Engineer | Pranav Khaitan | Global Indian

Global IndianstoryFeeding the world: Meet Pranav Khaitan, the man behind UN WFP’s Nobel laurels

Feeding the world: Meet Pranav Khaitan, the man behind UN WFP’s Nobel laurels

Written by: Namrata Srivastava

(July 24, 2022) Just like thousands of Indian students, Pranav Khaitan too came to the United State of America with a big suitcase full of books, a bottle of pickle prepared by his mom, and the dream of becoming a successful software engineer. As he pursued his master’s in computer science at Stanford University, little did this Kolkata lad know that one day he would play an instrumental role in eradicating world hunger. Currently working as a senior engineering lead at Google, Pranav’s quest to solve humanitarian aid problems using Artificial Intelligence (AI), helped United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.

Pranav Khaitan at the World Bank

As he connects with me over a call, after a busy day at work, Pranav discusses various other AI projects that he has worked on in the last few years. “About three years back, I realised that AI-based technology has advanced so much in the last decade and yet we do not use it to provide any kind of humanitarian aid. I started looking at ways to connect the dots and reached out to the United Nations World Food Programme about the same. The organisation, which was more than accepting of the idea, helped me figure out ways to solve the issue with the help of AI,” says the engineer, during his interaction with Global Indian.

Pranav’s AI-based programme can help organisations identify areas affected by natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods, within 24 to 72 hours – a task that earlier took over two weeks through a manual process. “I realised that one of the biggest issues that people in the affected areas face is the lack of humanitarian aid. Many organisations and big nations take time to analyse how much and where to send the aid. And by the time food, medical and other logistics reach the affected people, it is already too late. I wanted to close this gap,” shares the engineer, who is also a member of the WFP’s Advisory Council and leads its artificial intelligence (AI) operations.

The American dream

Though he was born in Kolkata, Pranav shares that he had the “privilege of staying at various Indian cities while growing up.” More into sports, Pranav and his younger brother loved playing cricket after school. “I wasn’t so much into studies as a kid, actually,” laughs the engineer, adding, “I loved playing with my friends. We would have a good match of gully cricket or kabbadi every other day.” However, his love for machines began at a young age. “My brother and I would tinker around with machines or small toys. We talked for hours about how to build robot and use technology innovatively,” he shares, adding that he has always been inspired by his little brother.

During his high-school years, the engineer enrolled in a boarding school in Bengaluru, where he got interested in computer and software science. This led him to do his bachelor’s in computer science at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela. He worked at Microsoft as an intern, however his quest to learn more about software technology brought him to the Stanford University in 2009.

Pranav with Mark Zuckerberg, CEO, Facebook

Ask the engineer about his college experience and he quips, “Education in USA is very different from that in India.” Explaining further, he adds, “In my graduation years at NIT my curriculum was a lot more examination-based and focussed mostly on the academics. However, at Stanford we had so much going on. There were so many activities – in and around the University – that one could take part in. Each student could customise their own academic experience. Even though I was enrolled in computer science, I would read so much more about various subjects.”

Pranav’s first internship was in Facebook – which was still a startup, back then. Working closely with Mark Zuckerberg, Pranav built the infrastructure for new Facebook Messaging System. “It was an amazing experience. Facebook was very small at the time, and whole team was very friendly. Even though I was a young engineer, my contributions were valued. My internship lasted a few months, but I learnt a lot and made some really great friends,” he adds.

Pranav with his parents at Google’s ‘Take Your Parents To Work’ day

After finishing his course at Stanford, Pranav joined Google as a software engineer in 2011 which opened the gates to AI for him. “Of the many things I worked on, one is developing Google knowledge graph for the Google Search. I was also one of the founding leads of the Machine Intelligence organisation at the company,” shares the engineer, who has led several research and development programmes on AI-based technologies that power many Google products, including Chrome, YouTube and Android.

A Nobel cause

While he loved his job, he was perturbed by the huge gap between technology and humans. Although Google and other tech companies were using AI-based programme, the social space was completely untouched by the developments. This gap prompted Pranav to start working on an AI-based tool that can help disaster responders, major organisations and countries to reach the affected people.

