Global IndianstoryBreaking Barriers: Usha Vance set to make history as first Indian-American Second Lady

Breaking Barriers: Usha Vance set to make history as first Indian-American Second Lady

Compiled by: Charu Thakur

(November 13, 2024) Thousands of miles away in the village of Vadluru in Andhra Pradesh, the air was thick with hope and prayers. Villagers gathered at local temples, offering prayers for JD Vance’s success in the US elections, hoping that his victory would not only bring pride to their community but also strengthen the bond between India and the United States. Their prayers carried a personal note — a connection through Usha Bala Chilukuri Vance, the daughter of Indian immigrants whose roots trace back to this very region. As the news of Republican Party’s victory broke out, the village erupted in joy. Celebrations spilled into the streets symbolising their shared pride and dreams.

Usha Vance | Global Indian

Usha Vance, an attorney and wife of JD Vance, poised to become the first Indian American and the first Hindu Second Lady of the United States, is set to create history as she steps into this significant role. “I want to be the first to congratulate – now I can say Vice President-elect JD Vance. And his remarkable and beautiful wife, Usha Vance,” declared incoming US President Donald Trump, resonating with applause that marked not just a political milestone but a historical and cultural one. At 38, Usha will also be the youngest second lady since the Truman administration, representing a story that combines heritage, ambition, and love.

Rooted in India, Rising in America

Her journey from an Indian immigrant family’s home in San Diego to the heart of American political life has captivated many. Her father, a mechanical engineer from IIT Madras and a lecturer at San Diego State University, and her mother, a molecular biologist and academic leader, instilled a deep respect for education and cultural roots.

Coming from a Telugu Brahmin family with roots in Vadluru, her great-grandfather left the village in search of better opportunities to find himself in the city of Chennai where Usha’s father, Krish Chilukuri, was raised before relocating to the US for higher studies. In 1986, they became parents to Usha and raised her in an upper-middle-class suburb. Her journey represents the story of many Indian American families who have strived for success while staying connected to their heritage. The US census highlights that the Indian American community grew by 50 percent to 4.8 million people from 2010 to 2020 —a proof of their rising influence and contributions.

Born in an Indian middle class family in the US, she enjoyed the best of both the worlds. A bright student, who was raised in an environment where academic excellence was highly valued, she found herself at the gates of Yale University for her bachelors in history and later at Yale Law School, where she first met JD Vance, the man who she would fall in love with.

From Yale Classmates to Partners

Their paths at Yale were woven together by shared intellectual curiosity, and the two first connected over a writing project. Usha recalled in an interview, “We were friends first; I mean, who wouldn’t want to be friends with JD?” But the friendship quickly deepened into something more. It was their differences that made their bond strong. JD, who had faced a childhood marked by family instability and economic hardship, found in Usha a grounding presence. “She saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself,” JD said in one of his interviews. Her support became a cornerstone during moments of self-doubt and frustration. Usha’s patience and understanding helped JD get through law school and deal with challenges from his past.

JD Vance and Usha Vance

Their love story was not without its cultural nuances. Usha, the daughter of Telugu-speaking immigrants, and JD, who grew up with Appalachian traditions, had to find ways to bring their worlds together. In 2014, they married in an interfaith ceremony that honoured both backgrounds: a friend of JD’s read from the Bible, and a Hindu priest blessed their union. Their marriage merged their distinct backgrounds into a partnership which is now on a global stage with JD Vance set to become the Vice President of the US.

An attorney by profession, her legal career, marked by clerkships with Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh before his Supreme Court tenure, has solidified her reputation as a prominent and respected figure in the legal community.

A Steadfast Partner on the Campaign Trail

As JD began his political journey that eventually led to his vice-presidential campaign, Usha became more than a supportive partner; she was an advisor, confidante, and advocate. She introduced him at the 2024 Republican National Convention, sharing anecdotes that highlighted not just JD’s ambitions, but their shared values and the partnership they built.

“I grew up in San Diego in a middle class community with lovely parents, both immigrants from India, and a sister. That JD and I could meet at all, let alone fall in love and marry, is a testament to this great country.” – Usha Vance

The Global Indian added, “When JD met me, he approached our differences with curiosity and enthusiasm. He wanted to know everything about me. Although he is a meat and potato guy, he adapted to my vegetarian diet and learned to cook Indian food for mother.”

It was during this campaign that Usha’s poised presence onstage and at rallies became a subject of public admiration. Dressed in tailored suits and classic dresses, she embodied professionalism and grace, walking shoulder to shoulder with her husband as they garnered support across the nation.

A Milestone for the Indian American Community

Usha’s heritage has resonated deeply with the Indian American community, a population that has grown significantly, now standing as the second-largest Asian ethnic group in the US. Her story represents not only her success but also the dreams and achievements of many in the diaspora who balance being American with keeping their cultural roots. Usha’s journey is built on the academic and professional excellence common in immigrant families, but it is her personal strength and commitment to family that truly defines her.

