Global IndianstoryPreeti Aghalayam: Pioneering the global reach of world-class education as IIT Zanzibar’s woman director

Preeti Aghalayam: Pioneering the global reach of world-class education as IIT Zanzibar’s woman director

Compiled by: Charu Thakur

(September 15, 2023) Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Zanzibar, the Bweleo district is a paradise for both nature enthusiasts and academic aspirants. Located just 15 kilometers south of the bustling Zanzibar Town, this coastal gem is chosen by IIT Madras to establish its first international campus, promising world-class education. Come October, and the very first session for IIT-M Zanzibar will begin with 70 students under the guidance of its first-ever woman director Preeti Aghalayam. An alumna of IIT-M, she has scripted history as the first woman to lead an IIT. “For me, the fact that it is the first IIT campus abroad is more important than me being the first woman to head an IIT. It is not just about breaking the glass ceiling for me. It is more of ‘once an IITian, always an IITian’ for me,” Preeti said in an interview.

A significant step in the internationalisation of IIT-M, Zanzibar campus offers a four-year bachelor of science degree in data science and artificial intelligence, as well as a two-year master of technology degree in the same discipline. Setting up their first international campus is a proud moment for IIT-M, and the 49-year-old academician echoes the sentiment. “I am an alumnus of IIT Madras and doing something of this magnitude for the institute and the country is such a big honour.”

IIT Zanzibar

Curiosity alchemised into life-long passion

A professor in the Chemical Engineering department, Preeti’s curiosity was always welcomed in her home in Mysuru, where she grew up with a sister, and academician parents – one was a Chemistry professor and another a linguistic scholar. Her inquisitiveness led her to dismantle toy cars and clocks in her playtime, and to satiate her creative side, she would craft mirrors from plain glass. “I was chatty and curious, and our parents were very indulgent. There were simply never too many questions,” she told Hindustan Times. Passionate about science and math, she knew what she wanted to do.

This desire to learn led her to the gates of IIT Madras in 1991 for her BTech in Chemical Engineering, a place she knew she was meant to be at. She later moved to the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2000 for her PhD. Before returning to her alma mater in 2010 as a professor of Chemical Engineering, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at MIT, Cambridge and faculty at IIT Bombay. “The infrastructure in the US was great; the student community, more diverse. But women were still a minority there in the late ’90s, especially in leadership roles. As an Indian woman, I was part of an even smaller minority group,” the Global Indian said.

Preeti Aghalayam is the director of IIT Zanzibar.

Coming from a family of academicians, she was sure that she wanted to pursue academics as a career path. “I knew what I wanted to do ever since I was in Class 8 and it has been a fulfilling journey.” At IIT-M, she worked as a nodal officer within the campus division of the GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions) program, whose primary objective is to recognize and rectify disparities while fostering greater opportunities for women within IIT campuses. Within few years of working at IIT-M, she was recognised as one of the 75 women in STEM for exceptional contribution to the scientific community.

Aiming to promote girls in STEM

However, Preeti is aware of the gender-skewed ratio at the IITs, and how women only form a minority at IITs. It took seven decades since the inception of the first IIT in Kharagpur in 1951 to appoint a woman as the head of the institute. “It is a fact that women have been a minority at IITs. Things have improved a bit in the past few years but the problem still exists and it is at all levels – both at students and faculty. We are about 12 per cent women faculty at IIT Madras. The problem is not about gender inclusivity on campuses but about the whole perception around technology institutions, ” she said in an interview.

Preeti Aghalayam | Global Indian

But this is the perception that Preeti is keen to change with IIT Zanzibar campus. “Every time we visited Zanzibar as part of the IIT Madras contingent, we noticed that the representation of women on their side is quite significant. So, it was important that we do this mindfully and our effort will also be to have gender balance in the new campus. There are no rigid norms around it right now but in the coming years, we will definitely work towards achieving it,” she added. Preeti understands the importance of women in STEM as she considers women equal to men in skill and intellect, and believes that exclusion of women leads to lost opportunities as a society. She believes the answer lies in holding the space for women – and asking them what they want in terms of opportunities and safe spaces. “Rather than waiting for women to participate, we need to create opportunities for them to speak, conduct surveys to understand roadblocks, reward women for achievements and proactively seek them out while hiring.”

Preeti Aghalayam | Global Indian

With IIT Zanzibar campus, Preeti is turning a new page, giving a taste of world-class education to the world. A marathon runner and a blogger, Preeti is currently juggling her life between Zanzibar and Chennai, where she lives with her husband who is head of a finance and investment firm.