Pranav at the UN

“I built a team of engineers in Google, and later reached out to researchers to help with the project. After we developed the AI programme, to test it we evaluated major past disasters that hit the world, such as Haiti earthquake and series of earthquakes in Indonesia. The technology was able to identify the disaster hit areas quite accurately – more than 75 percent in every case,” shares the engineer. It was after this successful testing that the team approached the leaders at United Nations World Food Programme, who were very excited to collaborate on the project.

After they received the Nobel Prize in 2020, the WFP even thanked the engineer for his pioneering use of AI technology to help with social causes. “More than happy, I felt humbled. To be able to use my skills to help any humanitarian cause is an honour,” shares the engineer, who partnered with the World Bank on another project – Famine Action Mechanism in 2018. “We use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to detect famine in any region before the disaster hits. This way the aids can be procured and distributed without any hurdles,” he shares.

Pranav with Syed Akbaruddin, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the UN

But his work is far from done. The Google engineer, who greatly misses Indian street food in California, is working on developing AI programmes to deal with several other social issues, including floods and cyclones. “My parents taught me that being successful holds no meaning if I am not giving back to the society. I am just following that,” he signs off.

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Published on 24, Jul 2022

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Meet Aayushi Karnik, the Indian guitarist who riffed her way into The Juilliard School

A 28-year old self-taught Jazz-Blues Guitarist/Singer-Songwriter, Aayushi Karnik started playing guitar at the age of 12. She studied jazz guitar at New York’s feted The Julliard School. She found her calling after in the Blues while during a break from Architecture Studies. Now a seasoned member of New York’s thriving jazz circuit, Aayushi has performed alongside Indian guitar greats such as Rudy Wallang and Sanjay Divecha and has worked with musicians like Geoffrey Keezer, Christian McBride and Ron Blake and released albums like The Summer Children, and blues/rock record Troublemaker. (June 15, 2023) As a kid, Aayushi had her headphones on all the time, escaping into a musical world of her own. To her, relaxation meant playing music, writing songs and learning things about music through internet. Aayushi would do this as a hobby but while studying architecture, she gravitated even more strongly towards music. "It was during my one-year break that I became inclined towards music and started to practice guitar more aggressively as compared to when I was in Architecture school," she tells Global Indian, adding, "I was supposed to go for my undergraduate studies and I almost went in that direction after having topped the entrance exam

ion after having topped the entrance exam for the universities but something pulled me against doing that."

Growing up in Surat, Gujarat, in a family of architects, Aayushi intended to follow in her father’s footsteps, and music was not remotely part of the plan. "I wanted to be an architect just like my father and be a really good one for that matter. My schooling was at a Convent in Surat all the way through 10th grade and then I went to an Architecture prep school as I was very clear what I wanted to do, at least then,” she says.

The musical expedition

Things started to change after she applied for a guitar competition in Nagaland. "That led to me making friends in music outside of my hometown." She began to see herself as a musician, spending hours practicing music. Her only goal was to write music and get better each day, she says. “I had created a space of escape, even when I was in high school. Forming my first band was a big moment.”

Intrigued by her own capabilities, Aayushi Karnik attempted to make the sounds that come out of her iPod and kept chasing it. "Song writing was something that I did for fun. Just like sketching, gardening, foraging, riding my scooter and other stuff that gave me pleasure. Again that low pressure space where people aren’t fighting for affirmation was something that shaped the beginnings of my musical education."

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A post shared by Aayushi Karnik (@karnikaayushi)

Making it to Juilliard

"After studying at home for a while and being guided by a fellow musician, Floyd Fernandes, I decided to apply to colleges in the US which I thought would challenge me.” On this list was on The Julliard School, one of the top schools in the world for music, and an ambitious choice for an untrained musician.

She got a call back from Juilliard and even as she went through her final audition round, Aayushi Karnik still didn’t allow herself to get her hopes up, as being able to read and write music was one of the main requirements for admission. "I didn't grow up with an infrastructure of a well-organised music program throughout my entire schooling. But from what I've heard, it was the director of Juilliard Jazz, Wynton Marsalis, who insisted that I be admitted. I was able to pursue my education because of a full scholarship."

Knowing the craft of different genres and styles, she began her journey as a singer-songwriter. “First a singer-songwriter, then a blues musician and then a few years before I went to Juilliard, I was studying jazz with Floyd Fernandes. Currently, I am working on an album with my Folk Band, Summer Children and also writing for my Indie/Rock group. I also write in the context of Modern Jazz but that project is more of a work in progress for me at the moment,” Aayushi says.

