Global IndianstoryBilquis Mir: Meet the first Indian woman on the jury of Paris Olympics 2024

Bilquis Mir: Meet the first Indian woman on the jury of Paris Olympics 2024

Compiled by: Charu Thakur

(August 2, 2024) Canoeing in the serene waters of the Dal Lake in her hometown of Srinagar, little did the young Bilquis Mir, who had to fight traditions and society, know that someday she will be a jury member at the Olympics. At the Paris Olympics 2024, Bilquis, also popular as the aqua woman of Kashmir Valley, became the first Indian woman on the jury of the prestigious sporting event. It was early this year that she received a letter from the Indian Olympic Association informing her about her appointment as a jury member at the Summer Olympics, and it was a dream come true for the 38-year-old sports promoter. She calls it a moment of pride not just for her but for the country as well.

“I consider it an honour to represent my country as a member of the prestigious jury at the Paris Olympics. I was also a jury member at the Hangzhou Asian Games. This isn’t just a moment of triumph for me but all girls or women who aspire to excel in sports. Only two jury members from Asia has been picked this time (for the Summer Games), with the other being from Japan,” the Global Indian told ANI.

Bilquis Mir

Falling in love with kayaking

But it wasn’t an easy journey for Bilquis. who had to defy a patriarchal society to live her dream. Picking up an unusual sport – kayaking – in a country obsessed with cricket wasn’t easy for this Kashmiri woman. It was serendipity that led Bilquis to kayaking at the Dal Lake. While most girls her age wanted to play kho-kho, she was keen to take up boxing. One day on her way to accompany a friend to boxing practice, she was reprimanded by the coach asking her to either bolt or get in a boat. “Being a Kashmiri girl in a uniform, sitting alone in the park wasn’t okay for me. So, I got in a boat wearing a life jacket but I couldn’t balance the canoe nor did I know how to swim,” she said in an interview. During that hour, she lost count of how many times she fell into the water, and her uniform was soaked. On reaching home, she was scolded by her furious mother. But she was unperturbed as she kept thinking about the feeling of being in a canoe.

The next day after school, she made her way straight to the canoe practice. Taken by the sport completely, she practiced non-stop for three months and even bunked coaching classes to paddle. Her love for the sport turned into a passion when she won her first medal in a local tournament in 1998 with a belief that Nationals was her next stop. But her big dream dashed in a moment as she arrived home to a furious family. “I was beaten up. I believe the struggle of the girl starts from the door of the house. My journey was like that because I had no direction or any role models. Thus convincing my family became difficult. But I conquered all hurdles to reach the pinnacle in my chosen field,” said Bilquis, who found support in her mother.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bilquis mir (@mir_bilquis)

Fighting the society

She began her training but not without the dismissive looks and grunts of her relatives, especially the men who found it discomforting seeing her in a tracksuit. “Being a Muslim girl, wearing a tracksuit was incredibly difficult and so was staying outdoors in Kashmir, where even boys reconsidered before venturing out,” she said. Treated as an outcast, she received cruel comments from people when she participated in the Nationals and wore an Indian jersey in the 90s. “While I would be treated as an outcast by most people, my parents always understood my interests as well as my potential. They wanted me to be at the top of my game,” Bilquis said in another interview. Her efforts were further marred by the lack of government support, making it even more challenging for her to pursue her interest. In the late 90s, water sports was considered a taboo in Kashmir. “Being a female water sports professional, known or unknown was tough – virtually everyone opposed my choice. People’s criticisms made me hang up my boots for a while.” Bilquis even considered quitting but it was her mom who encouraged her to keep going. “She told me, ‘you have to continue your passion. At this point of time, if you succumb to social pressures, it won’t be only you who will lose, but it will be the whole community of future female players like you whose dreams would be shattered’.”

Things took a turn for the athlete when she suffered a hip and shoulder injury during training and was asked to coach the junior boys’ team at the age of 25. “My country needed a coach and I was happy to step up. To achieve this, I became the first Indian woman to study coaching at the prestigious Semmelweis University in Budapest.” She graduated with Grade A, and was soon appointed as the national coach of canoeing and kayaking in 2007, a rare feat for a Kashmiri woman.

Bilquis Mir

Breaking the norms

After guiding the team to the Nationals, Asian Games, World Championship, and Olympics, Mir felt a deep yearning to go back to Kashmir and help develop young athletes. Since her return, her coaching has led to Kashmir winning 110 medals in the last four years. “When I was young, I often heard that girls can’t pursue adventure sports. People used to make fun of me thinking I wouldn’t be able to do anything. I am proud to say that 50% of J&K’s athletes are women and they are doing very well,” she said.

Now, she has made history as the first Indian woman to join the jury for the Paris Olympics. Despite facing challenges, including a lack of government support and societal expectations, she pursued her passion for sports with determination and resilience. From her early days of struggling to balance a canoe to coaching athletes on the international stage, Mir has broken barriers and set new standards. Her achievements not only reflect her personal success but also symbolize the potential of women in sports, inspiring a new generation of athletes in Kashmir and beyond. Through her unwavering dedication, Mir has shown that with perseverance and courage, one can overcome any obstacle to achieve greatness.

