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Global IndianstoryVashi Purswani’s contribution to Thai-Indian diaspora earns Pravasi Bhartiya Samman

Vashi Purswani’s contribution to Thai-Indian diaspora earns Pravasi Bhartiya Samman

Written by: Amrita Priya

(January 3, 2023) The Indian diaspora in Thailand is thriving. Ace industrialist Vashdev Tikamdas Purswani has played an instrumental role in this. He is one of the first businessmen of India to set base in the country known as the ‘Land of Smiles’.

The founder of the renowned Thai Martin Group, and the cornerstone of Sindhi community in Thailand, Purswani was honoured with Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award (PBSA) in 2021. His unwavering dedication for making it possible for other Indians to build up their lives in Thailand, has been recognised.

Fondly known as Vashi Purswani, the retired industrialist was just 25 when he first landed in the Southeast Asian country in 1964. He was already married by that time. Entrepreneurship was in his blood – owing to his father’s entrepreneurial stint of trading silver and linen in Egypt, and his own exposure of working in Hong Kong. Those were the times of Vietnam wars.

Vashi Purswani | Photo Credit: Masala Magazine

Tryst with Thailand

Purswani spent his early twenties in Hong Kong, working a variety of jobs to earn money. He spent time at a tailoring shop and sold Korean products to the American army personnel stationed there. One old customer, Martin, from the US Airforce, with whom he went on to become good friends, gave him a purchase order worth $40,000 to supply textile products from Bangkok to Vietnam. Martin even told young Vashi that Thailand is an upcoming business hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

Acting on his friend’s advice, Vashi made the trip. When he first landed in Bangkok in 1964, he felt at once that he could set up a life there.

Cut to sixty years later, Purswani is now one of Thailand’s most successful industrialists. Always indebted to his dear friend Martin, who played such an instrumental role in directing his life’s journey to a new and unknown land, Purswani named his company the Thai Martin Group.

His message on the Thai Martin website reads:

Remember, there are no failures in life, only results. There are no true tragedies, only lessons. And there really are no problems, only opportunities waiting to be recognized as solutions by the person of wisdom.

Seizing opportunities

Now retired, Purswani remains one of the most respected members of the Thai-Indian diaspora. His four children run a range of businesses across several industries, including hospitality, agriculture, property, finance, trade and retail.

The Thai Martin Group also does joint ventures with prominent international players, like TVS Group, Aditya Birla Group, and Thapar Group from India and Siam Cement Group, Global Franchise Architects, and Kamalaya in Thailand.

“Of all my ventures, the partnership with Nestle, Switzerland felt like an achievement beyond my imagination,” the serial entrepreneur said in an interview.

The tailor shop

In 1964, when Purswani landed in Bangkok, he had five years of experience running a tailoring shop in Hong Kong. Still, life there had not been the stuff of his desires. His days of hard work had not fetched him much – he lived in a cramped apartment with the family of a business partner in Hong Kong.

Vashi Purswani was handed over the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) from Indian Ambassador to Thailand, Suchitra Durai | Photo Credit: Embassy of India, Bangkok

One year before he made his fateful trip to Bangkok, he had been married. His wife remained in India because he could not afford to bring her to or support her in Hong Kong.

As he was confident of his abilities. In Thailand, he set up a tailor shop not long after arriving there. He named it Martin Tailor. Fortune found him early, the shop became successful enough for Purswani to bring his wife and their new-born son, Nash, to live with him. Nash is now the MD of the Thai Martin Group in Bangkok.

Over the course of the next two decades, the Global Indian went on to open more than a dozen Martin Tailor shops across the country. The brand grew and went on to become the largest franchise of tailoring businesses in Thailand. This was a huge leap for Purswani considering the fact that he used to earn a meagre ₹ 80 a month at Hong Kong.

Taking obstacles in stride

Not all was well in Thailand the year Purswani arrived. The country was under a military regime, one that wasn’t friendly to foreigners doing business – and his friends cautioned him before he made the move. Purswani was fearful of the unstable political state and wondered whether he would be able to build a stable life for himself and his family but stayed put nevertheless.

“I was a headstrong, business- minded youngster who, having seen the challenges in Hong Kong, felt that obstacles could be overcome by hard work and building good local relationships,” he said in an interview.

Leading English Daily, Bangkok Post carried the news of presentation of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award to Mr. Vashdev Tikamdas Purswani by Amb Suchitra Durai. pic.twitter.com/aTIFQ3E81b

— India in Thailand (@IndiainThailand) September 26, 2021

Building Thai-Indian diaspora

As the franchise grew, Purswani began recruiting young Sindhis from India to work for him. Creating an environment of camaraderie and a sense of community helped business flourish.

“My first Sindhi apprentice was my brother-in-law, followed by 25 others. It was like a small ‘tailor cartel’, where each ran their own show, but we would all meet up to play cricket, have picnics, and share anecdotes of our customers,” he said.

Today many of the young apprentices and aspiring businessmen whom Purswani brought to Thailand are full-fledged business owners in the country. “I am very proud of every one of them and what they have built themselves into, both in their personal as well as their professional lives” he said.

