Global IndianstoryIndian-origin leaders making waves in 2024: Key appointments shaping major companies

Indian-origin leaders making waves in 2024: Key appointments shaping major companies

Compiled by: Amrita Priya

(August 31, 2024) Apple recently announced the promotion of Kevan Parekh, the company’s Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis, to Chief Financial Officer, with his new role starting on January 1, 2025. In light of this, Global Indian puts a spotlight on the major appointments of Indian-origin leaders throughout 2024. These leaders, who have recently stepped into significant roles this year, exemplify the growing global influence of Indian business professionals in shaping the future of leading corporations.

Pavan Davuluri

Microsoft’s Head of Windows and Surface

In March this year, Microsoft appointed Pavan Davuluri, a long-time company veteran, to lead its Windows operating system and Surface devices teams. This move followed the departure of Panos Panay, the former chief of Windows and Surface. Panay’s responsibilities were subsequently divided between Davuluri and Mikhail Parakhin. Microsoft stated that Davuluri’s appointment will support a comprehensive approach to developing silicon, systems, experiences, and devices that integrate Windows client and cloud technologies for the AI era.

Pavan Davuluri

An alumnus of IIT Madras, Davuluri began his Microsoft career as a Reliability Component Manager in 2001. Over his 23-year tenure, he has held numerous leadership roles, working with PC and Xbox hardware, Surface, and Windows. Since 2021, he has served as Corporate Vice President for Windows and Silicon & Systems Integration, focusing on optimizing Windows for Arm-based devices. He completed his postgraduate studies at the University of Maryland.

Uma Amuluru

Boeing’s Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Vice President

Uma Amuluru, former White House Counsel under President Obama, has taken on the role of Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Vice President at Boeing, effective April 1. The Indian American executive succeeds Michael D’Ambrose and now reports directly to Boeing President and CEO David Calhoun while serving on the company’s executive council. In her new capacity, Amuluru oversees key areas including talent planning, global talent acquisition, learning and development, compensation and benefits, employee and labour relations, and diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Uma Amuluru

Amuluru’s journey with Boeing began in 2017, where she previously held the roles of Vice President and General Counsel for Boeing Defense, Space & Security, as well as the company’s first Chief Compliance Officer. Prior to her tenure at Boeing, she held several senior positions within the federal government, including serving as Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. At the White House, she provided legal and strategic counsel to senior officials on matters involving compliance, oversight, and risk management. Amuluru holds a Doctor of Law degree from Northwestern University.

Sridhar Ramaswamy

Snowflake’s Chief Executive Officer

In March of this year, Snowflake, the U.S.-based company that powers the AI Data Cloud – a global network enabling thousands of organizations to mobilize data with near-unlimited scale, concurrency, and performance, appointed Sridhar Ramaswamy as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors. The Indian American executive previously served as the Senior Vice President of AI at Snowflake, succeeding Frank Slootman in the CEO role. Ramaswamy joined Snowflake in 2023 following the company’s acquisition of Neeva, an AI-powered search engine that he co-founded in 2019. Since then, he has been at the forefront of Snowflake’s AI strategy, leading initiatives such as the launch of Snowflake Cortex, a fully managed service designed to make AI simple and secure for all users, driving rapid business value.

Indian-origin leaders | Sridhar Ramaswamy | Global Indian

Born in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu, Ramaswamy earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from IIT Madras. He moved to the United States in 1989 to pursue his master’s degree and PhD in computer science at Brown University. He calls himself a technologist and humanist focused on harnessing the power of software for larger social good.

Smriti Kirubanandan

Accenture’s Managing Director of Healthcare and Healthtech

In February this year, healthcare business executive Smriti Kirubanandan joined Accenture as Managing Director of the firm’s healthcare and healtech practices. Accenture described the Indian American as a ‘contemporary Renaissance figure,’ recognizing her remarkable achievements as a growth and partnerships executive with a unique background in robotics and public health. Kirubanandan is also a raw vegan chef and nutritionist, actively involved in community service and leading initiatives to combat food insecurity.

Smriti Kirubanandan

In 2023, she was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and is a member of the Young Leaders Circle at the Milken Institute. She is the founder of the HLTH Forward Podcast, an award-winning media platform where healthcare leaders, policymakers, and artists discuss systemic challenges and explore collective solutions to advance healthcare. Smriti Kirubanandan holds a bachelors in robotics ad computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, and two master of science degrees from University of Southern California and UCLA, respectively. She has joined the advisory council of Harvard Business Review recently.

Vipin Gairola

Genpact’s Global Operating Officer

In February this year, the New York City-based multinational information technology services, consulting, and business process outsourcing company announced the appointment of Vipin Gairola as its Global Operating Officer. Gairola is spearheading the transformation of service delivery for Genpact’s clients by leveraging AI-led solutions. As Global Operating Officer, he oversees Genpact’s global client operations, analytics, data, and technology across all regions. He is a member of Genpact’s Leadership Council and leads the company’s Operations and Cost Council.

