Global IndianstoryMeet the Indian American politicians in race for 2022 USA mid-term elections

Meet the Indian American politicians in race for 2022 USA mid-term elections

Written by: Namrata Srivastava

(November 9, 2022) The last few decades have seen an exponential increase in the number of Indian-origin people who are actively taking part in US politics. The second-largest immigrant group in the US, the Indian Americans are now holding important public offices, and have emerged as leaders of not just minority ethnic groups in the country, but also people from various spheres of society. As a result, every election in the USA sees a growing number of candidates representing the Indian-American ethnicity.

As the country approaches the midterm elections, Global Indian puts the spotlight on key Indian American politicians in the race.

Rohit (Ro) Khanna, Democrat, California

A lawyer, politician, and author – Ro Khanna dons many hats. Currently, he represents California’s 17th Congressional District, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, and is serving his third term. He sits on the House Agriculture, Armed Services, and Oversight and Reform committees, where he chairs the Environmental Subcommittee.

Ro Khanna, politician

An important asset in the Biden government, Ro has worked across the aisle to deliver on legislation to invest in science and technology, create millions of good-paying tech jobs and revitalise American manufacturing and production. He also authored the Endless Frontier Act, which formed the basis for the sweeping CHIPS and Science Act signed into law by President Biden. Committed to using his position to advance a foreign policy of military restraint and diplomatic engagement, Ro is up against another Indian-American politician, Ritesh Tandon.

Manka Dhingra, Democrat, Washington

When she first moved from Bhopal to California, she was just a teenager with big ambitions. Today, Manka Dhingra is the Deputy Majority Leader of the Washington State Senate. In 2017, she became the first Sikh elected to any state legislature in the United States. Since then, she has sponsored and passed legislation addressing a wide range of issue areas, including curbing domestic violence and sexual assault, preventing firearm violence, providing property tax relief for seniors and people with disabilities, prosecuting financial fraud, and reforming the criminal justice system with an evidence-based approach.

Senator Manka Dhingra

As a member of the Special Committee on Economic Recovery in 2020, she helped the statecraft an economic plan to lead an equitable recovery from the COVID economic downturn. She also serves on several task forces dedicated to reducing poverty, reforming the criminal justice system, improving equity in state government, and providing a sound and fair fiscal footing for the state. The politician is standing against Ryika Hooshangi to win the midterm elections.

Raja Krishnamoorthi, Democrat, Illinois

An India-born American businessman and politician serving as the U.S. representative for Illinois’s 8th congressional district since 2017, Raja Krishnamoorthi is known for his education, skill training, and workforce enhancement policies. His political career started in 2000 when he first worked on Barack Obama’s 2000 election campaign for the United States House of Representatives. He later served as an issues director for Obama’s 2004 campaign and aided in the development of Obama’s 2004 Democratic National Convention keynote address.

Raja Krishnamoorthi, politician

He first ran for the Democratic Party nomination in 2010, which he, unfortunately, lost to David E. Miller. However, in 2012, 2016, and 2022, the politician won the elections by a heavy margin and is now gearing up to give a tough fight to his Republican opponent, Chris Dargis.

Priya Sundareshan, Democrat, Arizona

The Director of the Natural Resource Use and Management Clinic, Priya Sundareshan was most recently an attorney at the Environmental Defense Fund in Washington, DC, where she advocated for sustainable federal fisheries management in legal and policy issues. A Tucson native, she received her JD and an MS in natural resource economics through the University of Arizona’s dual degree program in Economics, Law, and the Environment.

Priya Sundareshan, politician

Even though it is her first major election, the ballot seems to be tilted in her favour, with the early survey showing that about 54.9 percent of people are inclined to vote for her during the midterms, as against 45.1 percent to Republican Stan Caine, who is standing against her.

Om Duggal, Democrat, Georgia

This congressman has been a vocal advocate of several issues plaguing not just America, but almost every country across the globe. From affordable healthcare to protecting women’s rights, and supporting students – Om Duggal has worked on it all.

Om Duggal, politician

The New Delhi-born Duggal immigrated to the United States with his family over two decades ago. In 2004, he opened two hotels and was involved in the development of a small residential community in Duluth, Georgia. A few years later, he decided to stand for a local election and won – and there has been no turning back since. As he goes to election against Republican Matt Reeves, Om is working on a non-profit focussed on senior living.

