Nishant Malhotra | Indian Art and Culture | Global Indian

Global IndianstoryNishant Malhotra: Reviving GI-tagged textile heritage and celebrating artisans with WeaverStory

Nishant Malhotra: Reviving GI-tagged textile heritage and celebrating artisans with WeaverStory

Written by: Amrita Priya

(August 13, 2024) “As children of the pre-digital era, we have all grown up in homes and environments that have been driven by tradition. From food to craft and clothing, everything had a story and was a hand-worked skill passed through generations, be it the chutneys that were made at home or the sweaters that were knit. So there always was an inclination towards culture and the traditions of the past,” Nishant Malhotra reminisces as he connects with Global Indian.

Although he was always fascinated by India’s luxurious heritage and traditions, he had never imagined that he would one day work with it. After spending several years in the banking and finance sectors, Nishant Malhotra founded WeaverStory nine years ago, finding both purpose and an avenue for social impact.

Indian Art and Culture | Nishant Malhotra | Global Indian

Nishant Malhotra at WeaverStory curated runway show at BNI4M2024 event

Led by artisans

The craft-led textile brand has come a long way. Launched with just five sarees on a Facebook page, WeaverStory has grown into a 30-member team working with over 400 weavers from 10 different weaving clusters. “This transformation has significantly improved the lives of weavers and their families and enhanced the experiences of our customers spread across more than 20 countries,” tells the entrepreneur.

Whether it is the famed yarns of Banaras, the vibrant hues of Gujarat, the ethereal threads of Chanderi, intricate works of Kashmir, poetic weaves of Bengal, or resplendent silks of Kanchipuram – WeaverStory has been championing authentic handmade products like luxurious sarees and fabric, bespoke occasion wear, bridal couture and accessories blending tradition with modernity.

GI certified handloom

The textile brand’s products are silk mark and craft mark-certified with GI tags. It has been participating in the Government of India’s ODOP (One District One Product) initiative which aims to promote indigenous and specialised goods and crafts distinct to various districts across the country. “WeaverStory sources 350 products from over 19 Geographical Indications (GIs), thus ensuring genuine handloom apparel from the craftspeople who bring them to life.”

The hand weaved textiles are delivered through retail stores in Delhi and Hyderabad and the brand’s website. It also retails online through domestic and international marketplaces such as Pernia’s Pop Up Shop, Aza, Aashni + Co., Nykaa Fashion and Etsy.

One of the WeaverStory stores

The journey of transition

As a banking and financial services professional, Nishant often travelled to rural areas and smaller cities in India, working on financial inclusion projects. These experiences exposed him to not only the challenges faced by the local population but also to the complexities of implementing programs to benefit them.

“I realised that even small steps could have a significant impact on their lives and it was this thought that drove me to start WeaverStory after a trip to Banaras that proved pivotal in the transition,” tells the Delhi based entrepreneur.

Starting small

In Banaras, Nishant met a weaver who had been forced to quit his craft due to low income and the pressure of supporting his family. Instead of engaging in his creative work, the weaver was folding sarees at a retail shop. This deeply moved Nishant. Upon his return to Delhi, he began conversing with others to understand the market need for Indian handlooms – the artistic heritage of India.

“I discovered that there was a demand for handloom products, but people were unaware of authentic sources,’” he says. This realisation led him to start a small initiative by creating a Facebook page, where he showcased five well-crafted saris by a weaver of Banaras to help people appreciate the value of craftsmanship of the weaving community.

Within months, his initiative started gaining recognition, motivating Nishant to leave his job and pursue social entrepreneurship. He had found the purpose of creating better opportunities for the artistic weavers of India and making a difference in their lives.

WeaverStory team

“It started as a mere passion project with no intention of launching a full-fledged brand. However, that small step transformed everything, leading us to where we are today,” says Nishant who had over 15 years of corporate experience with Fortune 500 companies and biggest conglomerates like the TATAs and Reliance group at the time of stepping into social entrepreneurship. “Through WeaverStory my attempt has been to bridge the gap between true fans of original Indian handlooms and those with a century-long lineage in this artistic heritage. We work towards preserving our heritage and enabling weavers to become financially successful,” he says.

Rising above challenges and earning trust

In the initial days of his venture gaining the trust of the weavers was a challenge. “Coming from a banking background with no experience in textiles, I wasn’t attempting to become a designer. My goal was to create an ecosystem around handlooms. However, understanding the craftsmanship, the uniqueness of handwoven fabric, and effectively communicating with the weavers required substantial knowledge,” Nishant mentions.