Vipin Gairola

Gairola joined Genpact from Accenture, where he spent over two decades in various senior leadership roles, most recently serving as Chief Strategy Officer for Accenture Operations. With 26 years of experience in customer service, account management, marketing, transition, and solution creation, Gairola has established himself as a leader with exceptional business acumen and innovative thinking. He is also passionate about promoting workplace gender diversity and building a future-ready workforce equipped with AI and automation skills, ensuring enriched jobs for humans. Gairola holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the Delhi College of Engineering, and an MBA in manufacturing management from SPJIMR College in Mumbai.

Vaishali Bhatia

ATI Inc’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel

In March this year, ATI Inc., a Dallas-based aerospace and defense company, appointed Vaishali Bhatia as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Compliance Officer. In this role, Bhatia will lead all aspects of the company’s legal function and work closely with business teams to provide risk-based legal guidance. She succeeds ATI’s Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Elliot Davis, who will retire effective October 1, 2024. Until then, Davis will serve as Special Advisor, Legal, and Compliance, to ensure a smooth transition.

Vaishali Bhatia

Bhatia comes to ATI from HF Sinclair Corporation, where she has been Executive Vice President since 2023 and served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since 2019. She earned her Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin. In 2022, she was recognized as ‘DFW General Counsel of the Year for a Mid-Size Legal Department’ by The Texas Lawbook and the DFW Association of Corporate Counsel.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are other notable appointments of Indian-origin leaders throughout 2024 who are also making significant impacts in their respective fields.

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Published on 31, Aug 2024

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Frank Islam: The Indian American visionary is bridging worlds through philanthropy, leadership and influence

(March 2, 2024) A few years ago, prominent Indian American investor Frank Islam, donated $2 million to his alma mater, Aligarh Muslim University. An ace philanthropist, Islam and his wife Debbie established the Frank Islam and Debbie Driesman Charitable Foundation in 2007 and have transformed millions of lives with their initiatives. Frank is the chairman, CEO, and founder of FI Investment Group LLC (FIIG). He has served on numerous boards and advisory councils supporting the arts, higher education, and civic engagement, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Strathmore Center for the Arts, UN Foundation's Global Leadership Council, Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government, the U.S. Institute of Peace, American University; Johns Hopkins University, George Mason University; and the University of Maryland Smith School of Business among others. Frank is also the founding chairman of Potomac Charities. In 2022, he was appointed as a member of the Commission on Presidential Scholars by President Joe Biden. A series of striking images featuring Frank Islam alongside prominent world figures such as Biden, Barack and Michelle Obama, Narendra Modi, and Bill and Hillary Clinton open the documentary narrating Frank’s multifaceted life. The journey of the investor who is also a

en.

A series of striking images featuring Frank Islam alongside prominent world figures such as Biden, Barack and Michelle Obama, Narendra Modi, and Bill and Hillary Clinton open the documentary narrating Frank’s multifaceted life. The journey of the investor who is also a philanthropist, civic and thought leader, author, TV host, political activist, and art connoisseur, immediately captivates viewers' attention.

His powerful words, serving as the background voiceover in the documentary, draw the audience further into his compelling story:

My story can only happen in America, not anywhere else. I was not born with a silver spoon. I grew up in a middle-class family. I always had the desire, joy, and discipline to take risks and become an entrepreneur. I always believe that if you work hard, if you try to aim high you will be successful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmNwExatdnI&t=244s

From Azamgarh to America

Frank's journey began in a quaint village in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. Born in 1953 as Fakhrul Islam, he hailed from a religious family of modest means. After completing his high school education in Varanasi, he went on to study at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), an alma mater that he holds in high esteem and fondly refers to as ‘a great influence in his life, his story, and his journey.

During his time at AMU, Frank developed a deep appreciation for education, viewing it as a transformative force that not only provided knowledge and skills but also instilled dignity and hope. His love for education motivated him to go to the United States, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science from the University of Colorado in Boulder. There, he also got his name Frank from one of his professors.

From the dusty streets of Azamgarh to Aligarh to America, I crossed the ocean to realize and to achieve and to attain the American dream.

Islam had remarked later in an interview

[caption id="attachment_49591" align="aligncenter" width="663"] Indian Philanthropist | Frank Islam | Global Indian Frank Islam with the US President Joe Biden[/caption]

Taking life in his stride

Despite initial challenges of assimilating into American society, Frank remained grateful for the opportunities the country provided, and excelled with his hard work.

After graduating from university, Frank entered the workforce, gaining experience in various IT companies, while nurturing his ambition to become an entrepreneur. In late 1994, he founded the QSS Group, mortgaging his house to invest in his business. The transition from employee to entrepreneur was daunting at first, but he stayed positive and took the difficulties in his stride.