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Published on 09, Nov 2022

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A stranded MBBS student in Kyiv awaits word of safe passage as Russia’s war on Ukraine escalates

"We are stuck in Kyiv, help us!" a desperate plea from an Indian medical student stuck in war-torn Ukraine. Of the 18,000 students in Ukraine, thousands still await evacuation as the government advises them not to get to the border directly. From what we know so far, the condition at the border is very bad and students have been waiting for three to four days, without food and shelter. Dinesh, an MBBS student (March 2, 2022) Peeping outside the window of his hostel room at Bogomolets National Medical University on Tarasa Shevchenko Boulevard in Kyiv, all that P Dinesh can see are deserted streets, a vehicle or two quickly zooming past. Till a week ago, the same place used to be bustling with activity. Faint sounds of air sirens and the non-stop updates on his mobile phone about the rapidly deteriorating situation around him keeps him on the edge throughout, even as he pulls himself together to make his exit plans from war torn Ukraine. But a series of WhatsApp posts from other students about the “very, very bad” situation along the Poland and Romania borders takes him nowhere. To make matters worse, Dinesh, who is among the 1,000

uation along the Poland and Romania borders takes him nowhere.

To make matters worse, Dinesh, who is among the 1,000 students locked inside the university hostel, is running short on drinking water. Food stocks at the hostel will last only a day. "We are in a terribly awful situation. There are no special trains for us and travelling towards the borders is dangerous. We are stuck in Kyiv,” says Dinesh, speaking exclusively to Global Indian even as newer satellite images show more than a 40-mile-long Russian military convoy on the roads leading to the capital of Ukraine.

[caption id="attachment_20551" align="aligncenter" width="551"] Indians in Ukraine | P Dinesh P Dinesh, an Indian medical student stuck in Kyiv[/caption]

Tension in the air is palpable. With Russian President Vladimir Putin keeping his country's nuclear forces on high alert, escalating tensions further, the Indian students in Bogomolets National Medical University are terrified.

“There are very limited options before us. Either we stay back in the hostel itself, and wait for the situation to get better or move to western cities like Lviv, Uzhhorod and Chernivtsi, where the only option to stay are churches, bus stands or railway stations. The third option is to proceed to the border of Hungary, Poland and Romania but there are still long queues of people waiting there with no food, water and shelter for days. The temperature is -7, and many people are falling sick,” informs Dinesh, referring to the latest updates on his mobile phone. The students are now wondering how they would continue in the hostel without water and food in a wintery February.

Stranded Indian student in Ukraine breaks down; says no food, water supply in jam-packed bunker

A young student stranded in war-hit #Ukraine narrates her ordeal… @narendramodi जी कब तक आप खामोश रहेंगे? @RahulGandhi @LambaAlka #Russia #Ukraine #RussiaUkraine #Indianstudents pic.twitter.com/IPZp5od3Ih

— Tanveer Shaikh (@_tanveersheikh) February 28, 2022

A native of Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, Dinesh arrived in Kyiv about three months ago, looking forward to a great start to his MBBS. Instead, he now finds himself trapped in a war zone. “In case we choose to move out from the hostel, we will have to make our own arrangements and carry our basic needs. The embassy may or may not be able to help us. We cannot fully depend on that,” says the first year MBBS student.

While there are many Indians who have taken the risk, and travelled towards the borders, their experiences are dissuading others. Many are caught in a dilemma whether to take the risk or stay back. “From what we know so far, the condition at the border is very bad and students have been waiting for three to four days, without food and shelter. Many suggest that we should not travel to the border though some want to take a chance,” informs Dinesh, tired and frustrated over the turn of events.

The 1,000 students of Bogomolets National Medical University live in 2-3-4 person a room facilities. The university, which provides medical training for over 10,000 students, including about 1,300 foreigners from 56 countries, was founded in 1841. “One of the students spoke to the Indian embassy officials, and informed us there are no special trains for Indians. We will have to wait at railway stations, and according to seat availability, we will be allowed to travel to different parts of western Ukraine. We have been told that while there are no basic necessities like food, water and shelter at the borders, we would remain safe as there is no bombardment there,” he adds.

Successfully facilitated
the movement of more than 1400 students out of Zaporizhzhia,
city in South East Ukraine, westwards.@MEAIndia #OperationGanga pic.twitter.com/jHRKApid5X

— India in Ukraine (@IndiainUkraine) February 28, 2022

Dinesh says that information trickling in suggests that there is no one near the border to take responsibility for Indian students. This amid reports that a group of Indian students were detained by the forces close to the border, and their belongings, including debit cards snatched from them. “Moving out of Kyiv will be at our own risk. If we decide to move out, we will have to be ready to face consequences. Many are worried of having to sleep on the road for days. It is snowing there to make matters worse,” informs Dinesh. While some friends thought of moving out, they dropped their plans after weighing the pros and cons.

