Global IndianstoryAvinash Sable: Crossing the finishing line with two medals at Asian Games 2023

Avinash Sable: Crossing the finishing line with two medals at Asian Games 2023

Compiled by: Charu Thakur

(October 9, 2023) Sprinting in neon shoes, India’s Avinash Sable effortlessly crossed the many obstacles on the track to win a gold in the men’s 3000m steeplechase at the Asian Games 2023, making him the first Indian to achieve the feat. Not just this, the Global Indian took top honours with a timing of 8:19:50, thus breaking the Games record. Crossing the finishing line made Indian fans erupt in joy, along with the natives of Beed district where Avinash spent a large part of his life. Known for its landless workers and migrant labourers, life is hard in Beed, and it’s this grim reality that played a catalyst in Avinash’s success. Seeing his parents constantly move for work instilled in him a certain sense of hard work and passion to keep doing whatever it takes to achieve whatever you want. “For me, the background of the athlete is very important. Those who come from humble families, from the villages have faced the worst situations in life, those things made them hardened and battle-ready. They are not afraid of adversity and want to work hard. Sable was special and different from others. He has a will of steel and he can come back from any worse scenario” his former coach Amrish Kumar said in an interview.

Avinash Sable won a gold at the Asian Games 2023

A few days later, he won a silver in the men’s 5000m, thus picking up his second medal at the Asian Games 2023. Clinching medals for India has become the new normal for Avinash, but not many know that being an athlete was never on his dream list. “When I was a child, I had never thought I would become an athlete and win medals for the country. It’s destiny,” said Avinash.

How hardships prepared him for anything

Born in a farmer’s family in 1994 in the Mandwa village of Beed district in Maharashtra, he grew up with modest means as his parents owned a small piece of land and worked as daily wage workers in brick kilns. With his school almost six km away from his home, Sable would often run to make it to school on time, while helping his parents part-time at brick kilns. His schoolteachers saw the potential in him and encouraged him to participate in a local marathon when he was just nine. He ended up earning the top spot and a cash prize of ₹100. His confidence grew and soon the muddy roads of his village became his training ground.

While he kept training and running marathons, he started working at construction sites to help his family earn some extra income after finishing Class 10. When he enrolled in a local college, the hardships continued to remain. This time he had to run 8 km daily to reach college, and once again, his talent was spotted by a college teacher who played a pivotal role in expanding his horizons by accompanying him to collegiate-level track and field competitions. He was always keen to join the Indian Army and at the age of 18, he was recruited as a part of the 5 Mahar regiment. In the first few years of his service, Avinash survived two extreme weather conditions – one, when he was posted in Siachen, the highest battlefield known for its cold weather, and two, when he faced 50-degree Celsius during his posting in the arid Rajasthan. This made him a tough man who was ready to take on anything that came his way.

Avinash Sable | Global Indian

Finding his passion in steeplechase

This attitude led him to the cross-country race in his regiment and soon started participating in competitions and even secured fifth place at the National Cross Country Championship. It was here that he met his coach Kumar, who is also an Indian Army coach mentoring long-distance athletes, who pushed him to become a better athlete. In 2017, on Kumar’s suggestion, Avinash switched from cross country to 3000m steeplechase. In just one year of dedicated focus on steeplechase, Sable achieved a remarkable feat by shattering a national record that had stood for 37 years, accomplishing this in 2018.

The very next year, at the Federation Cup in Patiala, he established a fresh record with a time of 8:28.94. This outstanding performance earned him qualification for both the 2019 Asian Athletics Championships and the 2019 World Athletics Championships, making him the first male steeplechaser from India to qualify for the World Championships. He clinched a silver at his international debut at the 2019 Asian Athletics Championships in Doha and ended up breaking his own national record twice at the World Championships. “The steeplechase is a very tactical race. So most times, I was told it was not possible to break this record in India because no one can set that kind of pace in India. So I had to set the pace for myself too,” Avinash told ESPN.

Honored to receive the prestigious Arjuna award from honourable President of India.Thank you everyone for your support and encouragement.
I Will keep working hard to bring glory to the my nation.
Congratulations to all other Awardees
jai hind 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/BtyuBss9fq

— Avinash Sable (@avinash3000m) December 1, 2022

Running towards the finishing line

In the final, he secured the 13th position with an impressive time of 8:21.37, not only surpassing the national record once more but also securing his qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. This remarkable achievement made Avinash the first Indian to qualify for the steeplechase event at the Olympics since Gulzara Singh Mann in 1952. But COVID-19 put the brakes on it for a year, and just three months before the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Avinash tested positive, thus affecting his performance at the biggest sporting event. Though he still managed to break his record yet again but was only good enough to secure seventh position.

