Global IndianstoryFrom a medical rep to CEO, the meteoric rise of Ani Prajith who made East Africa his home

From a medical rep to CEO, the meteoric rise of Ani Prajith who made East Africa his home

Written by: Vikram Sharma

(May 25, 2022) Life for a medical representative is full of challenges, especially when it comes to sales, which is the most difficult part in the pharma industry. It often ends up with the medical representatives getting entangled, keeping them busy at the same level for years. But Ani Prajith is an exception.

Scripting a success story like no other, this happy-go-lucky medical representative relentlessly worked his way up into becoming the CEO of a pharma giant, a rare occurrence in the pharmaceutical line. While most people prefer the USA, UK, Australia or Gulf when it comes to jobs, Prajith had no second thoughts when he picked up the offer of moving to Tanzania and then to Uganda, which eventually led to his meteoric rise.

“Like India, people in Africa are warm and welcoming. Wrapping this up with the rich cultural history and heritage of more than 50 tribes, both Niotic and Bantu, who warmly welcome visitors, it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Uganda has been my home for the last nine years,” smiles Ani Prajith, the CEO of Phillips Pharmaceuticals, in an exclusive chat with Global Indian. Prior to Uganda, he spent four years in Tanzania and Kenya.

Ani Prajith, the CEO of Phillips Pharmaceuticals

A great start, courtesy interest in medicine

Born in Kerala, Prajith is the son of Ramachandran Pillai, a veteran in Hindustan Aeronautical Limited, who served the country as a pilot instructor. Owing to his father’s transfer, Prajith spent a major part of his childhood in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The family returned down south after Ramachandran Pillai was once again transferred to the Airforce flying school, located in Tambaram on the suburbs of Chennai, where Prajith received most of his education.

“Healthcare and medicine was a field which often interested me and therefore I chose to get into the pharma field instead of doing MBBS,” informs Prajith, who did his schooling at St Joseph’s Senior Secondary School and later went to Madras Christian College.

As a young pass out from college in 1997, Prajith’s first job was at Tata Donley Yellow Pages as a sales executive. But being a science graduate, his passion led him to join Smithkline Beecham (now GlaxoSmithkline) as a medical representative. “I worked in different capacities and developed a learning curve to become one of the youngest business managers in GSK,” informs a beaming Prajith, who worked for almost four between 2003 and 2006. His brother Sunil Prajith is in the Indian Airforce.

His work took him across the length and breadth of India. He worked in Tamil Nadu, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata and north east India. “I love travelling and meeting new people. Adapting to different cultures and value systems comes naturally to me,” informs the CEO.

Ani Prajith with his parents

With a vast domestic experience of almost 12 years in various therapeutic segments, from critical care and anti-infective, respiratory to derma and nutraceuticals — Prajith was one of the most sought after professionals in the pharma line. “I was always a team player. Communication skills enabled me to develop strong bonds with the clients,” says Prajith, whose risk-taking abilities, analytical skills and never-let-go attitude paved the way for his success.

He believes it is never late for learning and acquiring knowledge. Alongside work, he completed his MBA in marketing from National Institute of Management, Mumbai and also received a Doctorate in management studies.

Africa calling

Come 2009, Prajith was offered the job of country manager for Wockhardt Limited in Tanzania, the East African country known for its vast wilderness areas. “I had no reservations about working in Africa. But it wasn’t easy to make the switch, and especially with family,” says Prajith, who had joined Wockhardt Nutrition in India in 2007.

Upon his arrival, language was his first barrier. The Keralite wasted no time and quickly picked up the basic Swahili vocabulary, which made his life much easier on the foreign soil. A few experiences with the local cabbies in his initial days taught him that Swahili time is expressed very differently from the standard time in other parts of the world (instead of midnight and noon, Swahili time is based on sunset and sunrise). “I adjusted accordingly,” informs the CEO.

Ani Prajith with his family in Uganda

In no time, he brought a major turnaround in the organisation’s performance and was promoted to the ranks of regional head for East Africa, covering Tanzania, Nairobi and Uganda. “Daily challenges came with new learnings, be it managing the regulatory changes, which is the backbone of international trade or ensuring a seamless supply chain, warehousing and most importantly, adapting and identifying local needs,” explains Prajith, whose ambition and drive, sales ability, scientific grasp and organisation skills was taken note of by other pharma companies.

The big shift

In 2013, he got a call from Phillips Pharmaceuticals, the pharma giant in East, Central and West Africa. He made a big shift in his career by joining the company as its general manager in Uganda. “The journey was intense but I never lost the will,” smiles Prajith who went on to become director – sales and marketing.

In 2021, the pharma industry was taken by storm when Phillips Pharmaceuticals announced Prajith as its CEO and head of sales and marketing. “A lot happened in my career in the last nine years as I climbed the ladder of success. My journey from a medical rep to the CEO of one of the top pharmaceutical companies was fulfilling and extraordinary,” he says. Phillips Pharma, he says, is a company which is highly skilled in marketing management and sales operations.

He feels that the pharmaceutical business in African countries is different from matured and large markets like India, China and other western countries. “As a CEO, the multifunctional and diverse role in a foreign land is an everyday challenge. To understand the myriad forces at play, set a broad vision and take the final call on most difficult decisions is never easy,” says the CEO who leads a team of 160 people.

