industrial 'achakal' mud bricks. She also brought in Auroville's potters to create vaulted terracotta roofing systems, with which she continues to be associated. Four years later, in 2016, she returned to the Venice Architecture Biennale with her equally ground-breaking prototype for Full Fill Homes, which uses lego-like blocks made from ferrocement, a low-tech material made through layering mortar or plaster over the metal mesh. The houses were assembled in under a week, foundation

he houses were assembled in under a week, foundation and all, by stone masons she brought in from India. Global Indian takes a look at the internationally renowned architect, known for her experimental and versatile style and for her emphasis on environmentally sustainable designs that keep affordability in mind- a rare combination.

[caption id="attachment_28790" align="aligncenter" width="509"] Anupama Kundoo | The Wall House | Global Indian Wall House at the Arsenale, Venice Architecture Biennale 2012. Photo: ArchDaily[/caption]

The ‘timelessness’ approach

"Architecture outlives the human life," Anupama told the Louisiana Channel in an interview. "Before I became an architect, architecture existed. It has taken more than the span of a single life. There are beautiful works of architecture that took hundreds of years to create. We have to be aware that it's not about the narcissism of the creator." She lives by her word, emphasising, even on her website, "As passionate as I am about my work, my work is not about me. My buildings have too much to do already, without having to accommodate an Anupama Kundoo signature style."

Laying the foundations

When it was time for her to choose an area of study, Anupama was torn between sculpture and mathematics. The Indian education system does not have room for such flexibility, however, and an aptitude test suggested Anupama study architecture, "a profession I had not considered till then," she told Design Boom. She knew intuitively that it was the line for her.

[caption id="attachment_28791" align="aligncenter" width="481"] Anupama Kundoo | Global Indian Anupama Kundoo (Photo by Thomas Meyer)[/caption]

Anupama had grown up steeped in the fine arts because of her mother, who had studied them and introduced the kids to drawing and painting early on. "I took a keen interest in crafts, sculpture, and knitting, as well as taking courses in tailoring," she said. Anupama's architectural journey began in Bombay, at the Sir J.J. College of Architecture. She graduated in 1989.

In 1996, she received the Vastu Shilpa Foundation Fellowship for her thesis, "Urban Eco-Community: Design and Analysis for Sustainability." Anupama earned her doctorate from the Technical University of Berlin in 2008.

Traces of having been uprooted during the freedom struggle lingered through her early childhood but Anupama "grew up looking towards the great opportunity of the future, rather than romanticising the past," she said. In her work, this manifests as a zeal for experimentation, "to experiment is to feel alive," she remarks.

Arrival in Auroville

A year later, she arrived in Auroville, where she first established herself as an architect. "It was an international city and with this spiritual undertone," she told the Financial Times. "I was attracted to the idea of a visionary place. There, she would meet Roger Anger, Auroville's chief urbanist and architect. It marked the start of a long-term collaboration. She built her first house here, Hut Petite Ferme, using materials like granite, clay and coconut fibre.

One of her most iconic projects in India, the Multi-Purpose Hall for the Sri Aurobindo World Centre for Human Unity, presented itself through a seemingly insurmountable challenge. She was told to do it within five months, with a less-than-shoestring budget of Rs 15 lakhs. Colleagues advised her against it, saying, "it has never been done before, so it can't be done."

[caption id="attachment_28792" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Anupama Kundoo | Global Indian Multi-Purpose Hall, Sri Aurobindo World Centre for Human Unity[/caption]

She defied them all by taking on the project, which became her first large public building in Auroville. The design involves Vaastu techniques - the essential principle of the tradition being that the structure should represent the shape of a man lying down. The circular structure was chosen because it represents unity. "I love to work at this pace. If you are under this pressure, it really forces you to think of ways to do it, and think fast. It has been a thrilling experience," she told Auroville Today.

Her Indian presence

Other notable works include the Residence Kranti Kranade (2003) in Pune and Shah Houses in Brahamangarh, made from locally available natural basalt and locally crafted terracotta tubes. The Wall House became an example of contemporary architecture, with its mud bricks and terracotta roofing systems.