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A post shared by Avinash Sable (@avinash__sable)

However, he bounced back at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, with a silver medal in the steeplechase, making him the first athlete from outside Kenya to win a medal in men’s 3000 meters steeplechase at the Commonwealth Games since 1994. But he took it a notch higher when he scripted history at the ongoing Asian Games 2023 by winning the first-ever Gold medal for India in the steeplechase and bagged his second medal in the event by winning a silver in the men’s 5000m. Avinash’s inspiring journey exemplifies the unwavering spirit of determination and dedication. Despite facing numerous challenges, he has demonstrated that with relentless hard work and unwavering commitment, one can achieve the seemingly impossible.

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Published on 09, Oct 2023

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Global ‘jugalbandi’: Mohan brothers take Hindustani music to the world

(March 13, 2023) Back in January 2010, when the Mohan brothers — Lakshay Mohan and Aayush Mohan — were all set to give their first musical performance, they were informed in the last minute about the presence of Pandit Jasraj, the Hindustani Classical music legend, backstage. That such a revered musician would be witnessing their performance, set off butterflies in their stomachs. A few minutes into the ‘jugalbandi’, Lakshay (on Sitar) and Aayush (on Sarod) got so immersed in the sounds of music that all their worries vanished in a jiffy. Only a handful of musicians have taken Indian classical music to the global stage like the Mohan brothers - they were the first Indians to perform at the Grammy Museum in LA and have taken the stage at top venues around the world. “Music allows you to express your inner self through the medium of pure sound, nurtures your creativity and therefore it never seems like a job,” say the renowned musicians, who have a super busy schedule this year. They begin the year in the UK and will embark on the North American Fall Tour in September-October, during which they would be performing at Columbia University, New York. Their unique style enthralled the audience. So much so

he audience. So much so that Pandit Jasraj walked up to them on stage, blessed them and appreciated their performance. “Those were moments which will be forever memorable as it was our first major concert,” smile the Mohan brothers, in an exclusive conversation with Global Indian. Lakshay and Aayush, who have immense following among music lovers in India and abroad, have been performing globally since 2009. The first Indians to be invited to perform at the Grammy museum in Los Angeles, some of their prominent performances include Symphony Space, New York, Berklee College, Boston, Abbey Theatre, Dublin, David & Dorthea Garfield Theatre, San Diego among others.

The musical legacy

Hailing from New Delhi, Lakshay and Ashish’s father was an amateur Sitarist. “Our parents wanted us to take up classical music professionally. The thought of any other career never arose. Practising and learning music gave a sense of contentment and satisfaction,” say the brothers, for whom music was part and parcel of everyday life throughout their school and college life, music was their constant companion.

While Lakshay holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Sciences from the St Stephens College, Delhi, Aayush holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Economics from the University of London. Both excelled in academics. From the very beginning, the Mohan brothers were attracted to the Maihar style of playing Sitar and Sarod, which are the flagship instruments of this Gharana.

Finding gurus

Initially, both started on the Sitar. Aayush always had a fascination for the Sarod's deep and majestic sound. He tried his hand on the instrument and with the support of their guru, Pt. Balwant Rai Verma, he started learning it from Padmabhushan Sharan Rani. “She had trained under Baba Alauddin Khan Saheb who was the founder of Maihar Gharana. Like her guru, she was a very strict teacher who taught me in the old style,” says Aayush, who was only 11 at that time and handled the 13 kg instrument with difficulty.

He was also taught to change the strings of Sarod on his own. “This training helps me today to comfortably handle the situation when Sarod string breaks on stage during performance,” smiles Aayush. Renowned musician Pandit Umashankar Mishra once expressed his desire to listen to what Aayush h ad learnt. “When I played a composition, he was so impressed that he rewarded me with all the money that he had in his pocket. This was a traditional way of giving blessings. It was a very emotional moment and I still have those notes with me.”

Lakshay trained under Pandit Umashankar Mishra. “I used to get only 10 minute lesson and I had to practise it for 10 hours a day,” he recalls. Thereafter, both trained under Kolkata-based Pandit Tejendra Narayan Majumdar, one of the most popular classical musicians in the country. “He used to teach us continuously for four hours in the morning and again two to three hours in the evening. Next day we had to come with a night practice of 3 hours,” says Lakshay.