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Published on 15, Sep 2023

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The ‘Maharaja’ of wheat: Dr Sanjaya Rajaram

(June 20, 2023) Growing up in a small farming community in Raipur, life was tough for Dr Sanjaya Rajaram and his family. Having seen stark poverty in central India's rural heartlands, Rajaram had seen the ugliness of stark poverty. It led him to dedicate his life improving the lives of smallholder farmers around the world. The World Food Prize in 2014 was an acknowledgement of decades of scientific work - Dr Sanjaya Rajaram, who served for over 33 years at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Mexico, developed more than 480 wheat varieties, leading to an increase of over 200 million tons in worldwide wheat production. Humble beginnings Rajaram was born in 1943 in Raipur, the same year, incidentally, that the CIMMYT was founded in El Batan in Southern Central Mexico, with its nascent programme headed by the legendary Norman Borlaug, known as the father of the Green Revolution. Borlaug's work would bring him to India to spread the word, resulting the Green Revolution led by MS Swaminathan, with whom Rajaram would also work. Rajaram studied genetics and plant breeding at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi, during which time he worked with MS Swaminathan.

[caption id="attachment_32639" align="aligncenter" width="585"] Dr Sanjaya Rajaram receives the World Food Prize. Photo: www.worldfoodprize.org[/caption]

"He is known for his genuine concern for farming and farmers," Swaminathan said at the time, about Rajaram. "He is a worthy successor to the legacy of Norman Borlaug and was selected for his outstanding work in the improvement of wheat crop and wheat production in the world."

Rajaram, not always given to talking about his childhood, allowed himself a moment of reminiscence at the World Food Prize acceptance speech 2014. "My childhood wasn't easy," he remarked. "My family made a meagre living growing maize, rice, wheat, sugarcane and millets. There were a few goats, cows and buffaloes as well." Rajaram's parents, he says, "valued education and made many sacrifices" to send him to school. "Seeing people live in poverty ignited a passion in me to dedicate my life to work that makes a real difference." The newly-independent India in which Rajaram grew up was a tough place - at the time, 96 percent of rural children lacked basic schooling. "I was in the fortunate four percent," Rajaram said. As acknowledgement of this, Rajaram dedicated a part of his $250,000 prize money to an educational institute in India.

Finding Norman Borlaug

Rajaram graduated with a BSc in agriculture from the University of Gorakhpur, which played a leading role at the time in the Green Revolution. He followed it up with an MSc in genetics and plant breeding from IARI and then moved to Australia, where he earned a PhD from the University of Sydney. A prolific researcher through his life, Rajaram had more than 400 research publications and had mentored hundreds of scientists around the world until his passing in 2021.

In 1969, after his PhD, Rajaram moved to Mexico to join CIMMYT, headed still by the legendary Norman Borlaugh, who would become one of the driving forces behind Rajaram's own work. "It was a few years after the great events of the Green Revolution. Despite the food security gains, there was no time for complacency. There were mountains to climb and the fight against hunger has not yet been won. The fight for food and nutrition security had not even begun."

[caption id="attachment_32640" align="aligncenter" width="569"] Sanjaya Rajaram in Izmir, Turkey in 2014. Credit: Linda McCandless / Borlaug Global Rust Initiative[/caption]

Borlaug was quick to spot potential in the young man, who would spend his days wandering through small wheat farms, clad in baggy jeans and a sweatshirt, usually. Eventually, Rajaram went on to take over as the director of wheat research at CIMMYT and also as direct of ICARDA's biodiversity and integrated gene management programme. He is also the owner and director of R&D for Resource Seed Mexicana, which promotes wheat varietes in Mexico, India, Egypt and Australia. "working for the poor and the hungry was the trademark of Rajaram. Borlaug was the main spirit of Rajaram's work," said G. Venkataramani, Rajaram's biographer and author of 'Mr Golden Grain, the Life and Work of the Maharaja of Wheat'.

Building worldwide food security

Rajaram was an active proponent of the private and public sectors working together - it is the only way, he believed, to tackle the enormity of the task at hand. "Feeding over nine billion people by 2050 will not be a trivial task. Sustainably increasing wheat production will have crucial impact on livelihoods and food security. For wheat alone, we will need to grow sixty percent more grain than now, on the same amount of land, while trying to use fewer nutrients, less water and labour," Rajaram explained. "However, the staff of life for 1.2 billion people is one of the lowest-funded crops in terms of research." It's a daunting prospect, even after the robust successes of the Green Revolution.