Her father’s visits to their ancestral village in Andhra Pradesh and the family’s donations, like giving land for temples, show their strong connection to their roots. Usha’s rise to the national level brings pride to the Telugu community and others, showing how heritage and modern identity can blend smoothly.

As Usha prepares to assume her new role as the Second Lady of the United States, she carries with her not just the title, but the stories of generations who sought opportunities on foreign shores. Her journey—marked by love, resilience, and cultural pride—is a strong chapter in the story of American leadership. In a diverse nation, Usha Vance’s path from the suburbs of San Diego to the White House shows what can happen when different backgrounds come together for a shared purpose.

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Published on 13, Nov 2024

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From Kerala to the Met Gala: Neytt by Extraweave merges tradition with innovation

Amidst the glamour of the Met Gala 2023, one Indian brand's contribution quietly stole the limelight—the opulent, cream-coloured runway carpet stood testament to Kerala artisanship - a sustainable, custom-designed and hand-painted tribute to fashion icon Karl Lagerfield. When Sivan Santhosh, founder of Neytt by Extraweave, first heard the brief, he was doubtful. A white carpet was a very unusual request. But they got to work, taking two months to perfect the beige-toned creation, ‘made with love’ from Kerala, India. The white carpet was manufactured by Neytt and then sent to New York, where it was hand-painted by designers associated with the Met Gala. "We have worked with a company called FibreWorks, which is associated with the Gala," Sivan tells Global Indian. "The order came through them." "We are a fourth-generation, privately owned family business," Sivan says. "My great-grandfather started the business in 1917 and called it the Travancore Mats and Matting Company." Kerala had begun manufacturing coir mats, matting and floor coverings in the mid-19th century, when an Irish-born American named James Darragh set up the first factory in Alleppey in 1859. Enterprising Keralites soon caught on, with Sivan's great grandfather among them. "Extraweave was founded by my dad," he

first factory in Alleppey in 1859. Enterprising Keralites soon caught on, with Sivan's great grandfather among them. "Extraweave was founded by my dad," he says. "We went from coir foot mats to working with jute to make rugs." In 2020, Sivan and his wife founded Neytt by Extraweave, a high-end, high-fashion designer brand that works with some of the top brands in the world - apart from being a long-term supplier to IKEA (in Sweden), they have also worked with Ralph Lauren Homes, Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn.

[caption id="attachment_39278" align="aligncenter" width="648"] The Met Gala carpet, designed by Neytt by Extraweave.[/caption]

Furthering a rich family legacy

"When my father began Extraweave in the early 2000s, there were lots of challenges," says Sivan. He speaks to me from the Neytt headquarters in Alleppey, as machinery from the factory hums loudly in the background. This machinery, he says, only found its way to their manufacturing process in the early 2000s, when the imports were regularised. Before that, when his grandfather and uncles ran the business, the mats were woven by hand, or through the use of manual looms. "It was only in the 2000s that we could automate the process," Sivan explains. It also allowed them to diversify in terms of material - they went from coir to jute, sisal, water hyacinth, linen and hemp.

Although he grew up immersed in the family business, Sivan didn't graduate from high school with a plan. He decided to study computer science engineering in Vellore, going on to work for two years at a software company in Chennai. "I didn't really know what I wanted at the time," he says, in response to my look of surprise. "Engineering and medicine were the most chosen career options and since I was quite savvy with computers, I thought it would be a good idea. I did always know I would go into business at some point, though."

After two years at BNY Mellon in Chennai, Sivan felt it was time to return to the family business. "I wanted to learn how everything worked," he said. His father was clear that he should learn the business from the ground up. "I didn't believe in sitting in a chair when I don't know what's happening the floor." Sivan would interact with the workers, go to the loom and learn whatever he could from scratch. By the end of the third year, he was heading the Purchase Department.

[caption id="attachment_39279" align="aligncenter" width="549"] Sivan Santhosh and Nimisha Srinivas[/caption]

Neytt by Extraweave

After this, Sivan headed to Babson College in Boston, one of the city's top entrepreneurship schools. "I spent some time in Boston working for a startup but my wife and I had lots of ideas about what to do with the business," he explains. In early 2019, they returned to India, all set to start something of their own. "The pandemic kind of helped us," he says. "We were able to do a lot of market research and create a structure." That was the start of Neytt by Extraweave.

The company did very well, quickly. In 2016, Neytt produced a rug for the White House, for a special event during a head of state visit. They have supplied to IKEA for seven years - "We produce their rugs, floor mats, carpets and the sisal scratch mats for cats, which are among IKEA's top five most popular products worldwide," Sivan says. The products are made in Kerala and shipped to the IKEA headquarters in Sweden, from where they are distributed. They have also worked with the Taj Hotels in Andaman and Mumbai's Soho House.

The sisal story

Only two companies in India, Neytt being one of them, that work with sisal, a durable, white fibre found mostly in East Africa, which they import from countries like Tanzania and Madagascar. "It's mostly white in colour, very long, strong and durable," Sivan explains. The fibre is imported in the raw form and is converted to the yarn stage at the Neytt factory. The yarn is converted to bobbins and fed into the loom, which weaves rolls that are around five metres in width. "The machine defects are corrected by hand by our skilled artisans," he adds.

