Global IndianstoryParag Agrawal: IIT-Bombay alum takes over as Twitter’s CEO after Jack Dorsey’s exit

Indian Origin

Parag Agrawal: IIT-Bombay alum takes over as Twitter’s CEO after Jack Dorsey’s exit

Written by: Global Indian

(November 30, 2021) For months now speculation has been rife that Twitter’s founder Jack Dorsey was to step down as CEO. The search was on for a suitable successor, and it finally ended on Monday when the company announced that its Indian-origin Chief Technical Officer Parag Agrawal will helm the social media giant as Chief Executive Officer. The news sent cheer across the subcontinent as one more US major appointed a person of Indian origin into a leadership role. Agrawal, at 37-years of age, is also one of the youngest Indian-origin executives in the US.

He joins the august club that includes Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, Alphabet’s Sundar Pichai, IBM’s Arvind Krishna, Adobe’s Shantanu Narayen, VMWare’s Raghu Raghuram, and Deloitte’s Puneet Renjen.

The news has been lauded by several industry leaders such as Elon Musk, Tesla and Patrick Collison, CEO, Stripe. While Collison tweeted, “Google, Microsoft, Adobe, IBM, Palo Alto Networks, and now Twitter run by CEOs who grew up in India. Wonderful to watch the amazing success of Indians in the technology world and a good reminder of the opportunity America offers to immigrants.” Musk replied saying, “USA benefits greatly from Indian talent!”

USA benefits greatly from Indian talent!

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 29, 2021

Man of the hour

Parag Agrawal was born and raised in Mumbai, and is an alum of IIT-Bombay. His father was a senior official at the Indian Department of Atomic Energy and his mother, a school teacher. As a student, his brilliance was already noticeable when he bagged a gold medal at the 2001 International Physics Olympiad in Turkey. He schooled at Atomic Energy Central School, and graduated in computer science engineering from IIT Bombay in 2005. A PhD from Stanford University in computer science, his depth of experience working for majors like Microsoft, AT&T Labs and Yahoo! during his research avatar gave him an edge that he has since embellished.

Parag joined Twitter in 2011 as a distinguished software engineer, and gradually rose up the ranks of CTO in 2017. In fact, Parag was the company’s first distinguished engineer, and his work across revenue and consumer engineering, including his impact on the re-acceleration of audience growth in 2016 and 2017 added a notch to his resume. As CTO, he was responsible for Twitter’s technical strategy, leading work to improve development velocity while advancing the state of machine learning across the company, a company release stated.

What also worked in Parag’s favour was that he is well-liked across the company, including Dorsey. “He’s been my choice for some time given how deeply he understands the company and its needs. Parag has been behind every critical decision that helped turn this company around. He’s curious, probing, rational, creative, demanding, self-aware and humble,” Dorsey wrote in a message to Twitter.

not sure anyone has heard but,

I resigned from Twitter pic.twitter.com/G5tUkSSxkl

— jack⚡️ (@jack) November 29, 2021

Bolstered by arduous work and talent

According to a report published in Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Indian Americans form the second largest immigrant group in the US with population well past the 4 million mark. In fact, the Bay Area, where Parag now lives, is home to the second largest Indian American population in the US, after New York area.

The talent and innovation brought to the table by Indian Americans has been propelling several to leadership roles. Anand Mahindra, of the Mahindra Group too tweeted, “This is one pandemic that we are happy and proud to say originated in India. It’s the Indian CEO Virus… No vaccine against it.”