Dr Rajaram is credited with developing 58 percent of all the wheat varieties that exist today, according to his biography. He is best known for his contributions to the development of two high-yield wheat cultivars - Kauz and Attila. These produce at least 15% higher yield than other types, holding more grains on each stalk. They are cultivated across over 40 million hectares worldwide. The process involved winter and spring wheat gene pools, shuttle breeding and mega environment testing.

Promoting young scientists

President Kovind presents Padma Bhushan to Dr Sanjaya Rajaram (Posthumous) for Science & Engineering . He developed 490+ high-yielding and disease-resistant wheat varieties grown in 51 countries. This has increased global wheat production by more than 200+ million tons. pic.twitter.com/fieCxk6V9Q

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 28, 2022

Working on the field and truly understanding the problems of farmers, Rajaram believed, was critical to promoting new ideas and technology. This is a nod to Borlaug's legacy, which Rajaram dedicated himself to building. "Borlaug and I promoted the international community by connecting scientists across the world. Applied training should be the standard for any scientific institution," said the Global Indian. The way forward, he always said, was unity among the private and public sectors, free sharing of knowledge and seeds and training young scientists on the ground. "There can be no permanent progress in the battle for food and nutritional security until all the partners unite," he remarked.

Dr Sanjaya Rajaram is also the winner of the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman, the highest civilian honour given by the Indian government to Indians abroad. He also received the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan posthumously in 2022.

Suyash Keshari, the 25-year-old wildlife conservationist behind India’s first wildlife OTT platform

(November 29, 2021) With her amber eyes watching her prey, Solo the tigress crouches amid tall brown grass, beautifully camouflaged. In a second, she pounces on a chital deer. Her teeth tear into its flesh, and she devours him. Solo is the big cat who stole the thunder on Safari with Suyash – Season 1, a wildlife series by environmentalist Suyash Keshari. Amidst the lush foliage, rolling hills and grasslands of Bandhavgarh National Park, Solo found her habitat where she first met Suyash eight years ago. A capture of the six-month-old earned Suyash the Nature’s Best Photography Asia Award, which incidentally hung at Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington DC for a year. Solo played a huge part in Suyash’s journey into wildlife filmmaking as his debut five-part series managed to impress the World Wildlife Fund, which eventually became its distributor. "My first series was inspired by my early life in Central India, its people and animals. It was showcased at the 13th United Nations Convention on Migratory Species in February 2020," Suyash tells Global Indian in an exclusive. [caption id="attachment_16950" align="aligncenter" width="607"] A picture of Solo clicked by Suyash Keshari[/caption] For the past three years, this champion of wildlife

ss=" wp-image-16950" src="https://www.globalindian.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Solo-1-3.jpg" alt="Solo" width="607" height="950" /> A picture of Solo clicked by Suyash Keshari[/caption]

For the past three years, this champion of wildlife conservation has been navigating through unexplored territory of the park to capture the raw and unfiltered beauty of nature.

A childhood in the lap of nature

He grew up in Central India where his IAS officer dad was posted. Thus for the Madhya Pradesh-born, his love for wildlife began early. On his first visit to a zoo as a four-year-old, he learnt (from his maternal grandfather) that animals aren’t free like those he saw on wildlife shows. Instead, they are caged for life. "It broke my heart, and set me on a path to learn more about our wild animals and observe them in their habitat," he recalls.

Instead of guffawing to Tom & Jerry as a five-year-old, Suyash would spend hours watching wildlife shows. Often, he would sprawl languidly in his backyard, spotting birds, climbing guava trees, or observing fish by a pond. "I always wanted to do something related to wildlife, film and photography, and document these sightings. Growing up, people from across the world would present on Indian wildlife. I wondered why an Indian could not do the same," muses the environmentalist whose supportive family cheered him on.

Switching gears to political advocacy

Inspired by mavericks like Steve Irwin, Steve Backshall, and Nigel Marven, Keshari was ready to become a wildlife presenter like his childhood heroes. Yet, his enthusiasm was met with dissent by field experts in India. At age 17, a career in wildlife was considered a suicide mission with no guaranteed results or hefty paycheck. "They told me that it would take me at least 10 to 15 years to create a name. When this came from the people who I looked up to, I accepted it as the only truth. I gave up on my dream and moved to the US," recalls Keshari.