Under his leadership, QSS Group grew from a one-person operation into a company with more than 3,000 employees’ generating revenues of approximately $300M before its sale.

I started my business in 1994 and those were dark and desperate days of my life. I was only with $500 that I invested into this company, with no insurance, and no place to go. But I believed there was a future. Otherwise, I would’ve never started. So, I was willing to take the risk. And I always believed in taking a risk.

The Indo American visionary said in an interview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwOa0U5ktmM

With decades of experience in IT, aerospace engineering services, and systems integration, Frank successfully made a mark for himself and received recognition in the form of the Ernst and Young Award, Maryland Entrepreneur of the Year award in 1999 and the U.S. Small Business Administration award in 2001.

He sold QSS Group, and established FI Investment Group LLC (FIIG) in 2007. FIIG specialises in offering growth capital to emerging companies and overseeing specialised and branded funds. Frank's investment approach revolves around pioneering strategies for value creation, often leading the way as an early investor in new economic models.

Creating a powerful network and legacy

Frank Islam has played a significant role in supporting the presidential campaigns of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden, dedicating time and raising millions in funds. As a member of Hillary Clinton’s finance committee, he personally contributed one million dollars to her campaign.

Politics has designed the landscape of America. This is how capitalism grows as democracy flourishes. And this is how you have a voice that should be heard, and therefore you have a seat on the table, which is very important.

Frank remarked in an interview

He has cultivated robust friendships with a network of leaders from not just politics but also business, education, and the arts.

[caption id="attachment_49593" align="aligncenter" width="627"] Indian Philanthropist | Frank Islam | Global Indian Frank Islam with Barack Obama[/caption]

Matters of the heart - Norton Manor

Frank Islam hosts several charitable events at his residence, 'Norton Manor' which the Global Indian has built with love as a tribute to his adopted country. Drawing inspiration from The Elms of Newport, Rhode Island and many other iconic sites, his mansion's façade boasts grandeur. Inside, the foyer features a domed ceiling reminiscent of the Capitol Rotunda or Statuary Hall, while the hand-painted murals depict Maryland landscapes. Norton Manor’s library has an exact replica of the iconic presidential desk at the Oval office, which has even garnered appreciation from both Biden and Obama who have been for fundraisers at the house.

Situated on a sprawling 10-acre estate in Potomac, one of the richest suburbs of Washington, 'Norton Manor' has several man-made water streams, fountains, and gardens inspired by historical landmarks such as Hampton Court Palace in England and the Rose Garden at the White House. Additionally, the property includes a reflecting pool in the front. Talking about the pool Frank Islam had remarked, "I got the idea from the Presidential Palace in India. The Taj Mahal also has a beautiful reflecting pool. It is indeed very nice in the evening; you can see the reflection of the house in the pool.”

[caption id="attachment_49596" align="aligncenter" width="756"] Indian Philanthropist | Frank Islam | Global Indian Frank Islam's mansion, Norton Manor[/caption]

Love for words – writing, speaking, and broadcasting

Frank is both a prolific writer and influential thinker. He is also the author of books: Working the Pivot Points: To Make America Work Again (2013) and Renewing the American Dream: A Citizen’s Guide for Restoring Our Competitive Advantage (2010). He has been actively sharing his knowledge and expertise through blogs at The Medium, and has contributed to The Huffington Post for a decade. He has also been associated as columnist for publications like Foreign Policy, The International Business Times, and Economic Times, among others. Additionally, the man with a gift of gab has hosted TV shows like the Washington Current Review on FOX 5 News and Washington Calling on South Asia Monitor (SAM).

In 2018, he founded the Frank Islam Institute for 21st Century Citizenship to tackle the growing deficit in civic engagement both in the United States and globally. Redefining citizenship in light of contemporary challenges and opportunities, the institute operates a website and releases a monthly newsletter.

Frank also has a YouTube channel where he hosts talks with leaders of different fields and also shares his speeches given at various business, education, and non-profit events.

[caption id="attachment_49597" align="aligncenter" width="755"] Indian Philanthropist | Frank Islam | Global Indian Frank Islam at the inauguration ceremony of the Frank & Debbie Islam Management Complex[/caption]

Giving Back

Deeply committed to serving his homeland, with the belief that education is the key to eradicating poverty in India, particularly among Muslim minorities, Frank has established a school in Azamgarh in memory of his mother.

Through the Frank Islam & Debbie Driesman Charitable Foundation, he supports the education of numerous students from Azamgarh at AMU and facilitates job opportunities for AMU students in the United States. His financial contributions to AMU have led to the establishment of the Frank & Debbie Islam Management Complex at the university.

It is my fondest hope, and my deepest desire, to help those who are so voiceless. The conditions that they live in – especially in Azamgarh and Aligarh – break my heart. I want them to have hope, aspirations and dreams.