Follow Bilquis Mir on X

Name*

Email*

Name*

Email*

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Published on 02, Aug 2024

Share with

ALSO READ

For art’s sake: Meet India’s leading art collector Shalini Passi

(April 17, 2023) Artist, art collector, design connoisseur, writer and philanthropist: Shalini Passi is a woman of many talents. Shalini is the founder of MASH, a digital platform at intersection of architecture, art, craft, design, and fashion in an accessible and engaging format to support emerging young artists. That apart, she also writes for leading lifestyle magazines like Travel+Leisure and Conde Nast Traveller. Shalini's love for art began young, given her family's legacy in the construction business. The rare works of art that adorn the floors, walls and ceilings of her 20,000 square-foot residence in Golf Links, New Delhi, bear testament to her passion. “I enjoy observing and exploring different aspects of art and design. I believe that designs, architecture and shapes influence our lives and vice versa. It impacts our lifestyle,” smiles Shalini Passi, artist, art and design collector, writer, fashion patroness and philanthropist, in an exclusive conversation with Global Indian. Travel, she says, has been her way of familiarising herself with the changing landscapes of art, design, and fashion. “I travel around the world to cover international art fairs and various other art events and biennales for MASH (Her digital platform) and the travel magazines I write for,”

on with Global Indian. Travel, she says, has been her way of familiarising herself with the changing landscapes of art, design, and fashion. “I travel around the world to cover international art fairs and various other art events and biennales for MASH (Her digital platform) and the travel magazines I write for,” informs the globetrotter. In recent years, her work-related projects have taken her to Turkey, France, Germany, UK, USA, Bhutan, and China.

The family legacy

Growing up, Shalini would spend hours exploring the offices of her father, grandfather and uncle, observing the blueprints of buildings designed by leading architects like Raj Rewal. “They were the architects who built Palika bazar, the D.D. building and The Vayu Bhawan amongst other distinguished buildings in Delhi,” says Shalini, whose great grandfather came to Delhi from Pakistan and set up the Arya Samaj Mandir on Pusa Road. “I was fascinated by the process of construction, and how the actual plan came alive in real time and space and how powerful the vision of an architect was,” says Shalini, who is also the Creative Director for Pasco group of companies and has been involved in the designing of the showrooms. Her husband, Sanjay Passi, is the managing director of the Pasco group.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9-KYdXPUHA

Born and raised in New Delhi, Shalini studied at Modern School Barakhamba Road. “My school day memories are filled with attending classes of art, painting, dancing, singing and theatre, learning how different forms of creative expressions are connected to each other,” recalls Shalini, who participated in the state-level diving competitions and gymnastics alongside long-distance or endurance running.

In those days, she also trained as a dancer. “The rhythm in dance helped me understand painting and colours better,” says the artist. She took to painting different mudras and dance costumes, intricately delineating every fold, trying to capture the dynamism of dance on the static canvas.

Art | Shalini Passi | Global Indian

She credits her teacher Bishambar Khanna, who was an enamellist in Modern School, for being instrumental in her growth as an artist. “He taught me the importance of observation and the role it plays in art. Compete with yourself, is what he told me,” says Shalini, who pursued her Bachelor of Arts from Jesus and Mary College in Delhi.

Architecture to collecting art

Shalini wanted to be an architect for the longest time, but her skills in mathematics could not match the course requirements, so that was something that never happened. “Powerful architecture has played an important role in developing my aesthetics and as a result I also started reading about design,” says Shalini, who has extensively read about different types of architectural movements, deciphering the aspects of furniture design belonging to different eras and movements like Renaissance, Baroque architecture, Neoclassical, Bauhaus and Mid-century modern.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shalini Passi (@shalini.passi)

In the ’80s, she began collecting artworks for her home. “My process of collecting begins with reading and understanding the views and concepts used by an artist. I usually try to visit the studio and like to collect the works of the artists, which inspire my philosophies and vision of life and art,” explains the art aficionado, whose collection is an eclectic mix, including sculptures, paintings, installations, video art and centuries-old pieces of furniture collected from around the world, each chosen after thorough study and research.

At the forefront of contemporary Indian art

Shalini fondly recalls her association with prolific artist MF Husain. “He designed my wedding cards. He created four cards with different compositions full of vivid forms and colours. Those cards are embedded with a personal memory that speaks to me on a sublime level,” smiles Shalini, who has been a patron of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale.

Art | Shalini Passi | Global Indian

She also possesses the personal collection of furniture and art that once belonged to contemporary artist Bharati Kher and renowned sculptor Mrinalini Mukherjee. She says Bharati worked on the four panels titled ‘Untitled’, where she employed bindis - a traditional symbol of femininity and domesticity in Indian culture - as a motif of abstraction. “Observing the overarching themes of abstraction come to fruition was a perfectly sublime experience,” shares Shalini, who has also hosted a dinner in honour of Christie’s UK Chairman Viscount Linley.