[caption id="attachment_16951" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Suyash Keshari with lions at Bandhavgarh National Park.[/caption]

In America, he switched gears to political advocacy - a degree from Wake Forest University, and then a cushy job at Washington DC. Yet, something was amiss. He yearned for the woods, wildlife and nature. "My deep-seated love for wildlife, and the quest to fulfill my childhood dream led me in 2019 to quit my job and become a full-time wildlife presenter. It also brought me back to my homeland, India. There was no other place I could think of but my beloved, Bandhavgarh National Park (to start my journey as a wildlife presenter) - it had shaped my life and made me the person I am today," beams the 25-year-old with pride.

Finding his true calling

For a child who picked up his dad's camera to record wild stories, he was a natural. A self-taught photographer, his urge to tell stories was prime. "For me, it was always about capturing nature’s beauty and explaining the importance of conservation. Moreover, I would tell stories of the human-wildlife conflict, and make people aware of the beautiful natural heritage that our planet offers. I knew that in order to stand out, I had to be myself," reveals Suyash, whose Instagram account has over 46k followers.

Suyash went viral on the OTT scene in 2019 with Safari with Suyash. Entirely self-funded, the series was picked up by WWF International for a web release, and it opened the doors to wildlife film making. "The idea was to create something people could emotionally connect with. It is vital for people to feel attached to wildlife, only then will they care," says the wildlife presenter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia4SRQcM7cg

Happy to put the spotlight on wildlife conservation, forest community upliftment, and virtual safaris, his aim was to show something completely raw, authentic and unfiltered. Today, the Bandhavgarh National Park is his playground, and the wild animals, his muse.

With the help of a few friends, Suyash recently provided electricity through solar lamps to 175 anti-poaching camps at the national park that he funded from his virtual safaris. "More than 250 forest staff received shoes, raincoats, and bags. Another 200 staff received solar torches to help with night patrol and phone charging. It's vital to take care of the people who take care of our natural heritage," reveals the conservationist who was a former associate at Legislative Affairs and State Engagement at US-India Strategic Partnership Forum.

India’s first OTT wildlife platform

Since virtual safaris had never been done in India before, Suyash Keshari has carved a niche by creating India’s first virtual safari experience which comes at a cost of ₹5000. "Buy a membership, jump into the back of the jeep from the comfort of your home and indulge in a wild, raw and epic adventure," coaxes the presenter who loves chasing sunsets.

[caption id="attachment_16952" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Leopard A leopard at Bandhavgarh National Park[/caption]

Suyash Keshari along with his small team often brave Madhya Pradesh’s scorching sun and torrential rain to capture footage that resonates. "The biggest challenge isn’t the endless wait in adverse conditions or tracking an animal. It is the willingness of the mind and heart to work harder to achieve the goals, but the body is just too tired to keep going. The challenge is to overcome the setbacks and keep going no matter what," says Suyash who wants to expand virtual tours on Safari with Suyash.

"The idea, for now, is to expand the ‘Safari with Suyash- TV’ platform as much as possible along with our conservation merchandise line. The focus would lie on connecting people with nature, whether virtually or physically with safaris and tours. For me, there’s still a long way to go and a lot more to do and connecting more and more people to nature and wildlife on the way," signs off Keshari.

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Reading Time: 7 min

Khyati Trehan’s Oscar ‘22 creative aside, her 3D projects are the talk of the artsy world

(April 29, 2022) The 94th Oscar Academy Awards, the greatest galas of 2022, had an august array of creative spirits. Among them was an Indian graphic designer whose 3D artwork was among eight creatives invited to contribute to the Oscars. 3D artist Khyati Trehan, a well-known fluid digital artist was no doubt thrilled to be selected, even wishing she had been invited to the ceremony. However, her body of work earlier has included working with the biggest names in the industry - New York Times, Apple, WeWork, Adobe, etc. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Khyati Trehan (@khyatitrehan) “I am still in disbelief,” shares Khyati laughing, during an interview with Global Indian. Expressing her love for 3D graphics, Khyati adds, “While working on a project in college, looking for an image, I realised I was spending more time on searching for a photograph, than designing. I started exploring possibilities of making all the pictures, rather than hoping that someone had clicked an image suiting my requirements. That’s how I discovered 3D. It seemed like magic,” recalls the Forbes 30 under 30 2022. Freedom to learn Born in Jalandhar, Khyati moved to Delhi with her parents

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Khyati Trehan (@khyatitrehan)

“I am still in disbelief,” shares Khyati laughing, during an interview with Global Indian. Expressing her love for 3D graphics, Khyati adds, “While working on a project in college, looking for an image, I realised I was spending more time on searching for a photograph, than designing. I started exploring possibilities of making all the pictures, rather than hoping that someone had clicked an image suiting my requirements. That’s how I discovered 3D. It seemed like magic,” recalls the Forbes 30 under 30 2022.

