Indians in USA | Harold D'Souza | Global Indian

Global IndianstoryTriumph over Trafficking: Harold D’Souza and his family’s journey from victims to advocates

Triumph over Trafficking: Harold D’Souza and his family’s journey from victims to advocates

Written by: Amrita Priya

(May 8, 2024) “Harold D’Souza and Darcy D’Souza are inspirations to me, and their story inspired me to create a feature documentary film titled ‘To Be Free,’ which focuses on labour trafficking in the United States,” shared American director Benjamin Ryan Nathan in his message at the Eyes Open International (EOI) Conference organised by Harold D’Souza last week.

The feature documentary is being produced by the American actor and producer Martin Sheen who has received numerous accolades, including three Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards in a career spanning 30 years. “Are you aware that slavery is still thriving in our midst? The answer to that question inspired me to become an executive producer of the feature documentary film called ‘To Be Free‘ that exposes the practice of human labour trafficking here in the United States and around the world,” he remarked in his video message that was played at the conference.

“This was our first Eyes Open International Conference. It was my dream project, a mission impossible made possible with the help of EOI Board Directors, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Centre, and well-wishers,” Harold D’Souza, pleased with the success of the conference, shared with Global Indian.

He formed his non-profit Eyes Open International to enlighten community members, victims, survivors, law enforcement agencies, faith leaders, nonprofit organisations, healthcare professionals, police officials, first responders, academics, students, teachers, and professors to identify red flags, problems, solutions, and resources involved in human trafficking. The EOI conference served as an extension of this goal. The EOI board boasts of people from both USA and India including Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil.

The global rendezvous

Apart from the thousands who viewed the EOI conference (Triumph over Trafficking) live virtually from India, Canada, Pakistan, Nepal, and the U.K., 300 people attended it in person,” shared Harold, adding, “Those who travelled from India to attend the conference included Deepak Acharya, EOI Board Director and CEO of INOX India Ltd.”

Linda Dixon from the Department of Defense USA, Dr Yvan Demosthenes, CEO of HamiltonDemo, Dr Kalyani Gopal, founder of SAFECHR, Linda Majeska Powers, Legal Director of the Ohio Attorney General, Hon Woodrow Keown, President and CEO of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and Hriday Raval, International Director of Eyes Open International, were the speakers at the conference.

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A post shared by Eyes Open International (@eyesopenint)

“The audience felt that it was a life-changing experience for them simply by seeing the first brown survivor family, on stage. For the first time in our two-decade journey, all four of us—my wife, Darcy, and my sons, Rohan and Bradley—were together to share our journey from struggle to success,” Harold remarked. He strongly believes that “survivors are thrivers.”

Expressing gratitude to the EOI Board Directors, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the entire community from Ohio, America, and India for the successful EOI conference, Harold D’Souza added, ‘The support from Rohan, Bradly, and Darcy was the pillar of this mega success.”

Flashback – From Victim to White House Consultant

In 2003, Mangalore’s Harold D’Souza relocated to the United States with his family, only to realise that they had inadvertently fallen victim to human trafficking, eventually finding themselves ensnared in debt bondage.

“I stepped down from a senior management position in India to pursue the American dream,” remarked Harold. “I came to the United States following the advice and encouragement of a man who would become my trafficker,” he said, talking about his ordeal. “He manipulated, tricked and trapped us.” As a part of the deceitful scheme, Harold was promised of an H-1B visa, and a job as a business development manager with a salary of $75,000 along with other perks.

“In 2003, it was a big amount and thinking of the future of my two sons, I decided to take up the offer leaving behind the stable job in India,” he shared. His boys were seven and four-years-old at that time.

Harold, Darcy, Rohan and Bradly – Then and now

The family sold off their car and other belongings to cover travel costs. “I thought I would soon recover the amount after I start earning dollars,” he told. “I had no understanding of what HIB Visa, or the H4 dependant visa on which my wife and two sons came on. I didn’t know the dos and don’ts; I didn’t know how this country operated. I didn’t know the law. I didn’t know the people. I just jumped,” he remarked.

Upon Harold’s arrival in the US, his trafficker confiscated the documents and $1000 in cash that he carried on the pretence of safekeeping. From that moment, their ordeal began. Both he and his wife were compelled to work seven days a week, enduring shifts lasting 14 to 16 hours in a restaurant, with accommodation provided next door.

“In most trafficking cases, victims are provided lodging in proximity, ensuring their constant availability for work while limiting their interaction with the outside world. This isolation prevents them from easily reaching out for assistance or lodging complaints, as they remain within the immediate control of their perpetrators.” And Harold explains that all through, abusive language and threats continue.

The trafficker imposed exorbitant fees for food, clothing, and shelter, and withheld Harold and Darcy’s salaries to cover these expenses. Additionally, Harold was deceived into signing a loan from a bank, which the trafficker pocketed, plunging him into debt bondage.

