Global IndianstoryLawyer Smita Rajmohan: Redefining future by shaping AI ethics

Lawyer Smita Rajmohan: Redefining future by shaping AI ethics

Written by: Mallik Thatipalli

(April 5, 2024) With a stellar career full of remarkable achievements, Smita Rajmohan, the Senior Product Counsel for Artificial Intelligence Operations at Autodesk, the California-headquartered software behemoth, has her hands full.

Navigating what is perhaps the technology of the century (artificial intelligence), the lawyer says, “At Autodesk, I help the company safely, responsibly, and ethically develop and deploy artificial intelligence in products and business operations. This involves helping set up AI governance programmes and working closely with product and engineering teams to enable trustworthy AI features in our products.”

Lawyer | Smita Rajmohan | Global Indian

The 34-year-old has had a storied career supporting product launches for the iPad, AirTag, and AirPods at Apple. Featured in Modern Counsel’s prestigious 35 under 35 list, this girl from Delhi has a host of awards under her belt, including the MCCA Rising Star, Unstoppable Women 2020, and Judge CES Innovation Awards. Shaping generative AI development and adoption across the company, this Global Indian focuses on empowering the next generation of legal and technology professionals.

A lawyer at heart

Growing up, Smita looked up to her accomplished grandfather, K.R. Sivaramakrishnan, who made a huge impact on the world through his work at the United Nations and who remains her role model.

Reminiscing about her growing-up years, the lawyer says, “I was raised in a middle-class home in New Delhi with hopes of becoming a journalist growing up. As I started to get older, I realised that while journalists can report on important news and highlight important issues, as a lawyer, I might be in a position to also solve some of those issues. That led me to law school, and the rest is history.”

Lawyer | Smita Rajmohan | Global Indian

She left India in 2013 to study law at UC Berkeley Law, which has the best intellectual property and technology law courses in the world, and it was in those classes that she found her passion for technology and artificial intelligence. “The thing I remember and miss most fondly is the luxury I had back then to be able to question the law, question policy, and study the philosophical underpinnings of why and how certain laws came to be,” she recalls.

Very early on in her career, the lawyer got the opportunity to work on some incredible deals and transactions. As a lawyer at Kirkland & Ellis and Cooley LLP, she worked on several high-profile deals; the most notable one was assisting her client Apple with its acquisition of Shazam, an application that can identify music based on a short sample played using the microphone on the device. It was a significant landmark in the landscape of artificial intelligence in audio and gave the lawyer great exposure as well as recognition.

ALSO READ | Activist Manjusha Kulkarni’s inspiring journey against racism and hate crimes

Working with AI

As someone who works with AI every day, what are the things one should watch out for while embracing it? She explains. “Artificial intelligence governance includes many facets that are beyond the law. It includes ensuring that AI is rights-affirming, protects the vulnerable (such as children) against manipulation, and is safe for use. The biggest risks in AI stem from data, the collection of the data, and the eventual use of this data. Therefore, data privacy and data protection are crucial parts of AI governance.”

Given the power of technology, the world needs to be mindful of balancing AI innovation with principles such as privacy by design, data minimisation, transparency, accountability, and fairness. The lawyer agrees, adding, “Developing artificial intelligence in this safe and trustworthy manner will ensure that companies retain customer trust.”

Lawyer | Smita Rajmohan | Global Indian

Smita is a part of the IEEE AI Policy Committee and has helped draft position statements on AI, including responses to the National AI Advisory Committee and the USPTO. She will be part of working groups at the Biden-Harris US AI Safety Consortium through IEEE. Given her expertise in IP and AI, the lawyer was appointed to the Technology Committee at CITED (California Initiative on Technology and Democracy), a think tank focused on fighting the harms of AI-generated misinformation and its impact on elections and our democracy.

A modern-day lawyer

The archaic perception of a lawyer being solely in charge of writing legal briefs is fading fast. Today, lawyers need to convey their value to their clients and how they can be catalysts for faster innovation. They are now accepted as business partners and even technical experts in terms of intellectual property and data governance.

Smita agrees and adds, “As a lawyer involved in technology transactions, such as software development agreements or technology transfer agreements, I need to understand the scientific basis of the technologies involved. This has given me a ton of experience in software and the industry. I am now given a seat at the table on critical business and product decisions.”

Lawyer | Smita Rajmohan | Global Indian

The lawyer hope is to continue spearheading and fighting for innovations in responsible and safe AI while being balanced against the incredible business potential AI promises.

An Indian at heart

Though she is based in the US, Smita says that she has never really felt disconnected from India. She states, “I still celebrate all my favorite festivals, enjoy wearing saris, and am always up for some pani-puri at our local Indian grocery stores. I also visit India often; on my last trip, I explored the Indian islands, the Andamans. It was an amazing experience.”

For Indians abroad, she says that our roots and culture are our biggest strengths. “We are exposed to so much diversity in India; many of us speak several languages and are very adaptable to different cuisines and cultures. It prepares us well to assimilate in a foreign country. It’s important to convey to a foreign market how your unique background can be a force for achievement,” she advises.

Finding the right balance

As someone who has an extremely busy professional life, the young professional knows exactly what helps her refocus and recover: time with family and friends, exercise, and spending time with nature. The lawyer smiles and says, “I like to read books by Nassim Nicolas Taleb and Daniel Kahneman when I want something to ponder. But when I want to truly relax, I always spring for a book by P.G. Wodehouse. Our home is always running short of bookshelves because we have a terrible (and wonderful) habit of hoarding books.”