Derived from the bark of the Agave plant, which grows mainly in East Africa and also in Brazil, sisal is known for being durable and eco-friendly. In South America, the sisal tradition goes all the way back to the Aztecs and the Mayans, who, it is believed, used it to make fabrics and paper. From there, sisal cultivation spread to the Caribbean islands, Brazil and Africa.

Celebrating South India, supporting local communities

As they studied the market, they realised that traditions from North India dominates the world's perception of Indian crafts, from Jaipur rugs to Banarasi silk and Lucknow Chikankari. "There are lots of design elements and craftsmanship in the South but nobody knows about that, apart from South Indians." Celebrating South Indian design is one of their core philosophies - they use exotic, sustainable raw materials like sisal, lyocell and linen, to bring out design elements from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

In 2018, they produced a collection of custom-designed rugs that used elements from the major floods that had taken place that year. They paid tribute to the everyday, unsung heroes, who had braved adversities during the devastating floods. That design won the Elle Deco International Design Awards.

"We also did a collection on Kerala's boat races," Sivan says. For that, the design team sat down with the participants of the races, to understand what matters to them when they race. "The rhythm and synchronisation are crucial, the musical instruments and the songs they sing as they row, the instruments they use and the role that each person plays on the boat - we incorporated these elements into our designs," he explains. From the goats that walk around in Fort Kochi, its iconic doorways and window frames, to the mundu - traditional elements from Kerala's culture are an important part of Neytt's designs.

It also extends to employing locals - 98 percent of the 700-member team are from the area. Nearly 50 percent are women - "Weaving has always been a predominantly male domain, so we try to empower women through leadership roles and in traditional manufacturing roles."

When tradition meets innovation

[video width="1152" height="720" mp4="https://www.globalindian.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/neyyt.mp4"][/video]

Video: Neytt

Neytt by Extraweave's ascent in the world of high-end design and manufacturing is a remarkable story of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the melding of tradition with contemporary requirements. Founded by Sivan Santhosh and his wife, the Kerala-based brand leverages the legacy of his family's involvement in the coir industry to create distinct, sustainable products that have found their place in prestigious venues, from the White House to the Met Gala. Embracing new materials and automating processes have been instrumental to their growth.

Moreover, the commitment to celebrate and preserve the lesser-known South Indian design elements and their strong community involvement, particularly towards female empowerment, underlines their vision. The story of Neytt by Extraweave attests to the endless possibilities when rich cultural heritage is combined with innovation and sustainability, and how one small family business from Kerala can make a significant mark on the global stage.

Follow Neytt by ExtraWeave, and Sivan Santhosh on Instagram.

Deepika Arwind: A contemporary artiste exploring theatre through the gender lens

(October 3, 2021) It's eerily dark and quiet. The strums of the guitar break the silence as they swiftly fill the space with heightened drama. Following in the footsteps of the intense music, the spotlight finds itself warming up the center of the stage that has a woman sitting on her haunches. She enacts pulling down her pyjamas to pee only to find her young niece sitting across her seeing pubic hair for the first time. The lights dim out, and the next chapter unfolds. A strong Sikh man prepares for his routine circus feat of pulling a truck with his long plait in front of a thrilled audience. He exaggerates each step with loud gestures but ultimately fails to pull it off. It's the exploration of sexuality through hair that makes Bengaluru-based theatre director Deepika Arwind's play A Brief History of Your Hair a thought-provoking watch. The 35-year-old is among the few voices in the sphere of Indian feminist theatre who is experimenting with narratives to tell stories that highlight gender issues. "For the longest time, theatre has been performing dated work that's borrowed from colonial Europe. It's time that the world hears the voice of contemporary Indian women,"

It's time that the world hears the voice of contemporary Indian women," she tells Global Indian in an exclusive interview.

[caption id="attachment_12015" align="aligncenter" width="771"] A Brief History of Your Hair (Photo courtesy: Virginia Rodrigues)[/caption]

It was in the 70s that feminist theatre narratives first emerged in the country as a response to male-centric discourses. A perfect amalgamation of art and activism, Indian feminist theatre not just highlighted women's issues but encouraged more women to enter the world of drama as writers and artistes. While the genre has found a strong footing in the last few decades with an authentic portrayal of women and their sexuality on stage, the lack of representation is still bothersome.

"There is a lack of representation in theatre - not just in terms of voice and stories. Even not many women playwrights are seen in India especially in the English language. As a woman living in South Asia, I have had my share of experiences and I put them on stage. I am not an activist on stage but it's the craft and form that's involved in my work," adds Arwind.

For someone who began her journey more than a decade ago, Arwind has become a known face in contemporary theatre.