Harold D’Souza with former USA president Donald Trump at the White House

After enduring years of ordeal, Harold finally liberated himself by mustering the courage to seek help and working his way out of the situation, displaying immense bravery.

Looking at his story of resilience and resolve, he was appointed to the US Advisory Council on Human Trafficking initially by President Barack Obama and later by President Donald Trump. His tenure at the White House, from 2015 to 2020, restored the self-confidence that Harold had lost during the ordeal of being treated as an undocumented immigrant, despite entering America on an H-1B visa. “At the White House I was not looked at as a survivor, rather as an expert, and that transformed my life,” he remarked.

Purpose – to prevent human trafficking through Eyes Open International

“When people in my team at the White House heard my story, they encouraged me to start a non-profit to help victims.” This inspired Harold to establish Eyes Open International, dedicated to aiding victims of human trafficking and debt bondage. Driven by his own traumatic experiences and his resolve to alter the plight of trafficked individuals, he additionally fulfils the role of an expert consultant at the Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. He actively participates in the Governor’s Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force and serves on the board of directors for numerous NGOs worldwide.

Harold-D’Souza after receiving the Hero Award

The Indian American labour trafficking and debt bondage survivor received the Human Rights Hero Award 2023 at the United Nations headquarters in New York for being the leading activist in United States’ efforts to address the problem. “A feature film on my story with a well-known movie star in India is in the discussion phase,” he signed off.

Follow Harold D’Souza on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
To know more about Eyes Open International and its initiatives, visit its website

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Dr. Shri Kant Gupta

May 14, 2024 10:39 pm

डर के आगे जीत है।

Published on 08, May 2024

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Sustainable designer Kriti Tula is changing the ways of the fashion world

(July 9, 2022) Fashion is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, and also one of the sectors that generates tonnes of harmful waste every year. When I ask fashion designer Kriti Tula, what I can as an individual do to help reduce this waste generation, she advises, "Consume consciously. One can make a difference just by the way they shop." Connecting with Global Indian for an interview, the young sustainability champion adds, "Consumers, the key drivers of sustainability, need to be willing to slow down and pay the right price for consciously creating clothing. Bringing a change is a lot more difficult when everyone is just looking for discounts and we are all paying a heavy price to produce things cheaper and faster." [caption id="attachment_27479" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Kriti Tula, founder Doodlage[/caption] The Delhi girl, who started Doodlage in 2012, has been a vocal environmental activist and has brought forward the impact of the fashion industry on the environment. For her efforts to upcycle the waste produced by the garment industry, Kriti was recognised by the Lakme Fashion Week Gen Next Platform and won the ‘Green Wardrobe Initiative’ by HUL and Grazia Young Fashion Award. In 2012, the

ctivist and has brought forward the impact of the fashion industry on the environment. For her efforts to upcycle the waste produced by the garment industry, Kriti was recognised by the Lakme Fashion Week Gen Next Platform and won the ‘Green Wardrobe Initiative’ by HUL and Grazia Young Fashion Award. In 2012, the 33-year-old fashion designer was also one of 17 climate champions selected by the United Nations.

Socially conscious

Born and brought up in the national capital, Kriti was introduced to the concept of consuming things consciously very early in life. Coming from a middle-class family, the fashion designer says "it was just a way of life back in the day." Apart from being brilliant academically, Kriti took part in various voluntary works. "I have enjoyed volunteer work growing up - from helping out at blind schools to old age homes," says the fashion designer, adding that organising such drives is still a big part of Doodlage.

Attracted to art since her childhood, it was during her school days that Kriti was first introduced to doodling. "Growing up, I have been that kid in the art room who explored various mediums that they enjoy. That's when I started doodling, and in fact, I still try to doodle every day," shares Kriti, who pursued her under graduation in apparel designing at Pearl Academy in Delhi. "I developed an interest in designing at the age of 13. However, a lack of awareness at the time led me to fashion," shares Kriti.

Fashion designer | Kriti Tula | Global Indian

After her graduation, the youngster moved to the London College of Fashion for four years to pursue a master's in design management on a full scholarship. The fashion designer speaks very fondly of her years in London. She says, "Understanding another culture, learning from a new market and getting exposed to a different education system was a great experience. I credit a lot of my growth to these years."

Visiting various production houses at the time made Kriti think hard about the kind of wastage created by the fashion industry every year. "More than 50 percent of textile waste ends up in landfills, as there are no ways to reuse them," shares Kriti, adding, "A mix of my background growing up, being exposed to waste at export houses and just the overall culture of mass production was enough to drive me away from it. I have worked since then to educate myself about various alternatives to fast fashion, meet numerous ethical production units, and the culture that could prevail if we humanise the supply chain. I think that has been enough to motivate me to work towards it."