In 2008, she designed the Volontariat Homes for Homeless Children in Pondicherry, using technology pioneered by Ray Meeker of Golden Bridge Pottery. These mud-houses were baked in situ, after construction. Built with mud mortar, it is fired to strengthen the brick and the kiln walls absorb around 40 percent of the heat, stabilising it from water damage. "This technology involves almost only labour, with very little spent on purchased materials," she writes, on her website

[caption id="attachment_28793" align="aligncenter" width="693"] Volontariat Home for Homeless Children: Baking a mud house in-situ after constructing it.[/caption]

Around the world

Anupama Kundoo is currently based in Berlin, although she has lived and worked around the world. In 2005, she taught at the Technical University in Berlin, where she also received her doctorate. Then, she became Assistant Professor at Parsons the New School for Design, New York, until 2011, before moving to Australia as a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland. In 2014, she moved to Europe, where she worked at the European School of Architecture and Technology at the Universidad Camilo Jose Cela in Madrid.

In Barcelona, she designed Unbound, The Library of Lost Books, a community space to encourage reading. Three canopy structures (she calls them trees), made from repurposed and obsolete books, are a nod to how many books are pulped or burned every day. It is an attempt to save them from destruction by showing their versatility. A mobile vehicle carrying books facilitates a 'free exchange', while films centred around reading are screened at the Filmoteca.

[caption id="attachment_28796" align="aligncenter" width="737"] Unbound, The Library of Lost books at the Plaça de Salvador Segui, Barcelona. An installation by Anupama Kundoo, photo by Javier Callejas[/caption]

She tells Louisiana Channel about her first trip abroad, where she couldn't help judging the people around her. "I think midway, my gaze shifted, and I saw the similarities," she said. "Even with all the differences, it crystallised for me what is common."

In an age of urgency and rapid urbanisation, where skyscrapers shoot up faster than the time it takes to consider their impact on the world around them, Anupama takes a deeply human-centric approach to architecture. "I am concerned with users' health, well-being and happiness, while I am also concerned with the livelihood that the making of architecture provides to people of a place," she said, in her Design Boom interview.

Follow Anupama Kundoo on Instagram

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An atypical life: How Ferose VR drives the diversity mindset

When his eighteen-month-old son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, VR Ferose's world came undone. Until that fateful moment, life had been very kind to him. At 33, he was the MD of SAP Labs, had married the love of his life and was joyously celebrating the birth of his first child. His first question to the doctor was, "How do I fix this?" But there is no making someone "un-autistic." The news sent Ferose spiralling into depression. "For the first time, here was something I couldn't control. I was used to being in control," he says, as he connects with Global Indian. In the end, it was his mentor and long-time friend, Kiran Bedi, who gave him the answer he needed: "People spend their whole lives trying to understand what their purpose is, you're incredibly lucky that purpose has found you." She told him that he could dedicate his time to his primary responsibility - taking care of his son, which he does. Or, he could use the considerable means and power at his disposal to lend a voice to a historically marginalised community - people with disabilities. Ferose chose the latter. Since the birth of his son, he

ple with disabilities. Ferose chose the latter.

Since the birth of his son, he has gone on to write four books, attend two UN conferences, speak at the World Economic Forum and is the founder of the India Inclusion Summit. He also started the Autism at Work program, which fetched him numerous awards and also became a Harvard Case Study. In 2014, he wrote GIFTED, with Sudha Menon, which went on to win him the Kannada Sahitya Academy Award. His most recent offering is the graphic novel GRIT: The Vishwas story, with Sriram Jagannathan.

Rising above adversity

VR Ferose hardly needs an introduction. Based in San Ramon, he heads the SAP Academy for Engineering. He has played many roles during his 23-year association with the company, including making Managing Director at 33 and a stint as the head of the Globalisation Services Unit. That's his professional life. Over the last decade, Ferose has emerged as one of the leading voices of inclusion and diversity, and of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). According to The Invisible Majority, PwDs make up a staggering 15 percent of the global population. While our imaginations (and a lack of awareness) limit us to images of people in wheelchairs and the blind, the term itself is constantly evolving. "Simply put, we are disabled if our inability to carry out daily activities hinders us from participating fully in society," they write.