[caption id="attachment_12025" align="aligncenter" width="700"] A still from the play I Am Not Here. (Photo Courtesy: Aparna Nori)[/caption]

Vivid imagination led to a creative dream

Born and raised in a Sikh family in Bengaluru to a doctor mother and a civil engineer father, Arwind was very much of a performer as a kid. "I had a very vivid imagination and I loved being in the spotlight," Arwind reveals. While Arwind loved performing for her family and friends, her tryst with theatre began when one of Bengaluru's well-known theatre personalities Ratan Thakore Grant visited her drama class in National Public School when she was seven. This was enough of a kick-starter for a young Arwind but it wasn't until her college days that Arwind immersed herself in the performing arts.

The mandate of producing a theatre production for her Mass Communication course in Christ College led her to a path that was set to become her destiny. Her very first production Dreaming About Me in collaboration with Thespo, a youth theatre movement cast a spell on the audience. Such was the reception that it soon made its way to a full house in Bengaluru's Ranga Shankara and later at the National Centre for Performing Arts in Mumbai.

"My years at Christ College were full of theatre. After wrapping up my classes at 4 in the evening, I would rush to do theatre. I really enjoyed the process and I would act in many productions at that time," she adds.

[caption id="attachment_12060" align="aligncenter" width="759"] Deepika Arwind Unlisted by Liz-Ann D'Souza[/caption]

Her time at Christ College helped Arwind hone her skills in performing arts. After graduation, Arwind moved to Chennai to pursue her Master's in Print Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism but her love for theatre kept her afloat. "Since college was hectic, I couldn't perform during that one year but I did write a lot about plays that were happening in Chennai at that time."

Dreams culminate into a beautiful reality

The next two years were spent working with The Hindu covering art and culture. But this time in the newspaper made Arwind realize how much she missed theatre, especially after she won the Toto Award for Writing (poetry and fiction) in 2011. So she quit her job to pursue her passion. In 2013, she formed a theatre collective The Lost Post Initiative to collaborate with varied artistes for her productions. Her directorial debut Nobody Sleeps Alone lit up Jagriti Theatre in Bengaluru as it was a perfect homage to Bollywood's gangster movies of the 70s and 80s. The play was performed far and wide in the country and turned out to be the perfect flight for this fledgling theatre collective. Such was the impact of the play that it was soon shortlisted for The Hindu Playwright Award 2013.

Gender bender

2015 saw another production A Brief History of Your Hair from the artiste. What began as a 15-minute piece at Gender Bender with the help of a trigger grant from the India Foundation for the Arts and the New Voices Arts Project soon translated into a beautiful storybook with six chapters that uses music, dance, theatre, and projected poetry to explore hair that's a marker of social and cultural anxieties surrounding gender, sexuality, caste, and religion.

[caption id="attachment_12062" align="aligncenter" width="764"] Deepika Arwind in White Rabbit Red Rabbit[/caption]

Being someone who doesn't feel bound by geography, Arwind's plays soon found themselves on international platforms. Her children's play One Dream Too Many was invited to the International Playwright's Intensive at The Kennedy Centre, Washington DC, and the University of Maryland.

Her next production, No Rest In The Kingdom, a solo piece that has Arwind playing four characters is a dark comedy about how women deal with misogyny and patriarchy. A play that came into existence out of the need to have a conversation about daily misogynies, No Rest in Kingdom confronts inherent prejudices. Packed with humor and vignettes of sexism, the play takes it to form as a collection of shared and personal experiences. "It's a feminist voice coming into its mean. I wanted to connect with the audience through humor and didn't want it to be preachy," adds the 35-year-old.

The show took her to Uganda in Africa. "It generated quite an interest among the international theatre circle and soon my work was traveling across the globe," reveals Arwind. After making the right noise in the US and Africa with her work, Arwind took off to Berlin in 2018 with her new play I am Not Here, a dark and funny production designed as an 8-step guide in how to censor women's writing. Such was the reception that it was shortlisted for the Stuckemarkt, Theatretreffen.

[caption id="attachment_12013" align="aligncenter" width="601"]
Deepika Arwind at Ballhause Naunynstrasse (an independent theatre in Berlin) for Permanente Beunruhigung (Photo courtesy: Wagner Caravalho)[/caption]

Art form awaiting its due

Things were running smoothly until the pandemic put the world on standstill, and contemporary art was majorly affected. "Contemporary art doesn't get it due. Especially the pandemic hit the artistes badly. For many, it's the only means of livelihood and with no shows, it did hit them hard. Interestingly, people turned to art, be it films or music, or online shows during the pandemic. I think it's time to give back to the artistes," she adds.

But Arwind is hopeful that things will get back on track soon as she has already started prepping up for her plays that are set to enthrall the audience in Germany, Switzerland, and the UK next year. The contemporary artiste, who calls herself a theatre-maker, loves telling stories that start a dialogue but says that she has an identity beyond the realm of theatre.

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

"Theatre is not who I am. I have an identity beyond theatre. I would say we are like railways tracks, always coming together and then moving away," she signs off.