Giving her best every single day in every single task, small or big, it is easy to understand why the lawyer is making a mark—because she does everything with her passion and unbridled joy of giving it to her best!

ALSO READ | Priti Krishtel’s fight against racism in the healthcare sector

What would you say to young Indians abroad?

My advice would be to maintain confidence in your abilities, keep an open mindset about learning new things, and enjoy the adventure!

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Published on 05, Apr 2024

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2022 Recap: Indian-origin politicians rule the roost

(December 31, 2022) Indians across the world cheered and clapped as Rishi Sunak took the oath as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom earlier this year. But, this is not an isolated case. India has the largest diaspora in the world – over 13 million Indians live outside the country, with 17 million individuals of Indian origin. While they are known to be skilled IT professionals, several Indian-origin politicians have earned important designation in governments worldwide. Global Indian takes a look at a few notable politicians and diplomats, who have made their mark as immigrants or children of immigrants around the world this year. Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister, United Kingdom “Trust is earned and I will earn yours,” said Rishi Sunak, soon after being sworn in as the Prime Minister of the UK on October 25. It’s cause for celebration by Asians the world over. Understandably so – it’s an accomplishment with many firsts (he is the first Hindu and the first person of colour to hold the PM’s office. He is also the youngest and richest ever). Although his family’s connections with Africa go back two generations, Rishi has never doubted that his roots are truly Indian. [caption

irsts (he is the first Hindu and the first person of colour to hold the PM’s office. He is also the youngest and richest ever). Although his family’s connections with Africa go back two generations, Rishi has never doubted that his roots are truly Indian.

[caption id="attachment_31380" align="aligncenter" width="619"] Politician | Rishi Sunak | Global Indian Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister, United Kingdom[/caption]

Having grown up in the UK, Rishi found success soon after college, working with two hedge funds and going on to become a partner at one. Despite a life of privilege, the politician has hardly been the man to choose the easy way – whether it’s taking off across the Atlantic or choosing to enter politics as a Conservative candidate. His first bid for Prime Minister was thwarted by Liz Truss although he burst back onto the scene with the overwhelming support of 190 MPs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C42NkLdSjyY

"The U.K. and India share so much. I'm excited about what our two great democracies can achieve as we deepen our security, defense, and economic partnership in the months and years ahead," the youngest PM of the UK shared in a recent interview.

Leo Varadkar, Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Ireland

After serving as the Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment from June 2020 to December 2022, Leo Eric Varadkar took over as the new Irish Prime Minister for the second time, earlier this month. Often called the Celtic Tiger, Leo has been able to pull Ireland out of an economic crisis, and incorporated a road map for achieving a low-carbon economy. During his first address as Taoiseach, the politician said that his government would be “one of the new European centres.”

[caption id="attachment_23846" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Politicians | Leo Varadkar | Global Indian Leo Varadkar, Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Ireland[/caption]

Given Ireland’s staunchly Catholic past, Leo’s sexuality was always a talking point across the globe. However, Taoiseach believes that Irish society is changing. During an earlier interview, the politician had said, “I think other people, perhaps people braver than me, who campaigned for equal rights before the law changed things for me – To them, I’m very grateful. But it does add additional responsibility on me, that I do want to use the office that I now hold to advance equality of opportunity, to advance the concepts of equal rights before the law. That’s not just for people from the LGBT community here in Ireland, but also in Northern Ireland, and around the world where such rights are under threat.”

Niklaus Samuel Gugger, Member of the Swiss National Council

In 1970, a Malayali woman gave birth to a baby boy in Udupi, Karnataka, and told the doctor to give her child for adoption to a family that will look after him well, before abandoning the newborn. Five decades later that child, now known as Niklaus-Samuel Gugger, became the first Indian-origin politician to be elected to the Switzerland parliament. Within a week of his abandonment, Gugger was adopted by a Swiss couple — Fritz and Elizbeth Gugger. His new parents took him to Kerala when he was just 15 days old, and they lived there for around four years before moving to their native in Switzerland.

[caption id="attachment_24686" align="aligncenter" width="613"] Niklaus-Samuel Gugger, member of the Swiss National Council[/caption]

In 1997, after the Luxor massacre – which claimed the lives of 62 people – Nik was approached by the members of the Evangelical Peoples Party (EPP) to join their ranks, an invitation that he readily accepted. "Much of my work has been around the development of people and socio-political issues. My goal has been to integrate the weakest in the society through socio-ethical management and empowerment,” the politician shared with Global Indian.

A social entrepreneur, Nik has worked extensively to coach the next generation. Nik is the co-founder and member of the board of directors of the consulting company Herzkraftwerk AG in Winterthur, which offers coaching for decision-makers from business and non-profit organisations. A life coach and motivational speaker, Nik is also the Vice President of the environmental organization BirdLife Switzerland. He is also the owner of the famous Ayurvedic ginger drink in Switzerland – Zingi.

Gautam A. Rana, US Ambassador to Slovakia

A lawyer by profession, Gautam A Rana is a member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Counselors, and was recently appointed as the US Ambassador to Slovakia, for which he was nominated by President Joe Biden. Having served at various US embassies, including India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Algeria, Gautam is a proud Indian-American.