Trying to be heard

Aayushi Karnik now calls New York City her home, and is now a well-known face in the city’s thriving jazz circuit. “New York City has been very inclusive and welcomes folks from all over when it comes to the arts,” the musician remarks.

Even so, while writing music and playing sessions for other musicians have helped her build a reputation, being heard on a larger scale has been a challenge. Aayushi admits that she didn’t have the option of choosing the ‘conventional’ route with playing music in the Jazz scene in New York.

[caption id="attachment_40031" align="aligncenter" width="477"] Aayushi Karnik, the Indian blues guitarist taking NYC by storm.[/caption]

"Even if I did, I would have bored myself eventually. The friction I am experiencing is just the price one has to pay when they are trying to experiment with things that are not usually done,” says Aayushi. “ I manage to be fine with it as I am lucky enough to find great musicians that are invested in my projects,” she adds.

Experiences onstage

At the top of Aayushi’s list of most memorable musical moments is playing with Christian McBride's band in the summer of 2022. Another is playing with Geoffrey Keezer's band during his album release at Dizzy’s Club in New York City.” Performing with her folk quartet, she says, is a treat always. Aayushi is dedicating her time to writing music with her folk band, and hopes to take the ensemble on tour within the next year.

As she ponders her future, the maverick musician calls herself “tri-polar,” with regard to the music she likes to play. “If I keep my folk band, an Indie Rock/Blues trio and a Modern Jazz Band going, I’d say I am doing my job efficiently,” she says.

"It doesn’t matter where you’re from as long as you sound good,” says Aayushi, adding, “I can speak for the East Coast as I have been here for the last five years. It doesn't matter where you are from as long as you sound good,” she says, adding, "Folks do try to be inclusive but my philosophy has been that music is for listening and not seeing so at the end of the day I have had the luxury to live up to my philosophy and I am grateful for that."

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A post shared by Aayushi Karnik (@karnikaayushi)

Different lands and lives

The moment she stepped into NYC for her auditions, she knew this was home. "Sure there are cultural nuances to every place you go to as to what people have for breakfast to how they talk but I think I was young and adapted to all of it in no time,” she explains.

If cultural adaptation wasn’t a challenge, finding her way to the right musical circles was tough. She managed to navigate her way though, and has found her footing as a composer.

Take aways

Learn the tradition but don’t let it drive you.
Challenge the preconceived ways of doing things even if it scares or isolates you.

Discover more fascinating Stories

Ayo Shanti: The native American in love with the Ganges and the indigenous Indians

(Jun 7, 2023)“I don’t usually talk about this but I think I can talk more freely about it with Indians – I am sure I had many lifetimes in India,” smiles Ayo Oum Shanti,” as she connects with Global Indian from New York City. The founder of the nonprofit World Water Hub (WWH), Ayo was born Roberta Weiri and changed her name later, to be in tune with her spiritual side. WWH began with Ayo’s passion project, The River Project–Ma Ganga (RPMG), which is a convergence of her experiences and fascination with the Ganges, her partner's love for his native country, and her acumen to bring people together to find solutions. “I was raised to be a citizen of the world,” says the eighty-year-old, who is working to build meaningful communications around water and raise funds for the Ma Ganga project in India. Her nonprofit was created to give local communities from around the world a voice, and the chance to participate and collaborate in developing viable solutions to problems involving rivers and other water related issues. [caption id="attachment_39678" align="aligncenter" width="414"] Ayo Oum Shanti[/caption] “We have just officially become part of the Pennsylvania based HSI (Humanitarian Social Innovations) fiscal

pan data-contrast="auto">“I was raised to be a citizen of the world,” says the eighty-year-old, who is working to build meaningful communications around water and raise funds for the Ma Ganga project in India. Her nonprofit was created to give local communities from around the world a voice, and the chance to participate and collaborate in developing viable solutions to problems involving rivers and other water related issues.

[caption id="attachment_39678" align="aligncenter" width="414"] Ayo Oum Shanti | Philanthropist | Global Indian Ayo Oum Shanti[/caption]

“We have just officially become part of the Pennsylvania based HSI (Humanitarian Social Innovations) fiscal sponsorship, and are addressing ourselves as HSI-WWF,” she says.