Ani Prajith with Jane Ruth Aceng, the Health Minister of Uganda at the launch of launch of a new regional blood bank.

So how did the CEO deal with the Covid outbreak? “We recognised our limitations, strengths and relooked at our partnerships and collaborations. Identifying and resolving the supply chain was the next task. We did not take much time in ensuring new products reached people real quick by fostering stronger manufacturing alliances,” explains Prajith, who believes in embracing innovations in information-sharing to improve supply chain alignment.

He informs that the company has invested in a larger network of partners. “Long-term contingency plans and strategic coordination is needed to maximise the resilience of manufacturing networks. Companies must have a broad community of partners to rely on,” says the CEO, who is leading his team to plan for the unexpected scenarios like the pandemic.

Breathtaking Uganda

Prajith is in awe of Uganda. “Despite the small size of the country, the diversity of landscape, topography and wildlife is mind boggling. All our clients are pleasantly surprised when they visit Uganda. They say they never knew it was so beautiful,” smiles Prajith, whose wife Leena Ani, is a qualified postgraduate teacher. The couple has two children.

When the CEO is not working, he likes to indulge in a game of badminton and some soothing music. “Work related travel takes a lot of my time,” informs Prajith, who visits India twice a year.

Follow Ani Prajith on Twitter and Linkedin

Name*

Email*

Name*

Email*

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Published on 25, May 2022

Share with

ALSO READ

Rajesh Talwar: From Delhi’s Hindu College to UN diplomat and prolific author

(August 9, 2023) Living in the company of students from all over the country at the Hindu College hostel in the University of Delhi in the mid-70s — taught Rajesh Talwar more about India than any book could have. They would be up all night having endless debates over Karl Marx, William Shakespeare, Tagore, and Chanakya. So recently, when the institution asked Rajesh to contribute an article for a coffee table book in view of its centenary celebrations this year — Rajesh couldn’t have been happier. “I would not have been the person I am today had it not been for my time in the Hindu college. Back then, there was an air of freedom and acceptance for different kinds of thinking among the student community,” smiles renowned writer and lawyer Rajesh Talwar, speaking to Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_43464" align="aligncenter" width="612"] Writer and lawyer Rajesh Talwar.[/caption] Rajesh worked for the United Nations (UN) across three continents in numerous countries and continues to be associated with the organization as its Legal Affairs Officer. He served as the Deputy Legal Adviser to the UN Mission in Afghanistan, as the Legal Adviser to the Police Commissioner in East Timor, and was the Executive Officer

and continues to be associated with the organization as its Legal Affairs Officer. He served as the Deputy Legal Adviser to the UN Mission in Afghanistan, as the Legal Adviser to the Police Commissioner in East Timor, and was the Executive Officer heading the Human Rights Advisory Panel that was part of UNMIK (United Nations Mission) in Kosovo.

However, that’s just one part of his introduction. Rajesh has written 37 books which include novels, children’s books, plays, self-help books and non-fiction books covering issues in social justice, culture, law, and many more.

At UN

“It was fascinating work, says Rajesh of his nine-year stint at the UN, which commenced in 2014. His tasks included checking contracts, sitting on procurement committees, and advising the organization on code of conduct issues. “There was also a political dimension to my role. I would be directly advising the Special Representative to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan on various issues concerning political negotiations,” says Rajesh. There was an interface with the human rights officers as well.

“A great deal of our work with the United Nations is of a confidential nature and I would not be able to speak about it as it may risk endangering precious lives in a country that continues to remain unstable,” he says. However, he does have a memoir in progress. “They will come out book sometime next year,” says the UN staffer.

After having spent many years working in Afghanistan as part of the UN mission, he thinks of the country as a missed opportunity for the international community. “Therefore, the book’s working title is ‘In the Time of the Taliban: The Lost Decades.’

The UN, especially the peacekeeping side of it, is still a great institution and a wonderful environment to work in, says Rajesh, who visited several cities in the US on a USIS fellowship connected with human rights work relating to AIDS, which was rampant at the time.

In Kosovo

Kosovo was Rajesh’s first UN mission. “What startled me was that a multinational force comprised of different nationalities was governing a predominantly white people because the Kosovar Albanians may be Muslim but look completely European,” he says.

It was also significant that there were many Indians employed with the multinational policing force, CIVPOL. “They did a fantastic job. For this reason, the ordinary Kosovar looks up to Indians. Kosovo showed me first-hand what Indians can accomplish in terms of teamwork once they put their mind to it,” says Rajesh, pointing at the fact that there are many Indians who are CEO’s of major multinational corporations there.

Afghanistan

Rajesh says his stint in Afghanistan came at a time when it was a culturally rich period. I have written no less than three books on that country, all fiction,” he says. The books include, ‘An Afghan Winter,’ ‘The Sentimental Terrorist,’ and most recently ‘How I Became a Taliban Assassin.’ His fourth book, however, is a work of non-fiction.

While authorities in some countries wished to confer awards and honors on him, Rajesh says he politely declined. “In the UN, we prefer to decline honors and awards since they could potentially adversely impact on our integrity as unbiased, impartial international civil servants,” he says.

