Indian Entrepreneur | Punit Pandey | Global Indian

Global IndianstoryPunit Pandey: Merging India’s ancient Vedic wisdom with cloud technology and AI

Punit Pandey: Merging India’s ancient Vedic wisdom with cloud technology and AI

Written by: Amrita Priya

(October 26, 2024) The global astrology market, valued at $12.8 billion in 2021, is projected to reach $22.8 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2022 to 2031, according to Allied Market Research. Meanwhile, a joint report by FICCI and Ernst & Young forecasts the Indian astrology market to reach ₹50,000 crores (USD 6.5 billion) by 2025.

As a visionary at the intersection of technology and astrology, with over two decades of experience in the IT industry, Punit Pandey recognized the potential in this market early on. During his career as an IT professional in the US, he worked for an IT firm with major clients like Boeing and the US Army. Eventually, he decided to fully commit to his passion for entrepreneurship and astrology, and hence made the decision to return to India to focus on expanding his technology-based astrology platform, which until then had just been a hobby.

AstroSage, a leading digital astrology platform and Punit Pandey’s brainchild, has taken astrology beyond borders. “With more than one million daily active users, 50 million downloads, and over half a million astrologers, AstroSage is reaching a threshold few Indian tech products have achieved. Unlike many apps that rely on cash burn, our growth has been organic – driven by word of mouth. People love AstroSage because it provides real value, similar to how WhatsApp and Instagram grew through recommendations,” Punit shared with Global Indian, adding “This is just the beginning. With AI at our platform’s core, we’re shaping the future of astrology, bringing it closer to millions worldwide.”

Punit during his days in the U.S.

Vedic astrology – India’s spiritual soft power

Astrology in India, known as ‘Vedic astrology’ or ‘Jyotish,’ is part of the country’s ancient Vedic sciences, rooted in the sacred texts of Hinduism. It is based on the belief that celestial positions influence human affairs and natural events.

Globally, Vedic astrology has become a significant part of India’s soft power, alongside practices like yoga and Ayurveda. It has contributed to the worldwide fascination with Indian traditions, spirituality, and wellness practices. Astrotech platforms are amplifying the reach of this ancient science by integrating it with modern technology, showcasing India’s ability to blend tradition with innovation.

Merging Vedic science with AI

The Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of AstroSage, Punit has introduced services like AstroSage Cloud, the first cloud-based solution for astrology, and AI-powered Astrology Avatars.

Established in 2011, his cloud platform connects astrologers in even the smallest towns with clients on the other side of the world, opening doors to opportunities that were once unimaginable. “Today, we have users in several countries,” says Punit, whose astrotech startup is widely recognized for revolutionizing astrology through AI and digital transformation.

“Companies like OpenAI, creators of ChatGPT, developed Large Language Models (LLMs) primarily trained on past data, which struggle with calculations,” he remarks. Punit’s challenge was to create models that not only foresee the future but also perform calculations and interpret them as a human astrologer would – a feat he successfully scaled.

From hobby to full-fledged venture

For Punit Pandey, AstroSage began as a hobby – a project driven by his curiosity about what he could achieve in India’s traditional Vedic sciences with the help of technology. This led him to create the Mobile Kundli app in 2001. “At that time, mobile apps were a far-off concept for most people in India. To put it in context, the iPhone wasn’t launched until 2007, and the App Store came in 2009. Yet, here we were, launching India’s first consumer mobile app in 2001, followed by the first cloud-based solution in 2003,” he remarks.

Punit during his days in the U.S.

In 2002-2003, as cloud technology and SaaS began emerging, he envisioned a cloud solution for astrology. He was working in the U.S. at that time. “No one in India was thinking about cloud software back then, especially not in astrology,” says the astrotech entrepreneur, who wanted a solution that didn’t require installation on each machine – something accessible anywhere, anytime, where updates could be rolled out instantly.

“I uploaded the solution to the astrosage.com domain. A few weeks later, I checked Google Analytics and was amazed to see the traffic surging. That’s when I realized I had created something viral,” he recounts talking about the days when he delved into astrology and astrotech as a hobby.

Around this time, Google launched AdSense, allowing websites to generate revenue. Soon, he was earning enough to sustain himself without a day job. “I had always dreamt of creating a global product from India, and AstroSage gave me that chance. So, I chose to follow my dream and return to India to build something transformative,” remarks the entrepreneur, who is also the founder of Ojas VR Studios, a company that has produced several virtual reality games.

As an early starter, he launched the first AI astrology app, Bhrigoo.ai, in 2017. “I believe my knack for spotting emerging tech trends and turning them into products set us apart. We were early movers, and our perseverance and focus on innovation allowed these products to succeed.”

Interest in astrology since childhood

Although Punit Pandey pursued a stable career in the IT sector after completion of his studies from the Agra University, his journey with astrology began much earlier. Around the age of 10 or 12, he stumbled upon some astrology books at a small bookshop while growing up in UP’s Auraiya. With a natural aptitude for mathematics, he found astrology surprisingly easy to grasp. The more he learned, the more he felt that astrology could hold the key to making the world a happier, more prosperous place.