Referring to Mrinalini Mukherjee, Shalini says her visual endeavours have shaped the vocabulary of modern Indian modern art in multitudes of ways. She loaned her personal collection of Mrinalini’s works to Frieze London 2019 for their solo booth exhibit featuring international artists who have worked with the mediums of tapestry and textiles. “Her work has held a special place in my collection,” she says. Shalini’s art collection also includes works by Indian contemporary artists including Riyas Komu, Anita Dube, Zarina Hashmi, Subodh Gupta and Atul Dodiya as well as international artists including Jeff Koobs, Damien Hirst and Vladimir Kagan.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shalini Passi (@shalini.passi)

Through MASH, Shalini aims to provide a platform that will act as a “catalyst for recognising young talent and individuality, and simultaneously, to expand the conventional canon of contemporary art,” says Shalini. As a member of the Advisory Board of Khoj, the not-for-profit contemporary arts organisation based in Delhi, she works to facilitate and support the development of experimental contemporary art practice in India and South Asia. She supports and donates to "The Delhi Society for the Welfare of Special Children" as well.

Philanthropy

Shalini, her husband Sanjay and their son support several religious, cultural and healthcare institutions, which they usually keep away from limelight. “We believe in the philosophy of gupt daan, and always try to support initiatives that are for the betterment of society as a whole,” says Shalini. Whenever the family travels to a religious institution, they try to support organisations, initiatives, and schools around that area to support education, healthcare infrastructure and provide aid to the people in the region.

Since 2010, she has been actively involved in educating underprivileged children in Delhi, through a series of workshops that provide opportunities for them to learn about the arts and crafts with skilled individuals.

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

Above all, Shalini enjoys travelling and exploring different cultures. “I visit various religious places including temples, mosques and churches in India and abroad. I like to research the hidden pieces of heritage and art as well as exploring the adventures of skiing, scuba-diving, and hiking as well,” she says. When not working, she likes to read books about design, art, architecture and fashion besides learning Bharatanatyam, Katha and Salsa.

Follow Shalini Passi on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

Reading Time: 6 mins

Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan: From first Amul baby to her mom’s biographer

(June 30, 2023) “My family’s association with the Amul brand is intensely personal,” wrote Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament in one of his gripping articles. Elaborating on the association he shared, “Way back in 1961, Amul’s advertising agency, ASP (Advertising & Sales Promotion Ltd), was looking for a baby to front their milk powder in a first-of-its-kind ad campaign. They went through hundreds of pictures of babies – 712, to be exact – until ASP’s creative head, Sylvester da Cunha, asked my father, his friend and Secretary of the Advertising Club of Bombay: “you have a baby too, don’t you? Mind if you show me a picture?” Shashi Tharoor reminisced talking about how his sister Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan became a model when she was just 10-months-old. Senior Tharoor shared Shobha’s picture with Sylvester da Cunha and the rest is history. “My sister Shobha became the first-ever Amul baby,” remarked the proud brother, who is known for his gift for words. No less of a wordsmith herself, Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan is a celebrated children’s book author and has churned several books for top publishing houses in India and the US. She brought her mother into limelight when Penguin launched her first

;335559739":160,"335559740":240}">

No less of a wordsmith herself, Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan is a celebrated children’s book author and has churned several books for top publishing houses in India and the US. She brought her mother into limelight when Penguin launched her first book outside her world of children’s literature - a biography on her mother, Lily Tharoor.

[caption id="attachment_40898" align="aligncenter" width="535"] Indian Author | Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan | Global Indian Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan[/caption]

Good Innings: The Extraordinary, Ordinary Life of Lily Tharoor, has received rave reviews and garnered immense curiosity among readers to get a peek into the life of the Tharoors. “This story is definitely a tribute to my mother, but it’s not just that. It’s a tribute to all you women, your mothers, our mothers, our grandmothers, our sisters who hold up our part of the sky,” remarked Shobha at a literary event in Kolkata.

The California-based author is also a poet, translator, editor and has been a former non-profit development professional spending two decades as an advocate and fundraiser for persons with disabilities. A celebrated voice-over talent, she received the National Award for best narration / voice over for the film Rhapsody of Rains: Monsoons of Kerala at the 68th National Film Awards ceremony by President Droupadi Murmu in 2022.

Coming out of comfort zone

When Penguin approached Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan with a request to pen a biography on her mother, she was hesitant. Undoubtedly, her well-travelled mother has lived a remarkable life motivating her children (Shashi Tharoor, Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan and Smita Tharoor) to think out of the box and reach their maximum potential, but ‘would we like to put all that in a book’ she wondered.

The fiercely self-dependant octogenarian, Lily Tharoor is a strong matriarch who believes that ‘the only ground that is stable enough to stand on is the one created by your own hand’. She has had her own share of tragedies, travails and triumphs, but Shobha was unsure to document those.