Making sustainability fashionable

In 2012, after earning her masters in London, Kriti decided to return to India. Having gained a global perspective on the fashion industry, Kriti shares that as a designer she was always inclined to find solutions, and Doodlage started with exactly that agenda. "We aimed to start a conversation around ways to bring circularity in fashion and raise awareness around the impact of a linear fashion model. As we were a bootstrapped firm, we decided to work with one problem at a time. I carefully curated our small supply chain," shares the 33-year-old fashion designer.

[caption id="attachment_27481" align="aligncenter" width="668"] Fashion designer | Kriti Tula | Global Indian Kriti during a field trip[/caption]

Doodlage started collecting fabric waste from factories around Delhi, which had been rejected because of minor defects but which were big enough to be stitched back together to cut more pieces. This allowed them to create limited edition collections, saving tonnes of fabric from ending up in landfills. As the company grew, Kriti found herself "more committed to building a social enterprise making sustainable clothes."

[caption id="attachment_27482" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Fashion designer | Kriti Tula | Global Indian Doodlage's collection is simple and yet quite unique[/caption]

Armed with 20 employees, the majority of Doodlage's sampling, designing, and marketing happens at the studio in Delhi where they employ local artisans. Shedding light on the production process at the fashion house, Kriti shares, "We collect factory waste, fix our material, patch panel and embroider to optimise the use of the fabric we source. We save all resources that would go into making virgin material. What we waste in our supply chain goes to NGOs to create small products like accessories and toys for kids. What is left over is recycled to make paper for our notebooks and packaging."

Long road ahead

Her sustainable fashion brand started earning profits from the first year of operations, however, Kriti expresses that every year came with a new set of challenges. "Our organic reach accounts for almost 16-20 percent of our sales. But there still is a lot to be done to make Doodlage a global brand," says the fashion designer. She has recently expanded the company's operations to Bengaluru and Jaipur, where they are looking to make recycled handloom material, using yarns that are made from shredded post-consumer garments.

[caption id="attachment_27483" align="aligncenter" width="605"] Fashion designer | Kriti Tula | Global Indian Kriti with her team[/caption]

Although the awareness about the impact of the fashion industry on the environment has grown manifold since she started her company, Kriti feels there is still a long way to go. Explaining that multiple stakeholders have to work together to bring about a larger change, the fashion designer feels that the government also needs to enforce laws to hold brands and production houses accountable for the waste created. "Solutions have to be created at the design stage using the right material and thinking about the end of the life of a garment is necessary. Also, cleaning the supply chain to pay our artisans a better wage is very important," Kriti says, as she signs off.

Follow Kriti Tula on LinkedIn
Follow Doodlage on Instagram and its website

Reading Time: 7 mins

Damyanti Biswas: Singapore-based Indian author is on a high, courtesy – The Blue Bar

(June 12, 2023) Damyanti's school life involved an emphasis on the sciences. Only the losers took arts — she was told. Through it all, fiction kept her sane, or so she felt. So much so that she would hide novels behind Chemistry and Physics tomes. Books were her only escape and refuge. She read through all of the books in her father's collection which ranged from Chekov to Flaubert to Borges to Walt Whitman and Shakespeare. She was a bookworm then, and stayed one down the years. "As a child I learned to tell stories before I could read. My parents or grandma would pick up a comic book and tell me the storyline, and then I could repeat it back to them verbatim—without understanding a word of the writing,” smiles author Damyanti Biswas, in an exclusive with Global Indian. The Singapore-based author's new book The Blue Bar, which was recently released in the US, opened at No.2 spot in the bestsellers list above Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin, which is a huge achievement for an Indian writer. The Blue Bar Damyanti started writing her US debut, The Blue Bar, at a workshop run by the Booker-shortlisted Romesh Gunesekera in

m>The Blue Bar, which was recently released in the US, opened at No.2 spot in the bestsellers list above Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin, which is a huge achievement for an Indian writer.

The Blue Bar

Damyanti started writing her US debut, The Blue Bar, at a workshop run by the Booker-shortlisted Romesh Gunesekera in 2018, who taught her many techniques over an intense week. The Sri Lanka born British author's writing prompt was to depict a character who’s being watched but isn’t aware of it. “My response turned into the first chapter of The Blue Bar: Tara being watched, while posing in a tiny silver blouse and a blue-sequinned saree, by someone at a crowded Mumbai railway station,” says Damyanti, who then let her curiosity lead her into the story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKAEtca6YKA

“Who was watching her? Why? Who were the people in her life? What was her story? And that led to an entire novel,” informs the author whose Indian debut was called You Beneath Your Skin. Based in New Delhi, it was about serial killings of women, their bodies defiled, burned with acid, and left in trash bags. For The Blue Bar, she did a spurt of research in Mumbai. Damyanti visited police stations, Bollywood sets, interviewed police officers and Bollywood directors, walked the streets and the slums. Her book delves into a realistic world of Bollywood, dance bars and policemen.