[caption id="attachment_31264" align="aligncenter" width="680"] Ambassador | Gautam Rana | Global Indian Ambassador Gautam A. Rana with former US President, Barack Obama[/caption]

The diplomat feels that the diaspora has grown from being just immigrants to holding important positions in various spheres of the country. “I think that the Indian diaspora in the United States of America has a lot of reasons to be proud of themselves. There are so many people of Indian lineage who are in decision-making positions now in the USA, including the Vice President, Kamala Harris. But that is the story of America. People who have come to this land, and have worked hard, have been able to achieve so much in the USA. I think Indian Americans will continue to reach great milestones.”

Currently stationed at Bratislava with his wife and two kids, Gautam is heading the US convoy to the land of the Slavs. While he hasn’t been able to visit India since he moved back in 2014, he wishes to bring his boys to the country he was born in, someday.

Aruna Miller, Lt Governor, Maryland

Aruna Miller was seven years old when she first entered the United States with her family back in 1972. About four decades later, she became the second Indian-American woman to enter the House of Representatives after Pramila Jayapal, and the first immigrant Lt Governor of Maryland. An alumnus of the Missouri University of Science and Technology, the politician spent over 25 years as a transportation engineer in Montgomery Country.

[caption id="attachment_27524" align="aligncenter" width="697"] Aruna Miller, Lt Governor, Maryland[/caption]

She first dabbled in politics in 2006, when she was elected to serve as an at-large member of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, a position she held until 2010. Her career as a public servant has been dotted with many milestones – she has batted for issues like paid family leave, and transportation policies stood against domestic violence, and emerged as a proponent of STEM education.

In her new role as the Lt Governor of Maryland, the politician intends to hit the ground running, taking on three major issues – education, the climate, and the economy. Investing in public education and job creation is a top priority, she says, it is also a means to create safer public spaces.

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Meet Krishna Vavilala, the winner of US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award 2022

(December 28, 2022) When AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism of the United States government, called up Krishna Vavilala informing that he has been selected for the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award 2022, the long-time Houstonian thought it to be a hoax call. However, when the realisation of the authenticity of the message dawned on him, he was taken aback by surprise. Endorsed by President of America, Joe Biden, and Vice President, Kamala Harris, the award is considered a symbol of highest recognition of the commitment of outstanding citizens of America who have given their time to volunteer and help their community. [caption id="attachment_33290" align="aligncenter" width="685"] Krishna Vavilala with his wife Prabhat Lakshmi Vavilala at the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony[/caption] “I strongly believe in the virtue of sincerity and commitment, and that is why, as you must have noticed, the byline of my email is ‘Commitment is key. Everything else is an excuse,’ remarks the 86-year-old Samaritan, while connecting with Global Indian from Houston for a video chat. Krishna Vavilala, who hails from Andhra Pradesh, and immigrated to the United States in 1974, was felicitated on December 4 at a glittering ceremony in Texas. He has been

s ‘Commitment is key. Everything else is an excuse,’ remarks the 86-year-old Samaritan, while connecting with Global Indian from Houston for a video chat.

Krishna Vavilala, who hails from Andhra Pradesh, and immigrated to the United States in 1974, was felicitated on December 4 at a glittering ceremony in Texas. He has been volunteering to bring the Indian community together in America for close to four decades now and has won several awards and accolades along the way.

Indians in USA | Krishna Vavilala | Global Indian

The humanitarian and changemaker is the founder and chairman of the Foundation for India Studies (FIS), a 16-year-old non-profit, whose signature initiative 'Indo-American Oral History Project' won the 2019 Mary Fay Barnes Award for Excellence.

Tryst with Gandhi

A strong believer in promoting peace and racial harmony, Vavilala has participated in several Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. parades, dressed as Mahatma Gandhi. A trend he began in 2006 ‘to bring Indian and Black communities together and to spread the message of peace and nonviolence, which both the leaders - MLK and Gandhi followed’. " Martin Luther King Jr fought for the civil rights and then adopted Gandhiji's principles of non violence," he tells.

“I must be one of the very few people in America who has seen Gandhi in person,” he laughs. “The memory of me as a nine-year-old seeing Gandhi during his visit to Rajahmundry, my home town in 1946, is still stuck in my mind,” he remarks.

[caption id="attachment_33293" align="aligncenter" width="891"] Indians in USA | Krishna Vavilala | Global Indian Krishna Vavilala dressed as Gandhi at MLK Parade, 2006[/caption]

My grandmother had taken my two sisters and me on a bullock cart to see Mahatma Gandhi. The train on which he had arrived moved back and forth to give everybody an opportunity to see the Mahatma.

Still mesmerised by the experience, Vavilala has tried to keep Gandhi relevant in Houston over the years. The childhood experience left such an indelible mark on him that the immigrant Samaritan later proposed the idea of installation of a Gandhi statue at Herman Park, Houston - first in a peace rally and then to the board of the India Culture Centre. "There should be a statue of Mahatma Gandhi as a constant reminder of peace in a cowboy state like Texas," he proposed. Not only was his idea readily accepted but he also got appointed as the Project Chair in 2003.

“It took me a year to raise $23,000 for the project,” he says. Though he had budgeted the project cost to be not less than $50,000, since ICCR accepted his request of sponsoring the statue cost and Air India flew it free of cost, Vavilala was able to make his dream come true in half of the budgeted amount.