However, Penguin was persistent. Looking at the journey of the feisty octogenarian who renewed her driving license at 82, and was forthcoming enough to support her son atop the election campaign vehicles, had raised an interest in them to chronicle her life. Finally, Shobha gave in to their request encouraged by her brother who later wrote the foreword of the book.

[caption id="attachment_40901" align="aligncenter" width="863"] Indian Author | Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan | Global Indian Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan with her siblings Smita Tharoor and Shashi Tharoor[/caption]

“When I presented the book to my mother, she said, why you have written a book on me. What have I done that needs a book? You should’ve have written about your brother,” shared Shobha.

The author knew that there are many people who could write a book on Shashi Tharoor as he is a public figure but Lily Tharoor’s story could only be written by her children who have seen the marvels of the lady and her amazing everyday story unfolding before their eyes.

“My mother thought it was criminal not to live up to our full potential,” Shobha shared and used the book as an opportunity to inspire younger generation to ‘grow and act’.

Storyteller’s voice matters

“I have been a ‘storyteller’ and communicator all my adult life writes Shobha on her website. In both India and the United States, Shobha’s voice has been used in documentaries, advertisements, corporate training manuals, stage productions, travelogues, educational and journalistic projects, and audio books.

Before becoming a voice over talent, the Global Indian spent two decades in the non-profit sector serving people with disabilities as a grant writer. Even as a grant writer, she utilised the power of words and stories to attract funders to programs they wished to support.

[caption id="attachment_40910" align="aligncenter" width="601"] Indian Author | Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan | Global Indian Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan receiving award from President Droupadi Murmu[/caption]

“I take this same love of words to my writing and voice career,” she shared. As the voice over talent with a natural and elegant speaking style and a global accent, Shobha has been the perfect choice for Silicon Valley companies looking for a voice to showcase their products and for their training manuals. While her books are part of some of the school curricula.

Shobha has a home studio in Campbell, California from where she delivers many of her voice-over assignments for all types of media - from individuals to small businesses to large broadcasting organisations.

Miss Calcutta’s journey of life

Raised with the awareness of their Kerala heritage, Shobha spent the early years of her life in many places. “I was the responsible middle child with an overachieving older brother and a mischievous, younger sister so my childhood was full of learning and fun,” she said in one of the interviews. “We were diasporic Malayalees as my parents had lived from a young age away from their roots in Kerala, including abroad in London,” she remarked.

From a very young age, Shobha had developed an immense love for literature and acted in Shakespeare and Osborne plays during a pan-Indian childhood, without missing summer vacation in Kerala every year. “We were raised to be as comfortable eating with our fingers on a plantain leaf as we were dining at the table with appropriate cutlery,” she shared.

[caption id="attachment_40903" align="aligncenter" width="730"] Indian Author | Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan | Global Indian Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan with her parents and siblings when they were young[/caption]

During her teenage years the family was living in Kolkata. Her mother always encouraged Shobha and her siblings to make every minute count by delving in not just academics but a wide array of activities - dramatic arts to tennis to French classes. When Miss Calcutta contest happened, she sent both her daughters – Shobha and Smita to participate with the intuitive wisdom that they would be able to fair well. And, she was right, While Shobha got crowned as Miss Calcutta, her younger sister ended up being the first runner up.

After leading a protected teenage life in Calcutta, Shobha moved to the US for higher studies. Starting from her bachelor’s studies there she went on to complete her master’s in English at Syracuse University. It was during those days that she met the guy who would be her husband, married him and settled in California. It has been four decades since then. Regular visits to India for work and family commitments continues. The multi-talented author and voiceover artist considers herself more of a ‘global citizen than an Indian or Indian-American'.

From the Archives:

[caption id="attachment_40904" align="alignnone" width="355"] Indian Author | Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan | Global Indian Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan as the first Amul baby[/caption]

Follow Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

Reading Time: 5 mins

That’s neat! How Master blender Surrinder Kumar is putting Indian whiskey on the global map

(October 17, 2023) What do weddings, office parties, and festive celebrations in India have in common? Well, you'll often find a variety of imported alcoholic beverages at these gatherings. While India has a rich history of traditional drinks like madira, somras, and āsava, we tend to be more familiar with scotch, Bacardi, Absolut and Bombay Sapphire. However, one man is changing that scene. Meet master blender Surrinder Kumar, known for putting Indian single malt whiskies on the global stage. His latest creation, Indri whisky, recently made India proud at the 2023 Whiskies of the World Awards. After rigorous blind tastings over several rounds, it secured the prestigious 'Best in Show, Double Gold' award. Competing against hundreds of international brands, including Scotch, Bourbon, Canadian, Australian, and British single malts, Indri emerged victorious at one of the world's largest whisky-tasting competitions. "What fascinates me is to see how Indian single malts have been soaring with a remarkable 37 percent growth over the past six years," shares the master blender as he connects with Global Indian, “In contrast, imported single malts, while still performing well, have had a more moderate growth rate of 13 percent during the same period. Looking ahead, with a

the past six years," shares the master blender as he connects with Global Indian, “In contrast, imported single malts, while still performing well, have had a more moderate growth rate of 13 percent during the same period. Looking ahead, with a projected annual growth rate of 30 percent, it's clear that both Indian and imported single malt sales are poised to maintain their upward trajectory. Given this promising outlook, my perspective on the future of single malts in India is undeniably optimistic."