Frank shared in an interview

For his dedication to philanthropy in education and student support, Frank Islam received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Aligarh Muslim University in 2016, joining esteemed recipients like A.R. Rahman (2009), Dilip Kumar (2002), and the late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (2008).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvqK2LRBxDY

Significant accomplishments and associations

A conference room at the United States Institute of Peace is named after Frank Islam and his wife, Debbie Driesman
In September, 2013, the then U.S. President Barack Obama had appointed him to the board of trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
He has received several awards in his illustrious career - The Indus Entrepreneurs (Tie) Legends Award, Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award for International Service, Montgomery County Business Hall of Fame Award, Interfaith Leadership Award, Global Leadership Award, Philanthropist of the Year Award, and the UP Ratna Award (by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, UP, India)
Frank Islam serves on the boards of non-profit organizations like TiE-DC and Strathmore Center for the Arts in Maryland, chairs the StateDemocracy Foundation, and supports the Center for American Progress, a progressive public policy research and advocacy organization in the U.S.

Follow Frank Islam on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and his Website

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Shanti Sethi: Trailblazing US navy vet now defense advisor in VP Kamala Harris’ office

(June 5, 2022) 'Trailblazer'. The term follows US Navy veteran Shanti Sethi, as a quick Google search will tell you. The first-Indian American commander of a major US Navy Combat ship, Shanti was appointed to the office of another pioneer - US Vice President Kamala Harris, in February 2022. Speaking to Global Indian on an early morning call from her home in Washington DC, where she lives with her daughter, Shanti describes her journey to the topmost ranks of the US armed forces, her experience as the commander of a warship and how she made it to the White House, as well as the stereotypes she broke along the way. A life on the high seas In March 2011, there was much excitement across the country when the USS Decatur, a guided missile destroyer from the United States navy, docked in Chennai. That collective excitement only multiplied when they learned that the ship's commander was not merely Indian-origin, she was an Indian woman making history. It was a moment of many firsts for the courageous navy vet, who recalls the years spent at sea as some of the most beautiful in her life. "There's nothing better than a sunrise at

navy vet, who recalls the years spent at sea as some of the most beautiful in her life.

"There's nothing better than a sunrise at sea, when there's nobody else around," Shanti smiles. "I never thought being in the Navy would be a career. Every time I reached a turning point, I would stop and think about what I love and I realised that what I loved was being in the Navy. She has come a long way since, working in different departments of the Navy, going from a life at sea to working as an Operations Director for the Navy and travelling the world for work.

[caption id="attachment_25337" align="aligncenter" width="480"] US navy | Shanti Sethi | Global Indian US Navy veteran Shanti Sethi[/caption]

The early days

Shanti's Indian roots come from her father - her grandparents, she said, hailed from Northern India (now Pakistan). Her father arrived in the US in the 1960s, having been raised in Delhi. When her parents split, Shanti and her brother stayed with her Canadian-origin mother in the United States. She stayed in touch with her Indian-ness through her father’s relatives and recalls travelling to Delhi to visit family as a child.

Shanti joined the Navy in 1993, "It was an accident, actually," she remarks. "My intention was to join the army, not the Navy per se." It wasn't an unusual move for a graduate from Norwich University, which is known for its longstanding army traditions but perhaps so for a woman. She speaks with levity today but when has entering a male dominated world been easy for a woman? What's more, the Combat Exclusion Act was still in force and women were not allowed in combat zones. The partisan act was lifted not long after but when Shanti first enlisted, there was much she could not do. "I couldn't be part of the infantry," she says. However, there were loopholes in the Navy - women were allowed to operate ships and "do the things that the Navy was about" even if they couldn't enter combat. Here, she would have the chance to sail her own ship.

Finding authenticity as a woman in a man's world

"I have had to tough it out in a lot of ways and there were bad experiences. But the bad was always balanced by the good in my life. If there was a sexist incident, there were also people who were supportive." There were always little niggles - a dress code that catered only to men, for instance. "We were told to wear dress shirts with collars. Women's dress shirts don't have collars, our casual shirts do. We're happy to follow a code but it's confusing to us. And how do you explain this to the people in charge? Yes, these are little things but it's a little thing all the time, until you learn how to deal with it."

[caption id="attachment_25378" align="aligncenter" width="556"] US navy | Shanti Sethi | Global Indian Photo courtesy: Shanti Sethi[/caption]

Her petite, Asian build didn't always serve her either. "People assumed I didn't have the know-how for a highly technical environment," She recalls. "That was quite funny - the Indian diaspora is full of tech guys. I studied international relations and, in my family, I'm an outlier. I have one aunt who is an engineer and another who is a mathematician." While this could have been caused by racism, it was often just ignorance, she says. "There was one person who tried to teach me hydraulics and I thought, 'well, I've known that since I was 12 but you know, thanks for sharing'."