“I’m certainly not the first to believe this – Indian sages recognized it thousands of years ago, which is why Jyotish is one of the six Vedangas, or limbs of the Vedas. Being part of the lineage of Sage Bhrigu, the author of the Bhrigu Samhita, it feels like destiny led me to this path,” he remarks.

Indian Entrepreneur | Punit Pandey | Global Indian

Embracing regional languages to scale technology’s reach

It’s all been part of a continuous journey. He launched the Mobile Kundli app in Hindi back in 2001 – a time when ‘vernacular’ wasn’t even a buzzword. No one had created a Hindi app before, and Palm OS, the operating system he used, didn’t even support Hindi, so he developed custom fonts to make it work. “Today, we’re proud to offer our services in more than 10 Indian languages, both on web and mobile,” he shares.

But it isn’t just about the Mobile Kundli app. The initial AstroSage Cloud version that he was toying with as a hobby was also multilingual. From the beginning, Punit understood that reaching the masses meant embracing regional languages.

The next frontier – AGI for deeply personal insights

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is an advanced concept of AI aimed to mimic human cognitive abilities. Unlike current AI, which is limited to specific tasks, AGI would have the versatility to understand, learn, and perform a wide range of activities across various domains autonomously. It aims to achieve general, human-like intelligence, allowing it to adapt and solve complex problems independently. While AGI remains a future goal, Puneet, always an early starter, is keen on adapting this technology to further enhance his platform’s capabilities. “It would be a step towards understanding not only the stars but also an individual’s life story. Imagine an astrologer who truly knows you, grows with you, and understands your unique context and experiences!”

“It would be like having a wise companion always by your side. It would bring empathy, intuition, and intelligence into astrology, transforming it from static predictions into a dynamic, evolving relationship,” he explains.

Looking ahead – From AstroSage Cloud to AstroSage AI

“With AstroSage Cloud, we reached 50 million downloads; with AstroSage AI, we aim to reach 500 million downloads—something no Indian app has achieved organically. If we succeed, our only rivals will be the giants like YouTube and Instagram. We are on the verge of creating the first true global tech product from India, and the journey has just begun,” he signs off.

Indian Entrepreneur | AstroSage | Global Indian

With ambitious goals and expanding user bases, astrotech is emerging as a unique segment in India’s tech landscape, led by entrepreneurs like Punit Pandey. As platforms like AstroSage harness AI, cloud computing, and mobile connectivity, they’re transforming traditional astrology into a modern and scalable service accessible to users worldwide. This sector’s rapid growth signals a new era where technology enables personal insights and guidance, making astrology a digital-first, accessible experience, regardless of where a person is in the world.

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Published on 26, Oct 2024

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Jeenal Sawla: The Harvard grad reclaiming public spaces through the Smart Cities Mission

(April 19, 2024) In Rourkela, Odisha, was a slum reserved for people with leprosy, a community that nobody wanted to enter. It was a little children's park that changed its fate, and soon, there were kids coming in from everywhere to play together. In Pimpri Chinchwad, Maharashtra, the Sudarshan Chowk, once a haphazard, unauthorised car park, was transformed into an open space, where people now flock everyday, to do yoga, let their children play and even for small celebrations. A dumpyard in Kohima, Nagaland, became a micro park, which soon became a place where people from nearby colonies now come to meet. What's more, all this was done in 75 hours, as part of the Placemaking Marathon, conceptualised by Jeenal Sawla, Principal Advisor of the Smart Cities Mission, as India celebrated its 75th year of independence. The community-driven exercise to reimagine and reclaim public spaces would have a sweeping impact. Thinking differently has always been the core of Jeenal Sawla's philosophy. After graduating with a degree in architecture, she went to Harvard University for a master's in urban design, then worked at an architectural firm for two years in the US before realising she wanted something different. She returned to

ent. She returned to India and went on to join the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, where she is currently an advisor to the Smart Cities Mission. "I hope more of us with access to good universities and global exposure are able to engage in solving societal problems and contribute to nation building" Jeenal tells Global Indian.

[caption id="attachment_50840" align="aligncenter" width="377"] Jeenal Sawla | Smart Cities Mission | Global Indian Jeenal Sawla[/caption]

From Bombay to Boston

Growing up in Mumbai, Jeenal’s mother, who did not have the chance to study was keen that her daughter pursued a good education, often joking, "I won't let you get married until you have a master's degree." In her free time, Jeenal would "scribble" in her notebooks, but what she was actually doing was redesigning houses. "I had redesigned a lot of my family's houses," she recalls. Architecture seemed like a fairly obvious career choice but instead of more conventional, prestigious schools like JJ College of Architecture, Jeenal went with Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture and Environmental Studies.

It was a niche school that put a different spin on architecture as a subject, shaping Jeenal's formative views towards her pratice. "We weren't discussing form and function, Kahn and Corbusier," she says. "We were thinking of real life problems." When she was 20, she spent two months walking around and documenting the Dharavi slum. "We were focussed on pressing issues in Bombay, on equity and human-centred design before it became corporatised over the last decade or so."