The Sindhi community is a close-knit community in Thailand and the credit goes to Purswani – for always being there, ready to counsel and advise.

The Indian diaspora in Thailand now boasts of 7,000 families in the community. ‘It’s been an honour to see the community grow,’ he remarked.

Growth of Thai-Indian businessmen

After Purswani’s tailor shop franchisee burgeoned, he began venturing into larger investments with partnerships in real estate and the industrial sector. His children, who were grown up by this time, also showed interest in a more diversified portfolio of businesses.

The company was renamed, becoming the Thai Martin Trading Co. Ltd. They sold off their tailoring business to an associate, wishing him good luck. Keeping pace with the constant volatility of Thailand’s financial markets has been tough but the Indian diaspora has been able to triumph. With businesses built on a strong network of good relationships and friendships, a precedent led by Vashi Purswani, the community has been able to rise above the many challenges.

Vashi Purswani during Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) ceremony | Photo Credit: Embassy of India, Bangkok

For the greater good

The retired patriarch manages to stay busy. One recent achievement of which he is particularly proud is becoming a major ‘consortium’ shareholder and President of Phoenix Pulp & Paper. The nearly-bankrupt mill found its fortunes turned around by the veteran businessman, with no specialised expertise in managing such a large pulp and paper business but enough acumen to see him through.

“In my own way, I feel proud to have been part of the journey with industrialists, property tycoons, and many members of the Thai and Thai-Indian community who have gone up in the ranks and now run many key positions in businesses and in the government,” said the retired business tycoon who plays advisory roles these days.

The Purswani’s are building a Maha Kali Temple in the Chaiyaphum province of Thailand. Its uniqueness in terms of its aesthetics as well technological amalgamation is set to give the tourism industry a boost.

Vashi Purswani is a great example of one of those Indian immigrants who have not just amassed wealth but also intangible assets, like building a thriving diaspora from which generations to come will benefit.

Follow Thai Martin Group on its website

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Published on 03, Jan 2023

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From a gas station to a multi-billion dollar empire: The rise of the Issa brothers

(October 15, 2024) As teenagers, Zuber and Mohsin Issa were helping out at their parents' petrol station, mopping the floors and cleaning the toilet, when they hit upon their billion-dollar idea. Their story begins in a small home in Blackburn, where they lived with their parents Vali and Zubeda, who had migrated to the UK in the 1970s to work in the booming textile industry. Eventually, the family acquired a petrol station. Currently, the EG Group's empire includes around 6,000 stores and petrol stations, spread out across 10 countries. The Issa brothers themselves have a net worth of £5bn, according to the Sunday Times rich list. The boys had a modest upbringing, studying at Witton Park Academy. Neither was very interested in formal education, though and the brothers followed their parents' footsteps and joined the textile industry. Zuber, especially, showed an interest in retail. So, when, at the age of 17 or 18, according to his wife, Asma, an opportunity presented itself for him to buy a newsagent in Preston, he took it. The kiosk, called Euro News, was in Blackburn. Mohsin, on the other hand, teamed up with his older brother Zakir to co-found Europlastics, a plastics packaging company.

s packaging company.

[caption id="attachment_57870" align="aligncenter" width="347"] Issa brothers | Global Indian The Issa brothers[/caption]

In 2001, the Global Indians began their partnership, pooling in their savings to buy their first petrol station in Bury, Greater Manchester, and Euro Garages, which now spans over 10 countries, came into existence. They were backed from the start by private equity firm TDR capital.

"The boys would help out (their father) during their teen years. That is where the passion for petrol stations came in," said Asma, Zuber's wife, in an interview. The two brothers themselves are very private, and stay away from the media as much as possible.

From petrol station to an empire

However, they didn't want to just run a petrol station. Even as teenagers, the boys had recognized that merely selling fuel didn't bring in profits. They had to offer customers something more. And opportunity presented itself - around the same time, oil companies were selling off or closing their petrol stations to focus on production and refining instead. They saw an opening in making the shops on forecourts more appealing to customers who stopped by to refuel, incentivising them to spend on coffee, fast food and even groceries. To Issa, this was a transformation from the norm - "dirty, kiosk style stores offering cokes and smokes." They tied up with private equity firm TDR capital, bought up vacant sites and expanded.

The Issa brothers began acquiring the tired, run-down petrol stations and transformed the semi-derelict sites into bustling hotspots, collaborating with big supermarket chains like Spar and Carrefour, as well as fast food chains like Subway, KFC and Burger King. "Fuel sales were declining. We wanted to create a destination where you could get fuel, food-to-go and shopping. This is the formula and it works," Zuber Issa told Financial Times, in a rare interview in 2018, after he and his brother had been voted entrepreneurs of the year by Ernst & Young.

"I didn't know what they saw in the petrol industry. We had only been married a couple of years. We were actually on our way back from holiday in Malaysia, and he stopped off in Bury to see this site and then in the car he told me, 'I have just bought this,'" Asma added. Every Saturday, Zuber Issa would visit all the sites. And when he could no longer manage on his own, his brother Mohsin entered the picture.