Three months ago, when Dinesh had arrived in Kyiv, he recalls how the most populous Ukrainian city used to be a lively place. “The entire city used to be bustling with people and vehicles. The locals like Indians, and it used to be a very peaceful place. But now, there is this eerie silence everywhere with people huddling together in bunkers as Russian war planes pass by. Some pray, others try to keep their spirits high,” the student informs.

As the #Ukraine-#Russian conflict rages, volunteers of The Art of Living (@ArtofLiving) in #Europe have reached out to the stranded Indian students in Ukraine, who trying to cross the borders into various other European countries, with basic amenities like food and water. pic.twitter.com/WPwCNmNIl8

— IANS Tweets (@ians_india) February 28, 2022

“Do you have any more news about the borders? Will the Indian embassy come to our rescue? Please help us,” is a desperate plea coming from the students of Bogomolets National Medical University. “They (Ukrainian authorities) just lifted the curfew, but the future remains uncertain,” adds Dinesh, whose parents, like those of the other 18,000 Indian students await news with bated breath.

Conditions of Indians stranded in Ukraine are worsening.

Yet, GOI is not taking effective steps to bring them home.

As usual, PM is MIA. pic.twitter.com/n8MfPAgxvD

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 28, 2022

The latest satellite images show infantry vehicles, logistical trucks, tanks and self-propelled artillery moving rapidly towards Kyiv. It is the sixth day since Russia declared war on Ukraine, leading to heavy fighting and airstrikes across the country. According to the Ukraine government, over 5,000 people have lost their lives, of these 352 civilians, including 14 children, even as Ukraine agreed to hold peace talks with Russia at the Belarus border.

Reading Time: 6 min

Sparsh Ahuja, Sam Dalrymple and Sadia Gardezi: Taking India-Pak partition witnesses back to their childhood homes through VR

(August 17, 2024) "All the gold and silver that we owned, I, an 11-year-old child at the time, dug a deep pit and buried it to keep it safe, because we didn’t think we wouldn’t return. We thought we will be coming back, but we couldn’t,” lamented 84-year-old Dharampal, who migrated from Sialkot in Pakistan to Jammu, then Amritsar, and ultimately Bombay during the 1947 partition. He shared his memories of those painful days with the Project Dastaan team that has been working to facilitate virtual reconnections of people to the homes they left during the tragic times. Dharampal’s father was tragically left behind during Partition on the other side of the border. “My uncle said, ‘I’ll give you the wood, I’ll give you all the wheat we have, get my brother back.’ They said, ‘We are not interested.’ My uncle couldn’t get his brother and he was later killed'.” Dharampal’s story echoes the countless journeys undertaken by refugees during the partition crisis. The event affected the entire subcontinent who had to suffer irreparable loss and trauma for the rest of their lives. About 14 million people migrated and thousands perished during the 1947 partition. View this post on

the rest of their lives. About 14 million people migrated and thousands perished during the 1947 partition.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Project Dastaan (@project.dastaan)

Launched in 2018 Project Dastaan serves as a poignant reminder that ordinary people are the most impacted when a nation is torn apart. Their lives are uprooted forever. In 2023 Project Dastaan became part of the British Key Stage 3 school curriculum. The peace-building initiative has also facilitated reconnection of the Bangladesh nationals.

Recreating memories

Co-founded by Sparsh Ahuja from India, Sam Dalrymple, an Indian of British descent, and Sadia, a Pakistani national, the project is a tribute to the legacy of millions of refugees whose lives were changed overnight. The nationalities of Project Dastaan’s co-founders represent an interesting amalgamation of people deeply affected by the partition of India.

Their project has been facilitating virtual reconnections to the homes of partition survivors. About 50 percent of those interviewed have been able to see their childhood homes using VR technology. While attempts for all were made, the changed landscapes made it difficult, and impossible for other cases.