Freedom to learn

Born in Jalandhar, Khyati moved to Delhi with her parents at a young age. As the family welcomed another daughter, it was struck with tragedy when Khyati’s father passed away in an accident when she was nine. “My mother, a college teacher in genetics and embryology before marriage, had to leave her job to look after the family,” shares the graphic designer, adding, “After my father passed away, she raised us, and it was a difficult period,” she remembers. Eventually, Khyati’s mother entered the world of haute couture, managing luxury fashion brands.

[caption id="attachment_23835" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Khyati with her mother and sister, Kavya[/caption]

Raised by a single parent, Khyati has a special bond with her sister Kavya, and her mother. “We spent a lot of time together. There was a lot of feminine energy. Yet, as a family of three women, I came across misogyny way sooner - People who worked for us wouldn’t take us seriously without a paternal figure,” recalls Khyati, adding, “My mother is a great parent, more of a friend to me and my sister. Frankly, a lot of my work and who I am today is defined by being raised by a single parent.”

An alumnus of a remarkably interesting school in Delhi, Mirambika - Free Progress School, the 3D designer had a unique childhood. “Mirambika is based on the integral philosophy of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. We were given a lot of freedom and exposed to all kind of subjects. It was a great place to understand my skillset,” shares the once shy girl. “My sister is the opposite. Yet, I was aggressively protective of her. In fact, I named her,” she laughs.

The world of 3D

Mirambika helped Khyati realise her true potential. After school, the artist toyed with the idea of studying economics or languages. “I wasn’t interested in designing. People around me told me about this whole world of design and 3D,” the graphic designer adds.

[caption id="attachment_23836" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Khyati's art, Are Viruses Alive, for New York Times[/caption]

She fell in love with a new world of shapes, colours and design after joining National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad). "NID was a whole new world. A focus on craft - we were asked to draw to help us see things in a certain way. A mindset change, and gaining skills to become a designer, the most amazing was being surrounded by creative people,” says the 3D designer Khyati, who also met her now-husband Sanchit Sawaria during her NID days.

After NID, a few stints at graphic designing companies in Delhi led her to a big change in 2017 - she shifted to Berlin to work at one of the leading European online platforms for fashion and lifestyle, Zalando. “Design is one of those industries that allows one to have different careers. So, if I am working for hospitality, I get to learn how to run a hotel, and if I switch to designing for a musician I might hang out with the artist and learn about his craft. I needed to be versatile, and I absolutely loved it," the graphic designer smiles. The same year Khyati was named as one of Print Magazine’s 15 new visual artists under 30.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Khyati Trehan (@khyatitrehan)

In 2019, Khyati joined award-winning global design and innovation firm IDEO. The sky was the limit as she worked on projects with NYT, New Yorker Magazine, Apple, Adobe, Absolut, Instagram and Snapchat. The successful graphic designer won several awards and recognitions too - Artistry Creator of the Year at Adweek’s Creator Visionary Awards, ADC Young Guns 19 – 2021, etc.

Back to India and straight to Oscars

Having worked without a break for eight straight years, and with the pandemic, the 3D designer decided to return home, and spend some quality time with my loved ones,” the graphic designer adds.

That was when an email from the Academy popped up asking if she was interested in participating on a project. The theme focused on the intersection of storytelling and technology, inviting eight artists from around the world to each create a representation of the Oscar statue inspired by their personal appreciation of movies and ‘how do movies transform and inspire?’

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Khyati Trehan (@khyatitrehan)

“My concept was of the Oscar statue as a movie viewer amidst the action,” shares the Forbes 30 under 30, and she immediately got a “go ahead.” “It was a dream project and I drew inspiration from the immersive power of movies. I wanted to create an overwhelming sense of feeling,” she shares, adding, “I just wished they has called us to the US for the ceremony when my design was selected,” laughs the artist, who has many interesting projects on the anvil.