The expansion strategy of Issa Brothers

The empire was built on debt, but in 2021, they expanded to the US by acquiring a controlling stake in the country's largest supermarket chain, ASDA. It was a historic deal, as the formerly British chain had been acquired to Walmart, and was bought back by the British-born Issa brothers for a whopping $8.5 billion.

In 2021, they became the largest outside investors in Castore, the fast-growing British sportswear brand. The Beahan brothers, who founded the brand, commented, "Since the brothers have invested, they have really pushed us to grow the business and have helped enormously to accelerate our strategy."

With Zuber spearheading strategies and acquisitions, in 2022, the Issa brothers diversified into venture investing, after leading an $80 million investment in fintech company Bud. They also made an $8.7 billion bid to buy up Boots, a pharmacy chain owned by Walgreens. They also teamed up with KKR in November 2021 for a majority stake in Jaja Finance, after which the company, which is a credit card lender, signed a deal with Asda to launch a new digital card.

When things go wrong for Issa Brothers

Not every venture has been successful, however. With its backing by TDR capital, the EG Group empire is mainly fuelled by debt, and wrong investments become that much more costly. In 2018, EG bought 540 petrol station sites in Australia for $1.73 billion. However, after having to down-value the business twice, EG is now keen to sell.

Moreover, according to media reports, Zuber is also allegedly planning to step down as the co CEO of EG, leaving entirely in his brother Mohsin's hands. In the meantime, Zuber is working to complete his own deal to buy a number of sites from EG Group, according to a report by Bloomberg. And in December last year, the EG Group also signed a deal to sell all its gas stations in the UK and Ireland to Asda, and also offload all its KFC restaurants in both countries.

Issa brothers | Global Indian

Living the high life

The Issa brothers have never forgotten their humble beginnings and have maintained strong ties to their hometown, Blackburn, where their parents continue to live. However, they have also built five luxury homes in Blackburn for themselves and their relatives, complete with basement swimming pools. They also used funding from the Bank of America to buy two private jets, a Bombardier Global 6000 and a Bombardier Challenger 350. Both planes, which flaunt the EG name, cost the Issas tens of millions of euros to acquire.

However, the Issas have a reputation as generous philanthropists, and set up the Issa Foundation in 2016. They make grants to individuals and organisations across the world, from England to India, as well as Albania, Bangladesh, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco and Sri Lanka, to name a few, in healthcare and education. In 2022, they made a £350K donation to hospitals in East Lancashire, and gifted them 127 defibrillators. They also continue to invest in Blackburn, including donating £5 million for the construction of a mosque. Their philanthropic efforts earned them a CBE in the 2020 Birthday Honours for services to business and charity.

Follow the EG group on their website.

Reading Time: 10 mins

Former Masterchef Australia judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris explore the flavours of India

(August 11, 2024) I’m meeting celebrated food icons from Australia, chefs Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris along with food critic Matt Preston, the day after the Indian hockey team beat Australia for the first time in 52 years at the Paris Olympics! But given the mood in the star hotel where the legendary trio are holding court shows that not all Aussies have lost. Sharing their stories, gently ribbing each other, and sharing generous nuggets from their stellar careers, the OG food connoisseurs know a thing or two about enthralling audiences. In a world where food is both an art form and a cultural bridge, few have explored its depths as thoroughly as the talented trio. These culinary luminaries have not only transformed the way we view food through their time on MasterChef Australia but have also embarked on personal journeys that deepen their appreciation for global cuisines, particularly the rich and diverse flavors of India. What makes them special is their deep understanding of local food – they talk knowledgeably about everything food, from local millets, the best haunts for biryani in Hyderabad to the growing fascinating for mandi in India! [caption id="attachment_53568" align="aligncenter" width="432"] Masterchef Australia's OG judges,

ss="wp-image-53568" src="https://www.globalindian.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WhatsApp-Image-2024-08-06-at-11.37.58.jpeg" alt="Gary Mehigan | George Calombaris | Global Indian" width="432" height="576" /> Masterchef Australia's OG judges, Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris on their Conosh India tour[/caption]

Global Indian catches up with the three masters in Hyderabad during their Conosh India tour, as they do what they do best – bringing in flavors, ingredients and dishes from across the world to create a truly global dining experience.

Early influences and culinary beginnings

For Gary Mehigan, the journey began at home. “My grandfather was a chef, but as a young boy, I didn’t know that. I just thought he cooked nice food,” he recalls. Fast food was never on the table with home-cooked meals being a staple, with his mother making everything from pastries to chips in an old fryer. These experiences laid the foundation for his palate and love for food.

Similarly, George Calombaris grew up with a deep connection to home-cooked meals. His culinary journey started with family gatherings and occasional visits to a local Chinese restaurant. “Those visits were special. I remember the prawn crackers and my dad’s excitement over sweet and sour dishes,” George reminisces.

Matt Preston’s culinary roots were firmly planted in his family’s kitchen and garden. “I still remember the fresh smell of tomatoes in the greenhouses! My father was an adventurer who experimented with different cuisines and flavors. So I grew up with a proper love of spices and dishes like Vindaloo.”