[caption id="attachment_33292" align="aligncenter" width="648"] Indians in USA | Krishna Vavilala | Global Indian Krishna Vavilala with Gandhi Statue at Herman Park, Houstan - a dream come true[/caption]

“Millions of tourists from across the world, who come to Houston, have seen the statue and paid their tributes to the Mahatma,” he mentions.

The humble beginnings

Since Vavilala’s father never had a paid job, he and his two sisters grew up in a household with limited means. “I studied in the light of the paraffin lamp,” he says, adding, “I have bought one such lamp in a store here to show my children, ‘this is how your dad studied’.”

Until he went to college, there was no electricity in the house. As an inquisitive student, he was always interested in science and technology, especially physics.

[caption id="attachment_33294" align="aligncenter" width="591"] Indians in USA | Krishna Vavilala | Global Indian Krishna Vavilala at the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony[/caption]

“Though I was a science student, I was a thinker, always reflecting on the issues related to the society at large.” Caste system and dowry was something that Vavilala was vocal about. “When I was in high school, I wrote about what a menace dowry was and how people indulging in it should be punished and sent to jail.” It got published, and to the utter surprise of the entire family, a ₹15 money-order landed as stipend to his doorstep.

Vavilala went on to study electrical engineering at BITS Pilani. Talking about it, he mentions, "I am proud of my alma mater, which is a premier institute of India. I was in one of its early batches,1956-1960."

The people’s man

Although, a retired engineer, Krishna Vavilala addresses himself, a ‘sociologist’. He loves people, spends time listening and telling stories and takes deep interest in understanding others’ problems.

Making a difference is very important for every human being. This planet gives us so many opportunities to serve society - Krishna Vavilala

[caption id="attachment_33303" align="aligncenter" width="1029"] Indians in USA | Krishna Vavilala | Global Indian Krishna Vavilala with FIS participants of MLK Parade, 2019[/caption]

A volunteer for strengthening civic engagement, Vavilala has played an instrumental role in starting the celebration of Indian American Heritage Day in Houston in collaboration with Houston Public library.

Foundation for India Studies

Vavilala established Foundation for India Studies (FIS) in 2005 as a non-profit with a vision to promote knowledge about India’s contribution in the field of languages, literature, arts, sciences, engineering, politics, economics and spirituality.

The Foundation’s first successful project was the India Studies program at the University of Houston, instituted in 2006. The program, which initially began with Hindi language courses and classes in Hinduism and Jainism, went on to expand to 12 courses and was funded by the university itself. Students taking these courses were awarded a minor certificate in India Studies.

[caption id="attachment_33296" align="aligncenter" width="883"] Indians in USA | Krishna Vavilala | Global Indian Krishna Vavilala with University of Houstan, President and Chancellor[/caption]

FIS initiated several other measures to keep the value of Indian culture intact amongst Indian immigrants and Houstonians in general like – lectures, seminars, conferences, workshops, town hall meetings and student and faculty exchange programmes.

Since Indian diaspora is becoming bigger and bigger, it needs organisations like Foundation for Indian Studies to help them stay connected - Krishna Vavilala

FIS members routinely participate in the annual MLK Grande Parade. It attracts a large crowd and millions of views on TV and digital media. “MLK Parade Grand Marshall Award was awarded to FIS in 2015, which is a matter of great pride,” says the FIS founder.

[caption id="attachment_33295" align="aligncenter" width="884"] Indians in USA | Krishna Vavilala | Global Indian Krishna Vavilala leading the FIS parade, dressed as Gandhi[/caption]

FIS has expanded the India Studies programme at Texas Southern University, and remains committed to commemorating Gandhi and Dr King's legacies of non-violence and peaceful co-existence.

Curating life stories

“Human stories are very diverse and interesting. They are fantastic. No matter which part of the globe you are in, you have a story to tell,” Vavilala believes. With this in mind, he embarked on the journey of the ‘Indo-American Oral History Project’ in 2011 which focuses on recording life stories of first-generation Indian immigrants to Houston. “Most of the early immigrants came to the country in the sixties and seventies and had humble beginnings.”

The project was started in partnership with Houston Public Library (HPL) and Houston Community College (HCC). “Life stories and experiences of the Indo-Americans living in Houston are recorded through their interviews.” The video recordings as well as the transcripts are being stored for posterity in Houston Metropolitan Research Centre's digital archives.

[caption id="attachment_33297" align="aligncenter" width="1037"] Indians in USA | Krishna Vavilala | Global Indian Krishna Vavilala at the launch of Oral History Project with University of Houston President, Dr Renu Khator and other FIS members[/caption]

Vavilala’s own story is nothing short of an inspiration. The man, who landed in the US with just a suitcase, and a few dollars, without knowing anyone there; worked his way up the corporate ladder. Building a good life for himself and his family, he eventually became a strong pillar for the entire Indian community in Houston by bringing them together through several social initiatives.

“It’s an ongoing project to create a resource for the future generation so that they can trace back their roots and understand how they came to the foreign land”, he tells.

By going through the archives of the Indo-American Oral History Project, the younger generation would be able to learn about the backgrounds of their fathers and forefathers and understand how those people are reason behind their well-being in America - Krishna Vavilala

Popular Houstonian

Vavilala has served in senior leadership positions in a number of organisations and non-profits including President of the American Society of Indian Engineers, President of Telugu Cultural Association, Houston and President of Telugu Literary and Cultural Association.