When he approached weavers, they were sceptical. “They doubted my understanding of their craft and feared their products would be rejected after completion.” An online brand, was an unconventional idea in 2015, especially for the rural weavers for whom trade meant an offline activity.

To alleviate their fears Nishant started work on the model of buying products outright from the weavers addressing their concerns. “By ensuring immediate and fair compensation, we gradually earned their trust and overcame their initial resistance,” he says.

A Madhubani artist associated with WeaverStory

Assuring quality

Earning the trust of the weavers was just one side of the story. Nishant highlights that when purchasing a premium product like a handwoven saree, customers seek assurance about their investment. Therefore, early in their journey, the WeaverStory team began conducting video calls with customers to showcase the products in detail, thereby earning their trust as well.

“At WeaverStory, our values of purity, pride, and intention have always been at the core of everything we do. We have consistently strived to present our customers with a curated collection of authentic weaves in pure fabrics that best represent India’s textile heritage and the skills of our weavers,” the entrepreneur mentions.

Weaving stories

To bring the stories of the rural weavers to the forefront and change the narrative in their favour Nishant Malhotra and his team does not just look at them as mere suppliers of products that they are marketing but provide the weaving community a sense of close collaboration. “This outlook is one of the major factors contributing to our growth story,” says Nishant.

“Our product curation and storytelling are deeply influenced by the intentions and narratives of the weavers, and we make it a point not to interfere with their stories. The authentic stories behind each weave is what attracts our customers; and they want to buy, own, and cherish these unique pieces of art.”

WeaverStory Foundation

Recently, the entrepreneur has started the WeaverStory Foundation, which will undertake projects aimed at providing sustainable livelihoods and skill development for weavers, with a special focus on women artisans. “We are actively seeking and collaborating with like-minded partners to further this mission,” Nishant points out.

Awards galore

The textile brand has instituted several reward and recognition programs, such as Kala Nishtha, Kala Samridhi and Craftales to encourage lesser-known and new weavers to look at their skills with more optimism and be part of the WeaverStory network.

“These initiatives help create visibility for them, especially among their peers and within their communities, where weaving is often seen as a low-paying job.”

In the WeaverStory model, the products are purchased outright from the weavers. “WeaverStory ensures that weavers are paid fair market prices that account for the scale and input while keeping the product competitive. This approach rewards the weavers for their skill, time, and labour,” Nishant says.

Naseem Bano (extreme right) is one of the weavers that WeaverStory works with to upskill village women artisans

New Initiative – Revival collection of Venkatagiri sarees

On the occasion of National Handloom Day which falls on 7th August and coincides with WeaverStory’s foundation day, the textile brand launched a revival collection of Venkatagiri Sarees.

“Venkatagiri was once known for its fine-count cotton sarees with gold khaadi borders woven on a traditional pit loom. It held a place of pride in Andhra’s handloom traditions. However, with the advent of the power loom, the decline in the value of cotton, and a shift in market demand that leaned towards Banarasi, Kanchipuram and Paithani styles, the weavers of Venkatgiri lost touch with their traditional design language and eventually met with flagging patronage and diminished popularity,” informs Nishant.

For the past several months, WeaverStory has been working with Tata Trusts’ Antaran to revive the lost designs of the Venkatagiri cluster. The textile brand has launched a collection of sarees with four archival designs that have not been woven in over 70 years. “The aim is to rekindle significant market interest in this historic craft and give saree connoisseurs across the world a piece of heritage to own,” says the entrepreneur who works with the vision of promoting the exquisite craft of handweaving, ensuring its legacy continues to thrive.

Nishant Malhotra with Mridula and Parvez Alam from Tata Trusts during the unveiling of Venkatagiri Revival Project

Follow Nishant Malhotra on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram
Follow WeaverStory on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and its website

Name*

Email*

Name*

Email*

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Published on 13, Aug 2024

Share with

ALSO READ

Sanjeev Sanyal: Bringing an ‘Ocean of Churn’ to India’s economy, history and geography