Discovering Indian cuisine

The trio's exploration of Indian cuisine showcases their commitment to understanding and celebrating diverse food cultures. George’s connection to Indian cuisine runs deep, with his great-grandfather being born in India. However, it was their first visit to India in 2012 that truly opened their eyes to the country's culinary diversity. “Before that trip, my idea of Indian food was limited to butter chicken and naan,” George admits. “Traveling through India and experiencing the regional cuisines was a revelation.”

[caption id="attachment_53570" align="aligncenter" width="475"] Gary Mehigan | George Calombaris | Matt Preston | Masterchef Australia | Global Indian The Masterchef Australia crew[/caption]

Matt finds the historical and cultural influences on Indian food fascinating. “Indian cuisine has been shaped by various cultures, including Greek, which adds layers of complexity and richness,” he explains. His travels to India have unveiled the intricate tapestry of flavors and histories that define Indian culinary traditions.

Gary echoes this sentiment, noting that their visits to India have been transformative. “The variety of Indian cuisine is astounding. Each region has its own distinct identity, and it’s a learning journey every time we visit,” he says.

Impact of Masterchef Australia

Their time on MasterChef Australia was a defining period in their careers, influencing not only their personal growth but also the global perception of food. “It was 11 years of filming, 16 series, and it changed the perception of food in Australia and India,” Gary reflects. The show celebrated the melting pot of cultures in Australia, showcasing dishes from around the world and inspiring viewers globally.

Matt emphasizes the importance of the diverse backgrounds of the contestants, which enriched their culinary horizons. “Seeing young cooks from different backgrounds, like Jimmy Seervai, Nidhi, and Sandeep, bringing their heritage to the table was amazing,” he says. George adds that the pride and excitement of young chefs from various cultures were truly inspiring, highlighting the show’s far-reaching impact.

Internet and modern cuisine

In today’s digital age, the internet and social media play a significant role in shaping culinary trends and perceptions. However, George cautions against the potential homogenization of cuisines. “It’s a double-edged sword. It makes trends more accessible but can also lead to a loss of regional uniqueness if not approached thoughtfully,” he warns. Matt agrees, emphasizing the importance of using the internet to enhance culinary knowledge rather than blindly following trends.

Gary believes that while the internet opens up possibilities, maintaining the integrity of regional cuisines is crucial. “Indian cuisine, for example, is so diverse and complex that it’s unlikely to lose its uniqueness. The enthusiasm of young Indian chefs ensures that traditional flavors are preserved and celebrated,” he notes.

It is the impact of these shows that is visible in the culinary scene today While two decades ago the best Indian chefs were working across the world now they have opportunities within the country. Gary adds, “Chefs like Varun Totlani are working wonders each day!”

Memorable culinary discoveries in India

Each visit to India brings new surprises and discoveries for the trio. Gary shares his experience of tasting forage-based and fermented foods in Nagaland, which were completely new to him. “The fermented mustard greens tasted like Vegemite, and I would happily spread them on toast,” he says. These unexpected flavors and textures make exploring Indian cuisine exciting.

George is continually astonished by the simplicity and vibrancy of dishes made with humble ingredients like lentils. “It’s a lesson in how you can feed many people with something simple yet delicious,” he remarks. Matt highlights the unique sourness and depth of flavor in Gongura, a dish that stood out to him during his travels in India.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gary Mehigan (@garymehigan)

The journey continues

As they create culinary experiences in India, the trio are excited about blending their culinary styles with local ingredients. Matt mentions using burrata from a local producer in Mumbai for one of their dishes, highlighting their commitment to collaboration with local artisans. “This collaboration and bringing our own twists to traditional flavors make our events special,” he says.

The dinners they curate are experiences in themselves and a true amalgamation of the local and the global – from fresh handmade burratas served on maple salted pineapples and sashimi tuna with caviar sourced from Yarra valley to an aussie bush scone with whipped feta.

Gary and George emphasize the fun and creativity involved in planning their menus. “We enjoy incorporating local elements and seeing how they enhance our dishes. It’s about celebrating the best of both worlds and creating something memorable,” Gary explains. George adds that their focus is on highlighting the synergy between their culinary experiences and local flavors, making each event unique and exciting.

The culinary journeys of Matt Preston, George Calombaris, and Gary Mehigan are far from over. Whether through their time on MasterChef Australia, their travels in India, or their ongoing culinary adventures, Matt, George, and Gary continue to enrich the global culinary landscape, one dish at a time.

Follow Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston, and George Calombaris on Instagram.

After watching missiles fly by, Indian students in Sumy evacuated after 12 days

(March 11, 2022) For the most part of the day, Mohammed Mahtab Raza had his eyes fixated to the skies - sometimes peeping out of his hostel window or tiptoeing out into the open area. Once it turned dark, the 23-year-old, one among scores of Indian students in Sumy, Ukraine, turned into a “spotter” of sorts, tracking the path of each cruise missile illuminating the skies over the university town. “This one is coming towards us? Look close… everyone take shelter, quick, brace,” he yelled, pointing a finger at what appeared to be an incoming missile, dead in the night. Even as Raza and the other students brace for the attack inside the dingy basement of their hostel complex, luck once again favours them as the aerial bomb lands a few buildings away with a bang. Prayerful yet terrified, students stare at the huge ball of fire, and smoke billowing. It was just another day in the lives of the 600-odd students evacuated from the war zone of Sumy after 12 days of Russia’s brute force across Ukraine. Raza, who has been posting developments on his Twitter page, describes huge explosions heard from their dorm room, where the students have

where the students have been in hiding. On March 7, he tweeted that evacuation plans had fallen through, saying, "everyone is frightened,anxious.immediat evacuation. no light,no water, no ways to contact family..." (sic).