Follow Deepika Arwind on Instagram and Linkedin

Reading Time: 7 min

Shachi Gurumayum: The Switzerland based recipient of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman is changing lives in Manipur

(December 7, 2022) “When I was leaving India, I knew I would do something for Manipur one day. I just didn’t know what and when.” Dr Shachi Gurumayum’s determination only grew over the years and in 2017, he started the MaolKeki Foundation. Named after his grandparents, the foundation works to uplift people in Manipur through social initiatives in agriculture, education and healthcare. In 2021, his efforts earned him the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. [caption id="attachment_32502" align="aligncenter" width="573"] Shachi Gurumayum during a field visit in Manipur[/caption] Born and raised in Manipur, Shachi is the founder and director of Switzerland-based AgriMayum, which stands for ‘House of Agriculture’. He also advises the World Benchmarking Alliance (Amsterdam), LadyAgri (Brussels) and is part of the Board of Sahel Consulting (Lagos). Giving back "I believe that if you are blessed, you share your blessings," Shachi tells Global Indian connecting from Switzerland. Growing up in Manipur, the son of an engineer father and a teacher mother, Shachi has happy recollections of his childhood. The community where he grew up comprised of smallholder farmers who lived a remote, very rural life. “There was no electricity, no infrastructure and a lot of civil society issues,” he says. It's now that the urbanisation is creeping in,

ata-contrast="auto">which stands for ‘House of Agriculture’. He also advises the World Benchmarking Alliance (Amsterdam), LadyAgri (Brussels) and is part of the Board of Sahel Consulting (Lagos).

Giving back

"I believe that if you are blessed, you share your blessings," Shachi tells Global Indian connecting from Switzerland.

Growing up in Manipur, the son of an engineer father and a teacher mother, Shachi has happy recollections of his childhood. The community where he grew up comprised of smallholder farmers who lived a remote, very rural life. “There was no electricity, no infrastructure and a lot of civil society issues,” he says. It's now that the urbanisation is creeping in, it was all marshland then.

If you are able to come out of such a rural environment and achieve something in life, you have to give back. It’s not just money, it’s also about sharing the knowledge and skills you have acquired over the years.

[caption id="attachment_32504" align="aligncenter" width="739"] Indian Philanthropist | Shachi Gurumayum | Global Indian Dr Shachi receiving Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the Indian Embassy in Bern, Switzerland. He was felicitated by Ambassador Monika Kapil Mohta[/caption]

Manipur, which stands for the ‘land of gems’ has a special significance in the entrepreneur’s heart. It’s where his parents spent all their life. When Shachi started MaolKeki Foundation, he made his parents its trustees.

Finding his feet

“I remember my father scolding me in class seven or so because I came back home ranking towards the end of 30 students in the class almost flunking in math,” he smiles. “My father said, ‘an engineer’s son cannot flunk in math.

The carefree Manipur lad grew into an extraordinary student when he moved to boarding school in Karnataka, where he finished high school. That transformation would remain with him through his life. “I won the medal for being the school topper,” he says. From there, he went on to study Chemistry at St Stephen’s College, Delhi. After that, he earned his Master’s and a PhD from the University of Bristol in the UK.

A series of scholarships carried him through his educational career, from his bachelor’s degree in Delhi to his MSc in Surface and Colloid Science and later PhD in the same subject in the UK. “It’s very expensive to study in the UK otherwise and was certainly out of my reach if it had not been for the full scholarship,” he remarks.

MaolKeki Foundation

[caption id="attachment_32506" align="aligncenter" width="938"] Indian Philanthropist | Shachi Gurumayum | Global Indian The Maolkeki Foundation team[/caption]

Through last-mile agricultural training, health projects and nurturing agri-entrepreneurs, the foundation’s aim is to catalyse the development of people. The organisation achieves its purpose by designing and implementing socially impactful initiatives in agriculture, education and healthcare through strategic partnerships, grants and direct investments.

My belief is that no one party can solve society’s challenges; however, if we come together and create an ecosystem to share our knowledge, skills, resources and energy, much can be achieved collectively.

A district by Loktak Lake was one of the MaolKeki team’s first locations. “It is the only freshwater lake in the region, with the world’s only floating national park. That’s something to admire,” Shachi says. From there, his team, whom he gives immense credit, scaled up their reach to other parts of the state.

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

"The learning point during all this has been that the impact of an individual effort can never match that of an institutionalised initiative,” Shachi explains. Today, the Foundation works in synergy with Syngenta Foundation India, Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation, Anaha Trust, Sattva, NABARD and the Swiss TPH Support Group.

Life in the UK

England was eventful for Shachi. “I was very actively promoting STEM education.” He was promoting chemistry through the Young Persons’ Network of the UK Chemical Industries Association and was even invited to Buckingham Palace for his contribution to British science.

Recalling his meeting with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, Shachi tells he was in awe of the Queen’s charismatic presence and says, of Prince Phillip, “He was a curious man and showed genuine interest in knowing what I was doing.”

In the same event, Shachi met the CEO of BP, the multinational oil and gas company headquartered in London. That association led him to multiple interviews at BP and the opportunity to enrol himself into a fully-sponsored MBA programme at HEC Paris.

Indian Philanthropist | Shachi Gurumayum | Global Indian

Shachi quotes Steve Jobs as he looks back at his life: “You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So, you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”

Working in labs and doing research work was not the route that Shachi wanted to take forever so the MBA fulfilled his desire to venture into the commercial side of enterprises.