Passion to make a difference

Before her retirement, Ayo worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – one of the top cancer hospitals in the world. It was a setting where shared information and collaboration were at the heart of research to find cures. As a coordinator, Ayo helmed various collaborative and outreach efforts like conferences, seminars, symposiums and PRSS.

Using this experience, Ayo aimed to create a similar model with HSI-WWH, to solve global water-related problems like floods, drought, pollution and sewage. “I truly believe that there is a solution to all these problems. Education is important. We need to just open our minds to change the situation. Once humanity has the will to make changes, it will happen. Lots can be done with the change of mindsets,” she remarks.

HSI-WWF works as an open access educational resource. “In essence we are creating a global hub around river restoration and water management for education, sharing information and solutions, and for creating a platform for collaborations,” she says.

How did it start…

During her visits to India, Ayo would spend many afternoons at the Assi Ghat in Varanasi. “I love rivers in general but there was something really magical about the Ganges,” she says. This was when the seed of starting a non-profit around water and river restoration germinated in her mind.

[caption id="attachment_39681" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Ayo Oum Shanti | Philanthropist | Global Indian One of the ghats of the Ganges in Varanasi[/caption]

“There can be thousands of river restoration projects in the world and there could in hundreds in India alone, but there are hardly any platforms to bring all of them together,” says Ayo. “We are creating a space where people (those involved in river restoration and water management) can collaborate and share their experiences of what’s working for them and how others can benefit from those strategies.

The significance of indigenous communities

In addition to her NGO, Ayo has plans to establish a think-tank which would focus on the Ganges and other significant water bodies, supporting geo-hydrologic eco-systems worldwide.

In her last visit to India, she spent a lot of time with the rural communities of Rajasthan. I felt an instant connection with them. “I am grateful to the Gravis (Gramin Vikas Vigyan Samiti) for connecting me to their communities at Gagadi and Bap. I am thankful for the organisation’s generosity to teach me their amazing water management systems and to the community support on so many levels,” she says.

With first-hand experience interacting with indigenous people in Rajasthan Ayo has learned a lot. She strongly believes that they have the knowledge that we need. “I would like to group these indigenous knowledge-keepers with scientists in the envisioned think tank to come up with sustainable solutions” she says. “We should not be arrogant about our knowledge because indigenous communities have more knowledge than us. Their language is not that much of a barrier - if you want to communicate, you will be able to communicate with them.”

[caption id="attachment_39682" align="aligncenter" width="344"] Ayo with a person from rural Rajasthan, India[/caption]

World Water Quilt

To spread awareness on pressing issues, Ayo and her team have big plans for World Water Day 2024. The team is inviting, artists, photographers and poets to share their creations with them. All their creations will then be collated on fabric, in the form of a quilt and presented to the UN on World Water Day 2024 which falls on March 22. “We are hoping participation of creative minds from all over the world. Later, a book featuring the contributors of the project is also being planned,” she informs.

How Roberta Weiri became Ayo Oum Shanti

Like some Americans, Ayo follows the shamanic tradition. It revolves around the principle of being devoted to the knowledge and care of other souls and, on nurturing the ecstasy of one’s own soul.

“20 years ago, when I got divorced, my entire life changed except my name.’ Fellow followers of Shamanism said - “In our tradition when you are starting a new phase of life, you give yourself a new name that’s in harmony with what your intention is for the new phase of life. Why don’t you do the same."

Ayo liked the idea and chose a name which is in tune with her utmost intentions. – “Ayo is an African name that means ‘joy.’ I look at my middle name ‘Oum’ as the music of the spheres and ‘Shanti’ is peace – so these are my intentions,” she says. “Spirituality is my top priority,” she smiles.

Connection with India

The spiritual soul nurtures a deep bond with India in her heart. “I grew up in what is called the Unitarian church. Under its umbrella, in Sunday school you spend the first three years learning about other religions before you learn about your own,” she mentions.

“So, the church used to bring people from other religions to talk about their beliefs,” Ayo says narrating a childhood incident. “I still remember, when I was six, an Indian woman came to give a lecture in a gorgeous red sari. I was extremely shy to speak but very clearly, I remember thinking, I come from where she comes from, although I had no idea where she came from,’ she smiles. That was the first time that Ayo had met an Indian but she felt as if she belonged to her culture.