The road less travelled

Born and brought up in the beautiful state of Jammu and Kashmir, Kumar's first job was in the state civil services. But, destiny had other plans for him. "I got that job soon after my graduation, but my interests lay somewhere else. So, after serving there for a few years I decided to move to other things," says the master blender. In 1984, Kumar was selected at the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), located in Mysore, which turned out to be a complete game-changer for him.

Master blender | Surrinder Kumar | Global Indian

"I consider CFTRI to be one of the best places for learning about food technology in Southeast Asia. My time there gave me lots of knowledge and skills that helped me explore many different opportunities. I learned a lot about the science and methods behind making drinks, which is super important in the complex art of blending whisky. It's all about combining science and creativity," he shares.

After finishing his course, he moved to Bengaluru, where his brother worked. While he had a job in hand, he was a bit confused about where to join. "It was Sharad Dravid, cricketer Rahul Dravid, who helped at the time," the master blender says, "He was working at a senior position at Kissan (an HUL brand), my brother took me to him and he suggested that I joined the Central Distilleries & Breweries."

Master blender | Surrinder Kumar | Global Indian

Talking about his time there, Kumar shares, "It was a big moment in my career because working at such a respected distillery gave me a chance to gain a ton of valuable experience and make a real impact on making spirits and drinks. My senior there allowed me to dabble and work in various departments. It's been a major influence on the path my career has taken. Now, I've spent more than 35 years in this profession, and it's been an amazing journey."

Tasting success

About a year after joining the Central Distilleries & Breweries, the master blender got an opportunity to work at the Amrut Distilleries Ltd - which was still a small company back then. "When my manager got to know about this offer, he wasn't so sure about it. It is a big brand now, but not many people knew about Amrut back in 1987. So, he said that he would send me for a conference to Bengaluru, and during that trip I could go to Amrut's office and check out the place. And yet again, it was Mr. Dravid who suggested that I join Amrut. And so, I spend the next 19 years of my life working there," shares the master blender, who eventually took Amrut to new heights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsrKYqSYi78

In about two decades that he spent at the company, it bagged several awards -including their single malt Amrut ‘Fusion’ being named World Whisky of the Year at the Malt Advocate Whisky Awards in February 2011. "I think it was the same year that I won the Distiller of the Year. My experience at Amrut taught me a lot, it was also the first time that I started working on making a single malt whisky. Making a blend is not a one-day job, one has to plan everything - from the grains, to the water, and casks. We took a little bit of time to figure out everything at Amrut, but when the whisky was ready the world loved it," shared the master blender.

The malting revolution

Over the last few years, the Indian alco-bev industry has seen a meteoric rise - not only in terms of the brands but also the market and its worth. But still, very few Indian brands have made it as big in the international market as Piccadily Distilleries' Indri. He says, "I think is that Indri-Trini is India's pioneering triple-cask single malt, which means that the whisky undergoes maturation in three distinct cask types - ex-bourbon, ex-French wine, and PX Sherry - crafting a truly exceptional flavour profile. The selection of these unique barrels was meticulously orchestrated to elevate the whisky's inherent fruity and vanilla notes while introducing a subtle interplay of spices and a nutty undertone. A silky-smooth, deep amber elixir, Indri-Trini tantalises the palate with hints of caramelised pineapple, vanilla, black tea, raisins, and honey, leaving a lingering, sweet, and fruity finish that entices the senses."

Master blender | Surrinder Kumar | Global Indian

But, what is the process of making this whisky? The master blender explains, "I closely collaborate with the brand to ensure a smooth production process from beginning to end. This involves overseeing operations at the malt plant and making sure the new make passes sensory evaluations, which are crucial for maintaining the quality and character of the spirits. Additionally, I get to do barrel sampling for whisky blends and single malts on blending day, which is an exciting task. This lets me assess how the spirits are maturing, their flavors, and overall quality, which is essential for creating well-balanced single malts. Even after all these years in the industry, I still thoroughly enjoy the process."

As we come to the close of the interview, the master blender tells me that he is quite positive about the future of single malts in India. "The Indian whisky industry is booming, thanks to its creative products that are catching the interest of whisky lovers and pulling them into this category," he says, adding, "In 2022 alone, Indian single malts did really well, selling just over two million cases of nine liters each. That's an impressive 18 percent growth in a year. I expect this growth to go even higher, possibly reaching nearly 30 percent annually in the coming years."