Delhi boy

Born in Delhi in December 1958, Rajesh studied at various schools across the country. His father was in the army and would get transferred regularly. His elder brother Lt General Sanjiv Talwar retired as Engineer-in-Chief, and his younger brother Major General Sumit Talwar is in service, posted in Nagaland.

Rajesh studied at various schools including St Edmunds, Shillong, and St Columba’s School in New Delhi, and then went to La Martiniere College, Lucknow. “I was not a particularly brilliant student at school. I was neither a topper nor a backbencher, I was more middle of the class really,” says Rajesh. He did, however, perform exceptionally well in essay writing.

He then headed to the University of Nottingham for studying his Master's on a British Chevening scholarship. Until then, he had been practicing as a lawyer at the courts in Delhi. While practicing law, Rajesh also taught LL B students at Jamia Millia Islamia and Delhi University. “My decision to leave the country for higher studies came as a surprise to some of my lawyer colleagues. I was however keen to go,” he recalls, and ended up writing a novel, ‘Inglistan’ which compared and contrasted Indian culture with that of Britain.

Rajesh says he wasn’t sure at all what kind of options studying at Nottingham would throw up in the future. “So I didn’t really have a career aim beyond telling a friend that I wished to work on social issues in an international multinational organization,” says the lawyer-writer, who, within three years of doing his Master, joined the United Nations.

Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge

There are many Indians who have studied at Harvard, Oxford, or Cambridge. Rajesh is among the rare few who studied at all three institutions. At the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, he studied Negotiation. His primary interest was in negotiating peaceful settlements between warring communities.

At Oxford, Rajesh studied Forced Migration together with several colleagues from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). “The course was extremely useful as in some countries that I worked in, there were problems with refugees as well as internally displaced persons,” says Rajesh. At Cambridge, he did a course on ‘Law and Leadership’ at the Judge Business School.

Each institution was special in its own way, feels Rajesh who is already working on his forthcoming book “Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge: The Past, Present, and Future of Excellence in Education.’

He went on to obtain a postgraduate diploma in journalism from the London School of Journalism over a period of nine months when he took a break from his work with the United Nations. He even did a course in film making and audio-visual communication at the London Film Academy where he worked with colleagues on short films.

Books

He started off the year 2022 with a self-help motivational book ‘The Mantra and Meaning of Success’ which recounts many of his life experiences, including with the UN. Next came ‘The Boy Who Wrote a Constitution’, on the childhood experiences of BR Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. “The book elicited an extraordinarily positive response, especially from young readers. It even featured in many general knowledge competitions,” says Rajesh. The publisher is now planning a Hindi translation of the book.

Just a month ago, Rajesh released a collection of short stories and a short play titled ‘Trading Flesh in Tokyo: Nine Short Stories and a Play.’ “What makes this collection special is that the stories are set in diverse locations such as the UK, Japan, Thailand, Nepal, and India,” Rajesh explains, adding that all the stories have an Indian connection and “speak to the universality of the human experience.”

The success of his children’s play on Ambedkar convinced Rajesh that there was a need for more such books. It paved the way for ‘The Boy who became a Mahatma’ which was released on Republic Day this year,” says Rajesh, who was nominated by the Pragati Vichar Literary Festival for best children’s author for 2022 for his children’s play on Dr Ambedkar. As part of the same series, he plans to write a play on the childhood years and life of Subhash Chandra Bose, which is likely to release in January 2024.

‘Courting Injustice’

Rajesh was stationed in East Timor, one of the newest countries on the planet, at the time the horrific Nirbhaya case happened in 2012. “I was very disturbed and couldn’t sleep for a few nights. I was determined to write a book on the case from a legal and sociological perspective,” says Rajesh in his book ‘Courting Injustice’.

The book focused on why such crimes took place and what could be done to mitigate such crimes. “Alas, many of the recommendations I made in the book have still not been implemented and brutal crimes against women continue to take place,” says Rajesh, a sought-after speaker at various Literary Festivals.

On Indians

Rajesh believes that Indians are among the most intelligent and creative people in the world. “But our system fails them. It needs reform at many levels, especially in the field of education and rule of law. Once done, India’s rise will be unstoppable,” he feels.

A passion for music

Rajesh admits he will not be content if he doesn’t spend at least an hour listening to music every day. “I listen to different kinds of music, both Western and Indian, right from the time I wake up,” he says. An avid traveler, the writer’s next book is a travelogue. “It will focus on my travels through seven Asian countries,” informs Rajesh.

Some of Rajesh’s works include ‘How to Kill a Billionaire’, Inside Gayland, The Bride Who Would Not Burn, Conquest at Noon, The Killings in November, Kaash Kashmir, Aurangzeb: The Darkness in His Heart, Gandhi, Ambedkar and the Four-Legged Scorpion, High Fidelity Transmission and A Nuclear Matricide. His books for children include The Three Greens, The Bearded Prince, The Sleepless Beauty, Fabulous Four Battle Zoozoo, and The Wizard among others.

Follow Rajesh Talwar on LinkedIn and on his website.

Gopichand Thotakura: Meet India’s first space tourist

(September 13, 2024) The 'majestic blue ball' is how Gopichand Thotakura described Earth as he saw it for the very first time from space. The 30-year-old scripted history by becoming the first Indian space tourist as he took off in Blue Origin's New Shephard from a private ranch in West Texas a few months ago. He was the only Indian among the six-member crew that left for Earth's gravity. "Every Indian needs to go to space to see what it looks like," he said in an interview, adding, "I cannot describe it, it has to be seen, it has to be lived in the moment, and then it will change you forever." Gopichand is behind the creation of Preserve Life, a wellness centre worth millions, which is taking shape on the outskirts of Atlanta, USA. It was last year that he became a part of Blue Origin's NS-25 mission, becoming the second Indian chosen for a space mission after astronaut Rakesh Sharma. Recalling his 11-minute space flight experience, he said, "The experience is indescribable, an exhilarating journey of weightlessness and awe-inspiring views. And I didn't realise it until I got the first glimpse of the curvature of the majestic blue

of the majestic blue ball, and then I realised that we are missing on something, it is to realise how fortunate we are to be living, standing, playing, sleeping here on this planet."

[caption id="attachment_55829" align="aligncenter" width="706"] Gopichand Thotakura | Global Indian Gopichand Thotakura returns to Earth[/caption]

Love for aviation

The Vijayawada-born relocated to the US to pursue business opportunities after Covid-19 hit people worldwide. "My roots remain firmly Indian, with my family, schooling, and early career all in India," he told a daily. Growing up, he pursued schooling in various Indian cities, owing to his dad's business travels. This exposed him to varied cultures and he found his love and passion in aviation. However, it was while flying in KLM Royal Dutch Airlines that he first visited a cockpit, which gave him the idea of becoming a pilot. To translate his dream into reality, he ended up enrolling in aeronautical science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, USA.

Pursuing his passion, he became both a medical and commercial pilot, flying a range of aircraft, including vintage World War II planes. It was in the US that he undertook training, and after five years, he returned to India and moved into medical evacuation. Back in 2010, he always aspired to go to space. "This meant either going via NASA or being a U.S. citizen and these were barriers for me. Blue Origin opened up opportunities," he said.

Gopichand Thotakura | Global Indian

Visiting space as a tourist

So, when the opportunity for travelling to space as a tourist showed itself, Gopichand grabbed it with both hands. "I was hell bent on getting aboard a manned mission. It is a desire to carry Indian blood (ethnicity) to space." But it did require the crew members to undergo training - physical as well as mental. "Can you handle the shock? The awe? The potential for freezing under pressure? These are just some of the considerations."

However, Gopichand believes that more than the resources, it's determination that people need so that they can work on their dreams. But he equally emphasised how governments, investors, and private venture capitalists can play a big role in sending more people to space. He is of the opinion that India has made its mark in space exploration by successfully landing Chandrayaan-3 on the moon's South Pole at a fraction of the cost compared to agencies like NASA. "We don't need foreign agencies. We have agencies in India that can buy foreign agencies that are investing. By bridging the gap between innovative minds and entrepreneurs, India can surpass expectations," he said.

The entrepreneur and pilot, who returned from his maiden flight, can't emphasise enough the importance of space tourism. "Experiencing space firsthand is essential to truly understand its importance. You need to go up there to see what it looks like. And unless you do it, no movie or no globe on your desk will ever be able to convey its importance to you."

[caption id="attachment_55831" align="aligncenter" width="639"] Gopichand Thotakura | Global Indian The six-member crew of NS-25 mission[/caption]

Space tourism

Space tourism is rapidly emerging as a new frontier in human exploration, offering ordinary people the opportunity to experience the wonders of space firsthand. With companies like Blue Origin, SpaceX, and Virgin Galactic spearheading commercial space travel, the once-unimaginable dream of venturing beyond Earth is becoming a reality, and Gopichand is proof of it.

The development of reusable rockets and advanced technology has significantly reduced the cost of space travel, making it more accessible to those outside of government space programs. This burgeoning industry not only fuels curiosity and innovation but also has the potential to inspire future generations to explore the unknown and push the boundaries of human achievement. As more private companies invest in space tourism, the dream of making space a regular travel destination draws nearer, expanding the horizon for human experience and understanding.

His dad always pushed him to dream big, and he wants more people to chase after their dreams. "I want to show that you have to have a dream and it is not really important if you are a scientist, engineer or a pilot to be able to go to space," the Global Indian said.

Gopichand Thotakura | Global Indian

Gopichand Thotakura is a trailblazer in this new era of space tourism, becoming the first Indian space tourist and inspiring others to follow suit. From his roots in aviation to his ventures into wellness and space travel, his journey embodies the power of ambition and perseverance. His spaceflight experience, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, reflects his desire to bridge the gap between dreams and reality.