[caption id="attachment_39683" align="aligncenter" width="378"] Ayo in Rajasthani attire[/caption]

By the time she turned a teenager she had made lots of Indian friends, and all her friends would wonder, “Why are you so comfortable with Indians?” Perhaps as Ayo believes, she has lived many past lives as an Indian. Later, when it was time to choose a partner, she chose an Indian.

Impact of early years

Growing up Ayo was profoundly influenced by her father, a first generation American, an artist, a machinist engineer, and a Spanish Civil War and WWII veteran. “He had a big heart and a deep respect for life, nature, and all humans. It was through him that I learned what it means to have unconditional love,” she shares. Her mother has had an equally powerful influence on her life.
 
“My mother was referred to as a ‘crusader for lost causes’ as she was always searching for common ground in all that she did. She was involved in UN-NGOs and was an organizer for the Gray Panthers - a series of multi-generational local advocacy networks in the United States which confronts many social justice issues,” she tells.

Her parents’ influences are evident in Ayo’s passion for putting community first. “We (WWF) are functioning out my retirement fund,” tells the change maker for whom ‘future of humanity’ matters more than her own ‘future’.

Impressive zeal at eighty

After the birth of her first child, education had taken a backseat for Ayo. “I returned to my college (Hunter College, NYC) after 45 years to get my bachelor's degree," she says excitedly. Ten years later in 2019, she did her master's in EDM (Emergency and Disaster Management).

[caption id="attachment_39684" align="aligncenter" width="488"] Ayo in Kochi[/caption]

 
A published poet and writer, a dancer, choreographer, world traveller, and astrologer, Ayo has held managerial positions in many industries. “If you look at my resume you would say, whoa! What exactly was she trying to do,” she laughs. “All that I have done gives me a broader perspective of different domains of the society,” she signs off.

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Reading Time: 5 mins

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.

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Reading Time: 6 min

Recap 2023: The Global Indian stars of the culinary world

(December 27, 2023) As the curtains on 2023 draw, it's clear that Indian chefs, foodpreneurs, and winemakers have made a big impact on global food. They haven't just embraced the delicious flavors of India but have cleverly mixed them into international cuisine, leaving a lasting impression on the food world. By combining traditional authenticity with new and creative ideas, these experts have taken Indian food to new heights, breaking away from old stereotypes and gaining recognition worldwide. With Michelin stars awarded to their restaurants, these trailblazers have skillfully navigated the worlds of food and wine, changing what we expect and delighting taste buds all over the globe. Their role has been crucial in reshaping how we see global gastronomy. As 2023 comes to an end, Global Indian puts a spotlight on the newsmakers in the culinary world. Chef Garima Arora This December saw Indian chef Garima Arora bag her second Michelin star for her restaurant Gaa, making her the first Indian woman chef to achieve the feat. The news came the year that she embraced parenthood after the birth of her son Aham, and has been balancing work and motherhood perfectly. Talking to Global Indian, she said, "I am absolutely

he birth of her son Aham, and has been balancing work and motherhood perfectly. Talking to Global Indian, she said, "I am absolutely thrilled and excited. But I have to say, this is a great validation to my team and the dedication that they have put in. I've been balancing parenthood and running the business. We wouldn’t have been able to do this without my stellar team. I can't take all the credit. It all belongs to my team."

Garima Arora is the first Indian woman chef to win a Michelin star

Launched in 2017, Gaa in Bangkok is a progressive Indian fine-dining restaurant that explores the flavours of India using East Asian ingredients. Garima is on a mission to rediscover and reform the narrative on Indian food with her restaurant. "We want to change the perception of people towards Indian food, which is way beyond curries and naan. You can spend a lifetime in India and not finish the entire cuisine. This is why it’s unique to us and also why we have to explore more and take it to the world," she added.

Chef Meherwan Irani

Chef Meherwan Irani's Chai Pani, located in Asheville, North Carolina, achieved culinary acclaim when it was named Outstanding Restaurant by the prestigious James Beard Foundation, often considered the 'Oscars' of the culinary world. Originally from Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, Chef Irani ventured into the restaurant business in the Deep South of the United States, offering a menu featuring Indian street food delights such as pani puri, sev puri, dahi puri, vada pav, misal, and bhajiyas. The recognition by the James Beard Foundation was particularly significant for Irani. "To win the award for the Outstanding Restaurant, where the word Indian doesn’t even figure, was a shock. It means a lot because I got nominated five times for Best Chef but never got to the finals," he told Global Indian.