It's well past midnight in California when he arrives for our virtual meeting. In the background, I can see his vast collection of books – over three thousand, he says, all of them signed. He is visibly exhausted - he has spent the day taking care of his son, who needs full-time care and the couple’s lives are centered around making sure he gets it. “I can speak to you now that Vivaan is sleeping.” Even so, he gives me his full attention - over the years, time has become Ferose's most valued asset. It isn't always given out, but when he does, he does so fully. "I have done my research on you," he says. "I looked to see if this was worth my time before I said yes."

"Everything I have achieved so far has been because of my son," he says. "Yes, I have had a successful career but corporate roles come and go and nobody cares. What matters is doing something that is meaningful to someone else. I was leading a life of success then but now I'm leading one that's far more significant." The quiet strength he exudes is an acquired trait, learned the hard way.

The diversity mindset

"If you have role models at home who embody that spirit, it is the best way," he remarks. Ferose was born in 1974 and since his father worked in the Railways, the family travelled extensively across the country. He was exposed, at an early age, to India's cultural diversity. Ferose went on to study at the Regional Engineering College (now the National Institutes of Technology) in Warangal, founded by Nehru with the mission to promote national integrity. "I had classmates from every state in the country. It gave me a broader perspective of the world."

Life carried on in the same vein - "I'm a Muslim from Kerala, my wife is a Hindu Brahmin from Maharashtra. Diversity is a mindset, a way of life and we have it, even at home." Later, his career would take him all over the world - he has travelled to over 40 countries. "We tend to complicate the concept now," he smiles. "They categorise it as gender, disability, race and so on, it keeps on changing. At a fundamental level, it's a mindset and that's all."

After college, Ferose moved to Chennai to begin work as a systems analyst at Ramco Systems. He boarded the train with a gift of Rs 1,500 from his father, which allowed him to buy "a shirt, a pair of pants, and a pair of shoes." In his blog, he reminisces about waiting eagerly for salary day and "being broke mid-month."

The SAP journey

Ferose first joined SAP Labs as a software engineer and his tipping point came early when, in 2005, he moved to Germany as the Executive Assistant to to SAP Board Member Gerhard Oswald. He was one of the first people from India to be given that role.

In 2007, he was made MD of SAP Labs India, Gurgaon. "That happened very quickly," he smiles. "We can only ever connect the dots in retrospect but at that time, I never thought I would achieve the kind of progression that I did." It was also the year his son was born. Between then and 2012, Ferose made huge leaps in inclusion and diversity at SAP, including setting up Prayas Lab as part of the 'Autism at Work' pilot case study. He was also selected as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and founded the India Inclusion Summit. Under his leadership, SAP Labs India was ranked, for the very first time, as a Great Place to Work.

[caption id="attachment_35296" align="aligncenter" width="621"] Ferose with former SAP Board Member Gerhard Oswald[/caption]

Three things are vital to success, he believes - mentors, coaches and sponsors. "I had all those things." As his professional life continued to shine, Arun Shourie and Kiran Bedi were among those who stood by him through a much more significant journey. He went from a victim to an agent of change. If Bedi had told him that he had found a life purpose, Shourie, who is also father to a profoundly disabled son, helped him see what he could do. In his book, Does He know a Mother's Heart, Shourie tries to understand what religions say about disability. The 'karma' theory blames the parents, which is harsh. Shourie settles in the end on what the Buddhists had to say - the highest form of service is to take care of somebody who can't give you anything in return. Shourie told Ferose to drive the narrative to change the mindset.

Changing the narrative

Shourie's words inspired Ferose to found the India Inclusion Summit, a conference that celebrates differences. "It's not about feeling sorry for people. We need to go from sympathy to empathy and from there, to compassion." As Ferose did his work, he found that the community was crippled by society itself. Caregiving, Ferose learned, was done mostly by mothers and the birth of a disabled child has ended many a marriage. "I would go to therapy sessions with ten other people and be the only male in the room," he says.