“One of the things we've learned throughout this entire journey is just how absurd it is that it takes a team of 30 volunteers spread across five different countries with the world's most cutting-edge technology to take back grandparents who literally live just across the border. To all the people out there watching this video we have just one message: In an ideal world a project like this shouldn't exist,” says Sparsh Ahuja in an interview.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxzNJ_5_9DI

The documentary filmmaker and founder of Project Dastaan, Sparsh is a 2020 National Geographic Explorer, the youngest-ever recipient of the CatchLight Fellowship. He graduated as a FitzRandolph Scholar in PPE at the University of Oxford. His debut film, Child of Empire, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival 2022, and his latest documentary short, Birdsong, screened at SXSW, Sundance London, Palm Springs ShortsFest, where it won Special Mention: Best Documentary Short and was shortlisted for the Grierson Award. It was later acquired by The Guardian.

Bringing past to present

Talking about the process that they use to reconnect partition survivors to their childhood homes, Sam Dalrymple who happens to be the son of British descent author William Dalrymple remarks, “We begin by interviewing the partition witnesses. We then get our cross-border volunteer network to track down the locations and try to find any areas which may have survived. A lot of the places have changed, both countries have industrialised massively since 1947. And yet there's always something which remains in each of these villages or towns. Wherever we have been, there's a mosque, a well, a mandir, maybe the neighbour's house that has survived. After this, we send our filming team out to recapture those areas.”

Like his co-founders Sam too has a deep connection with the subcontinent as many of his British ancestors were born, raised and died in India with their graves in different parts of the country. His book Shattered Lands: The Five Partitions of India 1935–1975, is due to be published in 2024.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P88oFsv1FZ0

“We edit the filmed content into a full six-minute experience. This is then taken back to the original partition witness shown to them and then exhibited more broadly to the general public in order to educate about partition and about the stories of those who've survived it,” he explains.

Sam Dalrymple is the Co-Founder and COO of Project Dastaan. He graduated as a Sanskrit and Persian scholar from the University of Oxford, where he served as president and co-founder of the Oxford University Silk Road Society. He has worked with The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (a multibillion foundation), Turquoise Mountain and Vagaband. Sam speaks proficiently in Hindi and Urdu, and can converse in basic Farsi.

Inspired by the pains of their grandparents

“When my Nanu was just seven years old, he was forced to migrate from a small village in modern-day Pakistan called Bela, and moved to New Delhi. I'd see him in the corner of our house in Delhi, he'd be scribbling Urdu in his Diary and I’d ask him Nanu , you know how to write Urdu? " And he'd say, ‘yes, this is what we learnt at school but he'd close the diary quickly and would say ‘but now that time is gone,” shared Sparsh Ahuja.

It was during a coffee chat at Oxford University that Sparsh and his friend Ameena Malak from Pakistan exchanged their grandparents’ stories of Partition. They realised that their grandparents had travelled almost identical journeys in opposite directions, each yearning to go back home. However, due to wars, old age, and trauma, there were still too many barriers for either to return. This sparked the idea for Project Dastaan.

[caption id="attachment_53746" align="aligncenter" width="740"] Indian Culture | Project Dastaan | Global Indian From left to right: Sam Dalrymple, Sparsh Ahuja, Sadia Gardezi and Ameena Malak[/caption]

They brought their friends Sam Dalrymple and Saadia Gardezi who were studying at Oxford as well, on board and came up with the plan of a making sure every Partition survivor who they could find, would go home again, whether through virtual reality, video calls to locals who still remember them, or even an actual physical return, however difficult.

Across the border

Pakistan-origin Saadia Gardezi is the co-founder and creative lead of Project Dastaan. The illustrator and writer has worked as the Op-Ed editor for The Nation, one of Pakistan’s leading newspapers. Saadia graduated as an M.Phil. scholar in South Asian Studies, of the Weidenfeld Hoffmann Leadership Program at Oxford University. While pursuing Ph.D. at the University of Warwick she also works part-time as workshop facilitator and graduate tutor.

“We build bridges between India and Pakistan, and hope to educate people about the history and shared cultures of India and Pakistan through storytelling and films.

As Pakistan lead, I coordinate between volunteers and cultural heritage organisations in Pakistan, UK and India,” she mentions. For project Dastaan she has been deeply involved in researching partition stories and interviewing survivors.

[caption id="attachment_53753" align="aligncenter" width="803"] Indian Culture | Project Dastaan | Global Indian A still from the TIME's coverage of Project Dastaan[/caption]

“I have always had this sense of hankering of figuring out along that journey what changed, what took these communities that had been living for centuries together and turned them into enemies overnight. We wanted to go beyond just talking about the partition. We wanted to take these people back home,” says Sparsh.

Although they connected many people over phone calls, in this technological era virtual reality seemed the powerful solution to the yearning of partition survivors. “Old age and traumatic memories and the general fear linked to going back, still holds them back. Hundreds and thousands of people have not been able to go home (even after seven decades),” Sam remarks.