Indian Cuisine | Chef Meherwan Irani | Global Indian

Born out of a desire to escape the hectic pace and high costs of life in San Francisco, Chef Meherwan Irani and his wife Molly relocated to Asheville in 2009, bringing a transformative change to their lives and the local culinary scene. Drawing inspiration from his upbringing in the hospitality industry and armed with a passion for Indian street food, Irani meticulously crafted the menu for Chai Pani, incorporating flavors reminiscent of Mumbai and other cities. Through focus groups with diverse patrons, including white Americans, he fine-tuned his offerings, ultimately establishing Chai Pani as a culinary gem in the heart of North Carolina and earning well-deserved recognition for his innovative approach to Indian cuisine.

Raj Patel - Wine Maker

It was the US State dinner for Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House in June this year that saw a lavish spread of crisped millet cakes, summer squashes, marinated millet and grilled corn kernel salad. Amongst the sumptuous buffet, stood a case of Patel Red Blend 2019 – a red wine - that grabbed attention. Owned by a Gujarati Raj Patel, a first-generation wine producer, Patel Winery was invited to serve at the White House. "It was surreal and an honour. It's something that very few are privileged to do," Raj told Global Indian. Started in 2007 in Napa Valley with 100 cases of a 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Patel Winery now sells 1000 cases of four wines, and is world renowned, thanks to the US State dinner. "Over the years, our wine has grown so well and received so many reviews. We are happy to have added any accolade by serving our wine at the State dinner. It's something that not everyone gets."

Global Indian | Raj Patel

Thanks to the US State dinner, Patel Winery has found global recognition. While they export in Japan, South Korea, UK, Taiwan and New Zealand, the awareness about the wine has spread far and wide now. “For everyone who didn't know the wine existed, now know about it, especially in India," he added.

Chef Sujan Sarkar

It was in the fall of 2022 that Indian restaurant Indienne opened its doors for Chicagoans with a tasting menu that seamlessly blends Indian culinary artistry with the refined techniques of classic French cooking. In an instant, it became a hit, helping it bag its very first Michelin star within just fourteen months of its grand opening. The win has left Chef Sujan Sarkar proud and ecstatic. "We were expecting something but it was still a great feeling when it became official. A special moment and milestone for the team that has worked so hard," he told Global Indian.

[caption id="attachment_47019" align="aligncenter" width="556"] Chef Sujan Sarkar | Global Indian Chef Sujan Sarkar[/caption]

Because of the rave reviews and the grand reception that Indienne got in the first months of its opening, Chef Sujan was expecting a Michelin star "before a year was up." However, with a delayed ceremony this year, he had to wait a little. "Because of the standard we set, I definitely felt confident we would be recognised, by Michelin and by our diners,” says the Bengali Chef adding that at his restaurant one can expect a different interpretation of Indian food. "Come without expectations, you will enjoy the experience more. It will feel Indian and completely different at the same time," said the chef who is serving Americans as well as the Indian diaspora in the US.

Chef Vijaya Kumar

Chef Vijaya Kumar's career trajectory seems like a culinary fairy tale. A diploma in hotel management in Trichy, he landed in Chennai to join Taj Connemara. But it was his switch to California that changed the trajectory of his career. Keen to cook authentic Indian food, he launched Semma in 2021 in New York, a restaurant that has earned him two Michelin stars in two years. "So thrilled, humbled, honoured, blessed, thankful and grateful that we retained our one Michelin star for second year in a row," he said after receiving a Michelin star this year.

Chef Vijay Kumar | Global Indian

With a menu that's inherently South Indian, he has replicated his grandmother’s recipes at Semma. "When I first moved to the US, my friends and family would make fun of me saying I am still making idlis and dosas. But I believe we Indians underestimate our own cuisine; I wanted to break this barrier and misconception that South Indian food is only idlis and dosas. It is so much more; even regions within each state cook food differently," he told Global Indian. But it's the same flavour that has put Chef Vijaya Kumar on the global map.