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Reading Time: 7 mins

Manish Polavarapu: JPMorganChase professional revamping philanthropy with Fortitude Global Foundation

(August 27, 2024) Manish Polavarapu, a US-based finance professional at JPMorganChase, is often asked why he chose the name 'Fortitude' for his non-profit, as it doesn't immediately convey the feel of an NGO. “When brainstorming a name, I realized that one of the challenges with philanthropy is that it often fails to excite people. Most organizations opt for names centered around terms like humanity, hope, or survival, and I wanted something different,” he tells Global Indian. With his 501(c)(3) NGO, Manish aims to enhance the dynamics of philanthropy. “When we started in 2020, we observed that not many young people were getting involved in philanthropy. We wanted to change that with sleek branding across our platforms and socials - think of it as if NIKE met a non-profit,” he says “The word ‘Fortitude’ means strength and courage in the face of adversity, and it perfectly aligns with our mission to uplift schoolchildren, giving them the fortitude to aspire and inspire.” [caption id="attachment_54687" align="aligncenter" width="767"] Manish at Pudanipadu School in Vijayawada to meet and greet schoolchildren who were provided Deskits by Fortitude[/caption] Since its inception, the Fortitude Global team has raised significant funds and reached more than 1,000 children across 12

weight: 400;">

[caption id="attachment_54687" align="aligncenter" width="767"] Manish at Pudanipadu School in Vijayawada to meet and greet schoolchildren who were provided Deskits by Fortitude[/caption]

Since its inception, the Fortitude Global team has raised significant funds and reached more than 1,000 children across 12 schools in Kenya, Bangladesh, the USA, Peru, and India, providing them with access to educational resources and scholarships.

Devoting time after work-hours, Manish voluntarily runs Fortitude Global Foundation with his close friends Yash Shah and Jamell Sirleaf who were his classmates at Boston University. “Yash hails from Ahmedabad while Jamell is half-Liberian and half-South Indian, and the grandson of Madam Ellen Johnson Sirfleaf, the former President of the Republic of Liberia and founder of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Centre for Women and Development.”

It started when…

During the pandemic, when many schools shut down and underprivileged children struggled to continue their education due to lack of funding, Manish came to know about a Sudanese nursing student, Akuout, who had been accepted to a university in Kenya but lacked the necessary funds.

“The tuition was only $5,000 USD for all semesters. When you think about it, the cost of college tuition in America is astronomical compared to it. I didn’t think twice and donated the full amount to grant Akuout admission in the Kenyatta University to pursue her nursing degree, covering full tuition, lodging, supplies, transportation, and food,” Manish says. “The feeling that came with helping someone in need was priceless and indescribable. I realized the power of the dollar and wanted to continue making an impact.”

[caption id="attachment_54695" align="aligncenter" width="429"] Indian Philanthropists | Manish Polavarapu | Global Indian Akuot Akuei Ajak, Fortitude scholar studying at Kenyatta University[/caption]

Soon after, he approached his friends, Yash and Jamell, and pitched the idea of starting an NGO. They readily agreed to contribute their time and effort to the cause, and the three friends laid the foundation of the Fortitude Global Foundation to help underprivileged children access education.

Manish and the co-founders of Fortitude chose to focus their efforts on education because they believe it is the key factor linked to global poverty. As for Fortitude’s principles, they are built on four pillars of a quality education: transportation, resources and financial aid, technology, and infrastructure. “Since its inception, we have worked to provide these four essentials to children in need across the world,” says the philanthropist, who was born in Hyderabad, and moved to the US as a four-year-old.

Striding past hurdles

Starting a global NGO in the middle of a pandemic came with several challenges. “The toughest part of any journey is just to start, and we faced several hurdles in our first year,” Manish says. “Once we identified the specific sectors within education we wanted to impact, we developed our theory of change, mission statements, and marketing collateral, including our website and social media. Our team had to spread the word initially, even before we had much impact to show.”

Another major challenge was building partnerships with other local communities and organizations, especially cross-border ones. “It’s the classic chicken-and-egg dilemma: we wanted to help children, but we hadn’t yet created enough of an impact trail for others to trust us as a partner. However, for every 'no,' you eventually get a 'yes.' Thankfully, the advent of technology allowed us to connect with others globally at our fingertips,” he remarks.

The Fortitude team reached out to smaller, local communities that were genuine in their cause and had the sole mission of helping children.

[caption id="attachment_54712" align="aligncenter" width="694"] Indian Philanthropist | Manish Polavarapu | Global Indian Manish Polavarapu with co-founders Jamell and Yash during a Fortitude awareness event at a school in U.S.[/caption]

Understanding significance of transparency in charity

Manish believes that the charity sector has unfortunately become tainted by corruption, leading to scandals and trust issues. “Trust is everything in a space as pure as charity, so we posted all our financials on our website to ensure full transparency,” he says. The entire Fortitude team is made up of volunteers.