The most common step after Kamala Raheja was a master's in urban planning and Jeenal wanted to explore how economics and politics can influence decision making in this area. She applied to a bunch of urban planning programmes and was admitted to Harvard University.

Journey to Harvard:

Harvard had given her a seat, but funding was a problem. Jeenal wasn't eligible for many of the bigger scholarships and taking a loan would have meant mortgaging her father's home and his office, which she could not bring herself to do. "Somehow I was able to cobble together the money and get there for my first year, but I was worried about not being able to afford the second," she said. Moreover, she received disapproval from her extended family, and heard things like, "Who will marry you if you have all these loans. In fact, during my first week, I was wondering if I should stay there at all."

However, the Kutchi Jain community to which Jeenal belongs, matches young students with a resident in the country they're in. "I stayed with a wonderful person, who became like my adopted mother there. When I told her I wanted to go back, she was shocked," Jeenal recalls. Together, they crowdfunded the tuition fee, raising money from 34 individuals and organisations in India and America, all before the advent of digital platforms. It allowed her to stay on at Harvard, and also, for the very first time, taught her the power of communities. "I'm not religious and don't think of myself as a Kutchi Jain all the time, but as we become more global and these ties loosen, what will be the future of communities," she wonders.

Excelling at an Ivy League

Jeenal had been so focussed on raising money, she hadn’t considered what life at Harvard would actually be like. And making it at one of the world’s most prestigious schools is not easy. "You have become used to being the best back home and now, you're in the middle of all these beautiful minds," she says. There were insecurities she had never imagined, like speaking English, which she had always done fluently. The format of education was different too, with lots of reading and writing. "I had never written a paper before and I failed the first one I wrote," Jeenal recalls. "I was so caught up with funds that I had never thought about these things. I hope students now are better prepared with the tools to help themselves, whether that's meditation or the therapist you have on retainer," she adds, laughing.

Even so, it was the experience of a lifetime. The urban planning programme was part of the Harvard School of Design, but Jeenal also loved her classes at the Kennedy School, where she took a lot of classes. She also travelled, even making a trip to Palestine's West Bank, where she saw firsthand the stark realities there, and a summer in Costa Rica, through a classmate at Harvard. There, she worked to set up a the Social Capital Credits (SoCCs) programme on behalf of the Asia Initiative, which incentivises people to take up projects of social good in exchange for redeemable credits. They identified issues from the SoCCs menu, including waste management, and the castration of stray dogs, and collaborated with sponsors, like a food mart that would give out food coupons in return for social credits. Although she had only two months, the communities drove the initiatives forward on their own. "The bee population was reducing so they incentivised beekeeping," she says.

The 100 Resilient Cities project

After Harvard, Jeenal spent two years as an Urban Planner at a Boston firm, when the city was readying itself for the 2024 Olympics. However, the proposed infrastructure projects resulted in widespread community backlash, and Boston withdrew its bid. So Jeenal worked on campus planning, and in understanding how the university campus and city can benefit mutually from each other. But the job just wasn't what she wanted. Instead, her interest was piqued by the Rockerfeller Foundation's 100 Resilient Cities initiative, and joined Dalberg, a strategic partner in the project. So when she was offered a chance to lead a project in India for one year, she took the opportunity. "I had a H-1B for six years so I decided to give it a try. I was to do resilient strategies for Pune and Chennai, which involved everything from transportation to biodiversity, housing and development."

At the end of that year, Jeenal didn't want to leave India. So, she reached out to the Municipal Commissioner of Pune, who was known to be very dynamic and leading the Smart Cities Mission, and the government as a platform was just what she needed. She came to Delhi, as part of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, where she has been for the last four years. "It's my longest employment and I don't feel jaded or anything," she says.

The job is what one makes of it, she remarks. "The bosses I have here have really shaped my experiences - I have had two and both have been progressive, given me a lot of space and trust to create and drive project with a significant amount of independence and creative space."

Jeenal Sawla | Smart Cities Misison | Global Indian

Contributing to India

"I have been told that I should pick a lane," Jeenal admits, "But I don't really want to do that." The Smart Cities Mission, however, is sector agnostic, and develops projects according to what a particular city needs. "There is always a requirement for deep expertise but if you're a transportation expert you're only going to think about transportation."

The team is focussed on project monitoring in 100 cities, by integrating data and technology with services and infrastructure to solve urban issues. "We are trying to make things more systematically and improve data ecosystems instead of doing one-off data projects," Jeenal says. Also, these were the early days of Covid, when migrant workers were walking back home and they were looking at how to think about this from a tech and data standpoint. Besides, with no cars on the streets, over 100 cities were re-imagining their public spaces, setting up cycle lanes and parklets.

"We started two programmes called the Streets4People and Cycles4Change," she said, "As well as "Nurturing Neighbourhoods and the Placemaking Marathon." They began with around 50 cities in different phases, working with stakeholders to reimagine certain parts of various cities. There was also a campaign on how to improve cities from thel ens of young children and caregivers. This year, Jeenal looks to ground a pilot program on the 'care economy' in select urban poor communities. "Unpaid care work is the biggest reason holding back our female workforce participation rate. For women to be economically productive, we need to improve access to quality, affordable, and accessible care services and infrastructure."