Choosing Agriculture

With a PhD in Surface and Colloid Science and an MBA, Shachi had options to work in diverse industries.

I could have worked in industries like personal care, and oil and gas but versus those I chose to work in the agricultural sector because I thought I would be able to take the lessons I learn to Manipur.

After working with companies like Lubrizol Corporation, Chemical Industries Association and BP, he joined Syngenta, the leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. He spent nearly a decade there, working his way up the hierarchy to multiple leadership roles in the Africa Middle East division. “I felt that there were lots of commonalities between smallholder farming in Africa and in India, especially Manipur,” he remarks.

[caption id="attachment_32514" align="aligncenter" width="563"] Indian Philanthropist | Shachi Gurumayum | Global Indian For Shachi, it was a moment to learn what farmers experience in carrying a 'sam' around![/caption]

In the process of spearheading the Good Growth Plan in Africa Middle East (AME), Shachi and the AME team trained over 300,000 farmers, mostly smallholders, in over 25 countries to increase their productivity. The experiences were setting the stage for the developmental changes that were about to happen back home in Manipur.

The new course in life

In 2017, Shachi left corporate life behind to establish AgriMayum GmbH  – his own business venture. Around the same time, he set up MaolKeki Foundation to fulfil the goal he had set at the time of leaving India decades ago. “If we don’t help ourselves, nobody will come and help,” he says. To address the gaps in his state, he has been lucky to find a helping hand from acquaintances there.

The affable Samaritan has also found support from his rich network of friends that he nurtured over the years. For instance, the network of Stephanians played a good role in helping him out with the complete know-how of setting up a foundation in India. “That made life easier."

One has to appreciate the advantage of going to a good college because of the good exposure and life-long access it provides.

Shachi Gurumayum's foundation offers annual MaolKeki Memorial Scholarship to a deserving Manipuri student at St. Stephen's College.

[caption id="attachment_32515" align="aligncenter" width="877"] Indian Philanthropist | Shachi Gurumayum | Global Indian Shachi Gurumayum with his family during the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman ceremony at the Indian Embassy in Bern, Switzerland[/caption]

 Shachi and his team at MaolKeki Foundation focus on data and technology driven initiatives to support farmers. Because of their modern approach to address challenges, they have been able to impress a host of leading organisations for strategic partnerships and co-funding opportunities. Even Syngenta, the organisation where he worked before embracing entrepreneurship, has been a major supporter right from the beginning through Syngenta Foundation India.

Learning is fun

Enhancing his knowledge by enrolling in different courses is a vital part of Shachi’s life’s journey. The lifelong learner is currently enrolled at the Swiss TPH for an International Healthcare Management MBA programme. “It’s my second MBA,” he says, about the programme that emphasises practical, pragmatic lessons on the ground. “For each module that we have, we also have to do some practical work and submit reports, and I've focused all of them on activities in Manipur,” tells the Global Indian.

To combine agriculture and health at the very last mile in Manipur, Shachi and his MaolKeki team are facilitating the healthcare of farmers. Their health is assessed as they come to learn about new agricultural practices. Farmers are encouraged to get their routine health check-up done as a preventive measure.

Indian Philanthropist | Shachi Gurumayum | Global Indian

All these are novel experiences for them. Recalling one of the instances, Shachi says, “What was fun for the farmers was that some hadn't even weighed themselves in 10-20 years. Even standing on the scale was such a big attraction, apart from other basic primary care check-ups. The Foundation hired nursing staff for this purpose and has also worked on a tie-up with local healthcare centres to ensure farmers’ good health.

The philantropreneur is based in Europe for a majority of his time but spends a substantial amount of time each year in Manipur – the place closest to his heart and where his mother still lives – often accompanied by his family.

Follow Dr Shachi Gurumayum on LinkedIn
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Reading Time: 7 mins

From heritage to fine dining: Hotelier Roop Partap Choudhary’s inspiring entrepreneurial saga

(September 13, 2023) When his parents began their journey of conceptualising and building the Noormahal Palace, they spent a considerable time on the project. Naturally, this helped expose Roop Partap Choudhary to the many discussions and the extensive work that went on for years. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Noormahal Palace Hotel (India), Choudhary is the founder of Colonel Saab in London and an award-winning hotelier. [caption id="attachment_44857" align="aligncenter" width="603"] Hotelier Roop Partap Choudhary[/caption] "I have inherited the love for our royal heritage, hospitality, and creativity from my parents. This process of building Noormahal Palace gave me a chance to give the right outlet to my natural aptitude. I went through formal education in the field and then earned the opportunity to work with some reputed organisations to understand the functionality of an organisation. My ultimate goal was to make myself capable enough to take on the role of an entrepreneur," shares the hotelier as he connects with Global Indian. Building a magnum opus After completing his schooling in Shimla, he moved to the United States for his undergraduate degree, and later relocated to Singapore for his master's degree. For someone who travelled extensively across the country,

trong>Building a magnum opus

After completing his schooling in Shimla, he moved to the United States for his undergraduate degree, and later relocated to Singapore for his master's degree. For someone who travelled extensively across the country, courtesy his father’s service in the Indian Army, Choudhary was exposed to India’s glorious heritage at a young age.