This is one pandemic that we are happy & proud to say originated in India. It’s the Indian CEO Virus… No vaccine against it. 😊 https://t.co/Dl28r7nu0u

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) November 29, 2021

The Indian formula to success

R Gopalakrishnan, management veteran, former Tata Sons honcho and author of The Made in India Manager concurs that Indians are primed for management and leadership roles. “This is a trend that is getting clearer by the day. At least 10 of the major companies in the US have persons of Indian origin helming them. The principal reason for this is the fact that Indian management executives are like gladiators. They’ve been training for management roles their entire lives without even being aware of it. They are extremely competitive and are unfazed by the constant hurdles that come their way,” says R Gopalakrishnan, adding how management is like a performing art, and with an Indian’s ability to adapt to any scenario. Their critical thinking skills using relationship orientation make them prime candidates for management roles.

Brand India for the win

As more Indians take on leadership roles across the globe, especially in the US, they are adding heft to Brand India and the pool of talent that the subcontinent offers.

Parag Agrawal with his undergrad research mentor Frederic Cazals

This move will help Twitter smoothen ties in India where it has been running into troubled waters. Industry veteran Tiger Ramesh, former CEO, CSS Corp, avers that this could also be an attempt to build a better relationship with India, and arrest the downward spiral. “Home grown Koo is gaining market share over Twitter as well. By making its CTO the CEO, Twitter will want to be able to defend and protect its platform and architecture from the growing demand from many countries for regulating it. Twitter has become very controversial around the world spurred by the arrogant attitude and image of Jack Dorsey. By making an Indian-born the CEO, it will be seen as a move to change this image. The world has seen Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, and many others build more credible images for their respective organisations worldwide, especially with India, which is the largest emerging market.”

Personally speaking

Destiny too had a role to play in Agrawal’s personal life. His wife Vineeta Agarwala also studied at Stanford University, and after a happy courtship, the couple was married at Amber Vilas in Jaipur in a colourful and jubilant traditional Indian wedding. Vineeta has a BS in biophysics from Stanford University, with an MD and PhD from Harvard Medical School/MIT. Vineeta is a physician, and works as adjunct clinical professor at Stanford School of Medicine. They have a son Aansh who was born on Thanksgiving. A love for travel, an eye for the perfect shot, and a profound belief in family, Parag often posts pictures of his travels and family on social media.

Parag Agrawal is the new CEO of Twitter.

As he takes on the mantle of CEO, Agrawal has a slew of tasks cut out. In his note to the company before inviting all employees for a hands-on meeting on November 29, Agrawal wrote, “Thank you, Jack. I’m honored and humbled… Our purpose has never been more important. Our people and our culture are unlike anything in the world. There is no limit to what we can do together. We recently updated our strategy to hit ambitious goals, and I believe that strategy to be bold and right. But our critical challenge is how we work to execute against it and that’s how we’ll make Twitter the best it can be for our customers, shareholders, and for each of you.”

The other Indian on Twitter

Incidentally, Twitter also has an Indian-origin lawyer Vijaya Gadde who was in the limelight earlier this year for helping suspend Donald Trump’s Twitter account. Gadde, a corporate lawyer, spearheaded the suspension of Trump’s account after his posts encouraged and supported rioters in the US.

With inputs from TEAM GLOBAL INDIAN

Follow Parag Agrawal on LinkedIn and Twitter

Name*

Email*

Name*

Email*

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Published on 30, Nov 2021

Share with

ALSO READ

Sunil Kumar: Indian-origin academician will be Tufts University’s next president

(November 22, 2022) History is being created at the Massachusetts-based Tufts University, as Indian-American academician Sunil Kumar has become the first person of colour to be appointed as its next president. Indian-origin Kumar, who is provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Johns Hopkins University, will succeed President Anthony P Monaco next summer. Peter Dolan, the chair of the Board of Trustees said that Sunil "brings to Tufts a lifelong commitment to excellence in higher education and an exceptionally strong record as a leader, teacher, and colleague," and is confident that Kumar will "help bolster Tufts' mission to improve the world." Sunil, on the other hand, was attracted to Tufts because of its mission to serve "not only the people within its confines — its students, faculty, and staff — but the society at large," and he is keen to take up the presidency on July 1, 2023. [caption id="attachment_31977" align="aligncenter" width="666"] Sunil Kumar will be Tufts University's next president[/caption] Born in Bengaluru to a father who served in the police, Kumar often moved around the country, and it taught him to view "change as exciting and welcoming." This set the foundation for Kumar as a young lad