[embed]https://twitter.com/DudeMahtab/status/1499663037741031424[/embed]

Evacuation from Sumy had been stalled, however, and on March 8, a day after Mahtab’s final tweet, the Indian ministry of external affairs confirmed that all students had been shifted out. Seen as one of the most complex parts of the evacuation, 500 students were shifted out from Lviv, in specially arranged trains that will take them to Poland. They were seen off at the station in Lviv by Partha Satpathy, the Indian envoy in Ukraine.

Frustrated and tired after the most harrowing time, the near-death experiences faced by these Indian students in the Sumy war zone helped some emerge stronger, wiser as they perfected the art of survival. But there are others who showed signs of depression, requiring medical help for mental health issues once back in their homeland.

“The experiences of the past 12 days have taught us a lot. Throughout these most difficult and challenging times, we helped each other and stood by each other. We shared our problems, and laughed away our troubles, which kept our spirits high,” informs Mahtab, a fourth year MBBS student in Sumy Medical University, in an exclusive interview with Global Indian, hours before hopping onto a bus to Poltava, and onward by train to Western Ukraine.

From keeping track of assaults from air and ground, food and water was scarce, and the sub-zero temperatures were cruel – These MBBS students from different parts of India were on a mission impossible every day as death hovered across Sumy and Ukraine, especially during the nights when the eerie silence was punctured by the deafening air strikes and intermittent firing.

[caption id="attachment_21099" align="aligncenter" width="486"] Mohammed Mahtab Raza | Indian students in Sumy | Global Indian Raza was one among hundreds of Indian students in Sumy Medical University, Ukraine[/caption]

Hailing from Motihari, East Champaran district in Bihar, Mahtab became the most visible face among stranded students. His initiatives - making multiple videos of the deteriorating situation, as he articulated problems, forwarded to the authorities, the Indian embassy and government officials finally reacted. Desperate pleas for immediate evacuation were finally heard.

“There were massive air strikes around us. We heard two blasts at 5 am, which shook all of us. There were heavily armed people patrolling the streets. Once the air strikes started, there was no electricity or water, and a severe shortage of food. We wanted to flee but the railway tracks were damaged in the air strikes, there were no buses or taxis. We were scared and anxious,” informs the 23-year-old, who has been studying in Sumy since 2019. “We could see a missile hitting our university," he added.

The Sumy evacuation was the most complex for Indian authorities as both the warring nations stood their ground, delaying the operation. Though Russia announced a humanitarian corridor, it was not honoured, making it impossible for anyone to move out. Going by various reports, about 21 people died, and scores were injured in Sumy alone.

[embed]https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1499679895370170371[/embed]

Many students had lost hope. Some blamed government, others left on their own, even if it meant facing death. Students helped cheer each other during these tough days indulging in light hearted conversations, which helped lighten the tense atmosphere at the hostel.

“Some students will face PTSD for sure. The deafening sound of bomb blasts, intermittent gunfire was disturbing. Lack of sleep, unhygienic conditions in the washroom due to lack of water, no electricity, consuming stale food, contaminated water and fading hopes of evacuation plunged many into depression,” disclosed another Indian student in Sumy. She herself was unwell at the time of safe passage.

“Some students felt death was certain, and a painful one. This was just after the death of Naveen Shekharappa in Kharkiv,” she says, adding that many would cry inconsolably. Some even alleged that they were being used as human shields.

[embed]https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1501181872079990787[/embed]

In fact, 24 hours before they were finally taken to safety, many had hopped onto buses when the Indian embassy officials dropped the plan as the ceasefire had been violated through the humanitarian corridor, which led to great disappointment. They walked back to the death knell. Now, safe, they are desperate to return home. However, with efforts resuming smoothly, the 500-odd students in Sumy who went to Poland by train, were expected to arrive in India on March 10.

Follow Mohammed Mahtab Raza on Twitter

Reading Time: 6 min

Nalini Saligram: Health transformation game changer in India and the USA

(November 22, 2023) “A 100 million people in India suffer from Type 2 diabetes, while 136 million are pre diabetic,” remarks Dr Nalini Saligram while talking about the diabetes menace. The former corporate executive based in Atlanta and Bengaluru, is committed to making an impact in the global health space as the founder and CEO of the non-profit organisation Arogya World. “Arogya World's work is mostly in India,” Nalini tells Global Indian. “This year we started MyDesiPlate to help Indian-Americans eat right. We are bringing the successful MyThali social media campaigns from India to the US, including #HealthyWaliDiwali. We reach people all over the US and are working with Indiaspora and South Asian Heart Center to reach our US communities,” she explains. This year, Arogya World organised three galas - in Atlanta, California (Mountain View/Bay area), and Chicago to advance its mission and help make every child a healthy child. Dr Nalini Saligram has lived and worked around the world ever since she began her career in 1986. She has led global corporate communications teams for renowned healthcare brands, including Merck in Philadelphia, Merial in Atlanta, Glaxo Wellcome in London, and Hill & Knowlton in Hong Kong. She plunged into social entrepreneurship

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Dr Nalini Saligram has lived and worked around the world ever since she began her career in 1986. She has led global corporate communications teams for renowned healthcare brands, including Merck in Philadelphia, Merial in Atlanta, Glaxo Wellcome in London, and Hill & Knowlton in Hong Kong. She plunged into social entrepreneurship in 2010.