[caption id="attachment_33298" align="aligncenter" width="734"] Indians in USA | Krishna Vavilala | Global Indian Krishna Vavilala shares stage with Rajiv Gandhi (the then PM of India ) and Sonia Gandhi during their visit to Houstan in 1985[/caption]

“You just get going deeper and deeper,” he talks about his whirlwind of social engagements. Vavilala was part of many significant contingents - Whether it was sharing stage with Rajiv Gandhi, who visited Houstan or representing FM1960 area, as Secretary of the Precinct at 1996 Democratic Party State Convention held in Dallas, which was attended by Hillary Clinton.

He has received several awards and accolades from organisations like the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston, the Indo-American Press Club, and US Customs and Border Protection Agency.

On August 15, 2021, on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence, the humanitarian was honoured with India Culture Center’s lifetime achievement award from Stafford City Mayor.

[caption id="attachment_33300" align="aligncenter" width="899"] Indians in USA | Krishna Vavilala | Global Indian Krishna Vavilala honoured with India Culture Center’s lifetime achievement award from Stafford City Mayor in 2021[/caption]

Life Abroad

After getting trained at BITS Pilani, the Andhra Pradesh boy got his first job at Tata Iron and Steel Company, Jamshedpur and later moved to Calcutta and worked for MN Dastur & Co. His boss recommended him to work in the UK. Vavilala moved there for six years. It was in the UK that both his daughters, Monica and Amanda were born. "Since my parents were getting old, I came back to India for them. Had they relocated to Calcutta from Rajahmundry to stay with me, perhaps I would not have not thought of my next stint abroad, but they did not want to permanently leave their hometown," he remarks.

The turmoil and economic crisis of West Bengal in the 70s led him to seek a better life, and he made a move to the US. Spending early days at the YMCA hostel in Manhattan, leaving his family behind in India, Vavilala worked hard. Later his family joined him, and they moved to Houston in 1981. Some years later, Vavilala was sent to Saudi Arabia by his organisation, where he worked on a project for three years.

[caption id="attachment_33301" align="aligncenter" width="826"] Indians in USA | Krishna Vavilala | Global Indian Krishna Vavilala and his wife Prabhat Lakshmi Vavilala at the installation ceremony of Gandhi statue at Herman Park, Houston[/caption]

Over the years, Vavilala has not just tried to excel professionally but has been super involved in the various social initiatives. Talking about the US Presidential Lifetime Achievement award, he mentions, “I was able to do whatever I wanted to because of Lakshmi, my wife of 61 years. This award is for her." She created an environment for him to work on his life's calling. "All I had to do was to earn the paycheque,” he smiles adding, “We led a life of a traditional Indian family here.”

All that the Samaritan hopes is that the younger Indo-Americans, who were born in America, feel proud of their Indian heritage and continue to pass it on to their children and grandchildren, something that he has indulged in, over the years.

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Rajni Kumar: The remarkable tale of an educator with British roots and Indian heart

(October 15, 2023) In 1946, a young girl named Nancie Joyce Margaret Jones embarked on her very first journey from England to India to reunite with her lover, Yudister Kumar. Yudister, who had completed his studies in the UK, had returned to India but was battling tuberculosis, a perilous ailment in that era. Nancie and Yudister had crossed paths in England as fellow students at the London School of Economics. Little did Nancie know that the foreign land she was travelling to would eventually become her cherished home for the next 76 years of her life, and she would end up winning one of the highest civilian honours of the country – The Padma Shri. From United Kingdom to India Rajni Kumar, born as Nancie Joyce Margaret Jones, was a revered British origin educator who passed away last year at the age of 99. Affectionately addressed as ‘Aunty Kumar’ by those who had the privilege of knowing her, Rajni was the visionary founder of the Springdales Group of Schools. The group has two campuses in Delhi, one in Jaipur, and another in Dubai. Starting from a kindergarten from her living room at East Patel Nagar in Delhi with 24 children

nk" rel="noopener">Springdales Group of Schools. The group has two campuses in Delhi, one in Jaipur, and another in Dubai. Starting from a kindergarten from her living room at East Patel Nagar in Delhi with 24 children and three teachers, Springdales Group now caters to thousands of students in India and Dubai.

[caption id="attachment_45968" align="aligncenter" width="329"] Indian Education | Rajni Kumar | Global Indian Rajni Kumar[/caption]

Although Rajni retired at the age of 88, she remained deeply involved with the Springdales Education Society as its chairperson and continued her association with the Delhi schools’ literacy project, an initiative aligned with the National Literacy Mission.

Additionally, she played a significant role as one of the founding members of the National Federation of Indian Women that was established in 1953.

During her illustrious career in education, Rajni Kumar also served as the chairperson of Lady Irwin College and held the position of vice president at National Bal Bhavan. Her exceptional contributions to the field of education was acknowledged with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2011 by the Government of India.

Flashback

“No doubt the greatest event in my life was leaving England, the country of my birth, to follow the stirrings of my heart and to make my home in this wondrous and fascinating country – India – with the man I loved. So this is where I shall begin my story,” she wrote in the introduction of her memoir ‘Against the Wind: A life’s Journey’, which was published in 2019, three years prior to her death.

Born in London in 1923, Rajni graduated from the London School of Economics in 1941. There, she had also met Yudister Kumar, who would be her husband. Love blossomed between them and they spent their carefree days as students enjoying each other’s company.