Follow Surrinder Kumar on LinkedIn

Reading Time: 7 mins

Aditya Mhatre: Transforming the immigration experience in Canada

(June 20, 2024) It is just 9 a.m. in Toronto, but Aditya Mhatre is already settled in at work, attending calls and taking stock of his in-work tray. "I tend to start early," he tells Global Indian, adding, "I have the school drop-off run in the mornings." Affable and armed with a smile, it takes a while to sink in that he is the co-founder of a fintech startup and has had a stellar career across different industries. But then, the 43-year-old wears his success easy, and it is this agility that has enabled a trajectory that started as a student at Panvel in Mumbai and took him across the world. As the co-founder of Beacon, a platform that is transforming the immigration experience in Canada, Aditya is doing what he has done throughout his career: leveraging technology with a human touch to provide out-of-the-box solutions for customers. [caption id="attachment_52485" align="aligncenter" width="453"] Aditya Mhatre[/caption] Driven, passionate, and tenacious, the entrepreneur's biggest strength remains adapting to the environment around him, which has ensured success at every step. Early Learnings Growing up in Panvel, then a small town where everyone knew everyone, Aditya had a childhood typical of 80s and 90s India,

o provide out-of-the-box solutions for customers.

[caption id="attachment_52485" align="aligncenter" width="453"] Indians in Canada | Aditya Mhatre | Global indian Aditya Mhatre[/caption]

Driven, passionate, and tenacious, the entrepreneur's biggest strength remains adapting to the environment around him, which has ensured success at every step.

Early Learnings

Growing up in Panvel, then a small town where everyone knew everyone, Aditya had a childhood typical of 80s and 90s India, where he got around on a cycle, played cricket with friends, and had a leisurely childhood. Things changed when he went to Belgium for a year as a teenager as an exchange student. He recalls, "I had to live with a family that spoke only French, and I remember when I first went to their home, they served me a meal of bacon with lettuce, which I had because I could not refuse their hospitality."

It is also where the innate flair of Aditya to thrive in unexpected circumstances came to the fore. Within three months, he learned French, adapted to the new surroundings, and soaked in all the experiences the international exposure accorded him.

Once back, he pursued his degree in commerce, and one thing led to another before he went to Carnegie Mellon for his master's degree. While a commerce graduate applying for a technology degree was an anomaly, it was a time when the IT companies in India were coming of age and piqued by the phenomenon, Aditya taught himself to code (by learning books; no YouTube tutorials back then!) and soon found himself at one of the best universities in the world.

[caption id="attachment_52486" align="aligncenter" width="774"] Indians in Canada | Aditya Mhatre | Global indian Aditya Mhatre with his team[/caption]

He recalls, "The talent at the university was surreal. As most of the students were from a science or math background, I was among the few who were not and had to work doubly hard to ensure that I made the grade." Grade he did make and life at the university also taught him other pertinent life lessons, such as the importance of networking and building a community.

Exploring and finding himself

In 2005, in an attempt to stay in touch with his roots and happenings in India, Aditya, along with his friend Abhishek, started the podcast Indicast. One of the first Indian podcasts, it still runs strong, touching upon a variety of topics, including current affairs, sports, and Bollywood.

"Podcasts were quite the flavour of the season back then, with Wired magazine putting them on its cover and Apple I-Tunes just getting popular," he notes and adds, "We were one of the early adapters, and it was a time when many engineers from IT started to move abroad in large numbers, so we had a great captive audience."

Aditya then moved to India and worked with Reliance Jio (which was still in its formative stages), where he was employee number 10, and the company basically operated from a conference room. It was there that he worked with Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, who mentioned in a meeting that "What you don't write, you cannot manage!"— an advice Aditya follows till date!

Moving abroad, again

After working in India for a while, Aditya moved to Canada to pursue an MBA from the University of Toronto — something he calls one of the best decisions he made. It was an email to Vijay Shekar Sharma, the founder of Paytm, that changed the trajectory of his career.

"I emailed Vijay, evincing an interest in working with him as Paytm just launched its operations in Canada, and got a reply within 15 minutes. I joined the company the next day," he smiles. His role in the initial days was all encompassing; from ordering toilet paper to drafting the HR policy and conducting an internal audit, he did everything that came his way.

[caption id="attachment_52487" align="aligncenter" width="528"] Aditya Mhatre with co-founder of his startup, Beacon[/caption]

After the Paytm launch in Canada in 2017, when they added over 300,000 users to the system, opportunity came calling to Aditya in the form of a move to Japan to oversee Paytm operations in the country. Never one to say no to a challenge, Aditya moved along with his family to Japan, once again finding himself in a new country and starting all over again.

In Japan, where 78 percent of the payment was still in cash, the entrepreneur had his hands full building the team and encouraging an entire economy to transition to digital payments. Delivering on objectives and launching key products, Aditya managed to build a QR-based mobile payment system that helped a seamless transition to online payment.

Back to (second) home

After a stint in Japan, Aditya felt it was the correct time to return to Canada, as it was the right move for the family. When he moved back to Canada at the tail end of COVID, when immigration had spiked, Aditya noticed the challenges and discrepancies in the system that immigrants had to face. From opening bank accounts or applying for credit cards to getting information from the government, everything was a challenge.