L.A. calling

In April 2015, the Grammy Museum, Los Angeles, was organising a year-long exhibition on music legend Pandit Ravi Shankar. The Mohan brothers were invited to perform on the opening day of the exhibition titled "Ravi Shankar : A Life in Music.”

“This concert saw us present some of the oldest Indian classical compositions to the western audience along with our collaboration with the American Cellist Barry Phillips,” say the Mohan brothers, who also performed a piece composed by Pandit Ravi Shankar as it was the opening of exhibition on his life and music.

The jugalbandi approach

Their musical repertoire is very traditional but they have redesigned their presentation which makes it better to connect with today's listeners.

“Our Jugalbandi is an example of extensive coordination and a deep understanding of each other's 'musical vision. Practising and performing music together for almost 14 years now, it comes naturally to us,” say the renowned musicians, who will soon be finalising their album of 'Malhars' — the rainy season ragas that will have some of the most signature compositions of Maihar Gharana.

Both Sitar and Sarod being traditional instruments having its own unique sounds, they feel that the two are the most appropriate instruments to be paired up for a duet.

“We have been handed over a vast treasure of traditions enriched by great musicians by two generations of Gurus. For us, the goal is to bring to the listeners the pure quality of this music,” say the musicians, whose album "The Hidden Harmony" got nominated for Best Classical Instrumental award at the Global Indian Music Academy (GIMA) Awards 2016. The album was a recording of a Live Concert held at Abbey Theatre in Dublin in 2015.

Challenges

What kind of challenges do they face when performing live ? “On stage, we have to understand what the person is trying to convey during the musical dialogue or a sawal-jawab sequence and improvise instantly on a similar theme,” explain the Mohans, who have also been nominated for the Global Indian Music Academy awards for Best Classical Instrumentalists.

The Mohan brothers believe that both artists in a duet must be on an equal level. “Neither of them should appear to be playing like a soloist or an accompanist. We indulge in a playful competition on stage but at the same time have high respect for each other.”

They say that the choice of Ragas and it’s duration is often decided by the nature of audience at the concert. “If most of the people in audience are new to classical music, then it is better not to play any Raga for too long,” explain the maestros, who have given lecture-demonstrations at various universities including Wayne State University, Detroit and the University of Arts, Philadelphia.

Lakshay says the Indian classical genre unlike any other form, has the beautiful part, which is spontaneous presentation of a raga. “So our thinking process never gets saturated and we always see new horizons while playing a raga,” he says.

Passion to perform

“Over the years, we have realized that the real joy is to find what you connect to the most and be able to follow it, perfect it and grow closer to it passionately throughout life,” elaborates Aayush.

Among the many highlights of their musical journey has been performing with Anoushka Shankar and other disciplines of Pandit Ravi Shankar at the iconic Royal Festival Hall, London to celebrate his 100th anniversary. “It was a very special experience for us as we composed few fresh pieces which were added to his old composition in his Raga Tilak Shyam,” say Mohan brothers.

When not immersed in music, what do Mohan brothers like to do ? “I am passionate about cars and love going on long road trips and try new cuisines,” says Lakshay. As for Aayush, he likes to indulge in painting, creative designing and audio mastering, besides reading about history and archeological facts.

Ruskin Bond: The British descent author whom India loves too much

(October 12, 2022) The eminent contemporary Indian author of British descent, Ruskin Bond is one of India’s most-loved authors. The 88-year-old has been prolific for decades, writing mainly for children but also for adults. For his illustrious work in literature, he has been awarded the Sahitya Akademi award (1992), Padma Shri (1999) and Padma Bhushan (2014). Many of this celebrated author’s works are part of Indian school curriculum. Generations have grown up reading his books. [caption id="attachment_30483" align="alignnone" width="1057"] Ruskin Bond, one of the most loved authors of India[/caption] In his latest work, A Little Book of India: Celebrating 75 years of Independence, the acclaimed author pays homage to the country that has been his home. In the books introduction, he writes: I have dwelt on the highlights of the last 75 years of India’s progress to maturity as a nation. It is a record of some of my memories and impressions of this unique land — of its rivers and forests, literature and culture, sights, sounds and colours — an amalgamation of the physical and spiritual. Born in 1934, in Kasauli, British India, Ruskin Bond is the son of an Anglo-Indian mother, Aubrey Bond, and British father, Edith

e dwelt on the highlights of the last 75 years of India’s progress to maturity as a nation. It is a record of some of my memories and impressions of this unique land — of its rivers and forests, literature and culture, sights, sounds and colours — an amalgamation of the physical and spiritual.