engaluru to a father who served in the police, Kumar often moved around the country, and it taught him to view "change as exciting and welcoming." This set the foundation for Kumar as a young lad who ended up graduating in 1990 with a bachelor’s in engineering from Mangalore University. Later, he enrolled in the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru for a master's degree in computer science and automation. It was here that he met a visiting professor from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, who recruited him for a doctoral program in electrical engineering. After receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois in 1996, he dipped his toes into the world of academia by teaching at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. "When I was a rookie assistant professor at Stanford, it took me a couple of years to get used to the fact that they would pay me to do that stuff. And I have never lost that kind of awe and wonder about the academic enterprise, and I'm the happiest in it," he told Tufts.

After spending a considerable amount of time at Stanford, he was named dean of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Almost six years ago, he became provost and senior vice president at Johns Hopkins.

Sunil Kumar, provost and senior vice president at @JohnsHopkins, has been appointed Tufts University’s next president, starting July 1, 2023. https://t.co/sUMZEr8j0l pic.twitter.com/wNHuiIhFWP

— Tufts University (@TuftsUniversity) November 17, 2022

Now with a few months left to officially take over the president of Tufts University, Kumar says that certain exciting challenges keep him awake, including, "how to make the Tufts experience available and accessible to more people, how to make Tufts research even more impactful and how do we help society more, here and now."

For someone who moved from Bengaluru to Illinois, he understands the importance of making Tufts affordable, as he knows the value of financial aid in higher education. He received generous financial support for his graduate studies at the University of Illinois, and added, "It would not have been possible for me as a son of a police officer to do anything else," adding, "Affordability is not a theoretical concept for me. I hope I represent an example of somebody who benefited from an institution opening its doors wide and I would like even more people to have the same opportunity."

Being the first person of colour to lead Tufts University, he calls "diversity and inclusion" indispensable values, and says that it's not enough to talk the talk. "We also have to make sure that we operationalise our values, and sufficiently resource them so that we can execute on those values and make sure that Tufts is indeed as inclusive as it can be," the Global Indian added.

[caption id="attachment_31978" align="aligncenter" width="625"] Sunil Kumar tufts Sunil Kumar is an Indian-origin academician[/caption]

Kumar, who will take over as the 14th president of Tufts University coming July, knows that his mission is to produce well-rounded individuals - something he missed out on being an engineering student. When he moved to Illinois, he discovered through the library what he had missed by not having a liberal arts education. "What matters is to develop the mind and to strengthen the heart. And for that liberal arts education is essential," he added.

Reading Time: 4 min

First among equals: Who is Rishi Sunak, the man leading the race for UK’s PM?

(July 16, 2022) "Rishi is one of the most decent, straight people with the highest standards of integrity I have ever met in British politics." Former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, who was one of the candidates eliminated in the first round of voting on July 13, threw his weight behind former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak, for whom he was full of praise. With Priti Patel bowing out of the Prime Ministerial race and Attorney General Suella Braverman winning a paltry 27 votes in the second round of voting, Conservative Party MP Rishi has emerged as the Indian-origin strongman, topping the first round with 88 votes. Global Indian takes a look at Rishi's life and his rise in politics. A glowing article in The Tatler, describes Rishi from his days waiting tables at an Indian 'curry house' named Kuti Miah. The restaurant's owner was friends with Rishi's parents, Yashvir and Usha. Which is not to say that Rishi Sunak comes with a tear-jerker of a rags-to-riches, immigrant in the UK origin story. Far from it. Born to a physician father, while his mother ran a pharmacy, his life was decidedly upper-middle class. Far from his exotic, immigrant status giving him