"ln a country like India, with some of the highest urban densities, community public spaces serve as extensions of homes," says Jeenal. "They build social cohesion in an increasingly isolated world and also create opportunities for healthy and active living - which cannot be underestimated given the steep rise in lifestyle-related diseases in India. lt is important that as governments, we reduce our over-emphasis on regulating private spaces and invest more in creating public goods."

Follow Jeenal Sawla on LinkedIn.

Indian influencers: Using social media to create an impact

(December 3, 2022) They are stylish, sassy, funny and witty — meet the Indian influencers who have taken over social media and how. This social media brigade is presenting a slice of India to the world, one post at a time, and is loved by its army of followers. Every post, reel or story is smothered with thousands of likes and comments in no time. Welcome to the world of Instagram and influencers. In a world where millennials are literally living and breathing on the digital platforms, there are a handful of content creators who are putting Brand India on the global map with their creatives. If some are brushing shoulders with the likes of Michelle Obama, others are strutting the red carpets of the biggest international events. Here are five Indian influencers who are living it up on social media and making a difference. Masoom Minawala [caption id="attachment_32389" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Masoom Minawala[/caption] With 1.3 million followers on Instagram, Antwerp-based fashion influencer and entrepreneur Masoom Minawala is a woman on a mission — to make Indian fashion global. Her social media accounts are a testimony to her love for Indian attire, especially saris, and she doesn't shy away from sashaying

fluencer and entrepreneur Masoom Minawala is a woman on a mission — to make Indian fashion global. Her social media accounts are a testimony to her love for Indian attire, especially saris, and she doesn't shy away from sashaying in them on the streets of Europe. Her mantra in fashion is a perfect mix of culture and style, and that's exactly what has made her popular on the gram. A regular at Cannes Film Festival, the 29-year-old was the first fashion blogger from India at Paris Fashion Week. Most recently, Minawala was also the first Indian creator to walk at Milan Fashion Week, modelling for Vaishali S.

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A post shared by Masoom Minawala Mehta (@masoomminawala)

When she began blogging many years ago, it was at its nascent stage, but she knew how to drive traffic and convert her readers into potential customers. And in no time, she made it to the top of the game. So much so that she recently made it to Forbes 30 Under 30 list. With her initiative #SupportIndianDesigners, she is promoting homegrown brands and designers on the global platform. From someone who began her journey as a blogger a decade ago when it wasn't so mainstream to making it to CNN's 20 under 40 list, Minawala has come a long way.

Prajakta Koli

[caption id="attachment_32384" align="aligncenter" width="583"] Indian influencers Prajakta Koli Prajakta Koli has become a force to reckon with.[/caption]

How popular is Prajakta Koli, you ask? This Indian influencer received a personally signed copy of Michelle Obama's Becoming. The social media star had been chosen by YouTube and the UN for Creators of Change, which brought together 50 creators from around the world to create content on social issues — in her segment, Koli was in conversation with Michelle Obama to talk about girls' education. She went on to win the Daytime Emmy Award and the 27-year-old became a global brand in her own right.

From being invited to the United Nations to represent India on World Tolerance Day to being the only Indian to have been invited by Marvel to collaborate with the cast of Captain Marvel, Koli has become a force to reckon with.

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A post shared by Prajakta Koli (@mostlysane)

With over 7 million followers, Prajakta Koli aka MostlySane is a champion for female education, and has been invited by the Gates Foundation for its Goalkeepers Summit. A popular YouTuber, influencer and now an actor, the Forbes 30 Under 30 alumnus is making it big, one video at a time.

Niharika NM

[caption id="attachment_32385" align="aligncenter" width="615"] Indian influencers Niharika NM Niharika NM[/caption]

One million followers in two months, now that's the fastest any content creator has grown on Instagram. But that's LA-based Niharika NM for you. The Indian-American made surviving 2020 a bit easier, thanks to her humor, sass and relatable reels on everyday life. Well before Mindy Kaling came out with Never Have I Ever, social media found a perfect and relatable representation of South Indians in Niharika, and since then people are unable to get enough of her — the influencer's following (read 3.1 million) on social media is proof of it. Born in Chennai and brought up in Bengaluru, the 24-year-old moved to the US, and now her journey to amassing a million followers in such a short span is a case study at California's Chapman University, where she is pursuing her MBA.

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A post shared by Niharika Nm (@niharika_nm)

The content creator, who was named Best Entertainment Influencer at Impact Digital Influencers Awards 2021 and Blogger/Creator of the year 2021 at Women Disruptors Awards 2021, was recently selected by YouTube as one of the global ambassadors for the Creators for Change program.

Diipa Khosla

[caption id="attachment_32386" align="aligncenter" width="598"] Indian influencers Diipa Khosla Diipa Khosla[/caption]

Born in India, studied in Netherlands and worked in the UK, Diipa calls herself a "Global Indian" on her Instagram page. The 30-year-old has many firsts to her credit - including being the first Indian influencer to walk the BAFTA red carpet as well as the Cannes red carpet. But the global influencer is more than just beauty and glamour, and her NGO Post for Change Foundation, which uses social media to bring social change, is proof of it. Post for Change has collaborated with UNICEF for Red Dot Challenge to emphasise the importance of menstrual hygiene.