Born in 1934, in Kasauli, British India, Ruskin Bond is the son of an Anglo-Indian mother, Aubrey Bond, and British father, Edith Clarke, who taught English to the princesses of Jamnagar Palace. Ruskin and his sister Ellen lived there till he was six. Later, his father joined the Royal Air Force, and little Ruskin got an opportunity to travel to different places soaking in the diversity of people and their behaviours.

[caption id="attachment_30508" align="aligncenter" width="773"] Indian Author | Ruskin Bond | Global Indian Ruskin Bond calls the dictionary his favourite book[/caption]

Huge impact of personal experiences

Unhappy experiences at an early age had a deep impact on the author. He was just eight when his parents separated and his mother left him to marry someone else. In the absence of love from his mother, he became emotionally distant from her and this resulted in a very complex mother-son relationship. However, his father’s undivided attention helped him grow as a mindful child.

[caption id="attachment_30484" align="aligncenter" width="850"] Indian Author | Ruskin Bond | Global Indian Little Ruskin Bond[/caption]

Little Ruskin faced another tragedy with the untimely demise of his father in a war. Heartbroken, the 10-year-old moved to Dehradun to be with his mother, step father and grandmother. He was sent to Bishop Cotton School, Shimla from where he passed out in 1951. That year, he wrote one of his first short stories, ‘Untouchable’. Ruskin won several writing competitions in school, including the Hailey Literature Prize and the Irwin Divinity Prize. In 1952, he moved to England and stayed with his aunt for four years.

[caption id="attachment_30491" align="aligncenter" width="770"] Indian Author | Ruskin Bond | Global Indian Busy at work[/caption]

Ruskin learned to cope with his difficult childhood by expressing himself on paper. He was also a voracious reader, a habit inculcated in him by his father. However, despite a lonely childhood, he grew up to be an optimistic human being, which is evident in all his works. Since writing came naturally to him, he became an earnest writer just as his father had hoped.

Life in London

It was in London that Ruskin began writing his first novel, ‘The Room on the Roof’. It is about the life of Rusty, an orphaned Anglo-Indian teenager, a character inspired by his own life. He poured his heart out in the novel, portraying distinct experiences of his life, like living in a small rented room on the roof in a house in Dehradun. It was published in 1956. It fetched Ruskin the John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial prize (meant for British Commonwealth writers under 30) in 1957. Basking in his newfound success, he wrote its sequel, ‘Vagrants in the Valley’. Apart from writing he did several other odd jobs to make a living in London.

[caption id="attachment_30486" align="aligncenter" width="679"] Indian Author | Ruskin Bond | Global Indian Ruskin Bond in his youth[/caption]

Back to where heart belonged

The yearning for India was too strong. At the end of his four-year stay, Ruskin returned to India and worked as a journalist in Delhi and Dehradun for some years. Later, he relocated to Mussoorie in 1963, a town in the foothills of Himalayas, working as a freelance writer for The Pioneer, The Leader, The Tribune and The Telegraph. Gradually he shifted his focus to short stories, essays, novels, memoirs and poems.

[caption id="attachment_30488" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Indian Author | Ruskin Bond | Global Indian Ruskin Bond with his cat Cleopatra[/caption]

In the 1980s Penguin established its operations in India and approached him to write books. There was no looking back for the author after that, who became known for stories that were simple but immensely powerful.

Such is the best-selling author’s love for writing that in one of his interviews he said:

If I were not a professional writer who was getting published, I would still write.

Connection between India and Ruskin Bond

In his essay, "Scenes from a Writer's Life", Ruskin has emphasized his Indian identity, "Race did not make me one (an Indian). Religion did not make me one. But history did. And in the long run, it's history that counts.”

[caption id="attachment_30480" align="aligncenter" width="526"] Indian Author | Ruskin Bond | Global Indian Ruskin Bond in his childhood with his sister Elle[/caption]

Since 1963 Ruskin Bond has been staying in Mussoorie with his adopted family. His sister Elle who lived in Ludhiana is no more. Life and works of Ruskin Bond are deeply revered by people of the country.

The Global Indian said in an interview:

I do not know what happens when one dies. I will want to be reborn in India and nowhere else and be a writer.