Rishi Sunak comes with a tear-jerker of a rags-to-riches, immigrant in the UK origin story. Far from it. Born to a physician father, while his mother ran a pharmacy, his life was decidedly upper-middle class. Far from his exotic, immigrant status giving him a leg-up, Rishi's upper crust life has made him 'less relatable' among the hoi polloi, which could prove to be a disadvantage. What's more, the re-emergence of an old clip, in which he says, "I have friends who are aristocrats, I have friends who are upper class, I have friends who are, you know, working class, but... well, not working class," could hamper his prospects. However, for a man who has overcome great odds as a candidate of colour in a conservative party, it might not be too big a hurdle to overcome.

[caption id="attachment_27001" align="aligncenter" width="830"] Rishi Sunak. Photo credit: Rishi's website[/caption]

Despite early hurdles, Rishi was quickly picked out as a rising star - according to The Tatler, this quality was spotted early on, even by his former boss at Kuti Miah. That year, in 1998, as the then 18-year-old Rishi was all set to enter Oxford University, his boss remarked, "You're going to be someone, Rishi." Sure enough, the fiercely patriotic young man, who grew up, thanks to his parents, immersed in the local community, never looked back.

Head boy to hedge funds

His broad grin, which he flashes generously, belies the seriousness that lies beneath - Rishi's flawless record goes back a long way, he was Head Boy at Winchester College, an independent boarding school for boys and also editor of the school paper. He went on to read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Lincoln College, Oxford, where he first dipped his toes in politics, as an intern at the Conservative Campaign Headquarters. He graduated in 2001, which was also the year he gave the fateful interview about his 'working class friends' to Middle Classes: Their Rise and Sprawl.

After graduating from Oxford in 2002, Rishi joined Goldman Sachs, where he worked for three years as an analyst. He, then, moved onto The Children's Investment Fund Management, a hedge fund firm and became a partner in 2006. That year, he moved to America to get his MBA from Stanford University, as a Fulbright Scholar.

It was at Stanford that Rishi would meet his future wife, Akshata Murty, daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayan Murty, marrying her in 2009. As the media is only too happy to point out, the couple is the 222nd richest people in Britain, with a combined fortune of £730 million as of 2022.

[caption id="attachment_27002" align="aligncenter" width="724"] Rishi Sunak | Global Indian Rishi Sunak with his wife, Akshata Murty[/caption]

In the political fray

Rishi's entry into politics began in 2015 when he won the constituency of Richmond, North Yorkshire in the general elections, becoming the Conservative Party's rising star almost instantly. His entry, however, was not well-received by other conservative candidates, who resented this apparent upstart claiming territory they believed to be theirs. His victory was even more noteworthy because he contested "as a rank outsider," according to the Business Standard, "in the 97 percent white, prosperous rural Conservative bastion of Richmond in Yorkshire, where, the joke goes, there has been no immigration since the Norman conquest in 1066." However, his right-wing economic views - Rishi is an enthusiastic believer in free markets and a vocal critic of Brexit - helped him secure a historic win.

In 2018, Rishi was inducted in the UK government by then British Prime Minister Theresa May. At 37, Rishi was a Conservative party MP (Richmond, Yorkshire) with great promise, entering the government as the parliamentary-under-secretary of state in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Incidentally, he was joined by another Indian-origin MP, also a pro-Brexit campaigner - Suella Braverman, who was Suella Fernandes at the time.

Rishi went on to make several contributions in the House of Commons, on issues like digital economy, social mobility and foreign direct investment. "From working in my mum's tiny chemist shop to my experience building large businesses, I have seen how we should support free enterprise and innovation to ensure Britain has a stronger future," Rishi told the media back in 2018.

Rishi Sunak | Global Indian

On a sticky wicket?