(November 1, 2022) Sanjeev Sanyal leads quite an unstructured life, devoid of a fixed routine or weekends. Some days are full of meetings, other days have public events lined up and there is travel across India, sometimes abroad. A handful of quiet days allow him to sit down with his books. For someone like Sanyal — who spent over two decades in international financial markets — high stress and working long hours in an environment which is always volatile, are a way of life. “But that is the nature of financial markets,” he says, offering a glimpse into his role as a Member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council. [caption id="attachment_31210" align="aligncenter" width="949"] Sanjeev Sanyal[/caption] “It (experiences) served me well when all the assumptions about the world economy broke down during the Covid pandemic. I never imagined that I would be typing out the G20’s Global Action Plan on my laptop in the middle of a total lockdown,” smiles Sanjeev Sanyal, in an exclusive conversation with Global Indian. One of Asia’s leading economists, bestselling writer, historian, environmentalist and urban theorist — Sanjeev Sanyal is a man of many hues. The Rhodes Scholar, who was Principal Economic Advisor to the Union Ministry

roke down during the Covid pandemic. I never imagined that I would be typing out the G20’s Global Action Plan on my laptop in the middle of a total lockdown,” smiles Sanjeev Sanyal, in an exclusive conversation with Global Indian.

One of Asia’s leading economists, bestselling writer, historian, environmentalist and urban theorist — Sanjeev Sanyal is a man of many hues. The Rhodes Scholar, who was Principal Economic Advisor to the Union Ministry of Finance, is also a visiting professor at Oxford University and received the Eisenhower Fellowship in 2007.

When he talks economics — the world takes note

“The year 2023 could be a difficult one for the world economy with the impact of monetary tightening, high energy prices, and geo-political uncertainty. Although we have been very conservative with macro-economic management in India, global trends will have an impact on our economy,” he warns. If India’s economy is growing, and the rest of the world is not, then external accounts will eventually feel the stress.

“Similarly, our dependence on imported energy makes us vulnerable to imported inflation. Therefore, with such bumpy roads ahead, we need to drive carefully. If monetary tightening is needed, so be it,” says the internationally acclaimed economist, who was one of the main architects of the G20s Global Action Plan that was used to coordinate the international response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0h4eoEVhnQ

The G20 Action Plan, Debt service suspension initiative and incremental progress on important matters, were some of the achievements of the G20, which held two virtual summits during 2020.

Brand India rising through reforms

The term ‘Brand India’ has taken the world by storm and who better than Sanyal to break it all down.“We have emerged now as the world’s fifth largest economy in dollar terms, and the third largest in purchasing power parity terms. We are also the world’s fastest growing economy. Admittedly we are still poor in per capita income, but we can justly claim that the absolute size of our economy now matters on a global scale,” explains Sanyal.

This, he elaborates, is the cumulative result of pursuing a supply-side reform effort over many years by reducing bureaucratic red-tape, creating frameworks like GST, building infrastructure, digitization, and so on.

Bullish about Brand India

“By the end of this decade we can expect to bypass Germany and Japan to become the third largest economy in dollar terms. However, economic growth is not a birth-right, and it requires that we keep up this reform effort,” he points out while stating that maintaining macroeconomic stability is important, and we should be wary of wasting resources on unproductive freebies.

A man of many interests

Born in Kolkata, West Bengal in August 1970, Sanyal studied at St Xavier’s school and St James School. “From economics to natural sciences, genetics to history, from urban design to wildlife conservation, I have always had such eclectic interests and read widely,” says Sanyal, who was actively involved in inter-college debating and won several trophies.

The Nehruvian critic

An alumnus of Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi, Sanyal is vocal in his criticism of Nehruvian socialism. Pointing out the primary defects in the economic policies since independence, the master strategist feels that adoption of Nehruvian socialism as our economic model in the fifties was a big mistake.

“It was a visible failure by the mid-sixties and yet we doubled down with bank nationalisation and ever higher tax rates. It created an inefficient, bureaucratic system that allowed rent-seeking and control by a tiny elite,” states Sanyal, who was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2010. The resultant failure, he says, was dubbed the “Hindu rate of growth” — as if India had failed Nehru rather than the other way around.

As a result, he says, India’s share of world GDP continued to shrink till the nineties. “It is only in 2019-20 that we regained the share of the world economy as in 1947. Much of that inefficiency has been rectified through reforms since 1991, but we still need changes in major areas – judiciary and the administrative apparatus,” explains Sanyal, who was honoured as a Young Leader 2014 at the World Cities Summit by the Singapore government.

Rhodes scholar to working in financial economics

While in college, he was not especially concerned with history, except in a general sense. “It was later that I began to see a pattern in the way that Indian history was distorted by colonial and later Marxist historians,” says the 52-year-old, who obtained a Master’s degree from St Johns College, where he was a Rhodes scholar.

Indian Leaders | Sanjeev Sanyal | Global Indian

Sanyal began working in financial economics in the 1990s and went on to create the Green Indian States trust with environmental economist Pavan Sukhdev to promote sustainable development. He then worked at Deutsche bank as it’s global strategist and managing director until 2015. In 2008, he travelled all over the country with his family, which resulted in his book “Land of Seven Rivers.”