Shanti attempted to counter this by being tough and aggressive. "But that's not who I am," she shakes her head. "I thought I had to have this persona but actually, I'm a little bit goofy and a free-range thinker. Sure, that doesn't fit a military image but you can't pretend either. My fellow officers could always pick up on insincerity. It was a hard lesson but fortunately, an early one."

Commanding the USS Decatur and the liaison to Congress

After serving a little over four years on ships as a junior officer and learning how to lead in small groups, Shanti came back ashore to Naval Academy, returning to sea in 2000. "I was happy. Being at sea is what I like. That's what kept me coming back." She returned to sea the following year, met her ship in Singapore and arrived in San Diego on September 11, 2001. “We could hear the news of the World Trade Centre on the radio," she says.

[caption id="attachment_25377" align="aligncenter" width="640"] US navy | Shanti Sethi | Global Indian Shanti as commander of the USS Decatur[/caption]

As she moved up the ranks, the time she spent at sea decreased in exchange for a management role. She had received her command in only 13 years, much earlier than the customary range of anywhere between 17 and 19 years. She was posted in Texas as a coastal minehunter and “had about 60 people working for me. She was then named the Service Navy Liaison, working with Congress.

Shanti spent two years as the navy's liaison before returning to sea in 2010, this time as the commanding officer of the USS Decatur, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer. "That was the ship I brought to Chennai in 2011," she states. "It was a really wonderful port visit. Many of my sailors hadn't been to India because we usually stop at our US Navy base in Singapore. I thought the port at Chennai was lovely." She describes the experience as one of her favourites, she has always wanted to return to visit India. "I was eight weeks old when I first came to India and I continued to visit family there till I was around 10."

The return to land

In July 2015, Shanti took over her new role with The Joint Staff, working as an executive assistant to the Director of Joint Operations. Two years later, she was named the Commanding Officer of Task Force 64. This Naval task force was responsible for defending NATO Europe against ballistic missile attacks from Iran, served as the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Advisor to the Commander of Striking Forces NATO and as Director and Tomahawk Strike Coordinator for the U.S. Sixth Fleet during its operations in Syria. In August 2019, as Chief of Staff, Shanti directed a 100-member team responsible for the operational analysis of navy programs and led the Integrated Naval Force Structure Analysis, 2020. In 2021, she became a senior military advisor to the Secretary of the Navy.

[caption id="attachment_25379" align="aligncenter" width="778"] US navy | Shanti Sethi | Global Indian Commander, Task Force (CTF) 64 welcomes Commodor Shanti Sethi (2019). A US Navy photo[/caption]

Going from being in command to being the one who makes photocopies is always hard," Shanti chuckles. "It's definitely a way to keep your ego in check, though! Always a reminder that you can go from being queen to putting a binder together." Prosaic though it was, her new roles allowed her to better understand the decision-making process, all the way to the highest levels of authority at the White House.

To the White House

Life rarely goes according to plan," Shanti says, for the second time in our conversation. "I had applied for another job, which I didn't get. Later, when they were looking for someone to fill the executive secretary role - it usually requires a military background, they had my CV already and ended up asking me to interview. That’s how I was appointed to the Vice President’s office." At the White House, she coordinates national security advisor documentation across the office of the Vice President.

Shanti is keen to reconnect with her roots - "I want to visit Delhi once more and my daughter is quite keen to learn Hindi as well." Her daughter, not visible in the camera frame, concurred enthusiastically, calling out, "Mum, I want to learn Indian.” Shanti now lives in Washington with her daughter and their two pets.

Follow Shanti Sethi on LinkedIn

Reading Time: 8 mins

Championing inclusion: Activist Manjusha Kulkarni’s inspiring journey against racism and hate crimes

(March 1, 2024) Racism and racial hate crimes have been major issues being faced by minorities around the world. Fortunately, there are individuals like US-based activist Manjusha Kulkarni, who are determined to use their experience, influence, and positions to help make the world a more inclusive place. The activist, who cofounded Stop AAPI Hate four years ago, has been awarded the prestigious James Irvine Foundation award for confronting hate and discrimination against AAPI (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders) communities with data, partnerships, and policy solutions. She was also acknowledged as Time’s “100 Most Influential” People in 2021 and won the Racial Equality Award in 2022. "It's incredibly humbling. There are so many people who have been involved in the effort. I want to acknowledge those people who are doing this work, day in and out, without much pay or prestige. This is now a movement. Even the monolingual grandparents came out to say we are not going to take this. There is a lot of work to be done to know and understand what is happening in our communities, and then bring about belonging for significant populations," expressed the activist, who currently serves as the Executive Director at the Asian

ige. This is now a movement. Even the monolingual grandparents came out to say we are not going to take this. There is a lot of work to be done to know and understand what is happening in our communities, and then bring about belonging for significant populations," expressed the activist, who currently serves as the Executive Director at the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council, a coalition of organisations working for the rights of the oppressed.