As a conservative candidate of colour, Rishi Sunak's position is always likely to be precarious. Will he usher in a post-race era, or speak up for the hyper-local, ethnic problems that minorities face in the UK? Always fiercely patriotic, his loyalty to the UK cannot be called into question. However, he remarked, to the Business Standard, "British Indian is what I tick on the census, we have a category for it. I am thoroughly British, this is my home and my country, but my religious and cultural heritage is Indian, my wife is Indian. I am open about being a Hindu." Although he is given to phrases like "Oh crikey," he does speak a smattering of Hindi and Punjabi.

In 2019, Rishi became the first Indian-origin to be named Chancellor of the Exchequer, taking over 11 Downing Street as one of the most powerful people in England. His term was, admittedly, fraught with controversy - he was charged with breaking lockdown laws, for instance. And the debate around wife Akshata Murty’s non-dom status (it exempted her from paying some ₹196 crore in taxes) continues to rage on.

On July 5, 2022, Rishi resigned from his post as Chancellor of the Exchequer, withdrawing support from PM Boris Johnson over a sexual harassment scandal within the government. He did, however, refuse to badmouth Boris, calling him, "one of the most remarkable people I've ever met." He said, in no uncertain terms, that "he would have no part in a rewriting of history that seeks to demonise Boris." With that final, noble gesture preceding his entry into the prime ministerial fray, perhaps Rishi Sunak will have his own chance at rewriting history after all.

Follow Rishi on Instagram and Twitter

Reading Time: 6 min

Ann D’Silva: The Indian writer who chased her dreams to Istanbul

Dreams are a gateway to the subconscious. The invisible doors to awakening in the path of spiritual growth and transformation. The language of the Universe that speaks to the soul. But it's only a few who dare to follow their dreams. And one such person is Indian-Turkish author Ann D'Silva. It was her dream that took her on a journey to Istanbul and led her to becoming a best-selling author. In an exclusive interview with Global Indian, D'Silva said, "The Universe is always speaking to us. It's about understanding the messages and following them. If I had not listened to myself, my true dream and personal journey would not have happened. Moving to Turkey was the most courageous, riskiest, and rewarding thing I have done. Beyond fear is where the magic lies." Love for writing Born and raised in Delhi, D'Silva forged a loving relationship with words at a tender age. At 8, she started writing poetry, and her inspiration came from her grandparents and their love story. "My grandfather was a journalist with the Reuters and my grandmom was from JJ School of Art, so creativity runs in our family. Their romance was always an inspiration," added the author.

nalist with the Reuters and my grandmom was from JJ School of Art, so creativity runs in our family. Their romance was always an inspiration," added the author.

[caption id="attachment_5105" align="aligncenter" width="336"] Ann D'Silva is an Indian writer based in Turkey Ann D'Silva's grandparents[/caption]

Intrigued by classics like Odyssey and Jane Austen’s works, D'Silva studied Literature at Hindu College. But in the last quarter of her third year, her family moved to Mumbai after her father suddenly fell ill. Mumbai became D'Silva's home for almost two decades. After completing her studies, she ventured into the corporate world where she worked in the telecom, travel, and banking sectors.

The perspective shift

It was in 2014 that things started to change for D'Silva who was then heading the global alliances team at the Sahara Group. "I was at the zenith of my career when the scandal broke. It was a turning point in my life because I kept asking myself 'is there a message for me?' I realized that it was time to make a switch and do something that I was passionate about. I was always interested in poetry, spirituality, chakras, and past-life regression. That's when I decided to write my first book," she said.

The Global Indian journey

It wasn't until her maiden trip to Turkey that she started working on her first book, Sand & Sea: Footprints in the Sand. "I used to have these intriguing recurrent dreams about Turkey. I always thought Turkey was my place. I didn't speak the language, I didn't know anybody. But the place always drew me. In 2017, when I stepped inside the Blue Mosque for the first time, I knew I belonged there. So, in 2019, I moved to Istanbul," revealed the Indian-Turkish author.