With the use of technological solutions, Sparsh, Sam, and Saadia are happy to help people of their grandparents’ generation cross borders. They are happy to turn their ‘crazy’ idea into reality.

- Follow Project Dastaan on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and its website
- More Global Indian Exclusives

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Manav Subodh: Nurturing talent through 1M1B

(April 27, 2024) Manav Subodh, Founder of 1M1B (One Million for One Billion), a UN accredited youth and AI focused skilling organisation is making a compelling case for finding talent across the country. 1M1B, aims for nothing short of the moon. The vision is to become India’s beacon of purpose in social entrepreneurship - breaking into the top 10 social organisations globally within a decade. The team aspires to be synonymous with change-making excellence, the ‘Harvard for change-makers,’ where the passionate and the purposeful converge to ignite social change. Driven to make a change Manav Subodh grew up with a sense of pride and a strong desire to showcase India on the world stage. Completing his engineering and MBA meant that he had a flourishing corporate journey across the globe, culminating in a 17-year journey of transforming markets and minds through marketing, sales, product development, and communications. “My career then took an unexpected turn into corporate and public affairs, nudging me towards a world where business meets government and societal impact,” he says. [caption id="attachment_51046" align="aligncenter" width="597"] Manav Subodh[/caption] At Intel, he spearheaded initiatives bridging entrepreneurship with education, later amplifying this impact in the Americas, Middle East, and Africa, which

97"] Indian Social Entrepreneur | Manav Subodh | Global Indian Manav Subodh[/caption]

At Intel, he spearheaded initiatives bridging entrepreneurship with education, later amplifying this impact in the Americas, Middle East, and Africa, which only worked to strengthen his resolve to create such change in India's hinterlands. With a decade at Intel, managing multi-million-dollar projects, he felt a stronger call to serve his country, leading him to UC Berkeley. “There, the freedom to innovate, fail, and pivot reshaped my vision. I found that the cut-throat and competitive Indian education system was not as forgiving to failures. The U.S. education system, with its emphasis on open innovation, trial-and-error, and networking, didn’t just teach me; it transformed me into a change-maker and a global citizen,” he explains.

Going Beyond

1M1B was born out of inspiration from Berkeley's ethos - to go beyond yourself and to work for the community. “This powerful idea ignited a question within me: Could I catalyse the creation of change-makers on a massive scale? Thus, 1M1B, or '1 Million for 1 Billion,' emerged with a mission to forge one million change-makers to transform a billion lives. This vision was not just about education; it was about revolutionising mindsets and empowering the youth with empathy, collaboration, and resilience, while instilling in them the courage to embrace failures as stepping stones,” he avers. Transitioning from the corporate sphere to entrepreneurship was however no walk in the park. “It meant giving up the security of a well-oiled corporate machine - where I got to visit over 30 countries, enjoyed predictable appraisals and salary hikes, and led a life of relative luxury. The shift was seismic – from boardroom meetings and business class flights to Ola’s and staying-at-friends. My commitment was tested in every aspect, from financial stability to personal comfort, but it was always worth it,” he opines.

[caption id="attachment_51048" align="aligncenter" width="524"] Indian Social Entrepreneur | Manav Subodh | Global Indian Manav subodh[/caption]

Making a Difference

At 1M1B, the team’s work with youth rests on three pillars - change-making, AI for a better world, and green skills. Over nine years, they have empowered approximately 600,000 young minds across 29 Indian states, infusing them with the skills to be tomorrow's leaders. “Our partnerships with giants like IBM, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, and Meta underline our commitment to blending corporate excellence with social innovation. Our presence at the UN headquarters in New York, through eight global summits, underscores our unique position as the frontrunner in India for youth-led global discourse on change and innovation. The 1M1B Activate Summit is our annual showcase, highlighting transformative stories from India, demonstrating the power of AI and technology in fostering green skills and sustainable development,” says Subodh. But beyond the numbers and events, the core mission is to democratise opportunity for all youth. “We ensure that our programs are as accessible in the prestigious corridors of international schools as they are in the humble classrooms of tribal Chhattisgarh. Our collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the establishment of village centres exemplifies our dedication to creating an equitable platform for education and empowerment,” he adds.