Bhupender Nath

Bhupender Nath, originally from Bihar, India, transitioned from a successful fisheries business in Nigeria to fulfilling his dream of opening a restaurant. This journey led him to establish seven unique dining establishments, including the acclaimed Tresind in Dubai and Mumbai, both earning Michelin stars. Launching Tresind Dubai in 2014, Nath introduced a modern twist to traditional Indian cuisine. "We were presenting modernist Indian cuisine, merging local flavours with global culinary techniques," Nath tells Global Indian.

[caption id="attachment_42791" align="aligncenter" width="774"] Global Indian | Bhupender Nath Bhupender Nath, founder Passion F&B, is the brain behind Michelin-starred TresInd, Dubai and TresInd, Mumbai.[/caption]

Under his Passion F&B brand, Nath's establishments such as Tresind Studio and Carnival by Tresind, each offer distinct dining experiences. Tresind Studio stands out with innovative dishes like Khandvi Gelato and Dhokla Gazpacho, earning Michelin stars in consecutive years (2022 and 2023) and ranking 11th in the world's 50 best restaurants. Avatara, renowned for its vegetarian cuisine, garnered a Michelin star, affirming its status as Dubai's top vegetarian fine dining venue. Aamara, celebrating the Silk Route's culinary heritage, was recently listed in the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand. Nath's approach to cuisine breaks traditional moulds, blending Indian flavours with a global outlook. He emphasizes team empowerment, particularly notable in his collaboration with Corporate Head Chef Himanshu Saini, ensuring innovation and quality across all his restaurants.

Surrinder Kumar

Surrinder Kumar, a master blender, has notably placed Indian single malts on the global map. His Indri whisky recently clinched the ‘Best in Show, Double Gold’ at the 2023 Whiskies of the World Awards. Kumar remarks, “Making a blend is not a one-day job, one has to plan everything – from the grains, to the water, and casks,” he told Global Indian.

Master blender | Surrinder Kumar | Global Indian

Originating from Jammu and Kashmir, his career path shifted from civil services to whisky blending. His significant learning experience at the Central Food Technological Research Institute honed his blending skills. At Amrut Distilleries Ltd, he contributed to its rise to international fame. Kumar's expertise is exemplified in the creation of Indri, a triple-cask single malt. This whisky undergoes maturation in ex-bourbon, ex-French wine, and PX Sherry casks, crafting a unique flavor profile. Kumar’s approach to whisky making combines meticulous selection of ingredients and casks, ensuring a harmonious balance in flavours, establishing his spot as one of the world's top master blenders.

Celebrating Amrita Sher-Gil on her 110th birth anniversary

(February 6, 2023) As the viewer approaches The Bride's Toilet, one of the best-known works by artist Amrita Sher-Gil, they are immediately struck by the intimacy of the scene. A young bride, resplendent in her wedding finery, sits before a mirror, surrounded by the trappings of her toilette. Her eyes are downcast, her expression thoughtful. In that moment, the viewer is transported to a private world, where the bride can reflect on the joys and challenges of her future as a married woman. As Sher-gil remarked, in a letter to a friend, "I want to paint the joy and sadness, the laughter and tears of people, to show the different aspects of life, and above all to be true to life. "Sher-Gil's paintings are marked by a powerful sense of empathy, as well as a keen eye for capturing the social and political realities of India in the early 20th century," wrote Yashodhara Dalmia, Indian art historian and author of "Amrita Sher-Gil: The Passionate Life and Art of India's Greatest Modernist". Her bold approach to her craft and refusal to conform to traditional norms have earned her the nickname "India's Frida Kahlo". Global Indian takes a look at the iconic

ach to her craft and refusal to conform to traditional norms have earned her the nickname "India's Frida Kahlo". Global Indian takes a look at the iconic artist Amrita Sher-gil, who would have turned 110 on January 30, delved into themes of gender, class and sexuality, making her a true feminist icon who was far ahead of her time.

[caption id="attachment_34748" align="aligncenter" width="477"] Amrita Sher-Gil. Source: Wikimedia Commons[/caption]

Early life

Amrita Sher-Gil was born in 1913, in Budapest, Hungary, to a Punjabi Sikh father and a Hungarian-Jewish mother. Her parents were both accomplished individuals in their own right - father, Umrao Singh Sher-Gil, was a scholar and her mother, Marie Antoinette Gottesmann, was an trained opera singer. From a young age, Sher-Gil showed a talent for the arts, and began painting at the age of just five years old. In 1926, during a visit to Shimla, her uncle, the Indologist Ervin Baktay, visited Shimla and noticed the young girl's artistic talent. She would paint the servants in her house, and get them to model for her, capturing their dignified and expressive faces in her drawings.