"By the time, I returned from Turkey, I had all the characters, elements, and places sketched in my mind," added D'Silva. Released in January 2019, Sand & Sea: Footprints in the Sand became a best-selling book in no time and is now being translated into Turkish. The book about soulmates and Nature's connection to love is one of hope and courage.

[caption id="attachment_5095" align="aligncenter" width="289"] Ann D'Silva's book Sand and Sea Ann D'Silva's book cover[/caption]

After the success of her debut book in the Sand & Sea trilogy, D'Silva released her second book Sand & Sea: Child of Two Worlds in April this year. She revealed that she is planning to finish the third book soon as a Bollywood production house is interested in making a screen adaptation of her books.

In no time, this Global Indian has become a popular name in literary circles. The author likes to call herself an "exposed" Indian who got a chance to experience the world. "I feel I am a modern Indian who was born in the 70s, grew up in the MTV era of the 80s where there was a dialogue around women’s identity and emancipation," she added.

Despite having relocated to Turkey, D'Silva feels very much Indian. "I am an Indian woman in a sari. I am very close to my roots because my country made me who I am. I am global spiritually and mentally. I believe in an inclusive culture and forging new relationships with people with the right energy."

The winds of change

[caption id="attachment_5100" align="aligncenter" width="514"] Ann D'Silva is an Indian writer based in Turkey Ann D'Silva in Istanbul[/caption]

A spiritual being, D'Silva believes that change is the only constant. And it’s the embracing of change that has brought her to her current life. "When I used to do training on leadership, I used to often say that you cannot expect different results doing the same things. The realm shifts when you decide to embrace the change."

Born as a catholic, D'Silva converted to Islam about four years ago. "I am spiritually connected with Allah."

Giving back

D'Silva is also a humanitarian and someone who is fiercely driven about social responsibility. Apart from being a global goodwill ambassador and a board member of Asian African Chambers of Commerce and Industry, she was the co-founder of the India Heart Initiative.

Created with respect for the embroidery and textile traditions in India, the initiative helped artisans get their due. "We used 25% of the profits to educate women on health and to provide them computer literacy. I have plans of reviving the initiative and I am already in talks with a Turkish investor for the same."

Editor's Take

Just flipping through the pages of a book, one can be easily transported to a different country, its culture, its nuances, and stories. Books often open up portals to another dimension, to a higher level of consciousness and awareness, and that's exactly what the best-selling author Ann D'Silva has done with her Sand & Sea trilogy. Through her inked words, she is inspiring millions of people to follow their dreams and to trust their instincts.

Reading Time: 5 mins

How Michelin star chef Vikas Khanna turned pandemic hero for millions of Indians

A week into the pandemic saw scores of people left helpless and at the mercy of others. With the entire nation in lockdown, things started spiraling down for poor Indians who couldn't arrange two meals for themselves and their families. That's when Michelin star chef Vikas Khanna extended a helping hand right from his apartment in the US. The New York-based chef turned out to be a saviour for millions of Indians with his Feed India Initiative. Vikas, who knows how to cook up a storm in the kitchen, couldn't turn a blind eye to his dying countrymen. This concern led to the germination of Feed India Initiative where he provided more than 50 million meals for the poor. With his army of volunteers and bags full of ration kits, Vikas made sure that he helped as many poor Indian affected by the pandemic sleep on a full stomach. Hero for the masses The 49-year-old, under his initiative, set up make-shift kitchens alongside highways and roadsides. People who had no access to kitchens were served warm meals, while free ration kits were distributed from door to door. In addition, he donated over 5,00,000 slippers, 3.5 million sanitary pads, and 2 million

door to door. In addition, he donated over 5,00,000 slippers, 3.5 million sanitary pads, and 2 million masks.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vikas Khanna (@vikaskhannagroup)

The international chef credits his mom for the inspiration behind Feed India Initiative. The campaign was started as a promise to his mother.