Passion for Change

What fuels Subodh’s passion is the transformative impact on the lives of young individuals. Every day as he works, he talks and mentors his younger self. “Witnessing a young person flourish because of 1M1B's influence is honestly my only life's mission. But at the heart of my motivation is the constant desire to learn and grow. I cherish the inquisitive spirit of my younger student self and strive to maintain that curiosity throughout my entire life. In every interaction, I lead with confidence without attitude, a principle that shapes my approach to leadership and service,” he says.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=921fNgjxlNo

Entrepreneurship to Subodh, in its true essence, is a calling, not “a job as he believes it is a life's mission that demands unyielding commitment and passion. If you don't feel that innate pull, that relentless drive to pursue your entrepreneurial vision, then it may not be your path. I like to think of entrepreneurship like a love affair, marked by a rollercoaster of emotions, irrational decisions, and unexpected challenges. It's a journey where logic often takes a backseat to passion. Practically speaking, start your entrepreneurial journey as early as possible. While technology startups may seem more straightforward, social entrepreneurship carries its unique set of challenges and rewards,” he adds.

Navigating Hurdles

Over the last nine years, he has learnt that your network truly is your net worth. “It is the collective strength of friends and supporters worldwide that has prevented me from faltering. Good work done with integrity attracts support; it's a magnetic force that draws in people. Even in moments of scarcity, when partners and funds seemed elusive, my network, including those from my Intel days, provided unwavering support. The lesson is clear: cherish and nurture your relationships, from peers to juniors. They are not just contacts but lifelines that sustain your mission and vision, especially in times of need,” he says.

[caption id="attachment_51050" align="aligncenter" width="633"] Indian Social Entrepreneur | Manav Subodh | Global Indian Manav Subodh[/caption]

A Full Life

In those few moments away from his entrepreneurial pursuits, he revels in exploring the world with his loved ones and has ventured into the world of podcasting. Looking ahead he wants to build the 1M1B Green Skills Academy, a full-fledged campus dedicated not just to academic degrees, but to practical, impactful learning aimed at combating the climate crisis. This academy will become a crucible for the green workforce of tomorrow, training not only in India but setting a global precedent in environmental education. “We envision a future where every sector, from law to technology, from policy making to architecture, integrates eco-friendly principles at its core. The urgency of climate action is undeniable, and through 1M1B, we are committed to accelerating the pace of change, equipping individuals with the skills to make a tangible difference in the world’s environmental future,” he concludes.

Follow Manav Subodh on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube
To know more about 1M1B visit its website

Reading Time: 5 mins

Indian-Malaysian Elwinder Singh is revolutionalising the healthcare world with empathy

(August 11, 2022)Two things set apart Elwinder Singh from his family legacy. Firstly, the third-generation Malaysian citizen chose to establish his empire in India when his father and grandfather had worked in the country that was formerly known as the Federation of Malaya. Secondly, he chose the path of entrepreneurship when there had not been any entrepreneur in the family, rather people holding white collar jobs for generations. However, the decision to delve into patient care as co-founder of Connect and Heal certainly has a family connection to it. “My dad had diabetes and cardiovascular problems, and his health condition was deteriorating. Despite developed healthcare facilities in Kuala Lumpur, I realised how difficult it is to sail through patient care,” he informs Global Indian during a conversation. [caption id="attachment_27965" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Elwinder Singh, cofounder, Connect & Heal[/caption] It took lots of time and effort for Elwinder and his family to ensure a coordinated care solution handholding in every single health intervention of his father. With the right support, the senior Singh regained his health, and at the same time, the seed of a different career path germinated in Elwinder’s mind. He was just back after completing his bachelor’s degree from

eal[/caption]

It took lots of time and effort for Elwinder and his family to ensure a coordinated care solution handholding in every single health intervention of his father. With the right support, the senior Singh regained his health, and at the same time, the seed of a different career path germinated in Elwinder’s mind. He was just back after completing his bachelor’s degree from the University of Warwick, London, and was working at Roger Berger, Malaysia during that time.

Stumbling upon a vision

India, the country of Elwinder’s family’s origin, enjoys a very special place in their hearts. Challenges while dealing with his father’s ailments led Elwinder to think hard about how distressing it might be for many people back home to tackle patient care, right from obtaining the correct advice, to running from one specialist to another for the appropriate treatment. in a country with a population of 136 crores.

Struck with the desire to do his bit and weighing the possibilities of a successful health venture, he made a move to India. Thus began the journey of Connect & Heal which stands by its vision to ‘deliver healthcare with empathy.’