Yudister Kumar graduated from LSE, trained as a barrister at Lincoln’s Inn in London and earned himself the distinction of ‘extra-mural scholar’ from Cambridge University. He returned to India and to his family’s dismay, chose to align himself with the left-wing faction of the Indian freedom struggle, a decision that deeply upset his mother. In fact, his mother's opposition to his political involvement was so vehement that she resorted to sending him to a sanatorium upon learning about his ‘illness’.

During that period Nancie had enrolled herself at the London Institute of Personnel Management and took up her first assignment as a personnel officer in the Morgan Crucible Company situated on the banks of the Thames.

[caption id="attachment_45973" align="aligncenter" width="376"] Indian Education | Rajni Kumar | Global Indian Cover image of Rajni Kumar's memoir[/caption]

All for love

When Rajni learned about Yudister’s unfortunate condition, she was irresistibly drawn by the powerful force of love. Unable to resist, she followed her heart and set out on her journey to India by sea, arriving on a ship that docked in Bombay.

“It had been a novel experience to travel by sea from London. Apart from a short ferry trip across the English Channel to the Netherlands in 1938, on a school exchange programme, I had never been able to travel abroad,” she wrote in her memoir.

Upon Yudister’s recovery from the illness, at the young age of 23, she exchanged vows with him, and adopted the name - Rajni.

Stumbling upon the calling of her life

Two years after her wedding, while Rajni was living in Kasauli, she received a surprising request from Indian Army officers. They asked her to establish and manage a school for the children of the Indian Army in Kasauli, a proposal that left her quite astounded.

“Me? I said in astonishment. But I don’t know anything about running schools! I have run some classes for young workers in a factory as part of their extension education. But that is about all,” she wrote in her memoir.

Nonetheless, she accepted the challenge and proceeded to run the school. Just two years later, in 1950, she further expanded her educational endeavour by assuming the role of a principal at the Salwan Girls School in Delhi, a position she held until 1955.

[caption id="attachment_45969" align="aligncenter" width="639"] Indian Education | Rajni Kumar | Global Indian Rajni Kumar with school children[/caption]

During her tenure at Salwan Girls School, Rajni Kumar played a pivotal role in the establishment of the National Federation of Indian Women in 1953.

1955 proved to be a turning point in Rajni’s career as she went on to establish her own school - Springdales. Initially, it operated as a kindergarten from the living room of her home. Over time, this modest beginning evolved into a renowned institution, with three schools in India and one in Dubai.

Striding ahead with success

With her emphasis on ‘holistic development of a child, not just marks’, Springdales Group has achieved many milestones in its 48-year journey.

The institution introduced Russian as a third language under the Indo-Soviet cultural programme - the first school in the country to do so in 1971. Springdales squad was chosen as the first flag bearers to lead the school children of Delhi in the Republic Day Parade of 1974.

In 1980, none other than the President of India, Shri Sanjeeva Reddy presided over the silver jubilee celebrations of Springdales.

[caption id="attachment_45971" align="aligncenter" width="454"] Indian Education | Rajni Kumar | Global Indian Rajni Kumar with Dalai Lama[/caption]

Throughout her career, the Global Indian received numerous awards and accolades for her outstanding contributions in the sphere of education. In 1983 Rajni Kumar received the Nehru Soviet Land Award by Rajiv Gandhi, for her initiatives to promote international friendship and understanding among children of the world. She received a gold medal and a two-week tour of the USSR as part of the award.

Widening her spectrum the educator assumed the role of chairperson at Lady Irwin College, Delhi and served as vice president at National Bal Bhavan. Also, she actively participated in global events such as the Global Peace Conferences in Geneva and the World Congress for the Rights of Children in Moscow.

The Government of South Africa bestowed a special honour upon Rajni on International Women's Day in 2005. In 2011, she became the recipient of the Gr8! Women Award instituted by the Indian Television Academy. The same year, the Government of India recognised her exceptional work with the Padma Shri, and in 2012, she was bestowed with the Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo by the Government of South Africa.

Best foot forward

Sadly, her husband Yudister, who was a pillar of strength for Rajni and helped her grow Springdales, was not there to celebrate many of her successes. He passed away in 1976 after battling cancer. Rajni continued to be of service to the Springdales Group that she had fondly established with Yudister, until she retired in 1988.

In her farewell message to the Springdales fraternity on the last day of her role as the founding principal on March 31st 1988, Rajni wrote – “The late Dr Gyan Chand, the well-known economist and good friend of the school once said to me, “Rajni, the real test of your success will be when the school runs better without you. I am confident that my successors will allow me to pass that test with flying colours and that Springdales will not only maintain its great traditions but will transcend to greater heights in the future.”

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

Following her retirement she remained deeply involved with the Springdales Education Society as its chairperson and continued her association with the Delhi schools’ literacy project. Upon requests of her well-wishers who fondly referred to her as ‘Aunty Kumar’ she came up with her memoir in 2019, at the age of 96, three years prior to passing away.

Always a jovial human being, who considered India as her country, Rajni passed away peacefully on November 10, 2022, at the remarkable age of 99, leaving behind a strong legacy in the sphere of education and social service.

“I feel joyful because I know that Springdalians have not only become good doctors, engineers, artists, musicians, or film directors but above all they are good human beings, inspired, perhaps, by the words of the late President of India Dr Zakir Hussain when he inaugurated our school building and said – ‘Be proud of the building but let the building be proud of you,’ she had remarked in a message to her students in whose hearts the loving memories of Aunty Kumar are etched forever.