“My parents have been my inspiration, on one side was the army background of my father, and on the other my mother’s passion for art and their dedication towards family. What left a lasting impression on me was also their passion for hospitality and their respect for our rich royal heritage. I am a hotelier both by profession and passion. Before embracing the family legacy of heritage hospitality, I started my career by doing internships at Galaxy Hotel and ITC Maurya, then graduated to join Kingdom of Dreams in Corporate Sales. This was the invaluable time I spent in learning about the luxury hospitality industry. But my biggest learning experience has been Noormahal Palace as I have been associated with it from a very young age,” says the hotelier.

[caption id="attachment_44860" align="aligncenter" width="689"] Hotelier | Roop Partap Choudhary | Global Indian (L-R) Roop Partap Choudhary, Col. Manbeer Choudhary and Binny Choudhary[/caption]

During the time that his parents were building the Noormahal Palace, Choudhary was captivated by the entire concept. "I was fascinated with the idea, the thoughts, the details, the architecture, the décor, and everything else that went with it," says the hotelier. The major years of his career were spent in Noormahal Palace, which he calls his unofficial first-hand experience in the hospitality industry when he got a sneak peek into what really goes into building a palatial hospitality brand. “I joined Noormahal Palace officially in 2014 and soon took over the leadership role. It was a huge responsibility but I had the right support to help me pass through the initial phase,” he adds.

Leading by example

Noormahal Palace has evolved dramatically through the years, especially during his tenure, seamlessly adopting good new practices, improving sustainability, and upgrading technology as a natural progression. In recent years, the brand has changed its image. It has also changed the way it connects with guests and audiences, the focus on digital marketing and dialogue have been key in the marketing strategy. Through this time the brand has also built a strong team which is helping it to grow every day. Noormahal Palace has grown and added many new venues in the existing campus for MICE, weddings, and wedding functions of all sizes.

[caption id="attachment_44861" align="aligncenter" width="654"] Hotelier | Roop Partap Choudhary | Global Indian Noormahal Palace, Karnal[/caption]

The Noormahal brand took a leap by making its first presence on the global canvas with the Indian fine dining restaurant ‘Colonel Saab', right in the heart of London. A feat that's nothing short of an achievement as it worked well despite the pandemic.

London Calling

He conceived the idea of Colonel Saab in early 2019 and started planning as the year progressed. “As we were working on the project, the COVID pandemic hit us hard and we had to stop the physical work for a good amount of duration. Colonel Saab is an ode to my journey with my father who has had a decorated service as an officer of the Indian Army and my mother who supported him throughout. It is not only an expression of my journey with my parents but also my passion for showcasing the depths of Indian cuisine to the global food-lover community. The hospitality industry trends of London rather than the global trends are very different from India. Here Indian food is our food, but there it is seen from an outsider’s point of view. I am delighted that in a very short span of time, we have been able to get it right and Colonel Saab has made a significant mark in the global food lovers’ community,” says Choudhary.

[caption id="attachment_44862" align="aligncenter" width="662"] Hotelier | Roop Partap Choudhary | Global Indian Colonel Saab, London[/caption]

As a second-generation entrepreneur, who comes after people who have created brilliance, the task of filling in such big shoes is always one of the biggest challenges. “Being an entrepreneur means never giving up, always trying to find solutions, and always being on top of any situation. There have been difficult situations some of which are common to all hospitality businesses or all businesses and some as huge as the COVID pandemic which are unprecedented. But one can overcome all these situations with persistence and the right team to support,” he says.

Being an entrepreneur means learning every day. Work is the biggest teacher and the most valuable lesson it teaches is that it’s never the end, there is always a way ahead. “Someone who wants to embark on the entrepreneurial journey should be open to learning from anyone, no matter their seniority,” he adds.

Looking Ahead

The hospitality industry is very demanding and that makes it very difficult to maintain work-life balance. “Still, I try my best to maintain a healthy work-life balance. In my personal time, I like to read books, especially autobiographies of inspirational people. I also invest time into exploring and enriching my art collection, some of the artworks and antiques that I have acquired are displayed at Noormahal Palace and Colonel Saab. I also like to spend time with my family when we all can take off time from work,” says Choudhary.

[caption id="attachment_44863" align="aligncenter" width="526"] Hotelier | Roop Partap Choudhary | Global Indian Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai at Colonel Saab, UK[/caption]

With Noormahal Palace and Colonel Saab already making their mark, the next step is to expand the brand, both in India and across the globe. His family and he are now looking at making more investments towards the expansion of the brand.