India provided a platform to make a difference

“In India and other emerging markets, the scale of fragmentation in healthcare is amplified,” says the Malaysia-born entrepreneur. While brainstorming all aspects before making the big move, Elwinder identified the huge potential to touch lives and make a difference in the country.

“We are four partners and the CEO of the organisation, Sanjay Vinayak has 20 years of experience working in India,” tells Elwinder emphasising how putting the plan into action in a country where he hardly knew anybody, except a few distant relatives, became possible.

[caption id="attachment_27966" align="aligncenter" width="854"] Indian Entrepreneur | Elwinder Singh | Global Indian Galveender Kaur, Sanjay Vinayak, Prashant Kashyap and Elwinder Singh, founders, Connect & Heal | Picture courtesy: Business World[/caption]

Connecting the dots

The fact that his sister Galveender Kaur, a former investment banker, joined hands as a co-founder in taking forward Elwinder’s purpose in life made things brighter.

“Starting in 2016 with Mumbai, Connect & Heal now has a pan-India presence in 300 cities,” informs the entrepreneur whose healthcare venture has touched six million lives so far. The organisation has been providing last mile delivery of healthcare in not just big towns, but also in far-flung areas. Choosing the B2B route, it runs 250 plus on-site clinics in tie-up with one of the largest employers of India to manage primary care of their employees and their families.

“We are also the country’s largest network of private sector ambulances on an aggregated model to bring down response time in navigating emergencies,” he informs. Connect & Heal is currently serving 8,000 pin codes for home delivery of pharmacy and diagnostics services.

Enjoying the new phase

Elwinder’s transition from coming to India rarely during his childhood to living in the country as its resident and enjoying its myriad vibrant hues, is something that he dearly cherishes. “Work has led me to travel to different parts of India and experience it in the true sense, he says,” with a smile.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0X2t6nqRI8

Catering to the healthcare needs of the country during the pandemic as a health warrior has been an exhilarating experience for the young entrepreneur, who has made it to 2022’s Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Talking about the peak time of the pandemic, he mentions, “Crisis is opportunity to serve and find a solution.” Swearing by the powers of health-tech, he remarks, “Technology stepped up to bridge the gap that was created by the lockdown.”

Basking in entrepreneurship

“Things do not always happen according to plans but being able to adapt, having plan B, and being quick on the feet to navigate the situation is what it takes,” he says talking about his success as an entrepreneur. “I am blessed with a good team,” he adds.

Connect & Heal’s thousand-plus strong team size combines non-medical and medical service-providing partners committed to improving the overall health outcome for patients through primary care, preventive care, emergency assistance, covid assistance, and hospitalisation assistance. “We are in midst of unveiling a top-of-the-line technology platform which will get rolled out very soon,” informs the young entrepreneur, whose went to a Malay-medium school. “My Hindi is reasonably good now and I am catching up with Punjabi, quite well,” he signs off with a smile.

Follow Elwinder Singh on LinkedIn

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From go-karting to GT4 European Series: Indian racer Akhil Rabindra is driving to glory

(July 1, 2022) An expensive sport, motor sports in India finds only a handful of takers as a profession. It was in the early 2000s that motor sports took off in India with Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok getting behind the wheel of a mean machine, and since then the racing industry is trying to find a stable foothold in the country. However, none of this dissuaded Indian racer Akhil Rabindra. Fascinated by cars since a very young age, Akhil went from enjoying recreational go-karting on weekends to becoming the first Asian to be selected by the Aston Martin Racing Driver Academy. [caption id="attachment_26364" align="aligncenter" width="563"] Indian racer Akhil Rabindra[/caption] Speaking to Global Indian from United Kingdom, ahead of the 2022 GT4 European Series, the 26-year-old racer reveals that racing was never on the cards, however, he always enjoyed speed driving. "Racing was never on my mind but driving cars, looking at cars and anything to do with cars was. I always thought I would own something nice and drive something nice," laughs the Indian racer, adding, "There were fewer opportunities in India, but still I got to a higher level. Motor sports require a lot of financial resources, time

was never on my mind but driving cars, looking at cars and anything to do with cars was. I always thought I would own something nice and drive something nice," laughs the Indian racer, adding, "There were fewer opportunities in India, but still I got to a higher level. Motor sports require a lot of financial resources, time and commitment. Somewhere along the way, it happened and I got into financial racing.”