Principal Economic Advisor to PM Narendra Modi

What’s it like working with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi?

“He (PM Modi) is a very good listener, and always asks very probing questions. One has to really come prepared with all the research,” smiles Sanyal, who played a key role in preparing six editions of the Economic Survey of India, during his stint as Principal Economic Advisor to the union Finance Ministry between 2017 and 2022.

[caption id="attachment_31197" align="aligncenter" width="933"] Indian Leaders | Sanjeev Sanyal | Global Indian Sanjeev Sanyal with the Prime Minister of India[/caption]

In February 2022, he was appointed as Member of Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister.“If the argument is based on solid grounds, there is a good chance that it will get the Prime Minister’s support even if it goes against his pre-existing views. This a big strength for any leader,” says the main architect of the G20 Global Action Plan.

The academician and the author

Sanyal is also a visiting scholar at Oxford University, Adjunct Fellow at the Institute of Policy studies, Singapore, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Sociery, London, Visiting Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi and a Senior Fellow of the World Wildlife Fund.

As we move from economics to books, the bestselling writer is upbeat about his just published book called Iconic Indians. “The book profiles 75 Indians who defined post-independence India,” says Sanyal, whose other bestselling books include — The Indian Renaissance: India's Rise after a Thousand Years of Decline (Penguin, 2015) and Land of The Seven Rivers: A Brief History of India's Geography (Penguin, 2013) — among others.

“I am now editing a book on the Revolutionaries and their role in the Independence Movement. Hope to have it out in early 2023,” informs the author, who won the first International Indian Achiever’s award for his contributions to literature in 2014. It is an award given to Indians who have excelled in different fields on the international stage. At Oxford he developed a love for old maps and cartography, an interest often reflected in his writings. After exploring Oman, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia and Zanzibar and places up and down the Indian coastline, he wrote “The Ocean of Churn: How the Indian Ocean Shaped Human History.”

The acclaimed writer does extensive research. “Frankly, I like the research part much more than the writing part,” smiles Sanyal, who has also publishes hundreds of articles and columns in leading national and international publications.

Sanjeev Sanyal’s environmental work revolves around the economics of cities. He has been a strong advocate of including ‘walkability’ and organic evolution in cities. Recently, he was in Mumbai where he spoke of how the city would be completely transformed within 2-3 years, with 12 metro lines, a coastal road, a new International Airport and a trans-harbour bridge to name a few.

Sanyal at home

He’s quite the fitness freak, making time for the gym or a run. When he can, Sanyal also likes paragliding, whitewater kayaking and other adventure sports. “I also try to make time for family, friends and religious festivals. It is more about opportunistically using my time rather than slotted routine,” he informs.

Not many know that Sanyal holds a black belt in martial arts but is no longer able to keep up the training. “Hence, I have shifted to softer exercises like running, swimming or the gym. I try to go trekking in the hills a couple of times a year,” he signs out.

Books written by Sanjeev Sanyal:

The Indian Renaissance: India's Rise After A Thousand Years of Decline, World Scientific, 2008.
Land of the Seven Rivers: A Brief History of India's Geography, Penguin, 2013.
The Incredible History of India's Geography, Penguin, 2015.
The Ocean of Churn: How the Indian Ocean Shaped Human History, Penguin, 2017.
Life over Two Beers and Other Stories, Penguin, 2018.
India in the Age of Ideas: Select Writings, 2006-2018, Westland, 2018

Follow Sanjeev Sanyal on Twitter

Reading Time: 5 mins

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.

Follow Krishna Vavilala on Facebook
Follow Foundation for India Studies on its website

Reading Time: 7 mins

Will policy trump sentiment? Where do Indian-American voters stand in the 2024 US Presidential election?

(October 5, 2024) When Kamala Harris cooked a ‘dosa’ and ‘sambar’ assisted by Indian-American actress Mindy Kaling in 2019 — the video, which was watched over 6.5 million times brought smiles to the faces of Indians and Indian-Americans alike. A year later, when she became the Vice President of the United States, celebrations erupted in her ancestral village of Thulasendrapuram in Tamil Nadu. The billion dollar question now is will this ‘desi’ connection sway Indian American voters into supporting Kamala Harris to become the next President of the United States? Or will former President Donald Trump’s friendship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi weigh on their minds? Maybe, maybe not. The pendulum could swing either way. While Indians are attached to their roots, and take pride in how far Kamala Harris has come, some feel the tax-cuts and pro small-business policies of the Republicans are what America needs now. The soaring inflation of the last few years, as well as the limitations of the H-1B visa and the green card backlog (more than one million Indians are still in waiting, as of April 2024, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services), mean that Indians are more likely to vote

more likely to vote for policy than sentiment.