Awareness was vital. As he came to terms with his own life, he had run through the gammut of mistakes himself, including trying to find "a cure." He read books that promised one, driven by the idea that that Autism was a problem that needed to be solved. Until he realised that he was going about it the wrong way - everyone is unique, with their own strengths and shortcomings. Today, that narrative has changed. "Our idea is that for every condition there is an enhanced ability. If you are blind, you can hear better. The key was to change a predominantly negative narrative and make it positive."

Driving social change

[caption id="attachment_35297" align="aligncenter" width="598"] VR Ferose receives the AUCD award from Senator Tom Harkins for Autism at Work[/caption]

Much recognition has come his way for his efforts. In 2014, he was in the India's Top 40 under 40 by Economic Times and Spenser Stuart. Two years later, Autism at Work became a Harvard case study.

Awards aside, Ferose is aware that a lasting impact is not easy, or even quantifiable, really. Change can take a lifetime and he knows that he might not even see it happen. "Still, we do our bit." After having run the Inclusion Summit for over a decade, he is often asked about the impact. "I have no clue," he admits. "That can only be measured later. I am here to do my small bit to make a difference. Our fundamental aim is to spread awareness - when people are sensitised, they will act."

Follow Ferose on LinkedIn

From aristocrats to global leader: The legacy of Hyderabad Public School shaping the world’s brightest minds

(May 25, 2023) The last few decades have seen the rise of several Indians to the top of many leading organisations. While the world applauds our nation for producing these brilliant minds, what if we told you that there is one particular school behind many of these global leaders? Nestled amidst the rich cultural tapestry of Hyderabad, one institution has sculpted the destinies of these exceptional minds, propelling them to the pinnacle of global success. Hyderabad Public School (HPS), a sanctuary of knowledge and nurturing, stands proud as the Alma Mater of illustrious personalities who have etched their indelible mark on the world stage. The tale of this glorious school began in 1923, under the patronage of the Seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan. Originally established as Jagirdars College, it stood as a bastion of education exclusively for the sons of nawabs, jagirdars, and the privileged elite. With the abolishment of the Zamindari system in 1950, this esteemed institution underwent a metamorphosis, emerging as Hyderabad Public School in 1951, embracing a new era of inclusivity and excellence. Ever since, this institution has produced several visionaries, including Satya Nadella, the trailblazing CEO of Microsoft, Ajay Banga, the next President

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Ever since, this institution has produced several visionaries, including Satya Nadella, the trailblazing CEO of Microsoft, Ajay Banga, the next President of the World Bank, Shantanu Narayen, the driving force behind Adobe's innovation, and TK Kurien, the astute business titan who spearheaded Wipro's growth. During an earlier interview with a leading daily newspaper, Nadella exclaimed, "Attending the HPS was the best break I had in my life," adding, "The ability to find your passion and get the confidence. This is what I learnt from this great institution."

While much is known about these giants, Global Indian takes a look at the other world leaders who once walked the hall of this venerable school.

Prem Watsa, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive of Fairfax Financial Holdings

Born in Hyderabad, Watsa's path to success began with his education at the prestigious HPS. “He was quiet but very athletic. He used to play basketball very well,” said Yashwant Ramamurthy, a schoolmate of Watsa. Prem Watsa's father, M.C. Watsa, also served as vice-principal and then principal of HPS, until they all moved to Canada.

Hyderabad Public School | Global Indian

The business tycoon is also an alumnus Indian Institute of Technology and the University of Western Ontario. A Padma Shri winner, Watsa founded Fairfax Financial Holdings in 1985. Under his astute leadership, the Canadian financial services holding company grew steadily into a global powerhouse in the insurance and reinsurance sectors.

Known for his contrarian stance and ability to identify undervalued assets, he has led Fairfax Financial to navigate various market cycles and deliver impressive returns to shareholders. Watsa's shrewd investments in distressed companies, such as BlackBerry and Bank of Ireland during their challenging times, have earned him a reputation as a savvy investor. Watsa has also demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropy, actively supporting numerous charitable causes, including education, healthcare, and disaster relief efforts.

