Indian Entrepreneur | Sunil Shah | Global Indian

Global IndianstorySunil Shah: Growing a family legacy in the Seychelles

Sunil Shah: Growing a family legacy in the Seychelles

Compiled by: Amrita Priya

(November 25, 2023) In 1864, a businessman named Jivan Jetha Shah from Gujarat’s Kutch region, relocated to Seychelles, the archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa with his family. With an entrepreneurial bent of mind, he went on to establish Jivan Jetha & Company which traded in cinnamon bark, copra, vanilla and other local produce. Over the course of time, Jivan Jetha Shah became one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Seychelles. He expanded his business into a large retail store, banking and a shipping agency.

His succeeding generations have admirably upheld the family’s legacy and elevated its standing and influence. Sunil Shah, Jivan Jetha Shah’s grandson has even purchased an island in the Seychelles, which he has transformed it into a high-end resort called JA Enchanted Island Resort. He manages it with his son and daughter – the fourth generation members of the Jivan Jetha family.

Jivan Jetha Shah and his wife | Photo Credit: Kreol

Nestled within the Seychelles’ Ste Anne Marine National Park, JA Enchanted Island Resort offers an intimate and historical experience, reminiscent of French colonial times. Sunil Shah considers his inner calling in first acquiring an island and then developing it into a premium holiday abode, a 15-minute speed boat ride from Victoria, Seychelles’ capital.

Steeped in luxury and history

The boutique resort is made up of ten villas, featuring classical decor and antique furnishings, each with its own tale to tell. JA Enchanted Island is a voyage back in time, filled with culinary delights and a host of amenities to create the perfect holiday for its high-end clientele.

“The villas have been built around nature rather than through it because immense beauty comes with immense responsibility,” remarked Shah in an interview adding, “We ensure that the moment someone steps onto the island, he or she should feel the authentic beauty of Seychelles in terms of the landscaping, the ambience and the architecture. They should feel that they have gone back in time – in the Seychelles of the 1930s, the time when my father was born. So, when you look around, you will find that everything is antique.”

The resort is home to hundreds of pieces of antique furniture, and all the artwork has been created by local artists who were commissioned for the purpose. Since Sunil Shah has a passion for restoration art and antique posters, the resort boasts of many such pieces picked up in auctions around the world.

Apart from being connoisseurs of global art, Shah and his family share great affinity to the country of their origin – India. “Many of the artwork restoration was done in India, and also the architect of the resort, Tony Joseph, is a well-known architect in India,” he shared.

Steeped in natural beauty

Talking about the natural beauty encompassing the resort, Shah remarked, “There is no architect on this planet who can outdo the beauty of this island.” The family has named all the private villas after local flora and fauna.

The main swimming pool seems to stretch out into the sea and is designed with a view of the two nearby islands. Their neighbouring island owners are all high profile people like billionaire Arab princes and Russian oligarchs.

JA Enchanted Island Resort

The Hyderabad connection

Though Sunil Shah’s grandfather migrated to Seychelles, his father Anant Shah moved to India for his higher education after spending his first 18 years in Seychelles. After achieving degrees in business and law, he became a chartered accountant, settling in Hyderabad with his family. Sunil had a twin brother, Anil who passed away when they were just six months olds.

While staying in Hyderabad, Sunil’s father remained connected with Seychelles, collaborating on various businesses with his brothers. He established diverse enterprises such as a grape farm, a steel works company, and a textile printing factory.

Returning to Seychelles in 1980, Anant founded his accounting firm there and partnered with Sunil, who too had pursued chartered accountancy. Their practice thrived in Seychelles and the father-son duo went on to expand their venture with partners from Mauritius.

Sunil Shah with his parents, wife and kids | Photo Credit: Kreol

Continuously seeking new ventures, Anant and Sunil ventured into real estate working on several projects that embodied Seychelles’ nostalgic charm. Even in his final years, Anant remained driven, collaborating with Sunil on projects that merged luxury with tradition. Anant passed away in 2015.

Carrying the legacy forward

Sunil, his wife Babita, and two of their three children, Sanjana and Vishal, have played a vital role in the establishment of the premium resort on the island that the family purchased. Sunil, Sanjana and Vishal take keen interest in the maintenance and upkeep of their dream business venture despite handing it over to Dubai based JA Resorts & Hotels for managing the day-to-day functioning.

Sanjana, and Vishal joined their family enterprise after graduating from university in England. “It is always great to have a fresh and youthful perspective in this new business environment where nothing is permanent except change,” remarked Sunil. Together, the threesome work on their current projects and future collaborative plans.

Sunil Shah with his wife and kids | | Photo Credit: Kreol

Balancing business, family and leisure

Given the diverse business portfolio owned by the family, the Global Indian occupies a prominent place in Seychelles’ influential circles. His involvement extends to serving on various boards, such as the Seychelles Planning Authority, where he represents the private sector. This government-formed board plays a pivotal role in enhancing the country’s ‘ease of doing business’ ranking—a testament to Seychelles’ ongoing commitment to progress and development.

Shah loves working from his home office, in a relaxed environment with his dogs lounging around. His day begins with an indispensable cup of espresso as he catches up on international news. The day draws to a close with a workout at the gym with his wife, after which he settles down for a home-cooked dinner.

Sunil Shah and his family with JA Enchanted Island Resort in the background | | Photo Credit: Kreol

Since it’s a family where members are also business partners the line between work and home life blurs many times. “I am always amazed at how insightful inputs and ideas come alive in the living room,” the Indian-Seychellois entrepreneur remarked.

Name*

Email*

Name*

Email*

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Published on 25, Nov 2023

Share with

ALSO READ

Above the curve: Dr Mani L Bhaumik’s journey is nothing short of a fairy tale

(August 7, 2022) Although he would have to walk four miles every day to reach his school, Dr Mani Lal Bhaumik hardly ever missed a class. Today, an eminent scientist, Dr Bhaumik recently pledged $11.4 million towards the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The donation will support an annual award for young minds working on scientific breakthroughs. "I am still a practicing scientist at 91 years old, and I know that beyond sheer curiosity about our world, peer recognition is one of the things that drives us. To be able to recognise hard-working scientists with this award – and perhaps prompt better work – is exciting," Dr Bhaumik told Science magazine, during a recent interaction. [caption id="attachment_27835" align="aligncenter" width="497"] Scientist Dr Mani L Bhaumik[/caption] Starting his journey from a mud hut in West Bengal, Dr Bhaumik played a key role in developing the laser technology and paved the way for Lasik eye surgery. A student of physicist Satyendranath Bose (of the Bose–Einstein statistics fame), the scholar earned his masters from University of Calcutta, and went on to become the first person to receive Ph.D degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. Global Indian takes a look

e way for Lasik eye surgery. A student of physicist Satyendranath Bose (of the Bose–Einstein statistics fame), the scholar earned his masters from University of Calcutta, and went on to become the first person to receive Ph.D degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. Global Indian takes a look at the life of this scientist, whose journey has inspired millions of students.

From rags to riches

Born in a remote village of West Bengal in 1931, Dr Bhaumik was a bright student from a very young age. The son of a notable freedom fighter, Binodhar, Dr Bhaumik had mentioned during an interview that his father would often be away for a mission or locked up in the jail, making daily life very hard for the family. "My family didn’t always know where our next meal would come from. I didn’t own a pair of shoes till I was 16," he told the UCLA magazine. A curious kid, Dr Bhaumik never missed the school and after coming home spent hours studying under the dim lamp during the night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0ZbnW_f8Y0

As a teenager, the scholar got an opportunity to spend some time with the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, who was visiting Bengal for the Quit India movement. A chance meeting with world-renowned physicist, Dr Satyendra Nath Bose at the Mahisadal camp, changed the course of life for him. Dr Bose was working on the Bose–Einstein statistics at the time, and encouraged young Mani to pursue higher education in Physics. Studying under Dr Bose, Dr Bhaumik completed his bachelors and masters from the University of Calcutta in 1953. However, his quest to learn more, took him to Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, where he earned his Ph.D in 1958.

"Satyendra Nath Bose was my mentor and teacher. He got me interested in theoretical physics. And Paul Dirac came to visit him. Dirac is known as the father of the quantum field theory. He started talking about that, and to me it sounded unbelievable, that whether matter or force, they all come from similar types of fields. Meeting Dirac was a dramatic experience. His talk was something I never had thought about: All electrons are exactly the same throughout the universe, and there is a common origin," Dr Bhaumik told Science magazine during an interview.

[caption id="attachment_27836" align="aligncenter" width="660"] Scientist | Mani L. Bhaumik | Global Indian The scholar during the unveiling event of Mani Bhaumik Institute for Theoretical Physics at UCLA[/caption]

To his complete shock, Dr Bhaumik won the Sloan Foundation Fellowship in 1959 through which he got the opportunity to do post-doctoral research at the University of California (UCLA). While the family was very excited, no one he knew could sponsor his flight tickets to the United States of America. Not the one to bow down, the scholar approached the elder of his village to help him, who did manage to arrange for the airfare, and Dr Bhaumik arrived at the UCLA "with $3 in my pocket," he shared during an interview.

A new world

While in Kolkata, Dr Bhaumik had heard stories about America. But the country was so much more different and advanced than what he had imagined. "I thought I’d died and gone to heaven," he said of his arrival on campus, to the UCLA magazine, adding, "Everyone was treated equally, not like back at home where the poor were treated like dirt." He taught Quantum physics and Astronomy at the University.

[caption id="attachment_27841" align="alignnone" width="1950"] Scientist | Mani L. Bhaumik | Global Indian Dr Mani L. Bhaumik with his students and other faculty members at UCLA[/caption]

His actual research on lasers began in 1961, when he joined the Xerox Electro-Optical Systems. After seven years of research in the lab as a laser scientist, he got enlisted by the Northrop Corporate Research Laboratory. During his long tenure at the Northop lab, Dr Bhaumik led a team of researchers, which was able to conclusively demonstrate world's first efficient excimer laser, a form of ultraviolet laser now commonly used for high-precision machining and for cutting biological tissue cleanly without damaging surrounding tissue. This research became the foundation for Lasik eye surgery. The scholar later became the Director of Northop Lab.

For his pioneering contributions to the scientific world, the Indian government awarded him the prestigious Padma Shri in 2011. The scholar is also a fellow of the American Physical Society and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Although his team was making good progress, Dr Bhaumik noticed the decline in donations for scientific work at UCLA. He decided to establish the Mani L. Bhaumik Presidential Chair in Theoretical Physics to support the ongoing research in 2016. "It’s very difficult to raise funds for this area, because people don’t understand what theoretical physicists do. But physics holds the answers to the most fundamental questions of our very existence," he expressed to the UCLA magazine.

[caption id="attachment_27837" align="aligncenter" width="424"] Dr Bhaumik's book The Cosmic Detective: Exploring the Mysteries of Our Universe is an international best-seller[/caption]

The author of two best-selling books, Code Name: God and The Cosmic Detective, Dr Bhaumik is also the man behind the award-winning American animated TV series, Cosmic Quantum Ray. He recently instituted the annual International Award through the UCLA Neuropsychiatry Institute to recognise the young scientific minds. The scientist, who is involved in various community service campaigns, hasn't forgotten his roots. His Bhaumik Educational Foundation in Kolkata provides full scholarship to students aspiring to be a scientist.

Follow Dr Mani L Bhaumik on his website

Reading Time: 7 mins

Defeating misogyny: Saxophone Subbalaxmi’s rise to stardom

(February 28, 2022) A diminutive pre-teen girl clutching an outsized saxophone - the image alone was enough to make Subbalaxmi an object of ridicule among her boisterous male peers. Her unwavering determination to learn the instrument only made things worse - how could a girl dare to do something meant only for boys? "Tell her to learn how to cook," they called out. "At least that will help her in the future." The 12-year-old Subbalaxmi, however, refused to back down. She sat through the class, with the blessing of her Guru, Kadri Gopalnath, who fully supported this attempt to break free of a stereotype. Her Guru passed away in 2019 and before she steps on stage, Saxophone Subbalaxmi always takes a minute to close her eyes and pay him tribute. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JHF-uYzIiw Unconditional support from her teacher and her father MR Sainath, went a long way but Saxophone Subbalaxmi's personal journey was far from easy, at least in the early days in Mangalore where she was born and brought up. Back home, disapproving neighbours would complain about her evening riyaaz. Whether or not she was fazed by the mockery, Subbalaxmi had no intention of giving up. She continued learning and

ving up. She continued learning and later went to Chennai for higher training.

Amongst numerous brilliant performances across the world, her memorable one has been at Singapore - a concert for the Tamil Association. She had been expecting Indians in the audience but to her surprise there were many Singaporeans. She immediately improvised fascinating them all. With over 3,000 performances, and awards like the prestigious Padmabharathi and Yuvakala Bharathi amongst others, Saxophone Subbalaxmi has also made it into the Limca Book of Records.

Making music count

Today, 'Saxophone Subbalaxmi' has made a name for herself in an industry where rules are sacrosanct, and she boasts a fan base across the world. And if she broke stereotypes as a child, she continues even today – her music has its own signature style, a blend of Indian and Western, played on an instrument that came to India from the West.

[caption id="attachment_20409" align="aligncenter" width="572"] Saxophone Subbalaxmi | Global Indian Saxophone Subbalaxmi[/caption]

She began training in Carnatic vocals at the age of five, having been born into a family of musicians. Her grandfather, MR Rajappa was an Asthana Vidwan in the royal court of Mysuru. Her uncles were percussionists and her father, an exponent of the Mridangam, was an A-grade staff artiste at All India Radio. Growing up, Subbalaxmi would accompany her father as he travelled for shows with Padma Shree Kadri Gopalnath, the noted saxophonist. That was a turning point. “I found divinity in his Gamakams,” Saxophone Subbalaxmi recalls, in an interview with Global Indian. “I fell in love with the instrument but I didn't realise then that it's a very difficult instrument to play, especially for girls, because it requires a lot of lung power.”

Subbalaxmi soon announced that she would learn nothing but the saxophone. It was a radical choice. Her surprised father decided to stand by her. He encouraged her dreams, as did Kadri Gopalnath, who even volunteered to be her guru. That’s how Saxophone Subbalaxmi became Gopalnath’s first female disciple. Her determination and hard work also impressed her two older siblings, both of whom also took to the instrument. Today, after two decades spent performing in India and abroad, Saxophone Subbalaxmi is a role model for young women.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41ZojXfUKSk

Charting her own path

"My challenges mostly are off stage, though,” she says. “There is simply no time to relax when you’re on tour. The only time I manage to sleep is on the flight. Eating hours can also get erratic; this leads to other problems like weight gain. Late-night treats after performances will also play havoc.” She keeps herself fit through yoga, swimming and gymming.

It was during a concert in Chennai, she met the man who would become her husband - Kiran Kumar. The couple married in 2009. Kumar manages his celebrity wife’s business. “Without each other, we would not be able to do anything,” she says, glowingly. They live in Bengaluru with their 12-year-old son, Rudransh.

Her daily riyaaz remains the mantra to her success, Subbalaxmi admits. She keeps herself updated with the latest trends while ensuring that she stays rooted in tradition. "I’m also particular about how I present myself. On stage, I improvise as it’s important to stay in touch with the audience’s taste," says the musician who has an affinity to the stage. “Many tell me that I enjoy myself when I perform and dance along to the music. To this, I say that I am deeply honoured to be playing music written by the greatest composers - how I can do them justice if I lack energy and excitement? Simply put, I just enjoy the whole atmosphere,” she adds.

[caption id="attachment_20410" align="aligncenter" width="599"] Saxophone Subbalaxmi | Global Indian Saxophone Subbalaxmi with popular Bollywood singer, Alka Yagnik[/caption]

Even Western audiences clamour for her trademark fusion style. “My inspirations come from all over the world too,” Subbalaxmi explains. She has always returned, over the years, to Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Lata Mangeshkar. Tunes like Baahon Mein Chale Aa, Nile Nile Ambar Par and Chura Liya Hai Tumne always find a spot in her concert repertoire. “Once, I had to perform Jab Koi Baat Bigar Jaye eight times on audience demand,” she recalls, laughing.

Not backing down

At the age of 12, she was teased and told to learn how to cook. She did, in fact, find her way around the kitchen, and cooking is one of her hobbies today. “I’m a pro when it comes to rustling non-vegetarian food,” she remarks. The same people who mocked her once are full of praise, and Saxophone Subbalaxmi now finds herself besieged by fans asking for selfies. Even her neighbours no longer complain about her riyaaz, instead, they come to their windows to hear her play as she practices. “Sometimes, they even call me to request a particular song while they listen outside, or drop by to hear me play! I am blessed to have these people in my life,” she smiles.

Follow Saxophone Subbalaxmi on Linkedin and Instagram

Reading Time: 7 mins

Fred Negrit: Honouring 170 years of Indian heritage in the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe

(November 5, 2024) In 2024, marking 170 years of Indian migration to Guadeloupe, Fred Negrit, a fifth-generation Indo-French descendant, became the first from the French West Indies to receive the prestigious Padma Shri award. For over three decades, he has dedicated himself to spreading knowledge about India’s linguistic and cultural heritage among expatriates and French citizens in Guadeloupe. “This endeavour is crucial not just for the Indian community in Guadeloupe but also for enriching French culture with our Indian roots," he remarked. "The recognition we have received signifies that our mission is acknowledged and supported, benefiting both our community and the broader world.” As India and France celebrated 25 years of strategic partnership in 2023, Fred’s recognition highlights the deep, enduring ties between India and the French Caribbean. The honouring of his initiatives by the Government of India reflects the strength of cultural connections across oceans and generations. [caption id="attachment_59256" align="aligncenter" width="492"] Fred Negrit receiving Padma Shri award from President Droupadi Murmu[/caption] Indian migration to Guadeloupe Guadeloupe is a French Caribbean island and an overseas region of France, located in the Caribbean Sea. Although geographically distant, it functions as an integral part of France—its residents are French citizens, follow French

President Droupadi Murmu[/caption]

Indian migration to Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is a French Caribbean island and an overseas region of France, located in the Caribbean Sea. Although geographically distant, it functions as an integral part of France—its residents are French citizens, follow French laws, and use the euro as their currency. Here, Fred has spent decades preserving the Indian heritage his ancestors brought with them when they first arrived in 1854.

Fred’s work as a teacher and linguist is a tribute to these ancestors, who came to Guadeloupe as indentured labourers after the abolition of slavery in France. Their journey was part of a larger wave that saw thousands from India cross oceans to sustain the island’s plantations. Over time, they left an indelible mark on Guadeloupe’s culture, with nine percent of today’s population tracing their roots back to these migrants. Through his dedication to teaching Indian language, art, and traditions, Fred has kept alive the heritage of a community that helped shape the island’s identity.

Integration of South Indian heritage in France

Like most Indo-Guadeloupeans, Fred’s ancestors came from Tamil Nadu, joining over 40,000 indentured workers brought to the island under an agreement between France and the United Kingdom, which ruled India at the time. These early pioneers laid the foundation for one of the largest South Indian communities in the Caribbean, now numbering approximately 35,617 people of Indian descent in a population of under 396,000.

Over time, the Indo-Guadeloupean community gradually integrated with the local population, resulting in a fading of Indian languages and customs. Many, like Fred, have adopted French and Christian names. About three decades ago, Fred realized that just few Indo-Guadeloupeans spoke Tamil or other Indian languages, and he decided to change this. Since then, he has made concerted efforts to maintain cultural ties, reconnecting Guadeloupe’s Indian-origin community with their heritage while sharing Indian cultural practices with the broader community.

[caption id="attachment_59258" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Indian Culture | Fred Negrit | Global Indian French nationals with their Hindi diploma certificates[/caption]

Negrit has also worked to establish official links with India, including initiating a twinning arrangement between the city of Basse-Terre and Pondicherry. Twinning, a partnership between cities in different countries, aims to promote cultural, educational, and economic exchanges. This connection between Basse-Terre and Pondicherry enables mutual visits, cultural events, and joint programs that celebrate shared heritage, further strengthening ties between Indo-Guadeloupeans and their ancestral homeland.

Initiatives to promote Indian culture in Guadeloupe

“I began as a student of Indian culture,” recounted Fred, speaking about his award-winning initiative. With 35 years of service as a teacher at a government school and retiring as a vice-principal, his passion for teaching inspired him to start free classes in Indian languages at his home. Later, with like-minded individuals, he began conducting linguistic and cultural classes in a few local schools, starting with simple word dictations and gradually increasing the complexity of language learning.

“This initiative wasn’t just about cultural promotion; it was also about preserving the identity of Indians in the region,” he shared. “Over time, with support from people in India, our efforts have strengthened.”

Hence what started as a modest effort soon grew into something significant. Fred also helped establish the Conseil Guadeloupéen pour les Langues Indiennes (Council for Indian Languages) in 2002, alongside elderly Indian-origin natives dedicated to preserving their heritage. He served as the founding president of the council for 22 years.

“We decided to form an association to promote Indian languages and culture—mainly Sanskrit, Hindi, and Tamil, and later started promoting other Indian languages” shared Fred, who has earned a Hindi Pravesh Certificate from the Central Hindi Directorate in New Delhi.

Indian Culture | Fred Negrit | Global Indian

Additional initiatives

In the Caribbean, another nation Trinidad and Tobago serves as a central hub of Indian culture. Fred Negrit has even reached out to the Indian community there, collaborating on short-term projects to further his mission of preserving and promoting Indian heritage in Guadeloupe.

He also runs a magazine called West India, which serves as a platform for exchange and information, primarily focused on Indian languages and culture in the diaspora. West India covers a range of topics, including community news, literature, educational resources, language learning, and cultural events. With a growing presence on social media, the magazine is a space to share and promote Indian heritage within the Caribbean and beyond.

Fred Negrit is also an active member of Friends of India, the oldest association of Indian culture in Guadeloupe that offer a variety of cultural activities like workshops, dances, conferences, exhibitions, and more. “The association works in partnership with other associations to carry out projects such as the commemoration of the arrival of the first Indians at the Monument of the First Day (Darse de Pointe à Pitre), the World Day of Non-violence, and other significant events,” he informed.

Influences of childhood

“I was raised by my grandmother,” Fred shared, reflecting on how her deep-rooted Indian upbringing greatly influenced him as a fifth-generation descendant. “That’s likely where my initial interest in this culture began. It was also fuelled by the diverse experiences I encountered growing up—her stories, the languages I didn’t fully understand, and the captivating traditional dances of India.”

Over time, he developed a network of Indian natives who further inspired him to preserve this heritage. Fred’s motivation is driven by a desire to reclaim what has been lost. While early Indian migrants managed to retain some aspects of their culture, much has faded across generations, particularly the languages. His mission is to revive and protect these languages and cultural identities, ensuring they remain an integral part of Guadeloupe’s heritage.

Indian Culture | Indo-French Citizen | Global Indian

Striding past challenges

“In the initial phase, we had to convince people of Indian origin to keep the language of their ancestral roots alive,” he recalled. “These days, our classrooms are diverse, with learners from all walks of life—not only those with Indian connections but also people who aren’t of Indian origin but want to explore Indian language and culture,” he shared.

Fred has managed to reach a wide range of learners, from ages eight to 80. The Council for Indian Languages, located on Rue Chemin-Neuf, offers diplomas that certify two years of study, with exams evaluated in India.

However, it remains challenging for Negrit and his team to spark interest in learning Indian languages, as they are not spoken in daily life in Guadeloupe. “They’re only used in religious rituals, and young people don’t see the value in learning them,” he mentioned.

“Our struggle is to convey the importance of these languages to young people as part of their cultural identity. In recent years, we’ve received support from the Indian government, which has helped promote Indian languages, culture, and even science—not just as ancient heritage but as a modern influence that can contribute to education and social improvement,” he said.

Indian Culture | Fred Negrit | Global Indian

A well-timed recognition

The prestigious Padma Shri award not only honours Fred Negrit’s decades of dedication but also raises awareness of his mission, inspiring young Indo-Guadeloupeans to join him in preserving their culture.

This recognition is especially meaningful as it comes during the 170th anniversary of Indian migration to Guadeloupe.

A compassionate individual, Fred Negrit has also been associated with the Red Cross for the past two decades, receiving a gold medal for his selfless service. Over the years, he has received numerous other awards for his cultural initiatives.

Fred Negrit’s journey is a powerful reflection of the pride and dedication of the Indo-Guadeloupean community, representing a legacy of cultural preservation that has endured through generations. His efforts have not only connected the past with the present but have also laid a path for future generations to reconnect with their heritage. Honouring Fred with a Padma Shri is a celebration of 170 years of Indian heritage in Guadeloupe.

Indian Culture | Indo-French Citizen | Global Indian

Follow Fred Negrit on Facebook
Discover more fascinating Stories

Reading Time: 5 mins

An atypical life: How Ferose VR drives the diversity mindset

When his eighteen-month-old son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, VR Ferose's world came undone. Until that fateful moment, life had been very kind to him. At 33, he was the MD of SAP Labs, had married the love of his life and was joyously celebrating the birth of his first child. His first question to the doctor was, "How do I fix this?" But there is no making someone "un-autistic." The news sent Ferose spiralling into depression. "For the first time, here was something I couldn't control. I was used to being in control," he says, as he connects with Global Indian. In the end, it was his mentor and long-time friend, Kiran Bedi, who gave him the answer he needed: "People spend their whole lives trying to understand what their purpose is, you're incredibly lucky that purpose has found you." She told him that he could dedicate his time to his primary responsibility - taking care of his son, which he does. Or, he could use the considerable means and power at his disposal to lend a voice to a historically marginalised community - people with disabilities. Ferose chose the latter. Since the birth of his son, he

ple with disabilities. Ferose chose the latter.

Since the birth of his son, he has gone on to write four books, attend two UN conferences, speak at the World Economic Forum and is the founder of the India Inclusion Summit. He also started the Autism at Work program, which fetched him numerous awards and also became a Harvard Case Study. In 2014, he wrote GIFTED, with Sudha Menon, which went on to win him the Kannada Sahitya Academy Award. His most recent offering is the graphic novel GRIT: The Vishwas story, with Sriram Jagannathan.

Rising above adversity

VR Ferose hardly needs an introduction. Based in San Ramon, he heads the SAP Academy for Engineering. He has played many roles during his 23-year association with the company, including making Managing Director at 33 and a stint as the head of the Globalisation Services Unit. That's his professional life. Over the last decade, Ferose has emerged as one of the leading voices of inclusion and diversity, and of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). According to The Invisible Majority, PwDs make up a staggering 15 percent of the global population. While our imaginations (and a lack of awareness) limit us to images of people in wheelchairs and the blind, the term itself is constantly evolving. "Simply put, we are disabled if our inability to carry out daily activities hinders us from participating fully in society," they write.

It's well past midnight in California when he arrives for our virtual meeting. In the background, I can see his vast collection of books – over three thousand, he says, all of them signed. He is visibly exhausted - he has spent the day taking care of his son, who needs full-time care and the couple’s lives are centered around making sure he gets it. “I can speak to you now that Vivaan is sleeping.” Even so, he gives me his full attention - over the years, time has become Ferose's most valued asset. It isn't always given out, but when he does, he does so fully. "I have done my research on you," he says. "I looked to see if this was worth my time before I said yes."

"Everything I have achieved so far has been because of my son," he says. "Yes, I have had a successful career but corporate roles come and go and nobody cares. What matters is doing something that is meaningful to someone else. I was leading a life of success then but now I'm leading one that's far more significant." The quiet strength he exudes is an acquired trait, learned the hard way.

The diversity mindset

"If you have role models at home who embody that spirit, it is the best way," he remarks. Ferose was born in 1974 and since his father worked in the Railways, the family travelled extensively across the country. He was exposed, at an early age, to India's cultural diversity. Ferose went on to study at the Regional Engineering College (now the National Institutes of Technology) in Warangal, founded by Nehru with the mission to promote national integrity. "I had classmates from every state in the country. It gave me a broader perspective of the world."

Life carried on in the same vein - "I'm a Muslim from Kerala, my wife is a Hindu Brahmin from Maharashtra. Diversity is a mindset, a way of life and we have it, even at home." Later, his career would take him all over the world - he has travelled to over 40 countries. "We tend to complicate the concept now," he smiles. "They categorise it as gender, disability, race and so on, it keeps on changing. At a fundamental level, it's a mindset and that's all."

After college, Ferose moved to Chennai to begin work as a systems analyst at Ramco Systems. He boarded the train with a gift of Rs 1,500 from his father, which allowed him to buy "a shirt, a pair of pants, and a pair of shoes." In his blog, he reminisces about waiting eagerly for salary day and "being broke mid-month."

The SAP journey

Ferose first joined SAP Labs as a software engineer and his tipping point came early when, in 2005, he moved to Germany as the Executive Assistant to to SAP Board Member Gerhard Oswald. He was one of the first people from India to be given that role.

In 2007, he was made MD of SAP Labs India, Gurgaon. "That happened very quickly," he smiles. "We can only ever connect the dots in retrospect but at that time, I never thought I would achieve the kind of progression that I did." It was also the year his son was born. Between then and 2012, Ferose made huge leaps in inclusion and diversity at SAP, including setting up Prayas Lab as part of the 'Autism at Work' pilot case study. He was also selected as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and founded the India Inclusion Summit. Under his leadership, SAP Labs India was ranked, for the very first time, as a Great Place to Work.

[caption id="attachment_35296" align="aligncenter" width="621"] Ferose with former SAP Board Member Gerhard Oswald[/caption]

Three things are vital to success, he believes - mentors, coaches and sponsors. "I had all those things." As his professional life continued to shine, Arun Shourie and Kiran Bedi were among those who stood by him through a much more significant journey. He went from a victim to an agent of change. If Bedi had told him that he had found a life purpose, Shourie, who is also father to a profoundly disabled son, helped him see what he could do. In his book, Does He know a Mother's Heart, Shourie tries to understand what religions say about disability. The 'karma' theory blames the parents, which is harsh. Shourie settles in the end on what the Buddhists had to say - the highest form of service is to take care of somebody who can't give you anything in return. Shourie told Ferose to drive the narrative to change the mindset.

Changing the narrative

Shourie's words inspired Ferose to found the India Inclusion Summit, a conference that celebrates differences. "It's not about feeling sorry for people. We need to go from sympathy to empathy and from there, to compassion." As Ferose did his work, he found that the community was crippled by society itself. Caregiving, Ferose learned, was done mostly by mothers and the birth of a disabled child has ended many a marriage. "I would go to therapy sessions with ten other people and be the only male in the room," he says.

Awareness was vital. As he came to terms with his own life, he had run through the gammut of mistakes himself, including trying to find "a cure." He read books that promised one, driven by the idea that that Autism was a problem that needed to be solved. Until he realised that he was going about it the wrong way - everyone is unique, with their own strengths and shortcomings. Today, that narrative has changed. "Our idea is that for every condition there is an enhanced ability. If you are blind, you can hear better. The key was to change a predominantly negative narrative and make it positive."

Driving social change

[caption id="attachment_35297" align="aligncenter" width="598"] VR Ferose receives the AUCD award from Senator Tom Harkins for Autism at Work[/caption]

Much recognition has come his way for his efforts. In 2014, he was in the India's Top 40 under 40 by Economic Times and Spenser Stuart. Two years later, Autism at Work became a Harvard case study.

Awards aside, Ferose is aware that a lasting impact is not easy, or even quantifiable, really. Change can take a lifetime and he knows that he might not even see it happen. "Still, we do our bit." After having run the Inclusion Summit for over a decade, he is often asked about the impact. "I have no clue," he admits. "That can only be measured later. I am here to do my small bit to make a difference. Our fundamental aim is to spread awareness - when people are sensitised, they will act."

Follow Ferose on LinkedIn

From Mumbai’s Irani cafés to khansamas of Uttar Pradesh – they all find expression in Chef Naved Nasir’s food

(November 10, 2024) Ancient recipes, affordable street fare and his passion for authenticity define the food created by Chef Naved Nasir. With a doctor father and a teacher mother, Naved Nasir was like every Indian kid, supposed to follow in his father’s footsteps, professionally. Destiny had other plans. His mother used to travel 80 km back and forth for her job, so he and his father would cook if she was short on time. From the humble khichdi they made together to creating menus for a restaurant in Covent Garden in London, Chef Naved Nasir’s career trajectory is full of stories. These stories are of places lived, ingredients blended, and dishes had, at street corners, hole-in-the-wall cafés, and at his great-grandfather’s mansion. The nostalgia and love find their way into his food. [caption id="attachment_59607" align="aligncenter" width="588"] Chef Naved Nasir[/caption] History and food Naved’s great-grandfather was a “minor nawab,” and the palatial family home still stands. Over a Zoom call, with Chef Naved in Dubai, while launching his restaurant Khadak, he recalls his earliest food influences. “I grew up in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and my grandfather’s home was 40 km away from Panipat, in Baghpat. As a child, I remember going

History and food

Naved’s great-grandfather was a “minor nawab,” and the palatial family home still stands. Over a Zoom call, with Chef Naved in Dubai, while launching his restaurant Khadak, he recalls his earliest food influences. “I grew up in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and my grandfather’s home was 40 km away from Panipat, in Baghpat. As a child, I remember going there with my parents and brother, and watching my mother’s brother, who was quite a foodie, getting his staff to prepare the ingredients with so much care for the lavish dinners he’d host.”

He had ten cousins at home and remembers his mother’s Dal Gosht as her specialty. He says, “Whether it was the khansamas blending masalas or marinating the meat, or my father and I cooking khichdi when my mother was busy, it sparked an interest in food. My father, a doctor, had hopes I would also become one. I tried; I took the entrance exams for medicine at several universities, but I didn’t pass. At that time, due to all the celebrity chefs hosting TV shows, hospitality was gaining traction. I took the exam to join a catering college. It was relatively easier and I secured the eighth rank all-India.”

He joined the Institute of Hotel Management at Pusa, near Delhi. His first job as an intern was with the ITC group, where he worked in the kitchens of Dum Pukht, Bukhara, and Peshawri.

Indian Cuisine | Chef Naved Nasir | Global Indian

I love Bombay

Speaking of Mumbai, which he calls Bombay, Chef Naved waxes eloquent, much in love with the city he still considers home. He says, “Though I was in Mumbai for five or six years, it is the only city I consider home. I was 24 when I arrived there. I remember sitting on the ledge facing the sea at Marine Drive and crying because I felt lost. Mumbai put its arms around me in a giant hug and it became home. I used to go to the Irani cafés and other famous places like Bade Miyan, Olympia, Baghdadi and Kyani’s. These were places where you could have a lavish meal for a small amount.” Naved loved Mumbai so much that he would go there every weekend even after being transferred to the ITC Rama International in Aurangabad.

During his stint with ITC, from the start till he left, Chef Naved also got to serve and interact with several celebrities. Besides serving food to the Bachchans, planning the menu, and catering the food for the wedding of Rishi Kapoor’s daughter Riddhima. During the launch of their Jamnagar refinery, he also headed a team of 100 chefs to prepare the food for the Ambanis. He says, “We had several meetings with Neeta Ambani, and we sent three truckloads of ingredients to cater to the 600 guests. A separate Marwari caterer took care of the vegetarian fare, we were in charge of the rest.”

[caption id="attachment_59608" align="aligncenter" width="619"] Indian Cuisine | Chef Naved Nasir | Global Indian Chef Naved with Mike, the head of the build team of Dishoom Restaurants at a Mumbai beach[/caption]

Namastey London

In Aurangabad, Naved was the youngest Executive Chef at 30. While he was there, he met the people who set up Dishoom in 2010. He recalls, “I met the owners and we were on the same page about keeping the food real. Shamil Thakrar and I had a similar outlook as he wanted a refined, authentic version of the Irani café food. If you go to London, between the small street eateries run by Bangladeshis and the Michelin-star restaurants, Indian food is unrecognisable. We wanted to fill the gap and my only condition was that there would be no adulteration. No toning down of the butter in Dal Makhni and reducing the spice in a chicken tikka. We did have options on the menu so for those who can’t eat spice, the Murgh Malai Tikka was a non-spicy option.”

Under the culinary leadership of Chef Naved, Dishoom expanded to ten locations across London. It filled a gap in the market; amidst exorbitantly expensive, quintessentially anglicised, or overly experimental Indian food establishments, the very first Dishoom set a new trend. Each restaurant has a theme based on the aesthetic of certain locations in Mumbai to complement and complete its gastronomy. He even co-wrote a cookbook by the same name.

[caption id="attachment_59606" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Mumbai Chef with Chef Raymond Blanc Chef Naved Nasir and Chef Raymond Blanc while signing each other's cookbooks[/caption]

After ten years with Dishoom however, Chef Naved started feeling the need to do his own thing; essentially to cook the Mumbai food he loved and more. The universe heard him and he got an offer to team up with a non-hospitality investor in Dubai. Enter Khadak, his new restaurant which was days away from its launch at the time of this interview.

Gully Boy

Having lived in multiple cities, Chef Naved Nasir delighted in those little bylanes peppered with food stalls known as khau gallis and people crowding around their periphery. These khau gallis are what Khadak is based on. Rather than sticking to a set pattern, he wanted to bring a selection of dishes from a range of backgrounds — truly a one-plate-fits-all. Again, Mumbai played a pivotal role in his new venture. Chef Naved reveals, “Khadak is an area at the far end of the lane near Suleiman Usman Bakery (a landmark on Mumbai’s Mohammed Ali Road, a major food hub, especially during the month of Ramzan). I plan to highlight all that Mumbai has to offer, beyond the swanky restaurants. From the Shammi Kababs to my mother’s Dal Gosht, to the food you get at Bade Miyan and Baghdadi and the recipes I have secured from my 91-year-old aunt, I want Khadak to take you back to authentic food. There are stories attached to these recipes and I intend to tell them through Khadak.”

The stories are told through a multitude of characters with backstories that are unique but relatable. Rajini, the Koli fisherwoman, for example. Along with highlighting her roots, Khadak talks about how the seas are facing the extinction of species and ecosystems, while parallelly supporting sustainable practices. Then there is Bittu, a kid doling out tea. Although appreciating his drive, Khadak encourages their patrons to donate to organisations that help children like him to get off the streets. Nasir is a firm believer that cuisines are not isolated from the people and civilisations they stem from.

[caption id="attachment_59609" align="aligncenter" width="812"] Indian Cuisine | Chef Naved Nasir | Global Indian Naved with his team[/caption]

Other dishes he plans to include are the Sojni ka Murgh, a Hyderabadi speciality where chicken is cooked with the pulp of drumsticks, Shabrati Nihari, a breakfast item where the meat just falls off the bone, and you eat it with a Lachha Naan sold in the bylanes of Delhi. He also has a vegetarian haleem on the menu made with jackfruit. Chef Naved is passionate about bringing these old stories to life, making them acceptable for the Instagram generation. Even desserts will be morphed. “The bread butter pudding, a family recipe from the Chilia community that our executive chef comes from, uses jaggery instead of sugar, and phirni is made vegan with cashew milk.”

Favourite go-to ingredients

Given the gamut of historical and ancient food at his disposal, what then are his favourite go-to ingredients? Chef Naved says, “I’d say meat is a favourite, because depending on the area of the body it is taken from, how it is cut, marinated and cooked, it tastes different. I even use the fat around the kidney when I cook, because it slices through like butter. Among spices, I like saffron for its subtlety and if you know how to use it, it can give diverse flavours. And lastly, an ingredient I like but am looking for a good quality one is gulab jal or rose water.”

With the spirit of Mumbai’s street food and ancient recipes from his family’s kitchens, Chef Naved could well be scripting food history and creating a legacy of Indian food soon.

Chef Naved Nasir on Instagram
Discover more fascinating Stories

Reading Time: 5 mins