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A post shared by Diipa Büller-Khosla (@diipakhosla)

A popular Instagrammer with 1.8 million followers, Khosla is using her clout to create healthy dialogues around women empowerment and racial discrimination.

Ruhee Dosani

[caption id="attachment_32387" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Indian influencer Ruhee Dosani Ruhe Dosani[/caption]

Ruhee Dosani just wanted to make cool videos of her 'we deshi' friends dancing to Bollywood songs, but little did she know that one such video would catch the fancy of singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh. Soon, people started landing on her page and as they say, the rest is history. The US-based 'Punjab di kudi' is every desi's delight. Her hilarious spins on brands and group dances with videshi friends have become a hit on social media. Such has been the entertainment quotient of her videos that even Netflix couldn't stop going gaga over her, and regrammed her video. This content creator and influencer is definitely making it big.

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BSF officer Nabeel Ahmed Wani – The Wani who is the bridge between Kashmir’s youth and peace

(January 6, 2021) Back in the summer of 2016, Kashmir was on the boil. Violent clashes erupted across the valley following the killing of Burhan Wani, commander of terror group Hizbul Mujahideen, who was gunned down by the security forces. Close to a 100 people died and thousands were injured in an endless cycle of violence. Then aged 22, Burhan moulded insurgency in J&K through his strong presence on social media. Around the same time, BSF officer Nabeel Ahmed Wani, another youngster from the valley, had just topped the all-India examination for assistant commandant in the Border Security Force (BSF), a para-military force tasked with securing the country’s borders. He was the first one from the state to have topped the exam. As TV channels went on an overdrive, juxtaposing the stories of the two Wani's, Nabeel became a hero overnight and the new face of Kashmir unlike the other Wani, who chose to join the militant ranks and eventually met his violent end. Five years down the line, Nabeel has become the bridge between the youth of Jammu and Kashmir and the security forces. With his strong social media presence, Nabeel -- who braved all odds including multiple threats

luding multiple threats to his life -- has influenced thousands of youngsters in the valley, who have either joined the forces or have expressed a willingness to join. In fact, some were on the verge of joining the militant ranks but a quick conversation with Nabeel, led them to shun the path of violence and join the mainstream.

[caption id="attachment_18543" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Indian Heros | BSF Officer | Nabeel Ahmed Wani | Global Indian Nabeel Ahmed Wani[/caption]

“I interact with thousands of Kashmiri youth almost on a daily basis. I tell them about my life in the BSF, and give them the real picture. Many respond positively and have joined the forces,” smiles Nabeel Ahmed Wani, in an exclusive conversation with Global Indian. For any Kashmiri, joining the forces comes with serious threats to life but Nabeel, who is serving as assistant commandant (works) with the para-military force, has shown a beacon.

The Wani who propagates progress

Born and brought up in Udhampur district of J&K in November 1991, Nabeel’s father Rafiq Ahmed was a teacher, and mother Hanifa Begum a home maker. His forefathers had moved from Anantnag in the valley, considered a hotbed for terrorists, to Jammu long ago.

“I just wanted to don the uniform and serve my nation. I wanted to be the bridge of peace,” says Nabeel when asked what made him join BSF. “There was no plan and pattern, I was just preparing to get into the forces. I was trying hard for the Army, Navy or BSF. Turns out, my destiny was in the BSF and so here I am,” smiles the BSF officer. Nabeel is known not to mince his words while taking on the anti-national elements, both on the field as well as on social media. On the other hand, terror outfits are known to use social media to their advantage and propagate their ideology and Nabeel is leaving no stone unturned in motivating the people of the union territory through his posts every day.

“While in school, my father made sure we learn and respect all religions, and we used to celebrate all festivals,” informs Nabeel, who describes his younger sister Nida Rafiq as a warrior. Having completed engineering, Nida is looking forward to getting into Army Public School as a teacher.

When BSF called out to him

“When I joined BSF, people appreciated my move because they chose a Wani who wanted to fight for the nation and rejected the other Wani (Burhan) who was against the nation. I have been boycotted by a section of extremists and they still hate me. I am aware of the threats but I won’t stop. I am not scared of death,” says the 30-year-old, who is presently posted in J&K.

[caption id="attachment_18544" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Indian Heros | BSF Officer | Nabeel Ahmed Wani | Global Indian Nabeel Ahmed Wani[/caption]

So how is life on the border with Pakistan? “Tough and challenging. But we are way ahead of Pakistan in every aspect. We ensure the borders are completely sealed which has made it impossible for terrorists to enter the country. That is exactly why Pakistan is now resorting to sending drones instead of men. But even the drones are being shot down. Pakistan is a weak nation now,” says the BSF exam topper.

While Nabeel has faced threats to his life, his sister too has faced abuse of the worst kind - threatened with rape and acid. “She is my hero and a very strong-willed person who is as fearless as I am. We are a family for whom the nation comes first,” he says.