A global journey

Born and raised in Bengaluru, Dr Nalini's life took her on a remarkable journey as she traversed across six countries, following her husband's international postings. Today, she commutes between Atlanta and Bengaluru multiple times a year as her organisation functions from both the places.

With a PhD in biochemistry from Indian Institute of Science (IISC), Bengaluru and a wealth of experience in global communications, Dr Nalini has made it her life's mission to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially diabetes in India, which is considered the ‘diabetes capital of the world’ due to high number of diabetic patients in the country.

Dr Nalini serves on the Dean’s Council at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University and is active with Indiaspora, the India Philanthropy Alliance and the Global Centre for Healthy Workplaces.

Making an impact

Dr Nalini has been working to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—diabetes, heart disease, cancer and chronic lung diseases—through health education and lifestyle changes. Tackling NCDs is critical for the world to meet the sustainable development goals and Dr Nalini is committed towards it. “The Problem is so big that prevention instead of only screening and treatment is the smart solution,” she says.

Since its inception in 2010, Arogya, which means ‘health’ in Sanskrit, has managed to reach close to 12.5 million individuals, ranging from school children to working professionals. Their flagship programmes, like Healthy Schools, Healthy Workplaces, mDiabetes, MyThali, Arogya City and MyDesiPlate, tap technology, including AI, to build and nurture a healthy living movement in India.

Awards and recognition

Dr Saligram's contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. In 2021, Dr Nalini received the prestigious Ashoka Award. Awareness programmes like ‘Healthy Workplaces’ have earned Arogya World a considerable amount of recognition as a thought leader and passionate champion of health. In 2020 – 2021, the organisation was included in the core committee by WHO-NIMHANS for the development of minimum health guidelines for workplaces in India.

Indian Social Entrepreneur | Dr Nalini Saligram | Global Indian

While several leading organizations have joined Arogya World as partners, this August, it celebrated its 200^th workplace collaboration. The organisation has also been invited to serve on CII’s Public Health Council. In 2021 Arogya World was chosen to be part of the Google AI for Social Good effort. In 2022, on her watch, Arogya World was one of the recipients of the prestigious United Nations InterAgency Taskforce and WHO Special Programme on Primary Healthcare awards.

Arogya World has also been working towards the goal of making Bengaluru, India’s first Arogya City with Dr Devi Shetty, the renowned cardiac surgeon and founder of Narayana Health, and Arjuna awardee and former Olympian Ashwini Nachappa, as brand ambassadors.

Empowering people through health awareness

Dr Nalini’s leadership is defined by her vision of supporting and empowering individuals to lead healthier lives. “By learning on the job, I have become a public health practitioner,” says the change maker, who addresses herself an advocate for global health and healthy living as she believes that these are the tickets to the healthy next generation.

“Lifestyle induced diseases like diabetes used to be an adult onset disease but now it is showing up in youngsters as well,” she remarks adding, “Type 2 diabetes which affects Americans and Europeans in their 50s and 60s is now showing up in the 30s or even in 20s and teens in India. But the good part is that it is a preventable disease, and this is what we are working on.”

“We do not need a new vaccine or technology to combat Type 2 diabetes. We just need to lead a healthy life,” she says. “80 percent diabetes and heart ailments can be prevented as per the big clinical trials and landmark studies by WHO, with three lifestyle changes – one must eat right, avoid tobacco and exercise,” Dr Nalini shares. Through her organization, she is educating and empowering people to undergo behavioral changes for better quality of life.

How does it work?

By reaching out to children Arogya World tries to inculcate good habits in them from a young age. A healthy lifestyle acquired as a pre-teen will stay with individuals through their lives, and the non-profit attempts to inculcate these habits early on. It works with students in government and private schools in rural and urban areas, using games and activities to build good habits.

Indian Social Entrepreneur | Dr Nalini Saligram | Global Indian

They have reached more than 1 million kids in the last 10 years and are in process of working with another million plus school children in the coming months. “The impact of Arogya World’s programmes have been validated by Stanford Center for Asian Health Research and Education unit,” shares Dr Nalini.

Under her guidance, the organisation has spread its wings across several states in India, spearheading age specific programmes. The organisation has been taking prevention strategies to people outside their doctors’ chambers - where they live, learn and work by conducting awareness programmes not just at schools but offices as well.

“We create age appropriate programmes and spend a lot of time in the design, and delivery of the content. All our programmes are science based and designed to induce behavior change” she says.