Reading Time: 5 mins

Ankit Agarwal’s Phool: Turning floral waste into vegan leather

(June 23, 2023) Ever wondered what happens to the flowers offered to the Gods in temples and mosques across the country? Well, the floral waste mostly makes its way to either dumping yards or rivers in the vicinity, adding to the pollution. It was at one such ghat in Kanpur that Ankit Agarwal, a native and an engineering student, had an epiphany. That watershed moment changed it all and gave birth to India's first biomaterial startup Phool in 2017, which five years later, became one of the finalists at the Earthshot Prize 2022. The Kanpur-based startup accumulates floral waste from temples in Uttar Pradesh, including the biggest temple, Kashi Vishwanath, averting 13 tonnes of waste flowers and toxic chemicals from reaching the river every day. The waste is then handcrafted into charcoal-free incense sticks and essential oils through 'flower cycling' technology by women from Dalit communities that the startup has employed. Moreover, they convert the floral waste into a material "that behaves exactly like animal leather" - Fleather. [caption id="attachment_40473" align="aligncenter" width="542"] Ankit Agarwal with Phool Head of Operations Prateek Kumar[/caption] "Fleather solves multiple problems. First, there is the deep environmental footprint of animal leather. Second is the inhumane animal

rwal | Global Indian | Phool" width="542" height="543" /> Ankit Agarwal with Phool Head of Operations Prateek Kumar[/caption]

"Fleather solves multiple problems. First, there is the deep environmental footprint of animal leather. Second is the inhumane animal slaughtering. The third is the pollution caused by ceremonial flowers in rivers in India," says Ankit Agarwal, the founder of Phool, which has now found a new home in Bodhgaya. The startup earned Ankit a spot in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. He was also named one of the 17 young leaders for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations.

How flower waste gave birth to Phool

It was on a wintery morning in 2015 that Ankit accompanied his friend to Ganga ghat, as the day was an auspicious one. It was Makar Sakranti, and the duo could see ghats filled with people performing suryanamaskars and pujas. While the festive fervour was on a high, these engineering lads were aghast by the sight of the devotees drinking and bottling up the river water which was evidently murky. "In spite of being one of the most revered water bodies in India, we started wondering why this was river turning carcinogenic and if it was us, the worshippers, who had turned against the river," he writes on Phool website.

But gazing hard at the filthy water, he couldn't help but notice the flowers that were dumped into the river from the nearby temples turn into mulch as their colour started to fade away. This was enough to put Ankit into action, and he began researching on the subject. Combing through reams of information, he found that most of the flowers that make it to the temples are loaded with pesticides and insecticides, and once they reach the river, the chemicals wash off, mixing with water and making it toxic, thus threatening marine life. This pushed Ankit to start Phool with the mission to repurpose the waste coming from places of worship.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz_v3pIU48g&list=PL-04isyUx6NySZKBWse99Qf5nWkVAxs87

Giving marginalised community a chance

Like most startups, this one too had its teething troubles. The idea of further using waste flowers seem absurd to many, and the team had to work hard to convince people to the idea of recycling as no one was ready to take them seriously. But after much effort and persuasion, the idea set rolling and there was no looking back. After experimenting for countless hours in a makeshift lab for a year and a half, flowercycled incense was conceived. Using the innovation - flowercycling - Phool inched closer to their goal of upcycling temple flowers into incense sticks and cones, keeping in mind their mission to preserve Ganga and empower marginalised people by providing them employment.

"Our products are handcrafted by women coming from the so-called 'lower castes'. These are the women who have been looked down on and discriminated against for years. For them, repurposing flowers sourced from temples has an emotional quotient," he told a daily, adding, "It is something that makes them feel equal in the society, a job that gives them the respect that they deserve. Besides, they now have a steady source of income that helps them take better care of their families and provide education to their children."

Phool | Global Indian

Vegan leather - Fleather

The process of flowercycling starts with the collection of flower waste from temples and other places of worship which is then turned into natural charcoal, and later kneaded to prepare incense sticks. After successfully placing the brand in the market, Phool expanded its horizon with a new ambition - to bring vegan leather to the masses - which gave birth to Fleather. It was while working on craft incense sticks that Nachiket Kuntla, head of research and development at Phool, noticed that unused piles of flower had developed a mat-like coating. "It had a very strange morphology. I was very intrigued by it…Slowly, slowly, after three years of hard work, we were able to figure out this material behaves exactly like animal leather," Ankit told a magazine.

[caption id="attachment_40475" align="aligncenter" width="606"] Phool | Global Indian Floral waste turned into vegan leather[/caption]

This idea intrigued him enough to pursue, and soon Phool saw itself making environment-friendly version of leather. It was Fleather that helped Phool bag a place among the Earthshot Prize finalists in 2022, thus opening new opportunities for the startup. "So far Phool has been able to make several Fleather prototypes – wallets, sling bags, sandals and trainers," Ankit told BBC. Phool is now working with PVH, the parent company of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, on a Fleather pilot. "I want to make animal leather history," he says, adding, "I'm not sure if that happens in my lifetime but yes, that will happen."