“As an Indian writer, to have a commercial crime novel top the charts was a unique experience,” shares the author. The Blue Bar will be released in India later this year or early 2024. She says the best feedback has been from Mumbaikars who found the book very well researched, and from Westerners who thought the book transported them into the alleyways of the city. “I write dark crime novels, so during audience interactions, I’m often surprised by questions from teens who have clearly read my work. They have very insightful viewpoints,” feels Damyanti, who says her books end up challenging patriarchy.

A bookworm's journey to becoming a writer

Born in Bhilai (back then it was in Madhya Pradesh and now Chattisgarh), which she describes as a small dustbowl town, Damyanti went to Lady Brabourne college in Kolkata where she studied English Literature with Honours. “I was a regular at the British Council and the American Library in Kolkata, and often scored higher in my papers on comparative international literature than all others,” she recalls. Reading remained the highlight of her college years.

Author | Damyanti Biswas | Global Indian

Damyanti never thought of herself as a writer. “That happened after I was married and in Malaysia, without a job. My husband encouraged me to write and bought me a second-hand laptop with the keys I and Y missing,” she quips. She wrote numerous short stories and her work has been published in Smokelong Quarterly, Ambit, Pembroke Review, Griffith Review among many other magazines in the US, UK and Australia.

Life in Singapore

Damyanti says life in Singapore is as safe and curated as it can be in a tiny island nation with some of the strictest laws in the world. “After living for years in Delhi, it was a very different experience, especially to feel safe as a woman at all hours of the day and night in all parts of this city-state,” says the novelist. In the nearly two decades that she has been away, Damyanti visited India more than once a year. “I plan to travel back more as the years go by,” says the author, who also serves as one of the editors of The Forge literary magazine.

Author | Damyanti Biswas | Global Indian

She likes to describe herself as an omnivore when it comes to books. “On a given day I might read poems by Mary Oliver, flash fiction by Lydia Davis or Amy Hempel, short stories by George Saunders or Jhumpa Lahiri, noir by Fuminori Nakamura or S A Cosby, Scandinavian crime by Jo Nesbø or ÅsaLarsson, a Yanagihara or an Atwood novel, romance by Emily Henry or Helen Hoang.”

Damyanti says she recently went on a fantasy reading spree. “I read essays and memoirs. My favorites keep changing, and I can be very excited about one author one day, and another the next,” says the author who has been short-listed for Best Small Fictions and Bath Novel awards. She is already working on the sequel to The Blue Bar. “It is called The Blue Monsoon, which will be released in October this year,” informs Damyanti, who also has a women’s fiction on submission to editors which is about a harrowing mother and daughter relationship. “I am already outlining another crime novel,” she informs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzYEZ-m4CMM

She may be living in Singapore but Damyanti is connected to India in many more ways. She is a supporter of the project WHY, a program that provides quality education to underprivileged children in New Delhi. While Damyanti’s ambition has always been to live in a home with more books than any other items, she likes to indulge in gardening, binge watch shows. “On any given day, I try and write for the first hour after waking up after which I do Yoga, followed by household chores. On most days, the writing part swallows up everything else,” smiles the author.

Follow Damyanti Biswas on Twitter, Instagram and on her website

Reading Time: 5 min

Sanya Malik: Breaking barriers in Mumbai’s art world through Black Cube

(October 30, 2023) This November, curator Sanya Malik, founder of Black Cube, an alternative art gallery in Delhi, is about to make her mark on the Mumbai art scene. But her journey in the art world goes beyond the debut. It's a story of passion, determination, and a mission to make art accessible to all. In this article, we delve into Sanya Malik's fascinating journey and her unique approach to art, featuring celebrated artists like Jogen Chowdhury who will be part of the upcoming exhibition, and artworks in bronze and stainless steel. Art possesses the remarkable ability to establish deeply personal and subjective relationships with those who engage with it. It serves as a unique language that transcends words, often revealing the complexities of our contemporary world and the societal challenges we grapple with. Her early years were steeped in a profound connection to the art world. “My family's close associations with modern and contemporary artists exposed me to the vibrant tapestry of Indian paintings and sculpture from an early age. This enriching experience afforded me the unique opportunity to forge personal bonds with some of my most admired artists,” Malik tells Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_46384" align="aligncenter" width="484"] Sanya Malik[/caption]

Global Indian.