Voices of 10,000 women

In 2013, Arogya World and its collaborators pledged to develop and launch an international survey aimed at capturing the viewpoints of 10,000 women across 10 different countries regarding Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). This commitment, known as a "Commitment to Action," was unveiled during the 2013 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) annual meeting by Arogya World and its partners, including Novartis, Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, American Cancer Society, UNICEF, Population Services International, SRBI, and Jana. They successfully worked on their commitment and in 2014 shared the survey's results during that year’s CGI Annual Meeting.

This significant collaborative public health initiative strived to emphasize the influence of NCDs on women and their families, with the intention of motivating governments to take concrete actions by amplifying women's voices.

Mobile and web technologies were harnessed to conduct surveys among a total of 10,000 women aged 18 to 40, hailing from Afghanistan, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, the UK, and the U.S. Dr Nalini’s team captured the personal narratives of women from these nations to provide an authentic perspective on their experiences in dealing with and combatting NCDs.

Latest initiatives - MyDesiPlate and HealthyWaliDiwali campaign

In 2023, Arogya World introduced a nutritional tool named MyDesiPlate, aligning with US nutritional guidelines. Alongside this launch, they initiated the #HealthyWaliDiwali social media campaign within the US, aiming to encourage Indian Americans to adopt healthier eating habits during festive times.

MyDesiPlate adheres to USDA nutrition guidelines, offering guidance to both Indian Americans and the general American populace on meal composition and appropriate portion sizes in a typical Indian meal. It advocates two fundamental principles for healthy eating—achieving a balanced meal and practicing portion control. The tool specifies the recommended quantity of cooked food for lunch, emphasizing a suggestion for dinner to be a lighter meal compared to lunch.

Indian Social Entrepreneur | Dr Nalini Saligram | Global Indian

Finding her path and achieving success

Dr Nalini's journey at Arogya World began with a deep desire to make a difference. Armed with her scientific knowledge and a fervent commitment to change, she embarked on the endeavour to engage people and leaders in the battle against NCDs in 2010 by establishing Arogya World. Before this Dr Nalini worked in the corporate world for years. “When I found myself restless and underutilised in corporate America, I decided to quit my job at Merck Vaccines and started Arogya World. It’s the best decision I have made in my life,” she shares.

As a relentless advocate for NCD prevention, Dr Nalini doesn't merely rely on her own determination. She leverages the power of public-private partnerships and strategically utilizes global platforms to drive meaningful change.

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Reading Time: 5 mins

Bishwadeep Moitra and Iris Strill: The Indian-French couple empowering Afghan refugee women

(January 19, 2023) One of the crowded alleys in Malviya Nagar takes you to the workshop of Silaiwali - a place that's a world of its own for the many Hazara women who fled the atrocities of the Taliban to make a temporary home in the heart of New Delhi. Sitting among a handful of benches and chairs with the whirring of the sewing machines in the background, one can see many Afghan refugee women busy sewing and crocheting a pile of upcycled fabric into beautiful dolls. It's been four years since the social enterprise Silaiwali came into existence, and till now has given employment to more than 120 Afghan refugee women. The brainchild of a former visual journalist Bishwadeep Moitra and his French wife Iris Strill, a product designer, Silaiwali upcycles waste fabric generated from apparel scraps to create handcrafted decorations by Afghan woman refugees in India. "Ecology and solidarity - our mission is to bring these two together. Our motto is A Stitch Against Waste. A Stitch for Freedom. We are not just making an effort to save the environment from textile waste but also helping marginalised artisans live a dignified life," Bishwadeep tells Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_34097" align="aligncenter"

t="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Indian.

[caption id="attachment_34097" align="aligncenter" width="855"] Silaiwali | Global Indian | Afghan Refugee Women Afghan refugee women at Silaiwali workshop[/caption]

Since the late 1970s, India has given shelter to Afghan refugees, and each year, more Afghanis make their way to New Delhi in the hope of a better life. Currently home to around 30,000 Afghan refugees, South Delhi is bustling with the marginalised community that's looking to start afresh in a new country. And Silaiwali is helping Afghan refugee women give another shot at life.

"Coming from a conservative society, these women mostly never left their homes before stepping into Delhi. But now they want to help their kids have a better life," adds Bishwadeep. Since Malviya Nagar is the hub for many of these refugees, Bishwadeep and Iris knew they had to take their workshop to them. In no time, their craft has found an audience in France, Korea, Japan, Germany, and other parts of the world. So much so that their skills caught the eye of the French luxury fashion house Chloé, who collaborated with Silaiwali for an exclusive range of rag dolls. "Hazara women are known for their embroidery skills, and now they are using the same craft for a wider audience, and it's helping them live a dignified life in India," adds Bishwadeep, who decided to start the venture in 2018 with his wife, after quitting a two-decade-long career in media.