Dr. Raghu Ram Pillarisetti, Founder and Director of KIMS-Ushalakshmi Center for Breast Diseases

A classmate of Satya Nadella at HPS and a highly accomplished surgeon in his own right, Dr. Raghu Ram Pillarisetti has dedicated his life to making a significant difference to the delivery of breast healthcare in India. A living bridge between the UK and India, Dr. Pillarisetti holds the distinction of being the youngest Indian-origin surgeon to receive an Honorary FRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons of England. He is also the youngest recipient of the Overseas Gold Medal bestowed by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

Hyderabad Public School | Global Indian

“I studied at the Hyderabad Public School,” shares Dr Pillarisetti, “I wasn’t always at the top of the class; however I wasn’t a backbencher either. Mostly, I used to get first class, but never among the students who got distinction,” admits the doctor adding that he would play various sports for the fun and experience.

In 2021, he made history as the first surgeon of Indian origin to be granted the Honorary Fellowship of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland. But that's not all, Dr. Pillarisetti also became one of the youngest Indian-origin surgeons in over a century to be honored with the esteemed OBE, signifying his appointment as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

[caption id="attachment_23767" align="aligncenter" width="635"] Hyderabad Public School | Global Indian King Charles III conferring the OBE to Dr Raghu Ram, at the Windsor Castle[/caption]

He and his wife, Dr. Vyjayanthi moved back to India to serve cancer patients here. Establishing the breast health care facility in Hyderabad in 2007, the scholar oversaw the execution of the largest population-based breast cancer screening program in South Asia, which took place in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Megha Mittal, Former Chairperson and Managing Director of Escada

The daughter of business giant Mahendra Kumar Patodia, Megha Mittal was always one of the brightest in her class. At HPS, she participated in and also won several competitions. An alumna of The Wharton School, the entrepreneur joined Goldman Sachs during the peak of the technology boom. However, she soon realised that her true passion lay in design and fashion. She made the bold decision to further her education in design, a choice that ultimately paved the way for a monumental move: the acquisition of the renowned German fashion brand, Escada, in 2009. Since assuming the role of executive director and Administrative Board chairman, Mittal has been actively involved in the daily operations of the brand's turnaround journey.

Hyderabad Public School | Global Indian

Under her guidance, Escada has experienced a resurgence in popularity, reminiscent of its glory days in the 1980s, while simultaneously reinventing itself to cater to the needs and aspirations of the modern 21st-century woman. Mittal herself embodies the spirit of a sophisticated globetrotter, seamlessly juggling multiple significant roles in her life.

Karan Bilimoria, Member of British House of Lords, and President of Confederation of British Industry

Hailing from Hyderabad, Karan Bilimoria, an esteemed alumnus of Hyderabad Public School, began his educational journey there. At the young age of nineteen, he obtained his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Osmania University in Hyderabad in 1981. After being awarded a scholarship, Bilimoria ventured to London, where he became a chartered accountant status at Ernst & Young. He also earned a diploma in accounting from the London Metropolitan University. Building on his accomplishments, he pursued a law degree at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge.

Hyderabad Public School | Global Indian

Recognised for his exceptional achievements, Bilimoria was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for Greater London in 2001. In the 2004 Birthday Honours, he was honoured as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his remarkable contributions to business and entrepreneurship. Subsequently, he was appointed as an Independent Crossbench Life Peer in the House of Lords, assuming the title of Baron Bilimoria, of Chelsea in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, on 16 June 2006. Notably, he became the first Zoroastrian Parsi to sit in the House of Lords.

Notably, in June 2020, Bilimoria was elected as the President of the Confederation of British Industry, solidifying his influential role in the business community.