A determined Nabeel is doing everything he can to portray J&K as a peaceful and prosperous state. “There is a significant decrease in militancy in the valley over the past few years. There are just a few people left who are feeding innocent youth the venom of hatred and brainwashing them,” says Nabeel, who has guided many youths with lengthy conversations. “Some youths are misunderstood and misguided, but they are back on track,” smiles Nabeel.

Since topping the BSF exams, Nabeel’s status is no less than a celebrity. Wherever he goes, people take selfies, want to know about his success story. Even within the force, he is loved and respected. “I think in five years, I have attained respect and love with my work in BSF, and not by fame. And yes, I took a tough decision of joining the forces and it’s the best decision of my life,” he says, pointing to the fact that locals in Kashmir have now taken to the streets protesting for more vacancies in BSF.

[caption id="attachment_18545" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Indian Heros | BSF Officer | Nabeel Ahmed Wani | Global Indian Nabeel Ahmed Wani[/caption]

Ordinary, but extraordinary

His typical day starts at the crack of dawn after which all BSF officials undergo PT training for an hour. Nabeel looks after the infrastructure in the BSF besides coordination and information from sister agencies. “I am also entrusted with the task of liasioning between different government departments,” he says, stopping short of disclosing further for security reasons.

Nabeel was perhaps the first Kashmiri in uniformed services to openly laud the Narendra Modi government’s move of abrogating Article 370, and bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories, and even wrote a letter appreciating the move. “People in J&K have been exploited by local leaders for years. Scraping of 370 has definitely boosted the morale of the youth, and has opened all doors of opportunities for better careers. The decision was historic and brave and made all Indians equal,” says Nabeel, who wrote to the PM at a time when Kashmiris serving in the armed and paramilitary forces and J&K police were under tremendous pressure from some of their own to quit the services in the wake of Centre’s move. The Prime Minister wrote back saying the move was “historic.”

However, revoking the state’s special status is contentious among many in Kashmir, even today.

Making the most out of BSF

Soon after Nabeel was inducted into BSF, he was posted in Shillong and Guwahati. His first days were tough but having mentors helped Nabeel, who has been posted in J&K since July 2018.

Since he joined BSF, there have been instances when Kashmiri men, who joined the security forces, were killed by terrorists. “Every time such incidents take place, I feel the pain and sorrow of the family members. But I also feel a lot of anger. We are not here to kill anyone; we are just protecting our nation. We will not stop protecting our nation due to such mindless killings and every ounce of blood will be avenged,” says the BSF officer, who married Dr Tanveer Ul Nisa, a government ayurvedic doctor in March 2021. On their wedding, the Prime Minister congratulated the couple over phone, and sent a gift too.

[caption id="attachment_18546" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Indian Heros | BSF Officer | Nabeel Ahmed Wani | Global Indian Nabeel Ahmed Wani[/caption]

The BSF official’s free time goes into helping the locals. “I help them get jobs in showrooms, petrol bunks, schools etc. People in J&K never say ‘no’ to me as they respect me,” informs Nabeel, who is a fitness freak and hits the gym regularly besides following a strict diet plan.

“I would like to see Kashmiri youth get into top positions in the army, police, navy, administration and all other fields. Seeing Kashmir prosper and develop on all fronts is my dream and we will accomplish it,” adds Nabeel.

Understanding Article 370 and Article 35a

The state of Jammu & Kashmir’s temporary special status (given on 17, October 1949) allowed the state to have its own constitution, flag and take decisions except for matter related to defense and foreign affairs. It dates back to 1947 when Maharaja Hari Singh of the then colonised Jammu & Kashmir signed a Treaty of Accession for the state of J&K to join the Indian side.

Article 35a was added to the constitution in 1954 under Article 370, giving the state the right to decide who its permanent residents are, apart from giving special rights to residents in government jobs, property and education. This abrogation and the manner in which it was done has come under severe scrutiny.

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From Oprah’s Favourite Things to Global Shelves: Monica Sunny’s Chai Box story

(November 21, 2024) In 2021, Oprah Winfrey's "Favourite Things" list included an unexpected star: The Chai Box. A blend of nostalgia and innovation, this product by India-born entrepreneur Monica Sunny captivated Oprah and soon, millions. It was a moment that symbolised the rise of chai as more than just a beverage — it became a cultural phenomenon in the United States. Over the past decade, chai has grown in popularity, moving from niche tea shops to mainstream menus, often reimagined as "chai lattes" in coffee chains. Yet, the traditional, handcrafted chai Monica introduced offered something far deeper — an authentic connection to its Indian roots. "Chai is more than just a drink; it is a way of bringing people together. It is grounded in tradition and the amazing spices that make this drink a masterpiece," said Monica. [caption id="attachment_60374" align="aligncenter" width="710"] Monica Sunny[/caption] Since that feature, The Chai Box has become a sensation. From being included in the 2022 Oscars swag bags to launching on Costco shelves to presenting the Chai Box to Kamala Harris on Diwali celebrations, the brand's reach has grown exponentially. The Chai Box now sells thousands of bottles of chai concentrate and loose-leaf blends, shipped across

e Chai Box to Kamala Harris on Diwali celebrations, the brand's reach has grown exponentially. The Chai Box now sells thousands of bottles of chai concentrate and loose-leaf blends, shipped across the globe, including its spice-rich mixes inspired by Monica’s childhood in India. "I was not happy with how Chai was represented at local coffee shops and wanted to create something that showcased the Chai I grew up drinking. What started as a side-hustle in my basement has now grown to a full operation in a 4,000 square ft. facility," the Global Indian said.