Afghan refugee women | Global Indian | Silaiwali

Journalist-turned-entrepreneur

Having arrived in Delhi as a teenager from Ludhiana where his dad was posted, he never got the chance to complete his graduation owing to the violence that erupted in the capital during the Sikh riots of 1984. Though he did join an engineering course for a year, he gave up soon to start working in a printing unit. Designing was something that intrigued Bishwadeep, so he ended up joining India Today as a graphic designer in the early 90s, and later became one of the founding members of Outlook magazine during its launch in 1995. In the coming years, he rose to the ranks of Executive Editor. "For 21 years, I designed the cover of Outlook magazine and did stories. It was a free-thinking magazine, and I loved my work." However, in 2016, he decided to hang up his boots in the world of full-time journalism as boredom had slowly started crawling into the daily work. "I had done whatever I had to do."

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It was during his time in Outlook that he met his now-wife Iris at Sivananda Yoga Centre in Delhi in 2006. "Like most foreigners, she was interested in yoga, and that's how we first met at the yoga studio," laughs Bishwadeep, adding that she has been visiting India since 1999, and has years of experience in crafts and fashion, "training artisans in making design-oriented products." It was during her long years of working in India as a consultant to fashion brands that she came across the problem of textile waste and realised upcycling was the solution. "Moreover, she had worked with Afghan refugee women who were a part of United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) livelihood initiatives. That's how the idea of working with refugees struck us," reveals Bishwadeep, who has been married to Iris for 13 years now.

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The dolls that make Silaiwali unique

The idea of integrating upcycling with empowering skilled Afghan refugee women gave birth to Silaiwali - a social enterprise with a purpose, and also the concept of selling rag dolls. "Growing up, almost every individual at some time has played with a rag doll. Many people who are now parents played with one, while many kids made one as a part of crafts class or DIY programs." The hand-made dolls are a far cry from the plastic ones available in the market and provide an emotional connection along with celebrating cultural diversity. "Our dolls are for an audience that's conscious about sustainability, peace, equality, and the environment. We wanted to sell a product that has a back story to tell. We are using waste material as the fabric for the dolls which are made by skilled marginalised women who ran away from terrorism, and the income is helping them sustain in a new country."

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While the very first year got Silaiwali a huge order from a US fashion brand COS to make 50,000 key chains using waste fabric, making Afghan women work in a structured environment was one of their biggest challenges. "Since they come from a conservative society where their skills were never used commercially before, getting them to work in professional production was demanding. The products are made for high-concept stores across Europe, they demand high quality of production, and so everything has to be perfect." However, Bishwadeep is grateful that though the women are not trained, they are doing really well and their work is loved by all.

Empowering Afghan refugee women

Leaving the comfort of their country, they have moved to India in search of a better life, and hence, winning their trust was the first thing for Iris and Bishwadeep. "We had to make them feel safe. That was the first step. Even our workshop is like a zenana that provides them a haven." He credits Iris for her charm and personality which played a factor in making these women feel at home. "The way she handled them as a fellow worker and not an owner, made her stand apart. She is a Westerner and believes in treating the worker with dignity. She never misses a chance to ask the women for an opinion on the product as their input is equally vital." While Bishwadeep looks into the administration, marketing, communication, packaging, and graphic designing part, Iris' core focus is the product.

[caption id="attachment_34098" align="aligncenter" width="859"] Silaiwali | Global Indian | Afghan refugee women Iris Strill with an Afghan refugee woman at Silaiwali workshop[/caption]

Currently, 70 Afghan refugee women work with Silaiwali, a number that has gone down drastically from 120 last year. "For most Afghan refugees, India is a transit as they wish to migrate to Australia, Canada, or the US. Last year, Canada invited 1.4 million refugees, and 60 women from Silaiwali, along with their families migrated to Canada. It was heartbreaking to lose our artisans but it's a big gain for them as they get citizenship rights in those countries." Working with Silaiwali has empowered these refugee women who have now become key decision makers in their otherwise patriarchal families. "They are earning a livelihood from the skills they traditionally have. It has instilled a sense of confidence in them and now moving to a new country, they are ready to take on work and new challenges with more gusto and self-awareness of their skillset."

The path ahead

Over the last few years, Silaiwali has found collaboration with big brands like Uniqlo, Chloé, and Ulla Johnson. "In 2022, we partnered with Uniqlo, and had 50 pop-ups around the world including Milan, Paris, and London," says the 57-year-old who bid adieu to journalism to dive into entrepreneurship. "Working on a complex business right now, journalism seemed like a walk in the park," he laughs. From manufacturing to selling to working with the UN, he calls the work "wheel within wheels." When Bishwadeep began, he had no idea about export or how to run a business. For him, the last four years have been a learning curve. Though Silaiwali is bootstrapped, he has plans of scaling up. "We have only tapped into 2-3 percent of the world market. We are keen to go much bigger shortly through social media and exhibitions."

[caption id="attachment_34099" align="aligncenter" width="663"] Silaiwali | Global Indian | Afghan refugee women Silaiwali employs Afghan refugee women[/caption]

After the success of the India chapter of Silawali, Bishwadeep and Iris wish to replicate the model in countries like France. "The concept of upcycling and empowering marginalised communities of the region remains the blueprint for every chapter." With many of their artisans having moved to Canada, Bishwadeep wants to start one chapter in Montreal. "The trained Afghan women who have now migrated to Canada can restart what they were doing."

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You can place order for the dolls on their website

Reading Time: 7 min