Shailesh Jejurikar, Chief Operating Officer, Procter & Gamble Co

Known to be one of the most hardworking students at Hyderabad Public School, Shailesh Jejurikar continued to carry the lessons he learned at the venerable institution throughout his life. Described as a cheerful person and a natural leader by his batchmates (who include Satya Nadella), Shailesh went on to become head boy. His classmate, the champion horse trainer Pratap Kamat told The Hindu, “He used to take everyone along with him and Satya (Nadella) always hung around him. They were very close as both of them played cricket."

Hyderabad Public School | Global Indian

After earning his B.A. in Economics from Mumbai University, the business leader joined IIM-Lucknow for a master’s degree. He joined Procter & Gamble (P&G) in Mumbai, in 1989. With over three decades of experience at Procter & Gamble in various business units in Mumbai, Nairobi, Singapore, Cincinnati, and Geneva, Jejurikar took on the role of CEO for P&G Fabric & Home Care in 2019. As Executive Sponsor for Corporate Sustainability, he spearheaded P&G's endeavors to make sustainability a driving force for positive impact and growth. It led to the development and implementation of P&G's Sustainability Strategy and Plan Ambition 2030.

[caption id="attachment_39115" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Hyderabad Public School | Global Indian The investiture ceremony of Shailesh Jejurikar was attended by then CM of Andhra Pradesh N.T. Rama Rao[/caption]

In October 2021, Jejurikar was appointed the CEO of P&G, making him the first Indian to hold such a prestigious position at the company. Recently, the business leader was nominated to join the board of the soon-to-be-independent Otis Elevator Company.

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Brand India lighting up the world: How NRIs make Diwali a global celebration

(October 31, 2024) It’s that time of the year again, when millions of people across the world come together to light up their homes with lamps and candles, for prayers and celebrations. It’s Diwali — the Festival of Lights — which has the 35.4 million-strong Indian community abroad prepping up for vibrant celebrations, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The beautiful festival of lights has become a symbol of Brand India around the world, and today, is celebrated widely, not just by Indians. For instance, US President Joe Biden already hosted the annual Diwali event at the White House which was attended by more than 600 eminent Indian-Americans and NRIs, including Congressman Shri Thanedar, US Surgeon General Vice Admiral Vivek H Murthy and Gita Gopinath, the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Similarly, a lively Diwali celebration also erupted in the heart of Times Square, New York City where a diverse group of Indian community members and American citizens came together to honour the festival of lights. The iconic location in Midtown Manhattan was transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours, showcasing the rich culture and unity of the Indian community. The

ransformed into a kaleidoscope of colours, showcasing the rich culture and unity of the Indian community. The event featured prominent attendees, including New York Mayor Eric Adams. It is a heartwarming indication of the great Indian success story – NRIs have not just managed to assimilate and become part of a new culture, they have brought their own to the world, making it a time of joy and togetherness. Global Indian takes a look at how NRIs gear up for the festive season.

[caption id="attachment_59151" align="aligncenter" width="635"] NRIs celebrate Diwali | Global Indian New York Mayor Eric Adams celebrates Diwali with the Indian community[/caption]

Indian values

“I believe that people here hold more Indian values than many people living in India. Celebrating culture, dressing up, doing rituals during Diwali is something all Indians abroad look forward to,” smiles San Francisco-based serial entrepreneur Neena Pandey, while speaking to Global Indian. Having grown up in the enchanting city of Varanasi, Neena says Diwali is celebrated in a huge way in San Francisco Bay Area.

“There are many Indians here and many host parties. There are Diwali fairs where vendors sell things from Indian clothing to jewelry to pooja items, home decor and much more,” says Neena, founder and CEO of The String Code, a luxury fashion brand and a member of the Forbes Business Council.

Once an outspoken marketing executive in Silicon Valley, Neena, who previously worked at Adobe Systems, Sun Microsystems among others, says many companies also have Diwali parties. “Silicon Valley is very diverse and like a mini India. All the major tech companies are here, many of whom have Indian CEOs and a big Indian work force. Therefore, the celebrations are grand,” she says.

[caption id="attachment_59152" align="aligncenter" width="670"] NRIs celebrate Diwali | Global Indian Diwali at the White House[/caption]

Diwali in UK

In UK too, grand Diwali celebrations is on the cards. After all, there are 250,000 Indians who live across UK. Vijay Goel, Senior Partner at Singhania & Co, London recalls how he and his family, friends have been attending various Diwali events since the year 2000.