Obsessed with cars and speed

The Bengaluru-born was always fascinated with cars. While other kids his age would spend their weekends playing cricket or football, Akhil's parents would drive him to a go-karting trip. "At age 10, I was obsessed with cars. When you are that young the only option for you is rental go-karting which were very few, back in the day. So, my weekend would start around 4 am on Saturday, when my parents would take me to a go-karting place which was far away, we would spend the weekend there and return late on Sunday, so that I could attend the school next morning," shares the Indian racer.

From recreational driving, Akhil progressed to professional go-karting at the age of 14. He did junior racing and moved to the highest national championships before moving out of India. However, it was a “busy life” for this champion. "I started professional go-karting in ninth grade. I had two sets of board exams ahead of me and I was not the brightest student. There was a lot of travelling involved, missing school, coming back and catching up on notes and I had to squeeze my school, fitness training and tuition on my week days. Since I was travelling, racing, working out on fitness, I had very less time to socialise and live the normal teenager life."

[caption id="attachment_26365" align="aligncenter" width="707"] Indian racer | Akhil Rabindra | Global Indian Akhil after securing the double podium finish in the season opening round of the GT4 European Series, 2022[/caption]

In 2012, Rabindra, alongside racing in single seater car, debuted in touring cars, driving the Toyota Etios Racing Series, and was the youngest finalist in the saloon car category in the championship. He even managed a podium finish at the Exhibition Race in Chennai and a strong finish in the race of Champions in Delhi ensuring his place at the Columbia Night Race 2013. But an accident in 2014 threw him off the scene for a while, however he shares that he has fully recovered from it. "Motor sport is not easy. Having said that, I think no sport is easy or safe. However, my family was incredibly supportive throughout my journey," shares the Indian racer.

Formula to success

After finishing his school, Akhil moved to the United Kingdom to enroll in the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, to pursue his BSc graduation. It was here that he saw the stark contrast in racing between India and abroad. "When I went to UK, I realised two things - one talent abroad is very competitive and hard, and two, you have got to do a lot of things right to make it to the top”, shares the Indian racer.

But as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. So, Akhil started dedicating more time and energy into racing. In 2015, he competed in BRDC Formula 4 Championship in the United Kingdom with Wayne Douglas Motorsport, a series for young drivers from all over the world driving the new MSV F4-013, 2-litre Ford Durance engine and paddle shift gearbox. Having to learn a new car and new tracks, Akhil scored 203 points finishing 14th overall.

Indian racer | Akhil Rabindra | Global Indian

While he was keen to become a Formula 1 driver, eventually, the racer decided to jump from Formula series to the GT. "This was a tough decision as the formula ladder needed a lot of time, financial resources, and the chances of making it was also doubtful. We wanted to have a sustainable journey in motorsport and also be able to make it to the top. In the GT category, it has a larger ecosystem than 20 drivers in F1 and there are several more car manufactures, which opens up opportunities," explains the Indian racer.

Contrary to popular belief, motor-racing requires an equal amount of physical-mental fitness and discipline as any other sports. Explaining the intensity of the training, Akhil shares, "It’s the difference between a commercial jet pilot and a fighter jet pilot. Basically, it is the G-force that pushes into your body and weight and that’s when resistance comes into play. You’re sitting in a cramped position under a lot of external and internal heat and withstanding these forces. In some ways, it is a diluted version of a fighter jet on the ground.”

Road to the Aston Martin Racing Academy

India’s only GT4 racer, Akhil has been selected for the Aston Martin Racing Academy for the third year running. The 26-year-old was also the only Asian in the Aston Martin Racing (AMR) Driver Academy, which kicked-off its 2020 season with the French FFSA GT4 Championship, one of Europe’s strongest GT National Championships. "The Aston Martin Racing Academy was a big achievement," shares the Indian racer, adding, "They help in many different fronts such as physical and mental training, technique of driving and a lot of on and off stuff. They are not just focused on the driving part but it is a holistic approach to teaching. It is also the network as you get to interact with drivers who would help you out in different situations. They help tap into different forms of support with ease.”

Indian racer | Akhil Rabindra | Global Indian

He began 2022 on a good note by securing a double podium finish in the season opener with his new team, Racing Spirit of Leman, at the European GT4 Championship. Currently ranking third overall in the ongoing series, Akhil feels that the interest in motor sports is slowly growing in India but it’s still a long way to go. “In India, people are not educated on the sport like say we are on cricket. We understand terms like wide, no ball or cover drive. There is a fair interest in fast cars and modified cars in any city in India. The middle class is getting more affluent and everyone is always seeking to have a nice car. I think if it is televised more and there are more opportunities to watch, the interest will grow," he signs off.

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