Follow Gopichand Thotakura on Instagram

Sahar Mansoor: Leading India’s zero-waste revolution through social entrepreneurship

(September 18, 2024) When Sahar Mansoor began her zero-waste journey in 2015, she was keen to avoid single use plastic like the plague. This meant shopping from only package free grocery stores or replacing cold medication with hot ginger tea or trying everything to get rid of the plastic wrist band at concerts. It worked wonders as the waste individually generated by her in the next two-and-a-half years could easily fit into a 500ml glass jar. She isn't that stringent anymore but Sahar still lives a low-impact lifestyle which gave birth to her brand - Bare Necessities - in 2016, "whose crux lies in creating every day necessary products that are entirely zero waste." Having diverted 155,816 kg of waste from making into landfills, her innovative work gained recognition, with Bare Necessities being named one of the Top 5 Handcrafted in India Brands by Harper's Bazaar in 2017 and one of Vogue India's Top 10 Forces of Nature. [caption id="attachment_56144" align="aligncenter" width="527"] Sahar Mansoor, founder of Bare Necessities[/caption] "I wanted to create a company that mirrored the values of zero waste, ethical consumption and sustainability. I wanted to make it easy and accessible for other people looking to consume more

/09/Sahar-Book-cover.jpg" alt="Sahar Mansoor | Global Indian" width="527" height="703" /> Sahar Mansoor, founder of Bare Necessities[/caption]

"I wanted to create a company that mirrored the values of zero waste, ethical consumption and sustainability. I wanted to make it easy and accessible for other people looking to consume more mindfully and to encourage others to produce less waste. Thus, Bare Necessities was born," the social entrepreneur tells Global Indian. But becoming an entrepreneur was never on her mind, instead she wanted to create impact.

Dyslexia - Hard Childhood

Growing up with dyslexia, school was a challenging experience for Sahar. Her reading speed was "as slow as a tortoise," making it difficult to keep up. "I remember just about finishing reading the comprehension passage as a seven-year-old, when the teacher would say 'Time is up, pencils down!'" Despite the struggles, Sahar Mansoor found a huge supporter and cheerleader in her mother who was committed to helping her daughter succeed. "She would read chapters of my school books and record them on cassette tapes and when I would come back from school I would practise reading along with my mama's recorded voice," recalls Sahar, who is equally grateful to her sister Saba for accompanying her to the local library and helping her with reading. Back by the love and encouragement of a loving family, she overcame her challenges. "Once you train your mind to believe, everything else falls into place."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaoclow5BEc

Defying odds

But the world wasn't too kind to her, owing to her learning disabilities. "The first message I got from the world was that I wouldn't be an academic success in the traditional sense of the word." But she proved them wrong by getting accepted to Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles with a partial scholarship. Her tryst with Environmental Planning at the university initiated this romance with sustainability leading her to the University of Cambridge for her master's in Environmental Policy. Calling it the most intellectually-stimulating year of her life, Sahar recalls it as an eclectic mix of research symposiums, late-nights study sessions and a vibrant social scene filled with "May Balls, lively nights at the bar watching the football world cup and the joy of returning to the warmth of Wolfson after rainy bike rides from classes."

Tryst with sustainability

At Cambridge, Sahar Mansoor developed a deep understanding of the health and environmental challenges posed by waste. This newfound knowledge opened doors for her at the World Health Organization, where she worked as a mobile health researcher. "It taught me that waste was an environmental issue. However, moving back home made me acknowledge that waste is a social justice issue as well," says Sahar, who returned to Bengaluru in 2015 to work with SELCO Foundation - a solar energy social enterprise.

During her time there, she worked closely with a community of waste pickers in West Bengal, spending hours shadowing them and witnessing their daily struggles. She was struck by the social justice issues tied to the waste problem. "Every day, thousands of waste pickers segregate broken glass, sanitary napkins and needles with their bare hands. I wanted to stop being part of the problem. My solution was to live a lifestyle that best reflects the values I cared about. I called myself an environmentalist and had studied the subjects, but I needed to live a life more congruent to my environmental and social justice values."

[caption id="attachment_56145" align="aligncenter" width="591"] Bare Necessities | Global Indian Bare Necessities products[/caption]

Growing up in Bengaluru, her love for nature blossomed during weekends spent at Cubbon Park with her dad and two sisters, where they would "climb trees and mostly falling off them." Family vacations meant road trips filled with swimming at the beach, jumping into waterfalls and savouring sunrises and sunsets. However, it was in 2012, during her third year of college, that Sahar's environmental consciousness deepened. In Professor Chris Chapple’s World Religions and Ecology class, she watched a video of Bea Johnson, an environmental activist known for her zero-waste lifestyle. "I was blown away by her lifestyle." This was a turning point in her environmental journey, igniting a passion to learn more. After taking up environmental planning as her second major, Sahar dove deeper into understanding the trash problem. "We don’t think of personal trash and attribute it to a larger global problem, we have no control over."

Zero-waste living

Inspired by Bea Johnson, Sahar Mansoor began her zero-waste journey in 2015, using blogs as her guide. "My grandmother became my ready reckoner. How did my grandma wash her hair before shampoo was sold in plastic bottles?' she explains, noting that many Indian traditions are rooted in ecological practices, now rebranded as 'zero-waste practices.' She describes the transition as gradual, from learning how to make her own soap to recognising that much of what we use is destined for landfills. Determined to make a change, Sahar shifted gears and ventured into entrepreneurship, founding Bare Necessities — a company dedicated to creating zero-waste everyday products. "In my zero-waste journey, I realised we lived in a world with landfill destined products. 4.7 billion toothbrushes land up in landfills every year, and take 200-700 years to start decomposing. So every toothbrush you and I have ever produced is sitting on our planet somewhere."

Sahar Mansoor | Global Indian

Calling it one of a kind, Sahar reveals that no other beauty company or home care company operates on zero-waste principles. "We take a cradle-to-cradle approach to every product, tackling the waste crisis by offering a holistic solution through everything we create and the services we provide." What began as a single-woman army with her solely manufacturing, packaging, distributing and marketing the products has now transformed into a brand which over 50+ stores across 10 states and a 20-member team. "You are not born with a fixed amount of resilience. Like a muscle, you can build it up, draw on it when you need it. In that process you will figure out who you really are—and you just might become the very best version of yourself.

Powerful impact

Over the past eight years, Bare Necessities has diverted 155,816 kg of waste from landfills and is on track to prevent 500 kg of plastic waste by 2025. "By creating zero waste alternatives to conventionally toxin formulated and plastic-free packaged personal care products, we are addressing the largest global garbage of our lifetime." Staying true to its sustainability ethos, the brand offers circular economy initiatives such as the Return Your Jars and Tins Program and Refill Program, encouraging customers to return used jars in exchange for gift cards or to bring their own containers for refills. "We sold a total of 241,805 products, which has saved 68,824,898 single use plastic units from either entering the landfills or into the environment, whether that is into land or waterways," she proudly shares.

Bare Necessities

The entrepreneur takes pride in leading a women-driven social enterprise, an idea rooted in her upbringing within an all-female household. After losing her father in a road accident at a young age, she watched her mother step into the role of the family's breadwinner. At the time, Sahar recalls, "The only jobs available to women were manual labour. My first thoughts were, 'What job would my mum get? Would she have to clean houses too?'" This experience planted the seeds for her desire to create meaningful and fulfilling career opportunities for local women.

It was while volunteering in Jamaica, Congo, and Guatemala that Sahar truly understood the power of women coming together. "These experiences inspired me to build a strong, women-led manufacturing team, largely composed of underserved women," she explains. This commitment to uplifting women has been a cornerstone of her enterprise, which champions not only sustainability but also social empowerment.

Though sustainability is often linked to high price tags, Sahar Mansoor believes that Gen Z is becoming more mindful and asking manufacturers the right questions. "'What’s in my products? The emerging conscious millennial population wants to align itself to certain causes by virtue of its consumption choices," she explains. Sahar adds that these consumers are increasingly choosing to support the local economy and are recognizing the value of long-term benefits over short-term gains. "They are making more thoughtful decisions, understanding the impact of their choices on the environment and society."

Accountability and future road

Over the years, Sahar has come to realise that the lack of awareness about the importance of waste segregation at home and responsible disposal has negatively impacted informal waste pickers, leaving them vulnerable to health issues. "Integrating them into a formal system with proper training and support is crucial," she emphasises. While Sahar sees zero-waste products as a key solution to the waste crisis, she is equally committed to raising awareness about sustainability and zero-waste living. Through talks and workshops, she actively advocates for more responsible waste management practices.

Bare Necessities | Global Indian

In the near future, Sahar envisions Bare Necessities as an interdisciplinary hub—a space where product designers can create with a cradle-to-cradle philosophy, and policy analysts collaborate with local governments to recommend waste management strategies and reduction policies. "A place for behaviour economics, ecologists, researchers and consumers alike to build the ecosystem towards a circular economy," she says, aiming to drive a holistic approach toward sustainable living and waste reduction.

Sahar has become a force to reckon with in the last few years, driven by the belief that people connect not only with her brand but also with her personal journey. "I think it’s important for me to candidly share my lessons, learnings, findings and failures along the way so that others don’t make the same mistakes that I did or still do!"

Follow Sahar Mansoor on LinkedIn and Bare Necessities on Instagram

Eye of the tiger: Dr Latika Nath is India’s first female wildlife biologist

(September 28, 2024 ) Dressed in the elegant chiffon sarees that were fashionable among upper crust Indians of her time, equally at ease at high society events and in the depths of the forests of Madhya Pradesh, Latika Nath was an unusual personality, both in social circles and among her conservationist peers. Known as the 'Tiger Princess', Latika Nath is India's first female wildlife biologist, and the first to acquire a Ph.D. dedicated to tiger preservation. Her recognition spans from securing support from the Save the Tiger Fund for developing camera traps to receiving scholarships from prestigious entities such as the Overseas Research Student Awards Scheme and the Chevening Scholarship, reflecting her academic excellence and dedication to environmental causes. Her efforts in conservation and environmental protection were acknowledged with the Karmaveer Puraskaar and an accolade from ATOI in 2007 for her impact on ecotourism in India. Nath's expertise and dedication have been spotlighted in documentaries by BBC Wildlife, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic, which gave her the moniker 'Tiger Princess'. Tryst with the Royal Bengal Tiger When she was one year old, Latika received a golden retriever puppy and a Siamese cat. Born into an Indian royal family, Latika grew up

ika Nath | Wildlife conservationist | India" width="458" height="344" />

Tryst with the Royal Bengal Tiger

When she was one year old, Latika received a golden retriever puppy and a Siamese cat. Born into an Indian royal family, Latika grew up amongst wildlife - her father, a doctor at AIIMS and the health advisor to Indira Gandhi until the time of her passing, also set up India's animal conservationist movement in the 1970s. An avid wildlifer, he also enjoyed hunting big game and would sometimes take his daughter along.