[caption id="attachment_46384" align="aligncenter" width="484"] Sanya Malik[/caption]

After graduating from Central Saint Martins in London, Sanya decided to try curation. She went on to do a Master’s at the Royal College of Art, London. Her interest lies in understanding the visceral impact that art can have on people. “I am perpetually drawn to artworks that possess a multifaceted quality, ones that are intricately layered with the nuances of our era. These are the works that, to me, carry the echoes of not just the artist's creativity but also the resounding voice of our times, encapsulating the struggles, the aspirations, and the cultural zeitgeist,” she explains.

Creating a Platform

Black Cube's core ethos revolves around making art accessible to all and was born in 2017 out of a desire to break down the barriers that often intimidate visitors in traditional gallery spaces, where asking questions and engaging can be daunting. “We felt the need for a more inclusive approach. Our unique model doesn't rely on a fixed physical location. Instead, we adapt to the contextual demands of the art we showcase. This fluidity enables us to create spaces that align perfectly with the specific artworks on display, ensuring an engaging environment,” says Malik.

In the debut exhibition, Black Cube used an interiors-and-lighting studio in New Delhi has their canvas. At Art Mumbai this year, they will seamlessly transform into a ‘white cube space’. “Our commitment extends to working closely with artists, fostering collaboration, and supporting their creative processes. This approach results in fresh, innovative showcases that reflect our core values, making art accessible, engaging, and ever evolving,” she adds.

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Art Sojourn

In her early twenties, Sanya encountered numerous challenges, particularly as a young woman trying to break into a tightly knit industry with pre-established relationships and norms. The need to constantly prove herself, whether working as an employee or as the director of Black Cube, has been a continuous journey and one that fuels her determination each day. “As a young woman in the industry, I have faced the ongoing need to prove myself at every turn, defending my age, experience, knowledge, and capabilities. This journey has required me to challenge norms and carve out my own space within the industry, and it has been both gratifying and demanding,” she says.

Sanya’s progress has been a gradual process and the most rewarding aspect, she says, is the relationships they have cultivated with the artists they represent. “Those connections have been the highlight of my journey.” She believes the key to overcoming challenges, both in the past and today, is to trust oneself, to identify areas of improvement and hone one’s skills and above all, never giving up. Recognizing that learning is an ongoing process and being aware of how much more there is to discover is crucial for navigating a competitive landscape.

Lessons learned

Sanya emphasises that women need to be passionate about addressing a specific barrier and can identify a gap in the market they are eager to fill. “Don't hesitate—take the plunge immediately. However, be prepared for a long and challenging journey that will evolve and compound over time. Perseverance is your greatest ally during the entire process of building your venture. If you're seeking short-term validation, entrepreneurship might not be the right path for you, but if you are committed to the long-term vision, the rewards can be incredibly fulfilling,” she avers.

Quiz her on what she has learned, and she says that she has learned to develop thick skin and not let setbacks demotivate but rather encourage her. Determination is crucial to moving forward. The second pertains to building relationships. In the art world, connecting with the right people is pivotal. This journey has taught me the importance of putting myself out there and actively seeking opportunities to engage with artists, peers, and industry professionals. It is a dynamic space that is constantly evolving, so staying open to new ideas and fresh perspectives is essential.

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A post shared by Black Cube Productions (@blackcubeproductions)

Looking ahead

Black Cube collaborates with renowned modern and contemporary artists who are pushing boundaries in terms of themes, mediums, and scale. The dynamic Indian contemporary art scene is currently the most exciting space in the country. “Our debut at Art Mumbai’s inaugural edition in November is our first venture into the vibrant world of art fairs. We are thrilled about Art Mumbai, where we will present a diverse collection of sculptures, spanning from modern to contemporary, indoor to outdoor,” she says. The line-up includes celebrated artists like Himmat Shah, Thota Vaikuntam, Jogen Chowdhury, Krishen Khanna, Manu Parekh, Madhvi Parekh, Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi, Yashika Sugandh, Arunkumar HG, Valay Shende, and Dhananjay Singh.

Among these artists, there are sculptors and then painters who have ventured into the realm of sculpture, imbuing their paintings with a three-dimensional vitality. “Post Art Mumbai 2023, we are eagerly anticipating a thrilling year ahead in 2024 for Black Cube. We are working on a series of contemporary art exhibitions in New Delhi. We are also excited to participate in more art fairs, expanding our reach and engaging with diverse audiences. Looking ahead to 2025, we are setting our sights on international exhibitions. Our goal is to take Black Cube's distinctive approach to global audiences and promote India's rich contemporary art scene across borders. Our future is characterized by innovation, exploration, and a commitment to expanding the horizons of art in a rapidly evolving world,” she signs off.