Follow Ankit Agarwal on LinkedIn

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From a culinary star to a social activist: Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia dons many hats

(July 17, 2022) When a young Vineet Bhatia moved to England in 1993 as the Executive Chef at Star of India, South Kensington, he had no idea about what a Michelin star was. Eight years later, he became the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star for his restaurant Zaika in London. One of the most renowned chefs in the world today, Chef Bhatia is the only Indian in the culinary world to receive two Michelin stars. [caption id="attachment_27006" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Chef Vineet Bhatia[/caption] "The Michelin team goes to restaurants discreetly. So, one doesn't know that they are serving to a jury," shares the eminent chef. "I was thrilled when I received the news that I had won the Michelin star, but more so for creating history, as it nothing less than opening the door for all the Indian chefs and Indian cuisine across the globe. Today, it makes me very proud when I see other Indian chefs winning the star." A living bridge between India and the United Kingdom, the celebrity chef discusses much more than just his culinary journey as he connects with Global Indian from London. Not a born chef Born and raised in the city of

tween India and the United Kingdom, the celebrity chef discusses much more than just his culinary journey as he connects with Global Indian from London.

Not a born chef

Born and raised in the city of dreams, Mumbai, Vineet, too, grew up with a dream of his – to become a pilot. "I lived quite close to an aerodrome, and so I used to watch planes flying in and out every day. Being a pilot was the only plan I had as a kid," shares the celebrity chef, who also cracked the National Defence Exam to join the Air Force. "But I wasn't tall enough," he shares, adding, "They told me that I could join the Indian Army or Navy, but I wasn’t interested."

[caption id="attachment_27007" align="aligncenter" width="653"] Chef | Vineet Bhatia | Global Indian Chef Vineet Bhatia with HRH Queen Elizabeth II[/caption]

Disheartened, but not defeated, Chef Bhatia turned towards the culinary world. But not before giving bartending a shot. "I wanted to become a bartender. But again, I wasn't tall enough," he laughs. However, his experience in the kitchen was life-changing. "As a 17-year-old, I was fascinated with how the kitchen was run so immaculately and that everyone involved was disciplined.”

After completing his training at the Oberoi School of Hotel Management, New Delhi, Chef Bhatia worked as the Chef de Cuisine or head chef at The Oberoi in Mumbai for the next three years. However, it was an uphill task initially. "In the kitchen, you have to earn the respect of your staff. When I first joined, one of my staff members told me, 'I have more pending leaves than your whole experience.' So, I worked hard to earn their respect. I told them that I wasn't there to teach them how to cook, but help them in whatever they needed to put out a great dish," shares the chef, whose comfort food is a simple meal of tadka dal, chawal, and achar. "As soon as I land in Mumbai, I go to the pani puri stall and have a nice plate of golgappa and chaat. And later a cutting chai," share the chef with a smile.

[caption id="attachment_27009" align="aligncenter" width="634"] Chef | Vineet Bhatia | Global Indian Chef Bhatia's pistachio chicken seekh kabab[/caption]

A decade after moving to the UK, the chef and his wife Rashima Bhatia, opened their first restaurant, Rasoi in Chelsea in 2004, which earned him his second Michelin star in 2006. Since then, he has opened 11 restaurants across the globe including Moscow, Los Angeles, Dubai, Mumbai, Doha, and Jeddah.

Behind the scenes

While the dishes that come out of the kitchen look beautiful, the kitchen itself is a bit chaotic. Giving a peek inside a star kitchen, the seasoned chef says, "Kitchen is not easy. There are so many things happening at the same time. The front of a restaurant seems so calm and controlled - which is the way it is supposed to be - but the kitchen is where all the action is going on. Everyone in the kitchen is running around to put that dish on the table. So, your movements have to be very coordinated. There is food in the oven, overhead grill, tandoor, and pan. There is a dessert going out and the plates are falling short... Something is happening in the kitchen at all times. It is a mechanism that works in tandem."

[caption id="attachment_27008" align="aligncenter" width="610"] Chef | Vineet Bhatia | Global Indian Chef Bhatia making Indian tacos[/caption]

Having opened so many restaurants, the chef calls it a long and tedious process. Apart from deciding the food and beverages that will feature on the menu, the restaurateur also has to work on its theme, colour palette, style, and overall ambiance. "We have to sit with the designers of course, and can take very long to decide all the factors, before the execution. The staff, again, has to be very well-trained, because otherwise, everything will collapse. So, we take time in training all of them.”

Man of many talents

A world-renowned chef, author, TV personality, and social activist – Chef Bhatia dons many hats. But not many know that “travel” has his heart. "My work takes me to places, but I enjoy travelling a lot," shares the chef, who was very recently on a trip to the Arctic, an experience he calls “magical.”

Interestingly, Chef Bhatia is the only chef in the world to cook at the base camp of Mount Everest in 2018. Calling the experience "stunning", the chef shares, "We were raising funds for a charity called Heart For India in Chennai, which looks after 3000 kids, and also the victims of the 2015 Himalayan earthquake. So, my team and I trekked for 15 days to get to the base camp of Mt Everest and set up a restaurant for two days. We gave the mountaineers and trekkers free food, whatever they wanted to donate went towards these two causes. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life."

[caption id="attachment_27010" align="aligncenter" width="596"] Chef | Vineet Bhatia | Global Indian Chef Bhatia with his family[/caption]

An active campaigner for sustainability in the culinary world, Chef Bhatia was also recently appointed as the GREAT ambassador to the United Kingdom. "I think it is important that while we want to have the products from the international market, we have to ensure that they are ethically sourced. It is not just about using paper over plastic, but also about how the farming is done or how the meat is sourced," explains the chef, before he signs off.

Follow Chef Vineet Bhatia on Twitter, Instagram or his website

Reading Time: 7 mins