Follow Roop Partap Choudhary on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
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Follow Colonel Saab on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and their website

Reading Time: 6 mins

Meet Aayushi Karnik, the Indian guitarist who riffed her way into The Juilliard School

A 28-year old self-taught Jazz-Blues Guitarist/Singer-Songwriter, Aayushi Karnik started playing guitar at the age of 12. She studied jazz guitar at New York’s feted The Julliard School. She found her calling after in the Blues while during a break from Architecture Studies. Now a seasoned member of New York’s thriving jazz circuit, Aayushi has performed alongside Indian guitar greats such as Rudy Wallang and Sanjay Divecha and has worked with musicians like Geoffrey Keezer, Christian McBride and Ron Blake and released albums like The Summer Children, and blues/rock record Troublemaker. (June 15, 2023) As a kid, Aayushi had her headphones on all the time, escaping into a musical world of her own. To her, relaxation meant playing music, writing songs and learning things about music through internet. Aayushi would do this as a hobby but while studying architecture, she gravitated even more strongly towards music. "It was during my one-year break that I became inclined towards music and started to practice guitar more aggressively as compared to when I was in Architecture school," she tells Global Indian, adding, "I was supposed to go for my undergraduate studies and I almost went in that direction after having topped the entrance exam

ion after having topped the entrance exam for the universities but something pulled me against doing that."

Growing up in Surat, Gujarat, in a family of architects, Aayushi intended to follow in her father’s footsteps, and music was not remotely part of the plan. "I wanted to be an architect just like my father and be a really good one for that matter. My schooling was at a Convent in Surat all the way through 10th grade and then I went to an Architecture prep school as I was very clear what I wanted to do, at least then,” she says.

The musical expedition

Things started to change after she applied for a guitar competition in Nagaland. "That led to me making friends in music outside of my hometown." She began to see herself as a musician, spending hours practicing music. Her only goal was to write music and get better each day, she says. “I had created a space of escape, even when I was in high school. Forming my first band was a big moment.”

Intrigued by her own capabilities, Aayushi Karnik attempted to make the sounds that come out of her iPod and kept chasing it. "Song writing was something that I did for fun. Just like sketching, gardening, foraging, riding my scooter and other stuff that gave me pleasure. Again that low pressure space where people aren’t fighting for affirmation was something that shaped the beginnings of my musical education."

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A post shared by Aayushi Karnik (@karnikaayushi)

Making it to Juilliard

"After studying at home for a while and being guided by a fellow musician, Floyd Fernandes, I decided to apply to colleges in the US which I thought would challenge me.” On this list was on The Julliard School, one of the top schools in the world for music, and an ambitious choice for an untrained musician.

She got a call back from Juilliard and even as she went through her final audition round, Aayushi Karnik still didn’t allow herself to get her hopes up, as being able to read and write music was one of the main requirements for admission. "I didn't grow up with an infrastructure of a well-organised music program throughout my entire schooling. But from what I've heard, it was the director of Juilliard Jazz, Wynton Marsalis, who insisted that I be admitted. I was able to pursue my education because of a full scholarship."

Knowing the craft of different genres and styles, she began her journey as a singer-songwriter. “First a singer-songwriter, then a blues musician and then a few years before I went to Juilliard, I was studying jazz with Floyd Fernandes. Currently, I am working on an album with my Folk Band, Summer Children and also writing for my Indie/Rock group. I also write in the context of Modern Jazz but that project is more of a work in progress for me at the moment,” Aayushi says.

Trying to be heard

Aayushi Karnik now calls New York City her home, and is now a well-known face in the city’s thriving jazz circuit. “New York City has been very inclusive and welcomes folks from all over when it comes to the arts,” the musician remarks.

Even so, while writing music and playing sessions for other musicians have helped her build a reputation, being heard on a larger scale has been a challenge. Aayushi admits that she didn’t have the option of choosing the ‘conventional’ route with playing music in the Jazz scene in New York.

[caption id="attachment_40031" align="aligncenter" width="477"] Aayushi Karnik, the Indian blues guitarist taking NYC by storm.[/caption]

"Even if I did, I would have bored myself eventually. The friction I am experiencing is just the price one has to pay when they are trying to experiment with things that are not usually done,” says Aayushi. “ I manage to be fine with it as I am lucky enough to find great musicians that are invested in my projects,” she adds.

Experiences onstage

At the top of Aayushi’s list of most memorable musical moments is playing with Christian McBride's band in the summer of 2022. Another is playing with Geoffrey Keezer's band during his album release at Dizzy’s Club in New York City.” Performing with her folk quartet, she says, is a treat always. Aayushi is dedicating her time to writing music with her folk band, and hopes to take the ensemble on tour within the next year.

As she ponders her future, the maverick musician calls herself “tri-polar,” with regard to the music she likes to play. “If I keep my folk band, an Indie Rock/Blues trio and a Modern Jazz Band going, I’d say I am doing my job efficiently,” she says.

"It doesn’t matter where you’re from as long as you sound good,” says Aayushi, adding, “I can speak for the East Coast as I have been here for the last five years. It doesn't matter where you are from as long as you sound good,” she says, adding, "Folks do try to be inclusive but my philosophy has been that music is for listening and not seeing so at the end of the day I have had the luxury to live up to my philosophy and I am grateful for that."