Rich body of work

Ruskin Bond has written more than five hundred short stories, essays and novels and over 64 children’s books. He has also penned autobiographical books like Scenes from a Writer’s Life that encompasses his formative years in India, The Lamp is Lit and Leaves from a Journal that consists of journal entries, essay collection and experiences of his years trying to make it as a freelance writer. The autobiography, Lone Fox Dancing is a magnificent biographical sketch of Ruskin Bond full of anecdotes and photographs.

[caption id="attachment_30494" align="aligncenter" width="883"] Indian Author | Ruskin Bond | Global Indian Amidst the books[/caption]

Many of his works are inspired by his life in the hills. Some notable works include Rain in the Mountains, Blue Umbrella, Roads to Mussoorie, Angry River, Till the Clouds Roll by, The Cherry Tree, and more. “Men can come and go; the mountains remain,” he writes, in his latest book.

Film and television adaptations of Ruskin Bond’s works

His works have been adapted for television and film. The 1978 Bollywood film, Junoon directed by Shyam Benegal and produced by Shashi Kapoor is based on his novel, A Flight of Pigeons, that encompasses an episode of the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

[caption id="attachment_30500" align="aligncenter" width="611"] Indian Author | Ruskin Bond | Global Indian Playfully pretending to be a flower[/caption]

Stories of Rusty, the character that bears resemblance to him have been adapted into a Doordarshan TV series called Ek Tha Rusty.

His short story, Susanna’s Seven Husbands, has been adapted into a BBC TV-series and also into a film, 7 Khoon Maaf, by Vishal Bhardwaaj in 2011. Ruskin Bond made his maiden silver screen appearance in it as a Bishop. Earlier Bhardwaaj collaborated with him for adaption of his popular children’s novel, The Blue Umbrella which won the National Film Award for best children's film.

[caption id="attachment_30511" align="aligncenter" width="691"] Indian Author | Ruskin Bond | Global Indian Busy at work[/caption]

Ruskin Bond’s memoirs that shouldn’t be missed:

A Song of India
All the roads lead to Ganga
Scenes from a Writer's Life
With Love from The Hills
Looking For the Rainbow: My Years with Daddy

Follow Ruskin Bond on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook

Reading Time: 5 mins

Husna-Tara Prakash: From teacher to visionary behind Glenburn Tea Estate and boutique hospitality

(June 23, 2024) Creating a tea estate experience and running a boutique hotel, Husna-Tara Prakash's philosophy is based on sustainability and an immersive experience. Husna-Tara Prakash and her sister were born in England and as teenagers, studied in India, because their parents wanted them to get to know India better. She recalls, "Our parents wanted us to get familiar with our roots in India. I studied for six years at the Welham Girls School in Dehradun. Those years moulded me, and the friends I made there are the ones I am closest to even today. Then, after my final two years of school, back in the UK, I took a year off before college and went backpacking around the world – where I met my husband, Anshuman Prakash. We dated for six years – this was before emails and mobile phones. During that time, I got a degree in pharmacology and a post-grad in education from Cambridge University, as I wanted to become a teacher." [caption id="attachment_52573" align="aligncenter" width="561"] Husna-Tara Prakash[/caption] A Legacy of Tea Husna-Tara's husband hails from a family that owned tea plantations, so at 25, she moved back to India, got married and the rest, as they

ndian" width="561" height="841" /> Husna-Tara Prakash[/caption]

A Legacy of Tea

Husna-Tara's husband hails from a family that owned tea plantations, so at 25, she moved back to India, got married and the rest, as they say, is history. The Prakash family had inherited a tea estate in Assam from their extended family who owned around 30 estates at one stage. They added another in Kerala for many years, sold that, and took over Glenburn in Darjeeling in 2001. From then on, it was as if destiny guided Husna towards creating the businesses and brands that are synonymous with luxury today. "It was beautiful. There was a 1000-acre forest and two rivers which guests could visit. It led us to think of creating a space like the vineyards in Europe and provide a similar experience. I coincidentally met Bronwyn Latif, an interior designer, in Delhi at a horse-riding show. We decided to experiment with the idea of a boutique hotel at the estate. At that time, the original bungalow had only four rooms," she tells Global Indian.

Husna-Tara and Bronwyn were not short on ideas and they saw ample potential in the place. Says Husna-Tara, "All the previous residents had left huge footprints on the place. I knew nothing about hospitality, but I wanted to restore the place to its original form of a plantation bungalow. We pulled off the ugly layers down to their bare bones. We had a local team to help. Once it was set up, I would meet with travel agents to promote the property every time I went to England. I'd pick up antique crockery on each of my trips. We also sourced antique furniture for the interiors."