We don't pay ourselves. We believe in a 100 percent model, where all proceeds and donations go directly to children and projects. As I like to say, our organization is paid in six figures: s-m-i-l-e-s, and to us, that is truly priceless.

Manish Polavarapu

Initially, the team received a few projects to fund, and held charity events and fundraisers in different parts of the United States. Soon enough, donors, friends, and family began pouring in their support and contributions to the foundation. After COVID, Manish was able to travel to the schools and locations, visit the children, and personally inaugurate a few projects.

“Being present in person was a huge milestone for the foundation, as it allowed us to finally show people that we were indeed true to our cause,” he mentions.

[caption id="attachment_54707" align="aligncenter" width="711"] Indian Philanthropist | Manish Polavarapu | Global Indian A benefit concert - one of Fortitude Global's fundraising events[/caption]

Anyone can make an impact

Manish credits his mother for teaching him to always be kind and to give back. For as long as he can remember, he has been passionate about helping others in any way he could. Whether it was a friend in need or a family member, he constantly put others first, finding that giving back was an inherent part of who he is. “Call it my biggest weakness or my greatest strength, but I can't stand to see others in pain or struggling,” says the philanthropist.

He believes that anyone can make an impact and that one's approach to charity or philanthropy doesn't need to be overly central, commercial, or complicated.

Take up a school or community and help them meet their educational needs. What else do you need, and what are you waiting for?

Manish's message for all

Fortitude operates on the principle of eliminating borders in philanthropy, allowing it to work on projects globally. The non-profit partners with local organizations like the South Sudan Centre and Obhizatrik Foundation in Bangladesh, which have deep community ties and understand students' challenges, delivering effective educational solutions.

[caption id="attachment_54714" align="aligncenter" width="652"] Indian Philanthropist | Manish Polavarapu | Global Indian Glimpses of Fortitude Global Foundation's initiatives for children in Bangladesh[/caption]

The NGO focuses on serving children from extremely poor families who cannot afford tuition, ensuring scholarships and academic support. The organization tailors its efforts to each school’s specific needs, raising funds for solutions ranging from transportation facilities, convertible desk-backpacks to fully equipped computer labs.

“My dream is to one day build full-fledged schools across the world and leave a global impact. The education crisis is indeed a crisis, but I believe our generation can be the one to revamp the infrastructure and undercurrents of philanthropic philosophy so that all lives have a chance to prosper," remarks the philanthropist who hails from a Telugu family with roots in Hyderabad.

Wearing many hats

Apart from working as a VP - Strategy and Investment Governance at JPMorganChase he serves as the Youth Chair of the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) - the oldest and largest Indo-American organization in North America.

As Youth Chair, Manish organizes bi-annual conferences that bring together Telugu youth from across the U.S. to participate in cultural activities that promote Telugu culture and foster communal ties. His role also involves raising funds and awareness to address the social, cultural, and educational needs of Telugu people worldwide.

“The proceeds from these conferences go towards education, sanitation, disease prevention, disaster relief, and health promotion for the people in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana,” shares the multitasker who considers himself Indian first, and then American.

[caption id="attachment_54716" align="aligncenter" width="459"] Indian Philanthropist | Manish Polavarapu | Global Indian Manish Polavarapu[/caption]

Manish and his older brother learned several Indian art forms including violin, drums, and classical dance from a very young age and have always been in-tune with their Indian legacy.

Throughout my journey, the one word I have always held onto and repeated to myself is 'Fortitude.' Life truly comes full circle, as that’s the name I eventually gave to the NGO. I am Fortitude. Fortitude is me.

Manish Polavarapu

When you love what you do, nothing ever becomes overwhelming, as you always find a way to make time, believes Manish. Passion, ambition, and a desire to make a difference in the world and in the lives of others have always been his guiding stars.

"My goal is to become wealthy enough to be a full-time philanthropist and humanitarian," he signs off.