"Ever since she was a little child she had been very fond of animals," Latika's mother said in Tiger Princess, a documentary by the National Geographic. The family lived on a farm in Kashmir, where they had lots of animals. "She loved being outside most of the time. She was also very set in her mind about what she wanted to do, she didn't give us any second choices about her line of interest," she smiles. Latika's greatest love, however, was for the Royal Bengal Tiger. "It's the sheer majesty of the animal," she says, in the documentary. "It's the thrill of seeing something so beautiful, so untamed, left in the wild as it is mean to be."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Latika Nath (@latikanath)

The atypical environmentalist

After obtaining her undergraduate degree in environment science from Maitreyi College in New Delhi, Latika received a scholarship for the School of Forestry at the University of Wales. Latika had hoped to do a PhD on the snow leopard, which can be found in her homeland, Kashmir, but this was 1989, the year of the militancy and exodus. "We were one of the first few families to be targeted by the terrorists, and they killed eight people of our staff. They came in, gunned them down, and burned our houses." The family was forced to flee to New Delhi, and Latika left her home and her dreams behind.

In Delhi, Latika met H.S. Panwar, the director of the Wildlife Institute of India, who suggested she do a doctorate on tigers. It was a tough call, and although Latika knew the road ahead would be filled with hardships, she took it on. At the age of 24, with a scholarship from the Wildlife Institute, Latika left home for the first time.

"I just decided what I wanted to do and I did it," she says, "I borrowed a four-wheel drive from a friend in Delhi and went. I had never driven one before." Surprisingly, her parents let her go, giving her a maid and a driver. 'The family thought it was ridiculous," her mother admitted. They drove through the treacherous ravines of Chambal, the 'badlands' ruled by dacoits. At one point, Latika recalled, the driver put up his window, worrying that a bear would put its paw through and get him.

Dr Lathika Nath | Wildlife conservationist | India

The harrowing journey brought her to Bandhavgarh National Park, where she was greeted by a family friend, Nanda Shumshere Rana. The Ranas, who had ruled Nepal for over a century, were also famous for their love of hunting and the outdoors. Nanda Rana, however, had pivoted, from hunting tigers to conserving them. Latika was so relieved to see a familiar face that she burst into tears.

Up against the glass ceiling

Rana and Latika spent their days together in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Rana was taking care of the Bandhavgarh National Park, while Latika did work on her PhD. Her job was to identify the tiger population and map their territory and followed, in particular, a tiger named Sita. She would go fearlessly out into the night, driving on terrible roads, staying out from 8 pm at night to 4 am in the morning. Like a princess, she did this too with a team of servants, and set up 22 camera traps.

However, being a female conservationist was not going to be easy. More so for someone like Latika, who enjoyed her life as a royal to the fullest. "There have been so many people trying to stop me, for so many different reasons," she remarked. "People who are threatened by my ability, my social contacts, my personality, by the fact that I could ask questions." Influential conservationists challenged her research, accusing her of falsifying data, and it resulted in Latika's scholarship, as well as her permission to work in the park, being withdrawn.

Changing the game

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Latika Nath (@latikanath)

However, Latika was determined not to let her dreams die. She applied to Oxford University, hoping to do a PhD at Christchurch. Her parents supported her, giving her access to her trust fund. She had all the money in the world, and no admission. Then, fate intervened. She met a tourist, Judith Pallow, who happened to be the sole tutor for graduates at Christchurch.

With a PhD from Oxford, there wasn't much her critics could say. Latika returned to India and has been a conservationist for decades. Her work spans research, education, advocacy, and hands-on conservation projects. Her primary focus has been on tiger conservation, where she has delved into studying their behaviour, habitat requirements, and the threats they face due to human activities. Her doctoral research, recognized for its pioneering nature, laid the groundwork for further studies and conservation strategies aimed at preserving tigers in their natural habitats.

The Global Indian's approach involves photography and writing as tools to spread awareness and in 2018, released her coffee table book Hidden India, a collection of photograph taken over years of exploring the country's remote wilderness. Her engagement in exhibitions like "Omo – where time stood still" and "An Eye on the Tiger" at the Royal Albert Hall underscores her influential role in promoting wildlife and conservation awareness.

Follow Dr Latika Nath on Instagram

Chef Garima Arora on second Michelin star win: It belongs to my team

(January 5, 2023) When a 60-year-old traditional Thai house is transformed into a unique dining destination, one expects to find magic served on every plate at the restaurant. And Chef Garima Arora doesn't disappoint. At Gaa - which has earned the reputation of being one of the best Indian restaurants in Bangkok - she creates a one-of-a-kind Indian dining experience that has helped it bag two Michelin stars, thus helping Chef Garima script history by becoming the only Indian woman chef to achieve the feat. The achievement comes in a few months after Garima embraced motherhood, and welcomed her child Aham. "I am absolutely thrilled and excited," she tells Global Indian. Yet, in the same breath, she tips her chef’s hat to her team, acknowledging their pivotal role in this culinary triumph. "This is a great validation to my team and the dedication that they have put in. This transition that I’ve been able to make from being a business owner and chef and to now also a mom, I wouldn’t be able to do it so seamlessly without my stellar team. I can't take all the credit. It all belongs to my team," she adds. [caption id="attachment_48013" align="aligncenter" width="658"]

t. It all belongs to my team," she adds.