"She was in quarantine back in Amritsar and would constantly update me about the hunger crisis in India, and how she wanted me to help," he told Forbes India.

"Her words to me were, 'All your successes are a contribution from the entire India. We celebrated you as ours and now we need you more than ever. It's your duty to stand up and feed India'. That was enough for me to put everything on the back burner and focus on this.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vikas Khanna (@vikaskhannagroup)

Today, Khanna is a global culinary icon but his journey to the top was anything but smooth.

From bylanes of Amritsar to the streets of New York

Born in a simple Punjabi family of Amritsar with a club foot (a condition in which leg bones are not aligned properly at the joint), Khanna’s childhood wasn’t close to anything normal. At a tender age, he started to wear wooden shoes to align his feet properly. It was this accessory that made him feel like an outcast as everyone laughed at him. To avoid being teased by other children, Khanna spent most of his time with his grandmother as she cooked food for the family. And he instantly fell in love with cooking. His escape route soon turned into a passion.

By the age of 13, Vikas was able to walk properly, and he finally felt liberated. Like most Indian dads, Khanna’s father, who owned a video cassette library, too expected his son to take up engineering. However, Vikas had his eyes on opening a restaurant. At 17, his career took off as a chef with a catering business called Lawrence Garden Banquets. Located in an unused space behind his house, he started rolling out deliveries to kitty parties at Rs 40 per head.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vikas Khanna (@vikaskhannagroup)

But Khanna's perspective on food shifted with a visit to Delhi's ITC Maurya Sheraton. His uncle saw the potential in Khanna and took him to sample the midnight buffet at the five-star. In a conversation with the Hindustan Times, he said:

"I remember falling to my knees and crying - I have never before seen food that could be art. I kept repeating that I have never had such lovely food."

His uncle challenged him to beat this benchmark, which turned out to be the beginning of his professional training.

American dreams

He soon joined the Welcome Group Graduate School of Hotel Management, Manipal, and worked with many well-known chefs. After completing college, he went to work with Leela Kempinski in Mumbai for three years only to return to Amritsar to take charge of his catering business.

It was his older brother who planted the seed of the American dream in Khanna's mind. He asked Khanna to take his talent to a global stage, which inspired the MasterChef India judge to apply for the US visa.

It wasn’t essentially a smooth start and he had his share of hiccups in the Big Apple. From waiting tables to dish washing, he did every possible chore. Khanna, who was patiently waiting for his golden ticket, finally found it in the form of a 300 portions appetiser order. The dish landed him a position of executive chef at Salaam Bombay Restaurant.

This was the beginning of his American dream. In 2006, Khanna made an appearance on Gordon Ramsay's show Kitchen Nightmares that changed his life forever as he was the first Indian to be on prime time on Fox. Within three years of his TV debut, Khanna's restaurant Junoon opened in 2010.

During his college days, Khanna had read a news article about how India doesn't have a single Michelin star chef, and the idea stuck with him for a long time. "I have a very bad habit of getting obsessed about things people tell me I won't be able to achieve. So I thought, why not take up this challenge? Also, Americans were not so aware of our country and cuisine, so that moved me even more, and finally, since I wasn't that well-known, I started playing with Indian food," he added.

Within ten months of its opening, Junoon received a Michelin star. "I think that when someone from a small town makes a mark on the world map, it truly feels great. I’m really thankful to that person who wrote that we don't have a Michelin star chef."

Junoon became an instant hit with celebrities with the likes of Tom Cruise, Andre Agassi, and Sarah Jessica Parker being its regular customers.

In 2012, Khanna cooked Satvik food for President Barack Obama.

Filmmaker and Author

He is not only a culinary artist but also a filmmaker and an author. He penned The Last Color which was later made into a motion picture and made its debut at Cannes Film Festival. Khanna belongs to the league of those rare chefs who have put Indian cuisine and philanthropy on the global map.

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