Roots in India, Growth in Atlanta

Her deep connection to chai began long before The Chai Box was born. Growing up in an Indian household, she started drinking chai at the age of two and began blending teas by twelve. "For me, Chai is more than just a drink, it is a part of my culture and heritage. Ever since I was a little girl, Chai was an integral part of my family's daily ritual," she wrote on her website.

At nine, Monica moved with her family from India to Atlanta, where the transition to a new culture came with its challenges. As a newcomer to this country, amidst the horrors and bullying that can occur in school while trying to fit in, she sought comfort at home in soothing cups of chai. "Each morning, we fill our home with its warm and spicy aroma, connecting us to our roots, giving us a sense of calmness, and at the same time, energising us to take on the day," she added. These early experiences cemented chai as more than a beverage — it became a grounding force in Monica's life, a tradition she later passed on to her children.

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"After completing my Master's program at Vanderbilt University, she started my career in corporate America, working for one of the top 10 consulting firms in wealth management," she said, adding that she later switched her specialisation to human resource development. "Soon after starting a family, I opened my own consulting practice serving clients such as Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Emory's Goizueta School of Business, Chick-Fil-A, and Bell South."

A Family Tradition Turned Business

Monica's journey in creating The Chai Box began in her Atlanta kitchen, where the rich aroma of cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon wafted as she recreated the "chai time" ritual she grew up with in India. "Every Friday after school, I would have ‘chai time’ with my three boys to make sure my kids experienced the same ritual I shared with my parents as a child,” she said, that that when her boys got older, they wanted to her learn how to make chai. " I took a traditional spice box and filled it with tea leaves and all the spices you need to make Chai and included an index card with step by step instructions on how to make a cup of Chai. This is how all three of them learned how to make Chai."

Her spice blends, inspired by regional Indian flavours, soon caught the attention of friends and neighbours. "I started introducing them to our chai time rituals and they loved learning about authentic chai and wanted to purchase the chai box themselves," she added. Soon, the orders from friends and family started pouring in and The Chai Box started taking shape. It was during a visit to her family in Canada one summer that she a conversation with her cousin Neeteka over cup of coffee turned into a tea business idea.

The Chai Box grew organically, fuelled by the authenticity of Monica's approach. "We specialise in small-batch chai concentrate and handcrafted loose-leaf chai blends, all sustainably sourced from small-scale farmers in Kerala, India," she explained. She stays true to her mission of honoring heritage and embracing sustainability by working with family farms and composting tea mulch. They have partnered with Georgia-based Compost Now to compost the leftover tea and spices from tea production. "This initiative diverts waste and helps us create thousands of pounds of compost each year, supporting sustainability and reducing our environmental footprint," she added.

However, it was in 2021 that things took turn for the better when The Chai Box was spotted by Oprah's team at a trade show. Monica remembers the moment vividly: “We needed to splurge on a corner booth. It was a risk, but guess what? It paid off”. The inclusion of The Chai Box in Oprah’s list transformed her basement business into a global sensation, with orders flooding in from across the world.

[caption id="attachment_60376" align="aligncenter" width="588"] Monica Sunny with her son[/caption]

The Indian Diaspora and Chai

For the Indian diaspora in the United States, chai is more than a drink — it’s a connection to their heritage. It reminds them of home, from mornings in busy kitchens to family gatherings over steaming cups. For many, chai brings comfort and a sense of belonging in a foreign land. Its preparation, with unique spices and methods, showcases the rich diversity of Indian traditions. Chai has become a way to keep their culture alive, shared through festivals, community events, and daily rituals. "The culture of chai is not a grab-and-go concept. It’s a time to take a pause and enjoy the process, to share that with family and friends."

It was under British colonial rule in the 19th century that tea was first introduced to India with the beginning of tea cultivation in Assam. By the mid-19th century, regions like Darjeeling and Nilgiri also emerged as key tea-growing areas. The British introduced tea to Indians as a cheap, mass-produced drink, but it soon gained widespread popularity, evolving into the iconic chai, spiced and sweetened to suit local tastes. Today, India is one of the largest tea producers in the world.

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The Chai Box’s success isn’t limited to the United States. Monica’s blends, from the spicy Masala Chai to the floral Hill Station with cardamom and rose, have found fans in India and beyond. The brand’s expansion includes workshops, tastings, and even “Chai Meditations” on social media, where Monica shares the art of brewing a perfect cup. “I love the process of making chai—matching the spices to my wellness needs for the day. It’s my time, my meditation,” she said.