Follow Sanya Malik on LinkedIn

Making the country proud: Michelin-starred Vineet Bhatia becomes the first Indian chef to be awarded the MBE

(January 6, 2023) When Vineet Bhatia first moved to England in 1993 as the Executive Chef at Star of India, South Kensington, he had no idea about what a Michelin star was. Exactly three decades later, the chef who is also a restaurateur and an author, has been awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), making him the first Michelin-starred chef of Indian origin to be bestowed with the honour by the monarch of the United Kingdom, King Charles III. The chef took to social media to make this announcement, and wrote, "Honoured to be the first Michelin-starred chef of Indian origin to be awarded an MBE. (It’s) a wonderful privilege to have the opportunity to make the world ‘see things differently’ about the United Kingdom." He dedicated this honour to his mother and wife. [caption id="attachment_27006" align="aligncenter" width="609"] Chef Vineet Bhatia[/caption] Chef Bhatia, who is also the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star for his restaurant Zaika in London, is the only Indian in the culinary world to receive two Michelin stars. “The Michelin team goes to restaurants discreetly. So, one doesn’t know that they are serving a jury,” shares the eminent chef.

e only Indian in the culinary world to receive two Michelin stars. “The Michelin team goes to restaurants discreetly. So, one doesn’t know that they are serving a jury,” shares the eminent chef. “I was thrilled when I received the news that I had won the Michelin star, but more so for creating history, as it was nothing less than opening the door for all the Indian chefs and Indian cuisine across the globe. Today, it makes me very proud when I see other Indian chefs winning the star.”

A living bridge between India and the United Kingdom, the celebrity chef discusses much more than just his culinary journey as he connects with Global Indian from London.

Not a born chef

Born and raised in the city of dreams, Mumbai, Vineet, too, grew up with a dream of his own – to become a pilot. “I lived quite close to an aerodrome, and so I used to watch planes flying in and out every day. Being a pilot was the only plan I had as a kid,” says the celebrity chef, who also cracked the National Defence Exam to join the Air Force. “But I wasn’t tall enough,” he shares, adding, “They told me that I could join the Indian Army or Navy, but I wasn’t interested.”

Chef | Vineet Bhatia | Global Indian

Disheartened, but not defeated, Chef Bhatia turned towards the culinary world. But not before giving bartending a shot. “I wanted to become a bartender. But again, I wasn’t tall enough,” he laughs. However, his experience in the kitchen was life-changing. “As a 17-year-old, I was fascinated with how the kitchen was run so immaculately and that everyone involved was disciplined.”

[caption id="attachment_27008" align="aligncenter" width="666"] Chef | Vineet Bhatia | Global Indian Chef Bhatia bringing Tacos to Indian Cuisine[/caption]

After completing his training at the Oberoi School of Hotel Management, New Delhi, Chef Bhatia worked as the Chef de Cuisine or head chef at The Oberoi in Mumbai for the next three years. However, it was an uphill task initially. “In the kitchen, you have to earn the respect of your staff. When I first joined, one of my staff members told me, ‘I have more pending leaves than your whole experience.’ So, I worked hard to earn their respect. I told them that I wasn’t there to teach them how to cook, but to help them with whatever they needed to put out a great dish,” shares the chef, whose comfort food is a simple meal of tadka dal, chawal, and achar. “As soon as I land in Mumbai, I go to the pani puri stall and have a nice plate of golgappa and chaat. And later, some cutting chai,” share the chef with a smile.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1_I1kRQD6A

A decade after moving to the UK, the chef and his wife Rashima Bhatia, opened their first restaurant, Rasoi in Chelsea in 2004, which earned him his second Michelin star in 2006. Since then, he has opened 11 restaurants across the globe including Moscow, Los Angeles, Dubai, Mumbai, Doha, and Jeddah.

Behind the scenes

While the dishes that come out of the kitchen look beautiful, the kitchen itself is a bit chaotic. “Kitchen is not easy. There are so many things happening at the same time,” the seasoned chef says. “The front of a restaurant seems so calm and controlled – which is the way it is supposed to be – but the kitchen is where all the action is going on. Everyone in the kitchen is running around to put that dish on the table. So, your movements have to be very coordinated. There is food in the oven, overhead grill, tandoor, and pan. There is a dessert going out and the plates are falling short… Something is happening in the kitchen at all times. It is a mechanism that works in tandem.”

[caption id="attachment_27009" align="aligncenter" width="674"] Chef | Vineet Bhatia | Global Indian Chef Bhatia's pistachio chicken seekh kabab[/caption]

Having opened so many restaurants, the chef calls it a long and tedious process. Apart from deciding the food and beverages that will feature on the menu, the restaurateur also has to work on its theme, colour palette, style, and overall ambiance. “We have to sit with the designers of course, and can take very long to decide all the factors, before the execution. The staff, again, has to be very well-trained, because otherwise, everything will collapse. So, we take time in training all of them.”