The Glenburn Tea Estate took shape and was launched in 2002 with four rooms. The main house is known as the Burra Bungalow. Over time, they added four rooms to what is called The Water Lily Bungalow. The place spells luxury, and offers stunning views of the town and the Himalayas. Glenburn is situated on top of a hill, near the River Rungeet, with the awe-inspiring Kanchenjunga overlooking the hillocks below. The entire estate is spread over 1600 acres and has tea gardens, forests, and rivers. There are plenty of activities the guests can partake in, from bonfire barbecues to treks, bird-watching, river paddling and more.

Giving Back, Generously

Husna-Tara is particular about sustainability and carbon footprints. The cuisine and creating the menu were the least challenging aspects, she says. "We use local produce only. The Himalayan trout and other local fish, and vegetables we procure locally. We also grow our herbs, some spices and several fruits and vegetables on the property itself. The cheese we use is the Kalimpong cheese, made in the region."

Glenburn Tea Estate gives you an experience that includes treks, bird-watching, tea harvesting and gourmet food. The tariff is a bit on the higher side but she reiterates that it is value for money since it includes everything. From the airport pick-up or wherever you are coming from in the region, to all the meals, lavish dinners and activities are part of the package. Even laundry, GST and day trips to Kalimpong and Darjeeling are included.

The hotel's success and its guests from all parts of the world have empowered the locals too. Especially since Husna-Tara is particular about hiring local staff and giving back to the community. She says, “We have 4000 workers who live within the tea estate. All my staff are from local villages and I don’t believe in hiring trained people. We support three government schools, and for the children of the staff and the estate, launched a scholarship programme that has enabled more than 60 of them to study at private schools.”

On the environment front, Glenburn is certified by the Rainforest Alliance, where it got 100 per cent for wildlife protection and community engagement. The local flora and fauna are protected within the forest and Husna-Tara ensures they are not harmed. There is also a music and dance academy that promotes the local culture of the Nepali community residing in Darjeeling.

An Uber Luxe Experience

Despite high tariffs, the tea estate's eight rooms are booked out well in advance, sometimes even a year earlier. It was the curiosity of these very guests, who had questions galore about India's colonial past and Kolkata's history that led to Husna-Tara setting up one more luxury property, in Kolkata, which took seven years to complete. A penthouse boutique hotel called The Glenburn Penthouse, with nine rooms, has spectacular views of the Victoria Memorial, Eden Gardens, Fort William, the Governor’s Palace and the Calcutta Turf Club etc. It offers a curated experience, guided historic tours, and a bespoke menu created by the British-born chef Shaun Kenworthy. There is also a café that is open to all.

Despite no prior experience in hospitality, Husna has steered the Glenburn Estate to excellence, with many credits to its name. It is listed in the Tatler travel guide to the best 101 hotels in the world. Glenburn was also awarded the best luxury hill resort in India in 2018 by Outlook Traveller, and the gold award for the most responsible hotel in India in 2020 by the Indian Responsible Tourism Awards, and the tenth best boutique hotel in Asia by Smart Travel Asia in 2016 among others.

Her children grew up on the estate during the time she was renovating it, reveals Husna-Tara, though they are now studying at boarding school. Work-life balance is something she struggles with as she works remotely and is available for her team 24x7. Her main focus is on maintaining the quality and delivering on what she promises. For her, Glenburn is and always will be a labour of love. One that will be her legacy to the city of Kolkata, the hills and tea estates.

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Scribbling his way to Broadway: Indian-origin Shreyas Ayaluri has had a fascinating journey into screenwriting

(September 15, 2021) As a child, Shreyas Ayaluri would spend hours scribbling just about anything on pieces of paper. It made no sense to anyone but him. From doodles, shower thoughts, ideas, catch phrases or just to-do-lists – he would be at it for most part of the day. Once, his teacher suggested he carry a miniature note-pad to capture all his haphazard thoughts and be more efficient with his scribbling. He followed the advice religiously. Now, at 27, he continues to scribble, creates magic out of it and is unstoppable. His flair for writing has led this US-based Global Indian to become an acclaimed screenwriter. His work has been featured at some of the best screenwriting festivals in the world while he makes strides in Hollywood with his latest screenplay Elvis Escobar and Juniper Lea which is all set to grace the silver screen in 2021. That is not all: The latest feather in his cap is writing a song for Broadway which has him on cloud nine. [caption id="attachment_10390" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Shreyas Ayaluri with Quentin Tarantino[/caption] An uphill climb "While all this is magical, I would be lying if I told you that the path was all sunshine and rainbows. I cannot fathom that I wrote a song for Broadway," says a beaming Shreyas,

�That is not all: The latest feather in his cap is writing a song for Broadway which has him on cloud nine.