From humble beginnings

At the age of two, Manjusha and her parents, both physicians in Alabama, migrated from India. During her teenage years, she witnessed her mother successfully lead a class action lawsuit against the state, challenging discriminatory policies targeting non-European doctors. "My interest in public welfare and civil rights began in 1971, when my parents immigrated to the USA. Before the Immigration Act of 1965, non-Europeans were not allowed to immigrate to the U.S. The Act removed racial barriers to immigration and opened specific pathways; only professional visas were granted. My parents came here as physicians. My father joined a practice in Alabama, but my mother was denied a job when she applied at a local hospital," shared the activist.

Activist | Manjusha Kulkarni | Global Indian

She further added, "During an interview, a panel of white male physicians said to her, “Why do you foreigners come to the United States and take all of our jobs?” My parents hired an attorney, and it became a Class Action Lawsuit. I was in fifth or sixth grade, hearing words like class action lawsuit! Seeing the courage it took my parents to bring a lawsuit against my dad’s colleagues and seeing that the law could provide redress made me change my plan of following in my parent’s footsteps to become a doctor."

ALSO READ | Ambassador Geeta Rao Gupta’s journey is empowering millions

This pivotal experience, combined with instances of feeling marginalised as one of the few AAPI students in her school, sowed the seeds of Kulkarni's activism. It motivated her to pursue a law degree and a career dedicated to civil rights. “Seeing that the law was a vehicle for change and actually able to redress the wrongs that my parents experienced was really motivational for me,” the Global Indian shared during an interview.

Activist | Manjusha Kulkarni | Global Indian

Following completing a JD at the School of Law, where she pursued her undergraduate studies at Duke and gained valuable experience during a gap year at the Southern Poverty Law Center, Kulkarni has forged a career in antidiscrimination law and advocacy. The activist also served as an attorney for the National Health Law Program and later took on the role of executive director at the support services nonprofit South Asian Network (SAN). Her efforts at SAN led to her receiving a Champions of Change award from the Obama administration, recognising the organisation's impactful work in educating Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) about the Affordable Care Act.

Advocating for justice

In 2017, Manjush assumed the leadership of the AAPI Equity Alliance. The activist successfully transitioned the forty-year-old organization into a new era, transforming it from a behind-the-scenes entity to a pioneering force in healthcare access, interpersonal violence, and mental health initiatives. Talking about the organisation's measures to solve the hate crime, the activist said, "We’ve been focused for many years, if not decades, on ensuring a robust AAPI vote and representation. You can’t solve what you don’t measure, so with the census, we wanted to ensure a robust count — to know where our communities are, who they are — and with that data, to help ensure that they have a voice in our political system."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxBfyytg9nY&pp=ygUWbWFuanVzaGEga3Vsa2FybmkgYWFwaQ%3D%3D

An unfortunate incident that took place in LA, propelled Manjusha to establish Stop AAPI Hate in 2020 - together with Chinese for Affirmative Action co-executive director Cynthia Choi and San Francisco State University Asian American Studies Department professor Russell Jeung.

ALSO READ | Priti Krishtel: Indian-American lawyer is fighting against racism in healthcare

"In 2018, in LA, an Asian American middle school child was attacked in the schoolyard before there was a single confirmed case of Covid-19 in southern California. “You are a Covid carrier, go back to China,” he was told. He said, “I am not Chinese.” Not to distance himself, but to say I am not from there, I have nowhere to go back to. The other kid punched him in the face and head 20 times. We helped the family cope and held a press conference with local leaders. That press conference got quite a bit of coverage. My colleagues saw the same thing in the Bay Area. Within two weeks we noted several hundred incident reports from across the country. We collected data with the intention of releasing it to the public and lawmakers, and got close to 700 incident reports with minimal public outreach," said the activist.

Activist | Manjusha Kulkarni | Global Indian

As an attorney, Manjusha has always been determined to use her skills to stop racism. "I have a lot more to do in this space. I’m not necessarily in the business of changing hearts and minds; I want to change policies to change behaviour," the activist said, adding, "One thing that we make clear at Stop AAPI Hate is that it’s not just about interpersonal violence or hate, but the institutional and structural mechanisms that make racism possible."

Follow Manjusha Kulkarni on Twitter and LinkedIn

Reading Time: 5 mins

Defeating misogyny: Saxophone Subbalaxmi’s rise to stardom

(February 28, 2022) A diminutive pre-teen girl clutching an outsized saxophone - the image alone was enough to make Subbalaxmi an object of ridicule among her boisterous male peers. Her unwavering determination to learn the instrument only made things worse - how could a girl dare to do something meant only for boys? "Tell her to learn how to cook," they called out. "At least that will help her in the future." The 12-year-old Subbalaxmi, however, refused to back down. She sat through the class, with the blessing of her Guru, Kadri Gopalnath, who fully supported this attempt to break free of a stereotype. Her Guru passed away in 2019 and before she steps on stage, Saxophone Subbalaxmi always takes a minute to close her eyes and pay him tribute. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JHF-uYzIiw Unconditional support from her teacher and her father MR Sainath, went a long way but Saxophone Subbalaxmi's personal journey was far from easy, at least in the early days in Mangalore where she was born and brought up. Back home, disapproving neighbours would complain about her evening riyaaz. Whether or not she was fazed by the mockery, Subbalaxmi had no intention of giving up. She continued learning and

ving up. She continued learning and later went to Chennai for higher training.