Man of many talents

A world-renowned chef, author, TV personality, and social activist – Chef Bhatia dons many hats. But not many know that “travel” has his heart. “My work takes me to places, but I enjoy travelling a lot,” shares the chef, who was very recently on a trip to the Arctic, an experience he calls “magical.”

[caption id="attachment_27010" align="aligncenter" width="633"] Chef | Vineet Bhatia | Global Indian Chef Bhatia with his family[/caption]

Interestingly, Chef Bhatia is the only chef in the world to cook at the base camp of Mount Everest in 2018. Calling the experience “stunning”, the chef shares, “We were raising funds for a charity called Heart For India in Chennai, which looks after 3000 kids, and also for the victims of the 2015 Himalayan earthquake. So, my team and I trekked for 15 days to get to the base camp of Mt Everest and set up a restaurant for two days. We gave the mountaineers and trekkers free food, and whatever they wanted to donate went toward these two causes. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.”

[caption id="attachment_8671" align="aligncenter" width="686"] Chef | Vineet Bhatia | Global Indian Vineet Bhatia believes in working with local ingredients with nuanced Indian techniques[/caption]

An active campaigner for sustainability in the culinary world, Chef Bhatia was also recently appointed as the GREAT ambassador to the United Kingdom. “I think it is important that while we want to have the products from the international market, we have to ensure that they are ethically sourced. It is not just about using paper over plastic, but also about how the farming is done or how the meat is sourced,” explains the chef, before he signs off.

Follow Chef Vineet Bhatia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, his website, and YouTube

Reading Time: 7 mins

Kumar Nadesan: A Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardee’s tale of transformations

(September 22, 2023) I had the pleasure of meeting Thiru Sivakumar Nadesan, more popular as Kumar Nadesan, on a pleasant afternoon at the Business Club of Taj Samudra, Colombo. The Indian cricket team was coincidentally staying at the same venue for the Asia Cup. Although their presence was unrelated to the essence of our encounter, their proximity added an enchanting touch to the ambience. Taj Samudra Colombo radiates a deep affection for Indians in Colombo, and amidst the opulence of the surroundings, Kumar Nadesan's arrival only heightened the vibrancy of the atmosphere. Nadesan, the recipient of the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2023, is widely recognised as the print magnate of Sri Lanka. He holds the position of Managing Director of Express Newspapers (Ceylon) (Pvt) Limited, a prominent print and web media organisation. It publishes Virakesari, one of Sri Lanka's foremost Tamil daily newspapers, amongst other publications. Founded in August 1930, Virakesari stands as the oldest and largest circulating Tamil newspaper in Sri Lanka at 93. [caption id="attachment_45216" align="aligncenter" width="798"] Kumar Nadesan receiving Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2023 from President Droupadi Murmu[/caption] “When Gandhi came here, he advised the Indian community to come up with a publication as he found

st 1930, Virakesari stands as the oldest and largest circulating Tamil newspaper in Sri Lanka at 93.

[caption id="attachment_45216" align="aligncenter" width="798"] Indian Origin | Kumar Nadesan | Global Indian Kumar Nadesan receiving Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2023 from President Droupadi Murmu[/caption]

“When Gandhi came here, he advised the Indian community to come up with a publication as he found that the diaspora lacked voice in the country at that time. This is how Virakesari started,” Nadesan told Global Indian. Over the years, the publication has diligently catered to Tamil speaking individuals irrespective of nationality and religion.

Apart from being at the helm of all the other publications of Express Newspapers which caters to a wide audience, Nadesan is the director of the Newspaper Society of Sri Lanka, and chairman of Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI). Established and operated by the media industry SLPI provides structured training for journalists, encourages self-regulation within the print media sector, and champions a free and responsible media environment in Sri Lanka. Talking about its uniqueness he shared, “We are the first in the world to have people with diverse outlooks all sitting together at one table. Our group includes working journalists, media activists, editors, and publishers, each with their unique perspectives."

As the chairman of the Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka, a self-regulatory mechanism of the media industry, Nadesan heads a simple, non-legalistic system by which people with a genuine grievance about the press can gain quick and easy redress, without hassle.

The Attorney at Law Sri Lanka, has played a major role in addressing the drug menace in the country as the Chairman of Sri Lanka Anti-Narcotics Association. The man of many hats loves being busy and is also the President of the Sri Lanka chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO). He has been the president of the Sri Lanka India Society in the past.

Unfazed by his accomplishments

When I extended my congratulations to him for the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award that he recently received, Nadesan displayed remarkable humility, stating, "I was, of course, pleasantly surprised to receive it, but I am uncertain about the reasons for my selection." As Chairman of the major print media regulatory bodies his efforts to enhance professionalism within the Sri Lankan media industry is unquestionable and quite evident.

In his tenure as president of the Sri Lanka Anti-Narcotics Association, his dedication to the cause has been nothing short of tremendous, reflecting his unwavering commitment to the betterment of the community and the country, which is his home. Despite his impressive accomplishments he remained grounded as he spoke.