Art historian Yashodhara Dalmia writes, in her biography, Amrita Sher-Gil: A Life, "From the very start, her interest was in capturing people and the social milieu they inhabited." Amrita's early paintings were marked by a naturalistic style, a deep empathy for her subjects, and a remarkable sensitivity to their emotions.

Sher-Gil in Paris

In 1929, she enrolled at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, and discovered the European modernist masters like Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse. It was here that she realized the immense potential of art to challenge and shape cultural norms. In a letter to her friend, she wrote, "I want to paint not just aesthetically but also socially. I want to do something for my country and its people."

While in Paris, Amrita Sher-Gil continued to evolve as an artist. She painted several portraits of Parisians, capturing their refined elegance and bohemian spirit. She also painted landscapes, still life, and nudes, which showed her mastery of the human form and her deep understanding of light and color. An anecdote from Sher-Gil's time in Paris illustrates her determination and commitment to her artistic vision. During a critique session at the École, her professor criticized her painting, stating that the figures in her work were not proportionate.

[caption id="attachment_34750" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Portrait of Young Man, painted by Amrita Sher-Gil at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. Source: Wikimedia Commons[/caption]

Sher-Gil's response was simple but powerful: "I don't paint people to please the academic eye, but to give voice to the emotions that stir within me." She was also dissatisfied with the restraints of her upper-crust life, she ventured, as was fashionable at the time, into underbelly of Paris' party circuit, into the small, often seedy cafes frequented by artists and bohemian intellectuals. "She was also very free in her relationships with men and there is more than one reference of her having been with women, too," Dalmia told me in an interview. "She would stay out late and had a number of admirers."

The return home

Amrita Sher-Gil returned to India in December of 1934, after studying in Paris for several years. Here, she found herself in the midst of a thriving art scene, where artists were exploring new techniques and styles, drawing inspiration from traditional Indian art forms as well as European modernism. One of the leading voices of the time was art historian and critic, B.N. Goswamy, who once said, "Amrita's return to India marked the arrival of a new voice in Indian painting, one that would challenge prevailing norms and bring fresh perspectives to the table."

In 1937, touring South India, she was greatly moved by the local women and depicted, in the bold colours inspired by the paintings in the Ajanta Caves, their pathos and their poverty. "I can only paint in India. Europe belongs to Picasso, Matisse, Brazque... India belongs only to me," she wrote, in a letter to a friend. Her work went on to inspire, some years later, Rabindranath Tagore, Abanindranath Tagore and Jamini Roy, founders of the Bengal School of Art and also the Progressive Artist's Group with artists like FN Souza, M.F. Husain and S.H. Raza. One of her most famous works from this time, Hill Women, is a testament to Amrita's dedication to capturing the essence of Indian life. In this painting, she masterfully portrays the rugged beauty of rural women, working in the fields amidst a stunning backdrop of hills.

[caption id="attachment_34751" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The Bride's Toilet. Source: Wikimedia Commons[/caption]

An unparalleled legacy

In 1934, Amrita held her first solo show in Bombay, which was a critical success. Her paintings, inspired by her travels and the people she met, such as Hill Women and South Indian Villagers Going to Market, brought a new perspective to the Indian art world, capturing the beauty and struggles of everyday life. "I believe that an artist has a social obligation and must use his art as a means of helping the suffering humanity, Amrita Sher-Gil wrote, again to Marie Louise Chassany.

She also produced The Bride's Toilet, The Three Girls, and Young Girls, which became her most famous works. In an anecdote, historian R. Siva Kumar tells of how Amrita, who was always in search of new inspiration, would often travel to remote villages in India, seeking out new subjects to paint.

Sher-Gil died at 28, shrouded in mystery, days before the opening of her first major show in Lahore and Khushwant Singh writes of being among only a "handful of mourners" present at her cremation. Still, her work went on to influence modern Indian masters and the Indian government declared her paintings, most of which are housed at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi, as national treasures.