The Journey Ahead

Today, The Chai Box is more than a business — it's a bridge between cultures. Monica remains deeply rooted in her mission to honour her Indian heritage while innovating for a global audience. "Historically, the chai industry has been dominated by non-South Asian influences, but I’ve worked to change that narrative,” she said.

For Monica Sunny, the journey of The Chai Box is far from over. As she sips her morning chai, perhaps she’s dreaming up the next blend—a taste of nostalgia and a sprinkle of magic, ready to conquer the world one cup at a time.

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Shooter Kynan Chenai: Asian Games medallist has his targets in sight

(October 16, 2023) When Kynan Darius Chenai aims and shoots, he hits the target with precision, almost effortlessly. His Perazzi shotgun, a top-tier Italian-made gun, known for its high-quality craftsmanship, only ensures victory for its proud owner. So when the sharp shooter showcased his skills at the Asian Games 2023 and went on to win the bronze medal in the Men’s Trap shooting event — fellow Indians back home, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were left thrilled. "I perform better under pressure. I wanted to win but did not expect to," smiles Kynan Darius Chenai, the Indian shooter in the Trap discipline as he speaks exclusively to Global Indian. Medals galore at Asian Games The Indian men's team comprising Kynan, Zoravar Singh Sandhu and Prithviraj Tondaiman won the gold medal with an Asian games record of 361 in the qualification. "Once I landed at the venue (Hangzhou, China), the most important aspect was to keep my focus on the game intact. I had enough time to get used to the climate, sunlight and even food. So my focus remained on my game and practise throughout,” informs the 32-year-old, who topped the qualification and helped the team win gold medal. Kynan

ce I landed at the venue (Hangzhou, China), the most important aspect was to keep my focus on the game intact. I had enough time to get used to the climate, sunlight and even food. So my focus remained on my game and practise throughout,” informs the 32-year-old, who topped the qualification and helped the team win gold medal.

Kynan and Zoravar also qualified for the six-shooter finals for individual glory and were placed first and second respectively, which raised hopes of a gold-silver finish. Kynan was lucky to have won a bronze while his teammate finished a distant fifth. “The other two boys also shot well,” he says of his team.

At one point, Kynan was in the second spot, making 18 out of his 20 shots. "There is a very small margin in the finals which makes the competition really tough. I am glad to have returned with a medal,” says the sharp shooter, who believes it was a team work which led them to gold.

Kynan Chenai | Global Indian

When under pressure, Kynan performs better. “Competitions like Asian games come with its own set of pressures. My performance only gets better in such situations.”

Soon after the win, congratulatory messages began pouring in from Kynan’s friends and family from across the world. “We celebrated our win with a team dinner. Hours later, I was on a flight back home after which the real celebrations began,” smiles Kynan. For him, celebrations are about having a nice meal with family. "That's exactly what I did upon return."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed delight at his success. “Kynan has shown outstanding skill and determination. Due to his success, many upcoming shooters will be motivated,” Modi said.

Taking the legacy forward

Born in a reputed Parsi family in Hyderabad in January 1991, Kynan was introduced to the sport by his father Darius Chenai, who is a former national shooting champion too. "I was 12 when my father introduced me to the sport. The first time I held the gun, I felt an instant connect with it. Seeing my father shoot often thrilled me,” says Kynan.

What initially started off as fun, soon became a passion. "Shooting turned into an obsession by the time I turned 16. I felt incomplete without it,” he says. He went to Hebron, a boarding school in Ooty where he spent the next 10 years.

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In school, Kynan was part of the football and hockey team. Swimming is what he loved the most. “Back then, I played every sport. But shooting fascinated me,” says Kynan, who studied at the Brunel University, London.

While Kynan often trains in shooting ranges in Hyderabad, he has mostly been in Delhi prior to the Asian games. He was training at the national camp in the capital. "Simultaneously, I was also in constant touch with my international coach David Kostelecki, a two-time Olympic Games medalist who lives in Czech Republic. I have been regularly training with him for last few years. I travel all the way just to train with him.”

What's next?

Post his big win in Asian Games, Kynan wasted no time getting back to the shooting range. “My next target is the Paris Olympics, 2024. I have begun practising to qualify for it,” informs the shooter, who competed in the 2016 summer Olympics held in Rio and was placed 19 in the men’s Trap event.

Kynan Chenai | Global Indian

The globe trotter’s first love was video games. Back in the day, he used to spend hours indulging in it. “But I realised how video games can badly affect my eyes and impact my shooting skills. So I have cut it down drastically now and indulge once a week” he says.

Kynan says he is completely focused on his shooting. “My performance in Asian Games has given me even more confidence to perform better. I am spending more time in the shooting range and doing everything to keep fit,” says Kynan, who regularly plays football with friends.

Fitness has always been a top priority for Kynan. He has specifically roped in renowned fitness coach Dr Matthew Zane for the purpose. “He designs my workouts and monitors them on a daily basis. It involves weights and cardio. Only a fit mind and body can help me in my sport,” says the shooter.

The Chenai family loves adventure. “Me and my father go camping quite often. Spending time outdoors has a calming soothing effect.”

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Reading Time: 4 min