It was to address this challenge that he co-founded Beacon, a start-up aimed at transforming the immigration experience in Canada through a comprehensive platform that simplifies their financial and informational needs. He explains, "We use the power of technology to solve real-world problems. Be it getting a telecom provider or finding accommodation, it is a one-stop shop for those coming to Canada for the first time. The premise of Beacon is simple: how can we make the first 100 days easy in a new country?”

As a true global Indian who has worked in different countries, Aditya says that it is important to understand and adapt to local cultures. “What works in one country will not work in another. The nuances are specific to each country. As more Indians are moving abroad, it is imperative to understand that soft skills matter and the strength of building relationships.

[caption id="attachment_52488" align="aligncenter" width="757"] Indians in Canada | Aditya Mhatre | Global indian Aditya Mhatre with his team[/caption]

When not working, the entrepreneur loves spending time with his wife, Prachiti Mhatre, and 10-year-old son Kaivalya (or Kai as he is lovingly called), celebrating Indian festivals and playing golf with his friends.

While Aditya prepares for his busy day ahead, it is easy to understand his mantra in life: to always be a student and seek knowledge, which helps him succeed. Be it learning Japanese to assimilate into a new culture, upskilling himself with coding or ensuring that he does not lose touch with his roots, he is the perfect example of a new-age Indian, one who is comfortable in his skin in any country.

Aditya suggests three things that every Indian moving abroad should keep in mind:

As you grow older, building relationships might be difficult. But talk to people around you, form bonds, and ensure that you make enough social connections.
Nothing replaces hard work, and the truth is that immigrants definitely need to work harder than locals.
Pick up new skills, learn new languages, and understand the dynamics of the country you move to. It always helps to grow, both personally and professionally.

Follow Aditya Mhatre on LinkedIn

Reading Time: 5 mins

India-born Britons: Desi roots to global excellence

(September 27, 2023) In 1947, when India gained independence from British colonial rule, approximately 125,000 to 150,000 Britons were living in India. This included not only British administrators, military personnel, and their families but also individuals engaged in various other professions and businesses. Global Indian traces the desi roots of some of the colonial India-born Britons who had left the country when they were quite young, and went on to become global achievers in their chosen fields. Some of them even had an indelible influence of India in their work. Rudyard Kipling (1865 – 1936) Birth Place: Bombay The country of his birth had a deep influence on the work of British writer and poet Rudyard Kipling. His short stories, novels, and poems often explored the themes of British imperialism, adventure, and the clash of cultures. Kipling's The Jungle Book (1894) is timeless and has been adapted into many films and other media works over the decades. It tells the story of Mowgli, a young boy raised by animals in the Indian jungle. [caption id="attachment_45405" align="aligncenter" width="265"] Rudyard Kipling[/caption] When Kipling was five years old, his parents sent him to England for education, only to come back to India as

es. It tells the story of Mowgli, a young boy raised by animals in the Indian jungle.

[caption id="attachment_45405" align="aligncenter" width="265"] India-born Briton | Rudyard Kipling | Global Indian Rudyard Kipling[/caption]

When Kipling was five years old, his parents sent him to England for education, only to come back to India as a young adult, where he began his prolific literary career, drawing on his experiences in both countries for his writing. In 1907, Rudyard Kipling became the first English-language writer to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Ronald Ross (1857 – 1932)

Birth Place: Almora

A British physician, Ross earned the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1902 for his groundbreaking research on the transmission of malaria. He achieved the distinction of being the first British Nobel laureate and the first person born outside of Europe to receive this prestigious award. His pivotal discovery in 1897 laid the essential groundwork for developing strategies to combat the disease.

[caption id="attachment_45414" align="aligncenter" width="263"] India-born Briton | Ronald Ross | Global Indian Ronald Ross[/caption]

Ross was the eldest of ten children of a general in the British Indian Army. He was sent to England to live with his aunt and uncle on the Isle of Wight when he was eight. After becoming a doctor, he practiced in India for a few years with postings in Madras, Andaman Islands, Bangalore, Secunderabad, Balochistan (now in Pakistan), and Moulmein (now in Burma).

Julie Christie (1940 – present)

Birth Place: Chabua, Assam

The British actress was an iconic star in the sixties. She is the recipient of numerous accolades including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Six of her films are ranked in the British Film Institute's BFI Top 100 British films of the 20th century. She received the BAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement in 1997.

[caption id="attachment_45407" align="aligncenter" width="275"] India-born Briton | Julie Christie | Global Indian Julie Christie[/caption]

Christie was born at a tea estate which was run by her father, while her mother was a painter. At the age of six, she was sent to live with a foster mother in England where she pursued her education. Christie has had a long career. Starting with her debut in 1963 in Billy Liar she went on to act for decades and even made a brief cameo appearance in the third Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Cliff Richard OBE (1940 – present)

Birth Place: Lucknow

The British pop singer, musician, and actor is one of the most successful and enduring entertainers in the history of British popular music. He is considered the British equivalent of Elvis Presley. With 250 million records sold worldwide, he is the best-selling music artist of all time. He was honoured with Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1980 for his services to music and charity.