[caption id="attachment_48013" align="aligncenter" width="658"] Chef Garima Arora | Global Indian Chef Garima Arora[/caption]

Gaa took Bangkok – and the culinary world - by storm with its stellar debut in 2017, so much so that within a year it earned its first Michelin star. Over the last five years, Garima has been dedicated to transforming how people view Indian cuisine, producing, as a result, an array of award-winning vegetarian dishes. "You can spend a lifetime in India and not finish the entire cuisine. This is why it’s unique to us and also why we have to explore more and take it to the world. We have so much history, technique, and recipes that will die down with generations to come," she says, adding, "Hopefully, we will save some of the cooking recipes and see our cuisine evolve from where it is today."

Ask her what's that one thing one can't miss on Gaa's menu, and pat comes the reply, "One of the dishes that I am most excited about is our Tandoori Durian main course. At Gaa, our main course has always been vegetarian and we are very proud of how Indian techniques are capable of drawing so much umami from vegetables in a way that you don’t miss meat."

[caption id="attachment_48011" align="aligncenter" width="509"] Gobi parantha served at Gaa[/caption]

Dad's the inspiration

Growing up in a Punjabi family deeply passionate about food, Chef Garima developed a love for the aromas, textures, and emotional connection within delectable cuisines from a young age. In the 90s, her kitchen saw some exotic dishes like hummus and rum baba being whipped up by her dad; the recipes of which he brought back from international travels. "My dad showed me the joy that comes from cooking."

While her love for food was simmering on a low flame, she pursued Mass Media from Jai Hind College, Mumbai, which led her start a career as a pharma journalist. But she soon realised that being a chef was her true calling, and left for Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Paris. "At 21, it opened my world of food and cooking. I tried many things for the very first time. For someone who wants to start a career as a Chef, this is the right place to be. Paris is very much like a playground - a Disneyland, with cuisines from all over the world," she smiles.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by garima arora (@arorgarima)

Learning from culinary legends

Her time at the culinary school laid the groundwork, and she soon found herself at Noma, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Copenhagen, learning alongside legendary Danish chef René Redzepi. Under his guidance, Chef Garima began to perceive cooking as a cerebral experience. "I learnt to think cerebrally about food and think about what I was putting on a plate rather than put ingredients together by chance. It made me realise that food was also an intellectual exercise rather than just a blue-collar job," she reveals.

After cooking up a storm at Noma, Garima was poised to launch her restaurant in India. But a sudden detour led her to Bangkok to work as sous chef alongside Chef Gaggan Anand at his Michelin-starred restaurant, Gaggan. Originally intended to be a temporary stopover, Garima ended up opening Gaa, a three-storeyed restaurant in Bangkok that pays homage to traditional Indian techniques through a modern tasting menu.

[caption id="attachment_48014" align="aligncenter" width="493"] Summer Curry served at Gaa[/caption]

Carving a niche

Gaa, which beautifully captures the vibrancy of Bangkok and the amalgamation of cultural influences, is an avant-garde restaurant that serves progressive Indian cuisine with local Thai ingredients and influences. Born out of her determination to rediscover and reform the narrative on Indian food, she was keen to show the world that Indian cuisine is beyond curries and naan. "Simply put, we explore vegetarian Indian cuisine with Thailand as a backdrop by weaving local Thai and East Asian ingredients to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience, which showcases the modern relevance of Indian cooking techniques," says Garima whose restaurant won its first Michelin star in 2018. She added another jewel when she was named Asia’s Best Female Chef for 2019 by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

[caption id="attachment_48012" align="aligncenter" width="744"] Gaa restaurant in Bangkok[/caption]

With each accomplishment, she is breaking through barriers in the culinary world as Chef Garima is on a mission to showcase Indian cuisine globally. She finds joy in the fact that Indian chefs are embracing their heritage and showcasing it on the plate. "We will see more Indian chefs championing their own food culture. In general, people are starting to look inward which is a very good thing. For the longest time we look to the West for inspiration but it's time we recognise and give value to all the incredible resources we have in our own country."

Despite two Michelin stars under her belt, Garima, who is now one of the most celebrated female chefs in Thailand, has no plans for expansion "as of now." However, she quips, "I have learnt to never say never!" She is keen to give an opportunity to young talented chefs who worked with her to start their kitchens.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by garima arora (@arorgarima)

The award-winning chef, who has her hands full with her restaurant and parenthood, is a firm believer in giving back, and this led her to start The Food Forward Initiative in 2019 to give a new perspective on Indian cuisine to the world. "With all the traction we get from the accolades, I wanted to do good with it. Rather than talking about myself, it’s better to use this platform that I now have to speak more about our culture and cuisine, which hopefully will benefit the next generation of chefs to come," she signs off.

Follow Garima Arora on Instagram