[caption id="attachment_45221" align="aligncenter" width="762"] Indian Origin | Kumar Nadesan | Global Indian Kumar Nadesan with Sri Lanka's PM, Dinesh Gunawardena and the High Commissioner of India, Gopal Baglay[/caption]

After returning from the Valedictory Session and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards Ceremony in Indore, where he received the award from President Droupadi Murmu, his friends threw him a surprise party in Colombo. They had invited the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dinesh Gunawardena and the High Commissioner of India, Gopal Baglay as special guests to honour him. When I mentioned the event to Nadesan, he humbly remarked, "I would have never allowed that if I had known my friends were planning something like that."

Bond with India

Despite being a fourth-generation Indian in Sri Lanka, Nadesan’s ties with India are deep-rooted. His initial connection with India was forged during his undergraduate years at Loyola College, Madras which he fondly recalled as ‘some of the most cherished days of his life’. “I even served as the student union president during those carefree days,” he said, talking about his tryst with India in the 1960s.

His bond with his country of origin grew stronger, particularly when all four of his sisters were married off to India. His late wife, who was a doctor by profession, also happened to be from India. Nadesan met her while they were students in Madras.

From law to publishing industry

After completing his bachelor's degree in commerce from Madras, Nadesan went to the United Kingdom to pursue law. Upon his return to Sri Lanka, he was a practising lawyer for two decades, accumulating valuable experience in the legal field.

However, a significant turning point occurred when he transitioned into the publishing industry. His involvement with the Express Newspaper, a position influenced by his family's business stakes in the publication house, marked a notable shift in his professional journey.

[caption id="attachment_45218" align="aligncenter" width="684"] Indian Origin | Kumar Nadesan | Global Indian Kumar Nadesan at a media event[/caption]

This career transition was driven by his belief that through the media, he could wield greater influence and potentially challenge government actions when they are unjust. “Newspaper is an ideal platform to expound whatever ideas you have and help the society,” he says.

Commitment to combat drug menace in Sri Lanka

Talking about his initiatives as the president of Sri Lanka Anti-Narcotics Association, he shared “I am a member of the Rotary Club of Colombo for more than 50 years. Anti-drugs initiatives started off as part of the Rotary project. In 1982-83, we found that drugs were infiltrating Sri Lanka, with young people being the primary target, and realised that something needs to be done to curb the menace.”

The drugs entered the country through the sea, as the fishermen who wondered whether they will ever afford to build a house got into the lure of bringing drugs into the country to earn money. A single consignment of the size of a jam jar of drugs could yield the resources to build more than two or three houses – a tempting proposition.

Considering the future of the country and the well-being of its human resources, it seemed imperative to Kumar Nadesan and his fellow Rotary members to initiate discussions about anti-drug programmes and take action in the sphere. “We conceptualised the idea of fostering human development because, even though drug-related issues may seem minor in scale, perhaps around 1 percent, the impact they create, including robbery and theft, is substantial,” he remarked “Our prisons have been overflowing with individuals unable to pay fines for drug-related offences,” he adds.

[caption id="attachment_45217" align="aligncenter" width="732"] Indian Origin | Kumar Nadesan | Global Indian Kumar Nadesan at a Rotary function in presence of President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe[/caption]

Under Nadesan’s leadership, the initial initiative of the Rotary project proved to be highly successful. Soon after, the Sri Lanka Anti-Narcotics Association was established reflecting his commitment to addressing drug-related concerns in Sri Lanka. The association has done a commendable job over the past few decades. Nadesan received the 'Service above Self' award from Rotary International for his tireless efforts.

Purpose – to bridge heritage and history

Nadesan is in the process of envisioning a museum that will encapsulate the rich tapestry of Indian ethos, and the opulent flora and fauna of Sri Lanka. With the museum he aims to serve as a knowledge base of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, promote the local artisans of the country through a handicraft bazaar and also create a tangible connection to the ancestral homeland for the younger generation of Indian-origin diaspora. Many of them often identify their roots with the picturesque towns in Sri Lanka's upcountry where their forefathers were brought to work as tea plantation workers.

“The intention is to guide them on a journey back to their origins, immersing them in the rich cultural history, and the earnest pride that once defined the lives of their great-grandfathers in the villages of India,” he remarked.

[caption id="attachment_45215" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Indian Origin | Kumar Nadesan | Global Indian Kumar Nadesan[/caption]

Kumar Nadesan’s family originates from Trichy in Tamil Nadu. His forefathers were brought by the British to Sri Lanka from India as tea plantation workers. Over the generations, becoming one of the well-known figures in the country is an inspirational success story that Kumar Nadesan exudes.

Reading Time: 5 mins