[caption id="attachment_45408" align="aligncenter" width="257"] India-born Briton | Cliff Richard | Global Indian Cliff Richard[/caption]

Cliff’s father worked with the British Indian Railways. The musician was born in British India as Harry Rodger Webb. The Webb family spent some years in Howrah, West Bengal as well before moving to Britain following India’s Independence.

George Orwell (1903 – 1950)

Birth Place: Motihari

Born Eric Arthur Blair in Bihar, Orwell was a British novelist, essayist, and critic. He is best known for his dystopian novels Animal Farm (1945), and Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949) which explore themes of totalitarianism, surveillance, and the abuse of power. Orwell's writings often centred on political and social commentary, and his work has had a powerful impact on literature and political discourse. Even after decades of his passing away, his books continue to be widely read and studied for their insightful critiques of society and politics.

[caption id="attachment_45409" align="aligncenter" width="300"] India-born Briton | George Orwell | Global Indian George Orwell[/caption]

Orwell’s father worked as a sub-deputy opium agent in the Opium Department of the Indian Civil Service, overseeing the production and storage of opium for sale to China. Orwell's family returned to England from India when he was a kid. Orwell’s house in Motihari has been turned into a museum.

Colin Cowdrey (CBE) (1932 – 2000)

Birth Place: Ooty

Born in Ootacamund, British India (now Ooty,) Cowdrey was a prominent English cricketer who was christened in Bangalore. His father was a cricket-loving tea planter. The family returned to England in 1938 when Cowdrey was five years old. Cowdrey was the first player to reach 100 Test appearances and was known for his elegant and stylish batting technique. He served as England's captain in various periods during his career.

[caption id="attachment_45410" align="aligncenter" width="275"] India-born Briton | Colin Cowdrey | Global Indian Colin Cowdrey[/caption]

While still playing, he was honoured with Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1972. After retiring, he continued to work in cricket administration. He also chaired the International Cricket Council from 1989 to 1993, overseeing the introduction of referees and neutral umpires in international cricket. He was also awarded a life peerage in 1997 and became Baron Cowdrey of Tonbridge, a position that allowed him to sit in the House of Lords.

William Makepeace Thackeray (1811 – 1863)

Birth Place: Calcutta

A renowned British novelist and illustrator Thackeray is known for his wit, humour, and keen observations of Victorian society. Thackeray is best known for his novel Vanity Fair (1847-1848), which is considered one of the greatest novels in the English language. The novel satirises the hypocrisy, social climbing, and moral values of early 19th-century British society.

[caption id="attachment_45411" align="aligncenter" width="240"] India-born Briton | William Makepeace Thackeray | Global Indian William Makepeace Thackeray[/caption]

Thackeray’s father was the secretary to the Board of Revenue in the East India Company. After the death of his father, Thackeray was sent to England. His novels often explored themes of social class, morality, and human nature.

Vivien Leigh (1913 – 1967)

Birth Place: Darjeeling

Leigh was a renowned British actress and Hollywood star whose talent and beauty left an indelible mark on the world of film and theatre. Leigh's portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara in ‘Gone with the Wind’ earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress and solidified her status as a Hollywood legend.

[caption id="attachment_45412" align="aligncenter" width="255"] India-born Briton | Vivien Leigh | Global Indian Vivien Leigh[/caption]

Born in British colonial India, she started her schooling at Loreto Convent, Darjeeling. At the age of six, Leigh was sent by her parents to stay with relatives in England, where she resumed her education at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Roehampton, south-west London. Beyond her remarkable career on the silver screen, Vivien Leigh was also a celebrated stage actress, excelling in numerous Shakespearean roles, including Lady Macbeth and Cleopatra.

Mark Tully (1935 – present)

Birth Place: Calcutta

William Mark Tully is a former bureau chief of BBC, New Delhi. Out of his 30 years in BBC, he devoted 20 years working for BBC, New Delhi. A recipient of several awards, Tully has authored nine books. He was honoured with Knight Commander of the British Empire (KBE) in 2002 and is the recipient of Padma Shree, Padma Bhushan, and BAFTA awards.

[caption id="attachment_45413" align="aligncenter" width="300"] India-born Briton | Mark Tully | Global Indian Mark Tully[/caption]

Tully’s father was a British businessman in the British Raj. After spending the first decade of his life in India, and beginning his education at a boarding school in Darjeeling he left for England. He is patron of the British branch of Child in Need India (CINI UK) and is equally well-versed in both English and Hindi.

Although, the most remarkable India-born Britons have been included in the above list. It’s not exhaustive. Below are the names of a few more global achievers born in India during Britain’s colonial rule:

Cricketer Doughlas Jardine: born in 1900 in Bombay
Actress Merle Oberon: born in 1911 in Bombay
Pop star Engelbert Humperdinck (MBE): born in 1936 in Madras
Conservationist Gerald Malcolm Durrell: born in 1925 in Jamshedpur

Reading Time: 5 mins