“Diwali celebrations in London are getting bigger and bigger each year. For our first Diwali party, we invited the Queen of UK to our house as we were her neighbours. We told her about Diwali being the biggest indian festival and how we celebrate. We were delighted when she sent across a reply wishing us a happy Diwali,” recalls Vijay, who is all geared up for celebrations this year.

The Goel family is hosting a dinner for friends and colleagues which is likely to be attended by some of the top businessmen and who’s who of UK. During the previous Diwali celebrations, they hosted dinner for 400 guests and invited Bollywood singers as well.

Fresh start

“Our Diwali celebration begins with the thorough cleaning of our home, an act that symbolizes a fresh start and readiness to receive blessings. As dusk falls on Diwali, we light numerous diyas and candles, casting a warm glow throughout our home, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness,” informs Shankar Devarashetty, CEO, Oasis Accountants and Entrepreneur, London.

[caption id="attachment_59148" align="aligncenter" width="743"] NRIs celebrate Diwali | Global Indian Diwali in 10 Downing Street, with former PM Rishi Sunak[/caption]

The centerpiece of his celebration is the Lakshmi Puja, a serene and sacred moment where the family unites to seek prosperity and well-being for the year ahead. “The air is fragrant with incense, and the recitation of mantras adds a profound sense of peace to the atmosphere,” he says.

Culinary delights are a major highlight, with an array of traditional sweets like ladoos and barfis and savory treats that Shankar shares with family and friends. This sharing is more than just about food; it’s a celebration of togetherness and joy.

“We participate in or organize gatherings that might include cultural performances, dazzling fireworks, and festive music. It’s a wonderful time for everyone in the community to come together, regardless of their backgrounds, to revel in the festivities,” says Shankar adding Diwali also prompts them to reflect, express gratitude, and extend a hand to those less fortunate, embodying the spirit of generosity that the festival stands for.

Meaningful Time

[caption id="attachment_59153" align="aligncenter" width="681"] NRIs celebrations | Global Indian Diwali in Leicester, UK[/caption]

NRIs in the UK also find themselves surrounded by warmth and festive cheer. “Diwali is such a meaningful time for us as a family, no matter where we are. It’s the festival that truly brings light, warmth, and joy into our lives. We go all out to recreate the festive atmosphere we grew up with in India,” says Sashidhar Bacchu, Founder & CEO Sriven Solutions Ltd, Bedford city, UK,

Every year, he says, they set up traditional decorations—rangolis, diyas, and vibrant lights that fill his home with a festive glow. “We make sure to perform the Lakshmi Pooja together, keeping the rituals alive for the next generation. Diwali is also a wonderful time to connect with other families in the community. We often host or attend gatherings where we enjoy homemade sweets, exchange gifts, and sometimes even organize cultural performances,” he says. Above all, says Shashidhar, it’s heartwarming to see everyone come together with such joy and enthusiasm, making Diwali feel just as vibrant and meaningful as it did back home.

Dubai dazzles

The celebrations are no different in Dubai. Karma coach and author Tamanna C who lives in Dubai is among the many Indians who is looking forward to the celebrations.

“The Indian community abroad is very conscious of staying in touch with their roots especially when it comes to teaching values and traditions to their children. Diwali celebrations is usually close knit where people spend time in each other's house hosting get togethers and also doing something where children are involved,” she says.

[caption id="attachment_59150" align="alignnone" width="1024"] NRIs celebrations | Global Indian Diwali in Dubai[/caption]

Tamanna says she, like all Indians in Dubai, celebrates Diwali with the same zeal as they do in India. “Cleaning of the house, Laxmi puja and visiting the gurudwara and the temple is a must. This is followed by get together at a friend's house for dinner and cards,” informs the author.

Holiday

It’s not only New York, the main main day of the festival of Diwali (the day of Lakshmi Puja) is an official holiday in Fiji, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago.