Global IndianstoryTake a bow: Victory loves preparation, says ace Indian archer Abhishek Verma

Take a bow: Victory loves preparation, says ace Indian archer Abhishek Verma

Written by: Vikram Sharma

(May 18, 2023) From a humble classroom in New Delhi to the prestigious podiums of international archery, Abhishek Verma’s journey is an inspiring saga of relentless dedication and stellar achievements. A towering figure in Indian compound archery, the Arjuna awardee’s legacy includes over 150 national and international medals, including multiple World Cup golds. Get a glimpse into the determined, driven life of the ace Indian archer, who ranks 10th in the world and 1 in Asia and India.

Abhishek Verma’s day begins at the crack of dawn. Even after two decades of being a professional archer, Abhishek lives by one rule: Victory loves preparation. “Practice is the key in any tournament, I practice eight to ten hours every day without fail,” the ace archer says, speaking exclusively to Global Indian. “I do some physical activity between 6 am and 7 am and then have a practice session till 11 am,” he explains. At 3 pm, he begins his second session – that continues till 7 pm, after which he usually heads to the gym.These intense practice sessions have always been a way of life. “I followed the same routine in my early days and stick to it even now, even after becoming the father of two children,” smiles the compound archer.

Indian archer Abhishek Verma

Victory loves preparation

That dedication has always stood him in good stead. At the 2014 Asian Games held in South Korea, just as Abhishek was all set to aim and shoot, strong winds began to play a spoilsport. He stayed calm maintained his focus and leaned into his training, recalling everything that he had learned about encountering harsh weather conditions. Abhishek brought home the gold in the men’s compound archery team and silver in the men’s individual compound event.

“All professional archers encounter strong winds and rainfall during tournaments. Don’t bother about winning a medal, just go out there and perform well. The medals will follow,”Abhishek smiles. Also in 2014, Later that year, he won the Arjuna Award, becoming the first archer in the compound category to receive the top sporting honour. “Arjuna is a dream for any sportsman. It was a huge moment in my career,” he says.

At the time of this interview, the World Cup gold medallist had just returned from Tashkent, where he led a 16-member contingent of archers for the Asia Cup 2023. The team returned home in triumph, with a total of 14 medals in the compound and recurve events. His current world ranking is No. 10 while his Asia rank and India rank stand at No 1. “Archery demands focus and consistency, which comes with a lot of dedication.

Transformed by his game

Archery, Abhishek believes, changes one’s personality for the better. “It makes you calm and focussed,” he says. For him, he is his own competition. “I don’t see other people as my competitors. I am my own competitor,” remarks Abhishek, who is also an Income Tax officer in Delhi. Hundreds come to play a tournament but only three win medals,” says the archer, who is presently training for the Asian Games to be held in China in October this year.

In August 2015, he won a gold medal in the compound men’s individual section at the Archery World Cup Stage 3 in Wroclaw, Poland. In October the same year, he won the silver medal in the compound men’s individual section at the Archery World Cup Final in Mexico City.

Last year, Abhishek teamed with fellow archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam and won gold medal in compound mixed team event in Archery World Cup held at Paris, France. Similarly, in November 2021, he won the bronze medal in the men’s compound archery team at the 22nd Asian Archery Championship in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Early life

Born in New Delhi in June 1989, Abhishek was in class eight, a student of Government School in Model Town, when he decided to take up some sporting activity. So, one morning, he walked up to his PT teacher and sought his advice on which sport he should take up. “Join archery,” his teacher casually told Abhishek.

Some days later, when he held a simple wooden bow and shot an arrow for the first time in his life, Abhishek felt an instant connection with the sport. So much so that he gave his 100 per cent to archery and it gave him everything one can aspire for in life.

In those initial years, Abhishek would practice at the Delhi university ground, from where he started playing sub-juniors and nationals. By 2005, he became a national champion. “I was an average student academically, so my parents were happy that I was doing so well in archery,” he recalls.

Going pro and paying it forward

By 2006, he started practicing at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) stadium and went on to play several national tournaments. “My real journey started from the year 2011 as I began participating in world championships. I worked very hard for the compound model, which was new in India. I took the help of some of my coaches and the internet to get it right. I pushed myself harder,” says Abhishek, who represented India in five Asian championships held across the globe and won 12 medals.

Presently, he practices at National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), Sonepat or at Yamuna Sports Complex, Delhi. Archery is an expensive and technical game, he says. “To participate in the international events, we need imported bows which cost 3 lakh upwards, which not everyone can afford,” he says, adding that the government, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in particular, is doing its bit to help out the talented sportspersons.

Abhishek also plans to do his bit for archery. “I want to open an academy and train young players to become successful archers. I have the capability and knowledge about the sport which I want to pass on to my juniors and help them in every possible way,” says Abhishek, who has travelled the world for his tournaments.

Leisure time

Ten hours of archery practice daily and taking care of his family don’t leave Abhishek with much time to pursue a hobby. “Whatever time I get after or in between my practice, I make it a point to spend it with family. This leaves me no time for anything else,” says the ace Indian archer.

He however likes to watch OTT and indulges in it in between long flights. “There is so much of travelling to do for world tournaments and that gives me some time for myself,” he smiles.

Follow Abhishek Verma on Instagram.

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Published on 18, May 2023

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Indian American Aruna Miller on her way to being Maryland’s Lt. Governor

(July 30, 2022) "Wow, they're throwing confetti for us." Aruna Miller was seven years old when she first entered the United States with her family. Ensconced in her father's arms, the young girl's first emotion was one of exhilaration. "I thought everyone in the airport was waiting for us to arrive, that they were throwing confetti," she said in a recent interview, soon after she was chosen as the Democratic nominee for Lt Governor of Maryland. As it turned out, the confetti was snow. "I had never seen snow before," said Aruna (née Katragadda), who spent the early years of her life in her hometown, Hyderabad. "That day, I was so pumped to be in the country and I'm still pumped to be here. It has provided so many opportunities to immigrants like me," she added. Aruna Miller will be the second Indian-American woman to enter the House of Representatives after Pramila Jayapal. She is the running mate of bestselling author Wes Moore, who will contest the upcoming gubernatorial election as the liberal party's candidate. A civil engineer by profession, she spent over 25 years as a transportation engineer in Montgomery Country. Aruna's family relocated from Hyderabad in 1972, as

[caption id="attachment_27525" align="aligncenter" width="644"] Aruna Miller | Global Indian Aruna Miller. Credit: Facebook[/caption]

A lifetime of public service

By the time she graduated, she knew beyond doubt that she wanted to be a public servant, to "pay it forward" for the country that had given her so much. Aruna then moved to Montgomery County, where she lived for 25 years with her husband and their three daughters. There, she spent the entirety of her time working at the Department of Transport. Her career as a public servant has been dotted with many milestones - she has batted for issues like paid family leave, transportation policies, stood against domestic violence and emerged as a proponent of STEM education.

She first dabbled in politics in 2006, when she was elected to serve as an at-large member of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, a position she held until 2010. She then became the first Indian American woman to be elected to the Maryland Legislature in 2011. Soon after she made history by entering the legislature, one of her first acts was to co-sponsor the Marcellus Shale Act of 2011, which laid the foundations for Maryland's fracking ban. She has also stood for education and was the lead sponsor of a bill that made it mandatory for high schools to offer at least one, high-quality computer science programme. Local schools were also encouraged to introduce computer science for younger students.

As one of ten lawmakers named to the Maryland Business Climate Work Group, she was part of the team that made recommendations and developed long-term plans to streamline business regulations. They also encouraged innovation and helped develop public-private partnerships to finance infrastructure.

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Also in 2011, Aruna returned to India with a delegation of 100 members that included business leaders, educators and state officials. Their first stop was her hometown - Hyderabad. The delegation went on to visit Mumbai and New Delhi, in a bid to strengthen business and cultural ties between India and the state of Maryland. The trip was fruitful, resulting in nearly $60 million in business deals for the state of Maryland.

In 2018, she raised around $1.47 million for the Congressional race. She went on to win, becoming the second Indian-American woman to enter the House of Representatives, after Pramila Jayapal.

A fateful tete-a-tete with Wes Moore

"In Aruna Miller's crystal ball," as she puts it, "There was no indication that I was going to be running as a lieutenant governor on anyone's ticket. She did, however, often hear the name 'Wes Moore' - friends and colleagues would often ask if she had met the man. At that point, she had not.

In 2021, Aruna and her husband met Wes and his wife in Baltimore. Only a month earlier, her husband had bought her Wes' book, The Other Wes Moore as a birthday present. "I completely OD'd on Wes Moore', she told Maryland Matters in a late 2021 interview. One month later, the two had teamed up for the gubernatorial race.

"I looked at his remarkable resume - he has a very compelling life story." Wes, she thought to herself, was an "engaging speaker and more importantly, an engaging listener." She came away from that meeting with a strong sense that she had met the next governor. "I have never had that gut reaction to anyone before but I did with Wes," she remarked.

[caption id="attachment_27526" align="aligncenter" width="553"] Aruna Miller | Global Indian With gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore. Source: Facebook[/caption]

If she wins, Aruna Miller intends to hit the ground running, taking on three major issues - education, the climate and the economy. Investing in public education and job creation is a top priority, she says, it is also a means to create safer public spaces. "The Moore-Miller administration will continue to invest in public education," she said. They also intend to tackle climate change on a war footing - in 2021, schools in Maryland were closed due to the extreme heat.

As for Wes, he's all praise for his running mate. "I have found someone who is a loving mom who has raised three remarkable young women here in Maryland and someone whose own immigration story has inspired her to a life of public service," he said, adding, "This is someone who I just truly admire."

Follow Aruna on Facebook and Instagram

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Ankur Tewari: The man behind the music for Gully Boy and The Archies

(June 26, 2024) Singer-songwriter, music supervisor for Bollywood films (Gully Boy, Gehraiyaan and The Archies and Coke Studio Bharat), poet, lyricist, label and music entrepreneur, Ankur Tewari wears many hats. In 2023, he released his album Akela, launched a new record label Tiger Baby Records, released a children’s music EP Aaja Nindiya, worked on Coke Studio Bharat and more. Early life in Roorkee Tewari grew up in small, university town of Roorkee, which is a university town. His father was a professor in the university and his growing up years were spent on campus so there was a lot of interaction with young students, listening to the music they were playing, playing games and sports as they were playing games, sports and growing up in the world of mix tapes. While Tewari did not receive formal training, music, he tells Global Indian, "was an interesting way to get attention when you were in school, and it was also because I started writing songs very early when I was in school. At that time, songs were just about some random rhymes put together but I soon discovered that you could tell your stories through songs." He began creating more lyrics, and

songs were just about some random rhymes put together but I soon discovered that you could tell your stories through songs." He began creating more lyrics, and would get together with his friends to make music and write songs. “It was just a way to hang out together,” he reminisces.

[caption id="attachment_52672" align="aligncenter" width="423"] Ankur Tewari | Gully Boy | Global Indian Ankur Tewari; Photo: Prarthna Singh[/caption]

Musical Journey

One of his first career milestones came when he worked with Colonel RK Kapoor (Fauji-fame) who gave him his first break with Ek Aur Fauji. “I worked on my first movie project Let’s Enjoy, as a director with Siddarth Anand Kumar. I wrote the song ‘Sabse peeche hum khade’ which got a lot of interesting attention. So that was very interesting for me as a musician and singer,” he says. And apart from that, it’s been a slow and steady journey from his first album Jannat to the second album, Side A/ Side B, and ultimately to working on Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy, for which he received a Filmfare Award. Then came The Archies and Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan. He went on to work on his own music and released his album, Akela, last year and started a music label, Tiger Baby Records, where he could kind of make place for younger artists.

Pandemic Cues

Part of the Indian independent music scene since 1998, Tewari has always multi-tasked in the world of music. Akela was an album that came out of the panic of the lockdown. “It was like everything you had achieved and secured, everything that was finally going right, toppled. I came face-to-face with a feeling of loneliness and insecurity. And that was the impulse for writing Akela,” Tewari explains. During the pandemic, he wrote the songs and began designing the palette for the album.

Tewari admits he likes leaving Easter eggs in all his works, to remind himself of that time. “So the songs that I wrote in 1998, if I sing them now, those images and visuals, people, places come rushing to me. It’s like a timeline of my life. My work is my autobiography. Similarly, Akela will always bring me back to 2020, and how I felt,” he avers.

Ankur Tewari | Gully Boy | Global Indian

Life Mantra

Away from the arts, Ankur has offered his time to several NGOs and non-profit organizations. “People, incidents, failures are all what motivate me to learn new and better ways to deal with life. A big motivation factor is that life comes full circle for people, and you crave for that to happen for you, in what you’re doing, in whatever is happening in your life. My advice would be not to take advice from anyone, and just follow your heart because somewhere in your gut you know what is correct for you,” he says.

For him, many times the best way to overcome challenges is to try and convert all your challenges to your work. “Write songs about it, write stories about it. Try and see if you can really get to the root of what you really want to know and how you want to, you want to tackle it and recalibrate yourself to address the same issues facing you,” he adds.

Immersed in Music

Tewari also says that he does not like having free time. “For me, my work doesn’t feel like work, so I kind of find a lot of peace in music. I try to immerse myself in the world of music as much as I can. At the same time, I love travelling and meeting new people, I love reading. Books are my constant companion so reading and plotting songs while I’m reading is my favourite pastime,” he says.

Likewise, he believes that you learn every day. “I have never been to film school or music school, so every time you do a project you learn something new. You learn about people, you learn about human relationships, human behaviour which is kind of amusing as well. You try and learn every day and unlearn every day,” Tewari remarks.

Ankur Tewari is toured the US in April 2024, and excited to reach out to a new audience. “I don’t think too far ahead into the future, it’s not something that excites me. All I know is that I’m interested in working on projects that can reach a global audience,” he signs off.

Follow Ankur Tewari on Instagram.

The forgotten people: Mallika Ghosh’s Parinaam Foundation works to improve the lives of the urban poor

(June 29, 2024) Around 2.2 million people in Bengaluru live in slums, according to data from a 2017 report. The survey, conducted by the Karnataka Slum Development Board 2011, found that nearly a quarter of the state's slum areas are located in Bengaluru. That's about 16 percent of the city's total population and despite the recent efforts to rehabilitate, government schemes are still a drop in the ocean. Slum-dwellers in the heart of the city have been around for generations – they are the city’s auto drivers, pushcart vendors and ragpickers but for all their years in Bengaluru, not much has improved. This is the demographic to which Mallika Ghosh has dedicated her life. Her philanthropic bent is no surprise – her father, Samit Ghosh, founded Ujjivan Financial Services, India’s first microlending institution for the urban poor, inspired by Muhammad Yunus’ Grameen. Her mother, Elaine Ghosh, founded Parinaam Foundation in 2006 when she discovered a sub-section of people who are too poor even for microcredit. Inhabitants of these shanty towns have little to no documentation, lack access to government welfare schemes and to the financial system. After Elaine passed away in 2013, her daughter, Mallika, who now lives in Bengaluru, took

er Elaine passed away in 2013, her daughter, Mallika, who now lives in Bengaluru, took over as the executive director of the Parinaam Foundation.

[caption id="attachment_24499" align="aligncenter" width="307"] Parinaam Foundation | Mallika Ghosh | Global Indian Mallika Ghosh, Parinaam Foundation[/caption]

A change of heart

It was her father who suggested, in 2009, that she work with her mother Elaine at the Parinaam Foundation. At the time, Mallika had just turned her back on a career in filmmaking, on which she had invested many years of her life already. After graduating from Emerson College in Boston, Mallika returned to India in 2003, working with an ad agency in Bengaluru and then joining the film department of McCann Erikson. “I worked there for two years and by the time I left, I was heading the department,” she says.

At home, her banker parents, who had hoped to spend their retirement years in Bengaluru surrounded by friends, had plunged into social work and philanthropy instead. “My father had also been persuaded by Aditya Puri, who was a good friend, to help him set up HDFC Bank,” Mallika says. In 2004, however, he began Ujjivan Financial Services.

That was when she "went through another crisis. Every few years, I go through a crisis that changes my way of seeing things," Mallika remarks. She had begun to understand that success in a creative field requires good fortune and Mallika was "not ready to leave her career to luck. I was very jaded by the ad world," she says. Spending obscene amounts of money on "30-second films... and for what? What are we trying to achieve? Sure, we feel accomplished at the end of it but then, I would go home and see dad and mom do work that's actually making a difference to people's lives. And I thought, no, this is not what I want anymore."

Parinaam Foundation | Mallika Ghosh | Global Indian

Financial services for the urban ultra poor

Mallika started out managing a summer camp for the three communities involved with the foundation at that time. She also became part of the financial literacy project or Diksha, part of the Urban Ultra Poor Programme (UUPP), working in collaboration with Ujjivan.

"Everyone needs access to financial products. How do you get them a loan and ensure they pay it back?" This led to the creation of the programme and once a week, women from these communities are taught how to manage their finances. The foundation also opens savings banks accounts in their names so they get access to essential financial services. The programme has impacted almost a million people to date, "all educated by a programme I wrote on a train to Odisha," Mallika says. ‘Diksha’ has been recognised as a pioneering programme by the Reserve Bank of India.

Named the Asia-Pacific winner of the 2013 Financial Times and Citi Ingenuity Awards: Urban Ideas in Action Programme, UUPP has impacted over 8000 families in 135 communities in Bengaluru (according to their website). These are the poorest of the poor, living in urban slums without documentation, access to government schemes, healthcare, education or financial services.

The summer camps have grown too - they now work with over fifty communities and some 1600 kids.

[caption id="attachment_24501" align="aligncenter" width="655"] Parinaam Foundation | Mallika Ghosh | Global Indian Image credit: Parinaam Foundation[/caption]

Academic Adoption Programme

In 2011, the first batch of slum children travelled in Mallika's old Maruti Van to begin their education at Indus Community School in Bengaluru. The school had agreed to admit the kids, as long as the transport was handled by the Foundation. "It came at a huge cost but mum said, 'I don't care'. And we did it." This would mark the start of the Academic Adoption Programme, which, ten years later, has 1000 kids spread across 150 schools.

Having toyed briefly with the idea of running her own school but realised she knew nothing about running one. Besides, there were already plenty of good private schools available. The challenge lay in persuading parents who placed no value on education to send their children to study. The Parinaam Foundation now collaborates with schools and communities, operating buses that bring children from the slum areas to school each day.

The first batch of children are taking their competitive entrance exams or embarking on vocational courses. “The earlier batches are now in their teens, so I also hear a lot of love sagas and other such problems,” Mallika laughs. “I suppose it will prepare me for when my own kids become teenagers!”

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At the helm of Parinaam Foundation

"When ma passed away, there were so many challenges, other than having just lost my mother," Mallika says. "I had always been in the operations side, working on scaling up and so on. I had never handled things like fundraising and finance, which I had to take on then." Running an NGO, she realised, meant building a team. "Your company is as good as your team. I have a very good one."

The Parinaam Foundation employs 35 people, while the financial literacy programme has a team of 100 (they are on the Ujjivan rolls). Under this, the team caters to a variety of needs, starting bank accounts for those who need them, meeting healthcare requirements and so on. During Covid, this also involved getting them vaccinated and providing cash relief when it was needed. "Most of our employees for the programme are field workers," she says.

Community Development Programme

In 2017, Mallika took over Ujjivan's CSR work, taking on infrastructure-related community development projects. They collaborated with Bhoomiputra Architecture; a Bengaluru-based architecture firm founded by award-winning architect Alok Shetty to help meet infrastructure needs. "We have done over 250 projects through Ujjivan," adds Mallika. This includes projects like fixing up a run-down school or sprucing up the maternity ward in a hospital.

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During the pandemic, hospitals needed infrastructural help as well and they worked with around 60 healthcare institutions. "We would help with equipment for other ailments, waiting rooms, maternity wards and so on.” In Guwahati, they created a theatre area for a community that enjoyed cultural activity - it included a stage and a green room. In Assam, it was a community centre for women. Their donors include HSBC, Bajaj and Dubai Duty Free, to name a few. "We are looking at revamping entire communities through good sewage systems, community centres and 'pukka' houses," Mallika explains. "This means collaborating with the government because they own the land."

The journey so far

Mallika lives in Bengaluru with her husband and two kids and looks back on her professional journey with satisfaction. "We're helping the people who build our cities, clean the roads and our homes. They have been in the city for so long and have so little. I am glad to have the opportunity to change their lives in some way."

Follow Parinaam Foundation on Instagram or log on to their website

Reading Time: 6 mins

Holistic health: Renowned lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho’s journey to personal transformation

Luke Coutinho's remarkable journey from carefree teenager to holistic wellness expert showcases his unique approach to personalized health, focusing on comprehensive wellness, prevention, and integrative healing methods. (May 2, 2023) As a corporate worker, Luke Coutinho observed senior professionals succumbing to lifestyle diseases, despite access to top healthcare resources. Recognising the need for a holistic approach, Coutinho developed his signature program, 'You Care Wellness Program.' Today, he has consulted and treated over 20,000 patients worldwide, authored four bestselling books, and regularly conducts workshops. "If people are mindful and know what their bodies need, it will make living a healthy life more effortless." Emphasising simplicity, he says, "The body is unique, so every day is different, and so are its needs," Luke Coutinho tells Global Indian. Among his accolades, Luke was named one of GQ's 50 Most Influential Young Indians and Times Power Men in 2018. He also received Elle's Best Health Expert of the Year and Vogue's Best in the Industry (Nutritionist) in 2018. His clientele ranges from billionaires to A-listers across Bollywood, Tollywood, television, industrialists, royal families across the Middle East, elite athletes and spiritual leaders. While some illnesses might not have a cure, Luke believes healing is always

ies across the Middle East, elite athletes and spiritual leaders.

While some illnesses might not have a cure, Luke believes healing is always possible, even if it means accepting the condition and finding peace. He asserts that healing is spiritual, involving improvements in physical, emotional, and spiritual health. "It can include improving the quality of your life by empowering yourself with the right lifestyle, food, movement, and tools to enable emotional wellness and the spirit."

[caption id="attachment_37992" align="aligncenter" width="677"] Luke Coutinho[/caption]

From Goa to the world

Born in Mumbai, Luke travelled extensively with his family, growing up around the world before his father decided to settle down in Goa. He has come a long way as well, from the carefree teen who liked to chill with friends, to hotel management to lifestyle coaching. "Goa was very different in the late 1990s and early 2000s. I had my fair share of parties and clubs as a youngster,” Luke recalls.

His interest in nutrition sparked during college days when he was part of Institute of Hotel Management and Applied Nutrition (IHM). After completing his three year course, he worked for several organisations across Mumbai, Qatar, Dubai, London and India and tried his hand at different professions, ranging from operations, sales, hospitality to learning and development.

The program that changed it all

Luke respects all forms of healing, be it allopathy, naturopathy, homeopathy, ayurveda. “We are not against any form of medicine. Instead, we integrate the best forms of medicine that works for an individual, while we coach them on lifestyle,” he informs.

He says the You Care Wellness Program is a holistic, integrative medicine and lifestyle program that revolves around patient's condition, medication, goals, the nutrition they need, integrated with movement, exercise guidance and sleep. "The program empowers you with the tools to build sound emotional health and wellness,” Luke explains.

Moreover, his program revolves around five pillars — deep and intelligent cellular nutrition, adequate movement and exercise, quality sleep, emotional detox and wellness, and the spirit. “These are the foundational platforms for prevention and recovery in integrative and lifestyle medicine. It respects your uniqueness and works with an understanding that no one shoe fits all.”

Every program and journey is personalised according to the person’s past or present lifestyle, health condition, symptoms, and root causes, says Luke, who is an adviser and the head of integrative lifestyle and nutrition at Pure Nutrition, which creates pure plant-based formulations and cold-pressed oils.

Luke says integrative and lifestyle medicine focuses on addressing the root cause of the problem and works to manage the side effects of medications and treatments that may cause secondary problems, issues, and discomfort. “While symptoms are being treated, root causes must be addressed, and rebuilding with a focus on future prevention is important,” he explains.

A team of highly skilled nutritionists, clinical dietitians, allopathic doctors, yoga therapists, life coaches, and certified emotional counselors are assigned according to the condition of the person. “All these experts come together to form an integrative team that will help you find a way on your journey to wellness and a healthier you,” says Luke, who has co-authored The Dry Fasting Miracle with The Green Sheikh.

[caption id="attachment_37994" align="aligncenter" width="682"] Luke Coutinho[/caption]

The hardships along the way

Luke has had his share of challenges along the journey. The toughest challenge, he says, has been changing the wrong attitude of people and working with them on this so they can actually recover. “Sometimes it only takes some correcting to improve health. The ego, pride and wrong attitudes can be so strong that it comes in the way of their healing and becomes an obstacle,” he informs, adding that another challenge he encountered was during the pandemic when he could not meet his patients.

In the line of integrative and lifestyle medicine, he believes in seeing his patients and closely observe their physical aspects that signify health. “I am a huge believer in energies, and physical presence of a doctor or nutritionist allows an exchange of energies which can benefit a patient,” says Luke, who is also the co-founder of GOQii, a digital healthcare platform that provides personalized coaching.

Holistic programs

He believes a wellness program needs to focus on the root-cause, instead of a symptomatic approach. “A program has to look at health from a holistic lens, and not just pushing diets and strict exercise regimes. It has to work on the basic fundamentals of nature and should focus on simplicity instead of complication, because the answer to most diseases in most cases is simple lifestyle corrections,” points out Luke, who also co-wrote the book The Magic Weight Loss Pill - Lifestyle with Anushka Shetty, which includes 62 proven lifestyle changes that help individuals achieve healthy weight loss.

He says complicated solutions might be required for some cases, but not all. “Most programs today may get good results, but they can only be carried out in a controlled environment. The moment an individual travels or moves out of their homes, the program becomes impossible to follow,” points out Luke. He believes it is necessary for any health program to be realistic, simple, individualistic, and driven with true care and passion by the experts.

Luke and his team work with root cause and create an inner and an outer environment for an individual so as to allow their body’s inner intelligence to kick in. “It would be through fasting, circadian rhythm, fixing nutritional deficiencies, creating relaxation in the mind, and so on.”

On mental health

With mental health issues plaguing people across the world, Luke says chronic stress is one of the major reasons for half of the cardiac problems and also cancer. “If your illness is caused by chronic stress, then no amount of medication is going to help unless you learn to manage your stress the right way,” he says.

Luke learns the most about life from his interactions with terminally- ill patients. “I have learnt that time and life are finite, so don’t waste both. Instead build and make memories. Be ambitious in your career but don’t become a slave to your career or to money,” he says.

His piece of advice? “Focus on family, relationships, love, emotions and experiences. Look after your health and enjoy your life. Find a way to give back to society to feel fulfilled in life.”

[caption id="attachment_37995" align="aligncenter" width="668"] Luke Coutinho[/caption]

Luke the speaker

The award winning holistic nutritionist travels the world conducting and speaking at events on holistic wellness, nutrition, disease and emotional wellness. He doesn't believe in preaching instead wants to empower people to use their own mind, common sense, biofeedback and intuition to make decisions for themselves.

Being an expert, he says he can coach people on the guidelines to conform to, but cannot make specific decisions for their health. However, he does emphasise on the three most important fundamentals to success in all areas of life - Discipline, Consistency, Simplicity.

Future plans

Luke says his past, current and future plan has always been to give 100 percent to every patient who comes to him. “My goal is my next patient. That is what built us so far, and I want to continue giving my all to the vision my team and I have.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6Xd5b_I_W4

Learning something new everyday

Luke prioritises personal growth by dedicating at least an hour every day to learning something new through reading and research. “Writing is also a way for me to express myself and reflect on my thoughts. I immensely connect through music, and I find myself listening to my favorite artists and playlists during my downtime, in-between consults, and after work,” says Luke. Since he is constantly on the go, he watches movies during his travels.

“I make it a point to soak in some sunshine while practicing meditation and pranayama,” smiles Luke, who tries to fit in a workout during the day. “Once work is done, I head back home, where I may have a few more consults before winding down for the day," says the nutritionist, for whom evenings are dedicated to dinner, some reading, journaling, and prayers. “I always end the day with a sense of gratitude.”

Key takeaways:

Embrace a holistic approach: Focus on nutrition, movement, sleep, emotional detox, and spirituality for overall wellness.
Personalize your wellness plan: Recognize that everyone's needs are unique and tailor your health journey accordingly.
Listen to your body: Pay attention to your body's signals and adapt your wellness plan to its changing needs and requirements.
Address root causes: Identify and target underlying issues to prevent health problems rather than merely treating symptoms.
Combine healing methods: Utilize integrative techniques, such as allopathy, naturopathy, and ayurveda, to create a well-rounded wellness strategy.

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Reading Time: 7 min

Amar Singh: Indian-origin Sikh’s ‘Turbans 4 Australia’ helps Aussies in need

(November 29, 2022) Australians still remember the Black Summer bushfires of 2019 that destroyed 24 million hectares across the country, including New South Wales. At a time when the government and locals came together to help, a non-profit, Turbans 4 Australia, spearheaded by an Indian-origin Sikh, was among those who jumped into action to deliver food, water and groceries to New South Wales’ South Coast throughout the bushfire season. For an organisation that was launched just four years prior, founder Amar Singh did everything possible to serve the locals in their darkest time. "From 2015 to 2019, it was a slow start for Turbans 4 Australia as I was busy running my business simultaneously. However, it was after the 2019 bushfires that Turbans 4 Australia really took off, and we haven't stopped since then," says Singh, whose nonprofit has supported the community during floods, bushfires and the pandemic. His untiring work for the people of the country helped him win NSW Australian of The Year award 2023 - which he calls a "huge honour." "This achievement is a milestone for us," says Amar as he connects with Global Indian from Prestons. [caption id="attachment_32250" align="aligncenter" width="648"] Amar Singh is the founder of Turbans

evement is a milestone for us," says Amar as he connects with Global Indian from Prestons.

[caption id="attachment_32250" align="aligncenter" width="648"] Amar Singh Global Indian Amar Singh is the founder of Turbans 4 Australia[/caption]

A new country and a new culture

It was right after finishing Class 10 that Singh and his family boarded his first flight to Australia in 1998. Coming from a farming background in Nabha district of Punjab, the family relocated to a new country for a better life. However, the shift wasn't easy for the then 15-year-old who had to leave behind all his friends for a "new country with no friends." "There was no Facetime or WhatsApp back then. A 21-minute calling card would cost 20 AUD. For three years, I wrote letters to my friend Karamveer, from close friends, we had become pen pals. I missed the comfort of my life in Punjab," he reminisces with a smile.

While the sentimental value of the known kept him rooted to his past, moving continents was a "cultural shock" for Amar as the high school environment was "totally different" for him. "I grew up listening to the commands from our teachers. But when I stepped in school here, it was very open. We could attend or bunk classes, or interact with our teachers," he says.

Singh went onto study aircraft maintenance engineering in the early 2000s, which later landed him a government job. But he was keen to start something of his own, and in 2004, he launched his trucking company - something he's still at, along with Turbans 4 Australia.

[caption id="attachment_32251" align="aligncenter" width="557"] Indian origin Amar Singh Amar Singh won the Australian of the Year award 2023 for helping Aussies in need.[/caption]

His brush with racism

While the nonprofit took shape in 2016, Singh's first brush with racism happened within his first month in Australia. "I got into a fight in the first month in school, and was suspended. Students would bully me, directly or indirectly," reveals Singh, adding that he was the only Sikh in his school at that time. "I was the only person of this skin colour and religion. It took me a lot of time to fit in, and initially, it was disheartening."

"There was one girl who was Indian but she was born in Australia, so it was easy for her. I knew English but didn't have the Australian accent. She had friends while I had lost my support system," recalls Singh who says that things have changed for the better in the last eight-ten years. "Australia as a society has changed. People have become accepting of multiculturalism. Now we have Diwali celebrations in the country. During Baisakhi and Gurpurab, the prime minister now sends good wishes. Earlier, this wasn't the case. The narrative is now changing."

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A post shared by Turbans 4 Australia (T4A) (@turbans4australia)

Turbans 4 Australia is just seven-year-old nonprofit, but Singh's interest in charity dates back to his teenager days. "I was always involved as a volunteer during my school days - be it for a fundraising for cancer or working for the disabled. In fact, I was the only Sikh volunteer at the 2000 Sydney Olympics," reveals Singh. However, like every other migrant, he got busy with his business as he had to "pay the bills."

Changing the perception

Singh was often subjected to racial slurs. From being called a terrorist to meeting the suspicious eyes of locals who would ask what he was hiding in his turban, Singh found it hard to fathom how his religion could be a threat to anyone. That's when he decided, "enough is enough" and that the time had come to take the reins in his hand. He wanted Australians to see Sikhs as people who could be trusted in times of need and at the same time, "wanted to encourage new arrivals from India to be a part of the local community." What began as a committee of five-seven people have now extended to hundreds of volunteers who have been working tirelessly to help the locals. "Turbans 4 Australia helps Sikhs acknowledge themselves as locals, and not as immigrants," says Singh, whose nonprofit has over the years impacted hundreds and thousands of Australians.

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A post shared by Turbans 4 Australia (T4A) (@turbans4australia)

"Now people in small towns and countryside also know about Sikh community because of Turbans 4 Australia. When we carry truckloads of groceries in a town, they say Sikh community got the products. For us, it's not about communities, it's about serving mankind." Singh is happy that his nonprofit has played a role in changing the perception of the Australians towards Sikhs, as "we don't just consider ourselves as immigrants but we have taken the ownership of the country."

It's this work that has got Singh one of the most prestigious recognitions – the Australian of the Year Award. "Making it to the top four finalists among 1700 odd applicants, and then getting the award is no mean feat. With the award, we have definitely achieved a milestone," says Singh who is currently busy with setting up another relief centre in Melbourne.

[caption id="attachment_32252" align="aligncenter" width="703"] Indian origin Amar Singh Amar Singh's Turbans 4 Australia helps locals during the pandemic[/caption]

"It's a two-way street for us. We educate Australians about our community and how we are equally locals. And also, to spread the word that Australians are welcoming and accepting of multiculturalism." Singh believes that the behaviour of a handful of people don't dictate Australia. "Not all Australians are racists. I have seen things shift in the last few years," says the Sikh volunteer who likes to unwind by playing with his kids and chilling with his friends. "It is a demanding work. It's not just about reaching to the people in need at the right time. We have 20-30 hours of work beforehand where we have to procure the groceries or getting in touch with the right people. For us, the nonprofit is all about bringing the community together and celebrate," signs off Singh.

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Reading Time: 6 min