[caption id="attachment_10390" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Indian-origin screenwriter Shreyas Ayaluri Shreyas Ayaluri with Quentin Tarantino[/caption]

An uphill climb

"While all this is magical, I would be lying if I told you that the path was all sunshine and rainbows. I cannot fathom that I wrote a song for Broadway," says a beaming Shreyas, speaking exclusively to Global Indian. Based out of Los Angeles, the youngster from Hyderabad likes to call himself a creative addict. His journey from being a scribbler to a screenwriter is as fascinating as it can get. Only, that screenwriting was never on his mind in his early days.

"After pursuing engineering, I gave advertising a shot. I worked as a copywriter for two years, trying to quench my creative thirst. It was my stint at the advertising firm that bridged the gap between science and arts," informs Shreyas, whose life took a 180 degree turn when he saw his first piece of work splashed across a huge billboard while walking home one day. "It moved me. All those feelings, emotions that I didn’t know existed in me, gushed through my body and I just knew it," recalls Shreyas, whose work has been featured and placed at the best screenwriting festivals including the likes of The Austin Film Festival, ScreenCraft, The Script Lab, StoryPros Awards and Film Empire.

[caption id="attachment_10391" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Indian-origin screenwriter Shreyas Ayaluri Shreyas Ayaluri with Jeff Goldblum[/caption]

While his stint in the ad agency where he wrote ads for major F&B brands changed his perception of telling tales and selling stories, which he refers to as the first step into the hero's journey, the determined youngster leapt at an opportunity to study screenwriting and film in the US.

It’s all in the family

Growing up in a traditional South Indian family, expectations were set and choices were made for Shreyas, whose father AK Srinivas was in the Indian Air Force. The options before him were straight forward, either join the Armed Forces or pursue engineering. "Luckily, my parents got my enthusiasm and my flair. They pushed me to explore further," informs the award-winning screenwriter, who first studied screenwriting at New York Film Academy and later at University of California.

Shreyas has written four feature length screenplays, two pilots and has multiple shorts to his credit. His very first screenplay Amuse Me fetched him an award for best screenplay and is still going strong at film festivals. The screenwriter says he loves to write custom comedies with a heart, soul and a mind of its own. His latest feature is called Elvis Escobar and Juniper Lea which is a romantic comedy. "The song I am writing for Broadway is still in production," informs Shreyas, who grew up listening to ABBA and watching movies like Top Gun over and over again. Shreyas, who has been in the US since 2018, also worked briefly with General Motors as a quality auditor.

[caption id="attachment_10392" align="aligncenter" width="621"] Indian-origin screenwriter Shreyas Ayaluri Shreyas with a friend[/caption]

Rooted in India

But like all successful people, Shreyas' journey came with a lot of ups and downs. "There were times when things got rough, financially, especially during the pandemic, as being an artiste is not a 9-to-5 job and one might work on a project for months without a paycheck. But one has to do what it takes to stay in the game and that’s what I did. Moonlighting and juggling different roles and working for less, it only brought me closer to my dream and made me realize that if you crave art that bad, you just have to be at it like a creative addict," says Shreyas, who did his schooling from Kennedy High and thereafter got admission in Page Academy in Hyderabad.

While at boarding school, Shreyas recalls how he would write letters to his mother Sridevi Ayaluri, telling her how much he disliked being there. "I didn’t hold back; I went on and on about how things could be different if I were back home. But what my mother remembers is how creatively I would tell that story through the letter," says Shreyas, who was the second rounder at the Austin Film festival of both 2019 and 2020 besides receiving several accolades for his work internationally.

So, what advice does Shreyas have for anyone starting off on a journey? "If anyone out there is still contemplating to take that first plunge, I say do it. It’s going to be difficult, scary and most likely you will fall. Pick yourself up, do it again and fall again. Falling may not be fun, but it’s just part of the process. I fall all the time but only I’ve learnt to bounce back quicker,” he says. Shreyas believes that every song has a story to tell and every story is a song, if understood well. "Be it stating facts or dreaming up a fiction, I try to put the right words to go with," he says adding that the one thing that helps ride the tide is his writing.