Kamala Harris | Indian American voters | Global Indian

The Indian-Americans, a community of 4.5 million and the most sought-after immigrant group, have chosen to play it smart. While the Indian connection might have a bearing when they set out to vote on November 5, it is their policies and solutions to the concerns of Indian-Americans that will drive them to vote in favour of either of the two Presidential candidates.

Policies matter

Fashion designer and Film maker Anjali Poghat, who is based in Central Ohio says while Kamala Harris’s Indian heritage might resonate with some voters, her policies, experience, and vision for the country are more likely to influence the majority of Indian American voters.

“Indian Americans tend to prioritize candidates based on their stances on key issues rather than solely on ethnic or cultural ties. However, the symbolic importance of representation and breaking barriers still holds significance for many in the community,” she tells Global Indian.

Stating that Indian Americans, a growing and influential demographic, are becoming key in the U.S. presidential race, Anjali says the voting decisions among the community will be driven by key issues like immigration reform, education, healthcare, racial equality, U.S.-India relations, and economic policies.

Listing out the three major issues faced by majority of people from Indian communities, Anjali says Immigration reform comes above everything else. “Policies impacting visas, family reunification, and H-1B work permits are crucial for many in the community,” she says.

Next comes healthcare. “Affordability, Medicare, and prescription drug costs are key concerns, especially for aging parents,” she says. Third in her list is racial equality and discrimination. As a minority group, Indian Americans prioritize inclusivity, racial justice, she adds.

Indian diaspora campaigns for Kamala

While Kamala Harris' Indian heritage has led to many from the diaspora community putting their weight behind her, some Indian-Americans have taken it a step further, and have launched campaigns aiming to encourage Indian American voters to vote and make their voices heard.

One such campaign is the 'Indian Americans for Harris' campaign which aims to rally support for Harris in states like North Carolina, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Georgia. The website of the campaign highlights Kamala's bi-racial heritage as a perfect example of America as a melting pot. Her background connects with many in the country, where at least 12.5 percent of the population identifies as biracial.

Kamala is a Baptist Christian married to a Jew, who was born to a Jamaican-born father and an Indian-born mother. Harris has rarely spoken of her Indian roots though she has spoken about her Indian mother often.

In her speech in which she formally accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for the presidency, she spoke about her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, but not about India, the country she visited as a child. Chennai was the hometown of Harris's mother. The year 2009 was the last time she visited Chennai carrying her mother's ashes to scatter them in the Indian Ocean waters.

'Naacho Naacho'

Similarly, another campaign in support of Harris comes with a strong desi touch to it, features the “banger “ ‘Naacho Naacho’ (Naatu Naatu in the original Telugu), from the blockbuster movie RRR that won global trends and Oscars. The catchy track is now the new anthem for Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign.

Ajay Bhutoria, a key member of Kamala Harris’s National Finance Committee, has given the hit a makeover with his creative team, putting Harris' name right in the spotlight. The 1.5-minute video starts off with Hamari Ye Kamala Harris (Our Kamala Harris), which is an addictive blend of campaign highlights and catchy tunes.

Produced by Ritesh Parikh and sung by Shibani Kashyap, the video also includes messages from community leaders in Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Hindi uniting all Indian voters ahead of the upcoming November elections.

Bhutoria feels Kamala represents a "shining future" for Indian-Americans, ending the era of division and controversy. Kamala has been targeted with comments about her background and personal life, and her opponent, Donald Trump’s rallies have frequently been marked by controversial language and attacks.

Trump effect

Days after Republican nominee Donald Trump survived an assassination bid in Pennsylvania in July, a large number of Indian Americans attended his first convention held at Wisconsin, announcing all-out support for the former President.

[caption id="attachment_57421" align="aligncenter" width="503"] Indian American voters | 2024 US Presidential election | Global Indian Photo: BBC[/caption]

Indian-American politician Abraham George, elected chairman of the Texas Republican Party in May, took to the floor to announce that all the delegates from his state were voting for Trump. Usha Chilukuri, wife of Trump’s running mate JD Vance was also on stage apart from two other Indian Americans, Ohio State Senator Niraj Atani and Dr Sampat Shivangi.