Amongst numerous brilliant performances across the world, her memorable one has been at Singapore - a concert for the Tamil Association. She had been expecting Indians in the audience but to her surprise there were many Singaporeans. She immediately improvised fascinating them all. With over 3,000 performances, and awards like the prestigious Padmabharathi and Yuvakala Bharathi amongst others, Saxophone Subbalaxmi has also made it into the Limca Book of Records.

Making music count

Today, 'Saxophone Subbalaxmi' has made a name for herself in an industry where rules are sacrosanct, and she boasts a fan base across the world. And if she broke stereotypes as a child, she continues even today – her music has its own signature style, a blend of Indian and Western, played on an instrument that came to India from the West.

[caption id="attachment_20409" align="aligncenter" width="572"] Saxophone Subbalaxmi | Global Indian Saxophone Subbalaxmi[/caption]

She began training in Carnatic vocals at the age of five, having been born into a family of musicians. Her grandfather, MR Rajappa was an Asthana Vidwan in the royal court of Mysuru. Her uncles were percussionists and her father, an exponent of the Mridangam, was an A-grade staff artiste at All India Radio. Growing up, Subbalaxmi would accompany her father as he travelled for shows with Padma Shree Kadri Gopalnath, the noted saxophonist. That was a turning point. “I found divinity in his Gamakams,” Saxophone Subbalaxmi recalls, in an interview with Global Indian. “I fell in love with the instrument but I didn't realise then that it's a very difficult instrument to play, especially for girls, because it requires a lot of lung power.”

Subbalaxmi soon announced that she would learn nothing but the saxophone. It was a radical choice. Her surprised father decided to stand by her. He encouraged her dreams, as did Kadri Gopalnath, who even volunteered to be her guru. That’s how Saxophone Subbalaxmi became Gopalnath’s first female disciple. Her determination and hard work also impressed her two older siblings, both of whom also took to the instrument. Today, after two decades spent performing in India and abroad, Saxophone Subbalaxmi is a role model for young women.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41ZojXfUKSk

Charting her own path

"My challenges mostly are off stage, though,” she says. “There is simply no time to relax when you’re on tour. The only time I manage to sleep is on the flight. Eating hours can also get erratic; this leads to other problems like weight gain. Late-night treats after performances will also play havoc.” She keeps herself fit through yoga, swimming and gymming.

It was during a concert in Chennai, she met the man who would become her husband - Kiran Kumar. The couple married in 2009. Kumar manages his celebrity wife’s business. “Without each other, we would not be able to do anything,” she says, glowingly. They live in Bengaluru with their 12-year-old son, Rudransh.

Her daily riyaaz remains the mantra to her success, Subbalaxmi admits. She keeps herself updated with the latest trends while ensuring that she stays rooted in tradition. "I’m also particular about how I present myself. On stage, I improvise as it’s important to stay in touch with the audience’s taste," says the musician who has an affinity to the stage. “Many tell me that I enjoy myself when I perform and dance along to the music. To this, I say that I am deeply honoured to be playing music written by the greatest composers - how I can do them justice if I lack energy and excitement? Simply put, I just enjoy the whole atmosphere,” she adds.

[caption id="attachment_20410" align="aligncenter" width="599"] Saxophone Subbalaxmi | Global Indian Saxophone Subbalaxmi with popular Bollywood singer, Alka Yagnik[/caption]

Even Western audiences clamour for her trademark fusion style. “My inspirations come from all over the world too,” Subbalaxmi explains. She has always returned, over the years, to Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Lata Mangeshkar. Tunes like Baahon Mein Chale Aa, Nile Nile Ambar Par and Chura Liya Hai Tumne always find a spot in her concert repertoire. “Once, I had to perform Jab Koi Baat Bigar Jaye eight times on audience demand,” she recalls, laughing.

Not backing down

At the age of 12, she was teased and told to learn how to cook. She did, in fact, find her way around the kitchen, and cooking is one of her hobbies today. “I’m a pro when it comes to rustling non-vegetarian food,” she remarks. The same people who mocked her once are full of praise, and Saxophone Subbalaxmi now finds herself besieged by fans asking for selfies. Even her neighbours no longer complain about her riyaaz, instead, they come to their windows to hear her play as she practices. “Sometimes, they even call me to request a particular song while they listen outside, or drop by to hear me play! I am blessed to have these people in my life,” she smiles.