Follow Manish Polavarapu on LinkedIn
Follow Fortitude Global on Instagram, Facebook and its website

Reading Time: 5 mins

Dean Rakesh Khurana: Changing the world of education

(November 30, 2022) The official page of Rakesh Khurana on the Harvard College website describes him as "Not just a Dean, but a friend", adding, "When Dean Khurana walks into a room, the energy shifts to a more positive, welcoming environment. Khurana, a former Faculty Dean of Cabot House, exemplifies the mission of Harvard College; he transforms the lives of students daily through the connections he makes and the photos he posts on Instagram." The Dean of Harvard College Rakesh Khurana - an award-winning teacher and widely recognised scholar - has pioneered several changes in the modern education system to make it more inclusive and fun. His innovative methods in pedagogy and practice adaptability have made him one of the favourite teachers of his students. [caption id="attachment_32278" align="aligncenter" width="656"] Dean Rakesh Khurana[/caption] "The faculty needed to act to create a psychologically safe environment for engagement," Dean Khurana had said during an education conference, adding, "Where silence was not interpreted as agreement, where there was no pressure to behave simply to create unanimity, and where people were not judged for raising ideas before they were fully formed." Deeply involved with undergraduates’ daily lives outside the classroom, this Global Indian is changing

was not interpreted as agreement, where there was no pressure to behave simply to create unanimity, and where people were not judged for raising ideas before they were fully formed." Deeply involved with undergraduates’ daily lives outside the classroom, this Global Indian is changing the way educational institutions work, giving the mundane experience a more humane touch.

A man of knowledge

While not much is known about his childhood, Dean Khurana shared that his family moved from New Delhi to Queens, New York when he was just a toddler. Brought up in the largest of the five boroughs of NYC, the young kid was sharp and very observant of human behaviour, and that is what led him to pursue a bachelor's degree in industrial relations from Cornell University. He later earned an MA in sociology from Harvard and his Ph.D. in organisational behavior through a joint program between the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Harvard Business School in 1998.

[caption id="attachment_32279" align="aligncenter" width="632"] Rakesh Khurana Rakesh and Stephanie Khurana at Cabot House[/caption]

Since a young age, Dean Khurana was interested in pursuing a career in the field of education. And soon after he earned his doctorate, he became the founding team member of Cambridge Technology Partners and from 1998 to 2000 he taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After spending a decade at MIT, Khurana and his wife Stephanie were named master and co-master of Cabot House at Harvard University, and the couple still holds the position.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgSy72QVBLA

Later the same year Dean Khurana became the Marvin Bower Professor of Leadership Development at Harvard Business School and professor of sociology in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. "Most of the significant challenges and opportunities we face in the world are not things that anybody faces alone. They require building a foundation of trust and understanding, while also finding common ground with others. It’s hard for me to separate students, faculty, and administration — and while I know different people play different roles, ultimately I believe we are all 'Harvard'. How we work together and how we share our diverse perspectives have led to a deeper understanding of each other. This type of capacity-building has been central to creating a supportive and diverse living environment where students can safely embark on their journey of intellectual transformation," the Dean had told Legal Desire magazine when asked about why he includes his students' opinions for every small decision.

At the helm of Harvard

In 2014, Rakesh became the Dean of Harvard College. In his announcement, former Dean Michael D. Smith said, "Khurana brings to the deanship an intimate understanding of the Harvard College experience, a profound commitment to the values of a liberal-arts education, and a warm and compassionate personality that accompanies his belief in the importance of community and an inclusive approach to decision-making."

[caption id="attachment_32280" align="aligncenter" width="758"] Harvard University President Drew Faust greets Dean Rakesh Khurana at a recent graduation ceremony[/caption]

But, even when the students and faculty members were gearing up to welcome their new head, Dean Khurana was working on college policies to ensure that diversity and inclusion at Harvard. "Our diversity is our strength. To me, diversity of intellectual thought, which is deeply enriched by people who bring different cultural perspectives and lived experiences, is what is most valued here at Harvard College. We are educating our students to be citizens and citizen-leaders in one of the most diverse societies in the world, one that is becoming even more diverse, and the challenge for the American experiment — the challenge for the global experiment — is how we continue to thrive in that world, rather than retreat into tribalism, conformity of values, and closed-minded thinking," the dean had said during one of his initial speeches at the University.

[caption id="attachment_32281" align="aligncenter" width="645"] Dean Rakesh Khurana Dean Khurana with President Joe Biden[/caption]

A strong leader, and a dear friend to his students, Dean Khurana has been working hard so that Harvard students and faculty members find the opportunities to ensure the mission of the college is accomplished in a way that is both consistent with its values and meaningful within the current educational landscape. Even during the global pandemic, when other educational institutions were struggling, Harvard, under Dean Khurana's leadership, reported increased levels of participation among their students by the third week of online classes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJKAGC6nvXA

“Leadership, ultimately, is the ability to be comfortable with being uncomfortable,” adding, "It's the willingness to adapt and change to circumstance, but be steady in your values," the dean believes.

Follow Dean Rakesh Khurana on Instagram and LinkedIn

Reading Time: 7 mins