“This is a historic convention. We stand together with Trump,” said Dr Shivangi while other delegates said that electing Trump will restore the American values, for which their ancestors came all the way to the United States.

Many Indian Americans also credit Trump for deepening ties between the two nations.

Why Trump

California-based Techpreneur Sagar Honnungar, the co-founder of Hakimo tells GI the key issues on the minds of Indian Americans include domestic issues like economic stability and healthcare accessibility as well as foreign policy concerns.

“There is indeed substantial support for Kamala Harris among Indian Americans due to her heritage and political alignment on key issues. However there are a few signs of shifting allegiances and some in the community are exploring alternative political affiliations,” says Sagar, a Stanford alumni.

He says some of the reasons that Indian American voters are drifting towards her opponent Donald Trump are Republican support for tax cuts and small business and Trump's ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“There is also discontent over the Biden administration’s handling of foreign affairs and domestic issues like inflation which has led some to reconsider their support for the Democratic Party,” he points out.

Green card backlog

Indian-American Nikeeta Pamnani also echoes Anjali Phogat in her views. She says Immigration policies, particularly around H-1B visas and the green card backlog, are top concerns, alongside access to affordable healthcare, quality education, and economic opportunities.

“As a minority group, we are also deeply concerned about racial discrimination and rising xenophobia. While Vice President Kamala Harris’ Indian heritage resonates with many, her policies and broader Democratic values, like immigration reform and social justice, play a more decisive role in earning their support,” says the New York-based Nikeeta, who works as a product manager in a private firm.

For most, it's not just about her Indian roots, but the issues that matter to their families and futures, adds Nikeeta.

Art ‘Louvre’: At Purva Damani’s 079 | Stories, art and culture come together

(June 12, 2022) A visit to Louvre - the world famous museum in Central Paris - is sure to leave any visitor spellbound. Purva Damani was no exception. As a 10-year-old accompanied by her elder sister Puja Shah into the sprawling museum, home to some of the best known works of art, the art lover couldn't take her eyes off the masterpieces on display. Keenly observing the exhausting display of artworks, it set her thinking passionately about arts and sculptures. Louvre had left a lasting impression on her mind. She followed it up with visits to the Brooklyn Museum of Art and Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and Kanoria Centre of Arts in her home town of Ahmedabad in Gujarat. This gave her the chance to dig deeper into the world of art, which eventually became a lifelong passion for Purva Damani. It gave birth to an idea called 079 | Stories – a pulsating art gallery in Ahmedabad, where art and culture is celebrated every day. [caption id="attachment_25668" align="aligncenter" width="422"] Purva Damani is the founder of 079 | Stories[/caption] "My gallery is a platform that brings art and culture together and makes it accessible for people. From young contemporary

422" height="628" /> Purva Damani is the founder of 079 | Stories[/caption]

"My gallery is a platform that brings art and culture together and makes it accessible for people. From young contemporary artists to modern masters of national and international fame and reputation, we have hosted multiple art shows. It is a space that caters to art, design and creativity," smiles Purva Damani, the founder and director of 079 | Stories, in a chat with Global Indian.

Gone are those days when only few people were art collectors. "With an increasing awareness about art among the younger generation, we see many young art enthusiasts investing in art, thus leading to a growing number of new art collectors," informs Purva.

A love affair with art galleries

Born to a jewellery designer mother and a businessman father in Ahmedabad in 1980, Purva completed her schooling from Mt Carmel Convent High School and graduated from the HL College of Commerce, Ahmedabad. But it was her annual visits to the US (being a green card holder) that introduced her to art at a very young age.

"Of course, the Louvre had left an imprint on my mind. However, my mother Ila Vasa and sister Puja, an avid art lover, played a pivotal role in igniting my passion for arts. I used to tag along with them to various museums and art galleries in the US," informs the trained Kathak dancer, who also did her diploma in marketing from the Ahmedabad Management Association.

After her post-graduation in 2003, Purva enrolled for a year in advertising and communications at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York. "During that time, I worked in libraries and fashion stores and explored a lot about art," informs the 42-year-old, who never felt like settling in the US. "After travelling the world, I realised India is my true home with its rich culture, heritage and strong social bonds. I took the best out of the US and decided to settle here," the art lover adds.

[caption id="attachment_25669" align="aligncenter" width="703"] Art lover | Purva Damani | Global Indian Purva Damani at her art gallery[/caption]

Armed with interpersonal skills coupled with a diploma in Human Resources and Marketing, she joined as a HR consultant in Mumbai before returning to Ahmedabad. Later, she married former national cricketer Kirat Damani, who is now the managing partner with AC Damani and advocates, a prominent law firm in Ahmedabad. However, art was something that was strongly etched in her mind.