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Reading Time: 7 mins

Ankon Mitra: Redefining space and structure with the art of origami

(September 21, 2024) Trained as an architect, Ankon Mitra has found his calling as an artist, particularly through the ancient Japanese technique of origami. Over the past decade, the 42-year-old has carved a name for his unique art (central to which is the technique of folding) that transform materials as different as paper and concrete into monumental sculptures that redefine spatial dynamics and textures. Recipient of the All-India Gold Medal for Sculpture in 2018 from the Prafulla Dahanukar Foundation, his art has been published in the Victoria and Albert Museum's catalogue of ‘Papercrafts’ published by the Thames and Hudson in 2018. [caption id="attachment_56306" align="aligncenter" width="696"] Ankon Mitra[/caption] Having showcased his work across the world, including the CODA Museum in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands, and Arte Laguna, Arsenale de Nord, Venice (2021), the India Pavilion of the London Design Biennale at the Somerset House (2022), and the Shanghai Paper Art Biennale (2023), the artist has transcended boundaries due to the universal nature of his work. He shares with Global Indian, “My work is an extension of my love of nature. From a beehive to the center of a sunflower—everything I do is centered around nature. It is my inspiration and constant muse.”

He shares with Global Indian, “My work is an extension of my love of nature. From a beehive to the center of a sunflower—everything I do is centered around nature. It is my inspiration and constant muse.”

An accidental artist

Born and brought up in Delhi in an artistically inclined family, Ankon never explored the possibility of being an artist. “My mother worked with the Ministry of Defense, while my father was in the steel trade. While we were interested in the artistic side of life, no one in my family pursued it seriously.”

Incidentally, his passion for art stemmed from his interest in landscape architecture, as he confesses that he always loved the clean lines of a well-tended garden. He explains, “I was always interested in math and science, so that gives a great sense of grounding and balance to my art. Because I am artistically inclined as well as technically minded, I can see things uniquely.”

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Folding is intrinsic to Ankon’s art. He started with folding paper, as it made him look at things structurally differently. The interplay of light and shadows in folded structures fascinated him, which led to his initiation into art. His ability to take the fragile, often overlooked medium of paper and transform it into complex, layered structures earned him recognition both in India and internationally.

“When you fold something, a flat structure appears three-dimensional due to the trick of light,” he notes and adds, “Fold is a natural form. We are all made of folds, and through my experiments, I hope to showcase diverse perspectives.”

He experiments not only with paper but with various materials like metal, wood, fabric (from ikat to zardosi), and even concrete, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms.

A mirage of forms

One of Ankon’s most significant achievements is his contribution to the intersection of art and science, where he applies the principles of origami to solve architectural and engineering problems. His large-scale installations explore eclectic concepts, creating immersive experiences that invite viewers to contemplate the delicate balance between order and chaos.

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In a short period, the artist has made a name for himself. In 2014, when he had his first show (he laughs, saying he did not sell a single work from the exhibition), he introduced the concept of working with different materials to the art world. By 2016, when he had his second show, he had already made his mark and gained confidence, as was seen in stunning installations that included metal folding and using origami techniques to work with fabric.

His latest show, Maps Unfolded, uses historic maps (from traditional Indian pilgrimage maps, printed bazaar maps, and city maps) to create a stunning array of work. One interpretation shows the juxtaposition of the British Map of Jaipur from 1920 and the UNESCO World Heritage Map in 2012. While a folded surface gives a glance of the same localities separated by nearly a century, one can see how time changes borders, populations, and priorities.

He explains, “I want people to view narratives in unexpected ways. As one walks around the maps, different stories emerge from different views. The visual comparison shows how the syntax of the journey of cities and people can change with the passage of time.”

Other installations show the maps of Tibet that explore terrain through folds, while others use the Japanese technique of origami to create objects of startling beauty. Apart from maps, installations traverse the genres of space and nature, a recurring theme in the artist’s work.

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A global artist

The artist proudly states that group effort is core to his output. He works with a team of architects at his studio in Delhi, and given the size and scale of the work he does, collaboration is a key part of his artistic process. Another key aspect of his success lies in the fact that there is a dialogue between the artist and the material (from jute to cane) that shines through. Depending on the medium, he derives the process be it making molds, undercutting the strength of the material or creating distorted shapes.

In little over ten years, the artist has made his mark for his eclectic work without precedence. Ask him why, and the genial artist smiles, “It is because geometry is universal and I layer Indian sensibility throughout my works. The material, the sense of color, and the references are all Indian, while the outlook is international. My work marries global thought with Indian roots.”

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Ankon’s work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries and art fairs across the world, and he continues to inspire with his pioneering approach. What makes his art special is its capacity to evoke wonder—a simple fold in his hands becomes a dynamic, intricate universe that mirrors the complexity of life itself.

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