Reading Time: 8 mins

Shweta Pahuja: Popularising Indian snacks in Germany through Just Nosh

(April 6, 2024) In the serene fields of Bihar, the journey of the fox nut, also known as makhana, unfolds like a dance between tradition and innovation. Each year from September, the skilled harvesters begin wading through the tranquil waters of the region's marshlands, delicately plucking the mature lotus seeds from the blooms. Once harvested, the fox nuts are carefully sun-dried on bamboo mats and then each delicate shell is meticulously hand peeled revealing the white kernels within. This superfood - which is a good source of protein and fiber along with micronutrients - has become a favourite among health-conscious people not just in India but in Germany too, thanks to the efforts of entrepreneur Shweta Pahuja, the founder of Just Nosh. "I bring snacks with Indian influence to Germany. Being a snack lover, it inspired me to bring a snack with a purpose and good nutrition to the European market." Fox nuts or makhana have been a part of Indian household kitchens for decades now. She remembers her mom sauteing makhana on the pan for her during her growing-up days. That's how integral it has been to her diet and food habits and she is glad that with more

remembers her mom sauteing makhana on the pan for her during her growing-up days. That's how integral it has been to her diet and food habits and she is glad that with more people becoming health conscious, it is found at almost every grocery store. So, when she moved to Berlin with her packets of makhana, her friends in Berlin instantly fell in love with the superfood. This paved the way for her entrepreneurial journey. "The entrepreneur in me thought - why not introduce these nutritious snacks to Germany! This thought led me to find Just Nosh. We aim to provide everyone with a healthy snacking experience with our range of delicious, healthy snacks rooted in nature and culture," the Global Indian said.

Being someone with a sensitive stomach, she launched a company that attributes free of allergens which can be enjoyed by anyone who has trouble finding a product. "Just Nosh brings healthy, vegan snacks with an Indian influence that is truly good for you. We introduce lotus seeds that are an all-time favourite in India," she added.

Bringing healthy snack to Europe

Originally from Mumbai, Shweta moved to Germany in 2016 for love. She met her husband while studying, and marriage brought her to Berlin. Coming from an entrepreneurial family - her dad owned a company in the jewellery business, and she always wanted to start her own company. Having worked in a startup in the beverage industry, she had a fair idea of how things worked. When she moved to Berlin, she brought with her a bag full of Indian snacks - something that her new friends in Berlin gorged on. This led to the formation of Just Nosh in 2020. "A healthy and delicious diet is very important to me personally and I am firmly convinced that this is both possible together. India offers rich and, above all, healthy options, and I'm sure that with the right brand, many Indian snacks can be a hit in Europe," she said in an interview.

However, starting a business in the midst of the pandemic came with its set of challenges. "The prices for shipping from India were very high, which ultimately affected the profit margin. In addition, I neither had the opportunity to meet my producer in person nor was I able to carry out product tests in Berlin," she revealed adding that the first batch that was shipped to Germany was tasted by her parents for flavours.

[caption id="attachment_50556" align="aligncenter" width="539"] Just Nosh[/caption]

Making fox nuts mainstream

Explaining the process of harvesting lotus seeds found in ponds and rivers in eastern India, she elaborated that farmers harvest the seeds once a year. "They collect the seeds from the bottom of the pond, and after the farmers are done popping the seeds, they are then taken to the factories where the producers roast and season the makhana. Once they are seasoned and packed, they are sent to Germany." For Shweta,

Just Nosh, which is currently available in three flavours - one sweet and two savoury - is a completely Indian brand that's shifting the snack market in Europe. Since the snack shelves in supermarkets are just full of potato chips, Shweta wanted to make new snacks known in Germany by offering a better alternative. "That's why we chose the Lotus Pops as our first snack. They are a delicious and healthy snack hit in India and are now available in Germany for the first time. This superfood consists exclusively of plant-based ingredients, contains no sugar or additives, and is 100 percent naturally delicious," she said. Since production takes place entirely in India, Just Nosh also makes a social contribution to the people there.

Shweta Pahuja | Global Indian

"We support the communities in India, the products are produced in India - it's a way for me to give back to my country."

Shweta, who loves spending time with her family, exercising, and watching movies, believes that starting a new venture can be exhausting but it is worth it. Belting out advice to forthcoming entrepreneurs, she said, "Continue towards your goals, be persistent. It's not about the destination but the journey. It will have many hurdles but don't give up because you will see light at the end of the tunnel."

Having become a market fit in Germany, Just Nosh is now planning to expand and bring in more snacks with good nutritional value and quality with Indian backgrounds. "It is important for us to bring the Indian culture in which I grew up closer to the people of Europe."

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