Passion turned into profession

Personal tragedy had pushed Purva at her lowest in 2013 after multiple miscarriages. But that’s when she decided to bounce back and conceptualised 079 | Stories. "My idea to follow my passion gave me a new zeal to kick start working towards my goal. The thought of following my passion for art and getting into the art scene struck me while I was dealing with my postpartum depression," informs the art enthusiast.

While she did a thorough research, met different artists, understood their art and mediums and visited art galleries and museums, it was her family's support that propelled her into launching her own art space.

But setting up her art gallery had its own share of challenges - from finalising the design for the kind of art organisation she wanted to represent to setting up the module to the services offered. But after years of hardwork and conceptualisation, the art gallery was launched in 2018. For Ahmedabad, it was a whole new experience as the art aficionados were introduced to an art gallery, workshop space and an amphitheater, all under one roof.

[caption id="attachment_25670" align="aligncenter" width="574"] Art lover | Purva Damani | Global Indian Purva Damani[/caption]

Hosting multiple art shows, plays, musical events including jazz festivals and Sufi music, book reading sessions, pottery festivals and workshops aimed at reviving the dying art of mata ni pachedi – it soon became the most talked-about art galleries in Ahmedabad. In the following years, it hosted the works of artists including Paresh Maity, Jayashri Burman, Mizaffar Ali, Brinda Miller, Seema Kohli and the likes. From modern contemporary to multi-media to sculptures, the gallery has displayed a range of artworks, making a hit among the art aficionados. But why 079 | Stories? “Well, it is the STD code of Ahmedabad!” the art lover smiles.

Making art available to youngsters

Purva is on a mission to make art available to youngsters. "Respect for arts needs to be infused early and its relevance in our life needs to be highlighted," says Purva who believes India has always been a centre of art and culture and is part of everyday life. "All of us need to come together to support young upcoming artists. The awareness among the younger generation is paving the way for more refined art," says the mother of two who has plans to host more exhibitions.

“I want to provide a stable platform for mid-level, young and emerging artists. Promoting affordable art through exhibitions is what I intend to do,” says Purva, a certified healer who practices healing regularly.

[caption id="attachment_25671" align="aligncenter" width="626"] Art lover | Purva Damani | Global Indian Purva Damani with her family[/caption]

Art has often been associated with the rich, and that the notion Purva wants to break. “That is precisely the reason why I am promoting more and more budding artists,” points out Purva, who is on the advisory boards for various institutes and NGOs and is regularly invited for panel discussions on art. Purva feels the art scene has evolved for the better over the years. "Earlier, very few people were art collectors, but that scenario has changed. Now we see more youngsters who are art enthusiasts, and the number is growing,” the art lover says.

Follow Purva Damani on Linkedin and Instagram

Reading Time: 6 min

A tale of courage: Droupadi Murmu’s accession to the Rashtrapati Bhavan entails a series of many firsts

(July 23, 2022) The first tribal leader, youngest candidate, and first head of state born post-independence - are just some of the terms which are now being associated with Droupadi Murmu. Winning by a phenomenal margin of 64 percent, the Adivasi leader from Odisha scripted history on July 21, as she became the 15th President of India. After four rounds of polling, where she received 2,824 votes, the former Governor of Jharkhand emerged victorious against Yashwant Sinha, the former Minister of Finance of India. [caption id="attachment_27266" align="aligncenter" width="550"] President Droupadi Murmu with Prime Minister Narendra Modi[/caption] Hailing from the Santhal tribe of Odisha, Murmu has a long and glorious political career behind her. Despite several personal setbacks, she kept working towards uplifting the marginalised communities, not just in her state, but across the country. Global Indian takes a look at the life journey of the next Indian President. Early years Born in 1958, in Uperbeda, a small village situated approximately 285 km away from Odisha’s capital, Bhubaneswar, Murmu was the only daughter among three kids. Inspired by her father, Biranchi Narayan Tudu, who was the chief of the village, a young Murmu would stay up late at night to study

rong>Early years

Born in 1958, in Uperbeda, a small village situated approximately 285 km away from Odisha’s capital, Bhubaneswar, Murmu was the only daughter among three kids. Inspired by her father, Biranchi Narayan Tudu, who was the chief of the village, a young Murmu would stay up late at night to study one chapter ahead of what was being taught at her school. The President, however, was not just good at academics. She was also an athlete, who won many medals in school competitions.

[caption id="attachment_27267" align="aligncenter" width="724"] President | Droupadi Murmu | Global Indian An old image of Tudu family. Droupadi Murmu can be seen standing second from right.[/caption]

After finishing her seventh standard at the Uperbeda Middle English School, Murmu moved to Bhubaneswar, where she completed her high school and moved on to pursue a bachelor of arts at the Rama Devi Women's College. Married soon after her graduation, she never let anything come in the way of her career. An ambitious youngster, Murmu's first job was at the Odisha State Irrigation and Power Department, where she worked as a junior assistant from 1979 to 1983. The couple subsequently became parents to two sons and a daughter.

In the early 90s, the family moved to Rairangpur, where Murmu worked as an assistant professor at the Shri Aurobindo Integral Education and Research Institute.

A glorious political journey

As a teacher, Murmu took stock of the many social ills that plagued Rairangpur - such as high illiteracy, bad sanitation, and rampant health issues. Moved by the people's plight, the President took up voluntary teaching and worked toward educating kids from the most remote parts of Odisha. She entered politics in 1997, contesting in the local polls as a BJP candidate. She won, becoming Rairangpur's councillor. An able leader, Murmu would personally supervise the sanitisation work in the town, making sure that the drains and garbage were cleaned properly. An excellent orator in Odia and Santhali, Murmu's persistence and reputation helped many young kids, especially girls, get back to school.

[caption id="attachment_27269" align="aligncenter" width="643"] President | Droupadi Murmu | Global Indian An old staff photograph of Integral School, Rairangpur. Droupadi Murmu is standing fourth from left[/caption]

A member of the Bhartiya Janata Party, Murmu was elected twice to Odisha's Legislative Assembly - in 2000 and 2009 - from the Rairangpur seat. In the Biju Janata Dal - BJP coalition led by Naveen Patnaik, Murmu even took care of the commerce and transport, and fisheries and animal resources portfolios. Between 2006 and 2009, BJP made Murmu the state president of its scheduled tribe's wing, during which Murmu worked extensively with the remote Adivasi communities, suffering from social and economical disadvantages. It was during this period that she was conferred with Nilkantha Award for the best MLA by the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

A tragic turn

Her professional career was flourishing. As she climbed higher in Odisha's politics, Murmu's life came to a sudden halt after she lost her eldest son, Laxman Murmu, in 2009. According to reports, the 25-year-old was found unconscious by his bed. Although the family rushed him to the nearby hospital, he couldn't be saved. About three years later, Murmu lost her second son in a road accident. "I was devastated and suffered from depression," Murmu had shared, during a 2016 interview with Doordarshan, "I spent sleepless nights after my son's death. It was when that I visited Brahma Kumaris, I realised I had to move on and live for my two sons and daughter."

[caption id="attachment_27270" align="aligncenter" width="639"] President | Droupadi Murmu | Global Indian Murmu family[/caption]

While she was still picking up the pieces of her life, Murmu's encountered another tragedy. In 2014, Murmu's husband succumbed to a major cardiac arrest, leaving behind an inconsolable wife. But realising that she had to take care of her teenage daughter, Murmu pulled herself together and continued her work towards the betterment of her community. She later became the National Vice-President of BJP Scheduled Tribes Morcha.

Road to Raisina Hills

After suffering through several personal setbacks, Murmu's life was slowly coming back on track. Impressed with her work for the socially and economically weaker communities in Odisha, the Government of India appointed her as the Governor of Jharkhand. The first female to be sworn into the office, Murmu took several hard decisions to protect the rights of the tribal community of Jharkhand. This included her refusal to approve the bill seeking amendments to the Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908, and the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act, 1949.

[caption id="attachment_27272" align="aligncenter" width="632"] President | Droupadi Murmu | Global Indian Droupadi Murmu during her presidential campaign[/caption]

BJP-led National Democratic Alliance considered Murmu's name as their official candidate for the 2017 Presidential election. However, the party picked Ram Nath Kovind over her. In June 2022, Murmu was nominated by the NDA as their candidate for the 15th President of India. Sixty-four and still enthusiastic to work for the people, Murmu visited numerous states, including Odisha, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and met the head of governments there during her presidential campaign. As many as 73 percent of Members of Parliament and 74 percent of Members of the legislative assembly, of 6,76,803 value, voted for the tribal candidate, who is set to be sworn in as the 15th President of India on July 25, 2022.

Follow Droupadi Murmu on Twitter

Reading Time: 7 mins