Until a couple of days ago, his was a little-known name. However, the Indian government’s ambitious Cabinet rejig has shot Ashwini Vaishnaw to the limelight. But he is not your typical Indian Politician; an IIT-Kanpur and Wharton Business School alumnus, Vaishnaw is a technocrat who managed to impress the ruling party’s top brass with his varied and vast experience. First as an IAS officer, then corporate honcho, and finally as an entrepreneur before he joined politics in 2019. Unafraid to evolve with time, Vaishnaw has portrayed each of his roles with elan. And now the 51-year-old former bureaucrat is all set to take charge as Minister of Railways, Minister of Communications, and Minister of Electronics and Information Technology.
His transformation as a politician is not without its sartorially comic moments. In an interview with Business Standard, Ashwini Vaishnaw said,
“I kept coming to Parliament in shirt and trousers, till the watch and ward staff accosted me asking if I was the private secretary to any MP. I showed them my identity card but from the next day changed to kurta pyjama.”
From Jodhpur to Wharton to the Cabinet
Born in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur Vaishnaw secured a gold medal in BE (electronics and telecommunication) from the University of Jodhpur. Ashwini Vaishnaw then did his M.Tech in industrial management from IIT-Kanpur before clearing the UPSC exam with an All-India Rank of 27 in 1994. His first posting was in Cuttack and over a span of 15 years he worked in various regions including Balasore and Sundargarh. In 2004, he was appointed as Deputy Secretary to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s office where he worked on the public-private partnership model of developing infrastructure.
When the super cyclone hit Odisha in 1999, the Indian Politician was district collector at Balasore. He used information on cyclone patterns from a US Navy website to alert and update the state machinery, enabling them to take immediate relief and preventive measures. His work helped them save 10,000 lives with timely evacuations.
In 2008, Vaishnaw took a break from government services to pursue an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. When he returned, he voluntarily resigned from the Services to join the private sector. He went on to work with top companies such as Siemens and General Electric in leadership roles. In 2012, he decided to embrace entrepreneurship and ended his corporate stint to set up Three Tee Auto Logistics Private Limited and Vee Gee Auto Components Private Limited – both manufacturing units of automotive components – in Gujarat.
In an interview with NDTV, his Wharton batch mate and fintech startup Ula’s CEO Nipun Mehra said,
“Ashwini was one of the most brilliant people in my Wharton MBA class. He was older than most of us and had accomplished so much before coming to Wharton so the class learned quite a lot from him.”
By 2019, Vaishnaw had entered active politics and was elected as member of the Rajya Sabha. His appointment to the Union Cabinet has surprised many, as unlike others Vaishnaw has never held any post at the state level. Political experts say it is his wide experience in both public and private sectors that made him a prime candidate for the portfolios when Modi was finalizing names for the recent Cabinet reshuffle.
Vaishnaw will now don the influential role as India – one of the fastest growing markets for American companies – gears up for its confrontation with technology giants such as Twitter and Facebook.
Mobile based agro-advisory services are assisting even the small and marginal farmers. They can get alerts on market price, cultivation practices, weather forecast, pest and disease management etc.#DigitalIndia is changing the life of farmers. pic.twitter.com/LkuoGZQHRj
(July 23, 2022) The first tribal leader, youngest candidate, and first head of state born post-independence - are just some of the terms which are now being associated with Droupadi Murmu. Winning by a phenomenal margin of 64 percent, the Adivasi leader from Odisha scripted history on July 21, as she became the 15th President of India. After four rounds of polling, where she received 2,824 votes, the former Governor of Jharkhand emerged victorious against Yashwant Sinha, the former Minister of Finance of India. [caption id="attachment_27266" align="aligncenter" width="550"] President Droupadi Murmu with Prime Minister Narendra Modi[/caption] Hailing from the Santhal tribe of Odisha, Murmu has a long and glorious political career behind her. Despite several personal setbacks, she kept working towards uplifting the marginalised communities, not just in her state, but across the country. Global Indian takes a look at the life journey of the next Indian President. Early years Born in 1958, in Uperbeda, a small village situated approximately 285 km away from Odisha’s capital, Bhubaneswar, Murmu was the only daughter among three kids. Inspired by her father, Biranchi Narayan Tudu, who was the chief of the village, a young Murmu would stay up late at night to study
Born in 1958, in Uperbeda, a small village situated approximately 285 km away from Odisha’s capital, Bhubaneswar, Murmu was the only daughter among three kids. Inspired by her father, Biranchi Narayan Tudu, who was the chief of the village, a young Murmu would stay up late at night to study one chapter ahead of what was being taught at her school. The President, however, was not just good at academics. She was also an athlete, who won many medals in school competitions.
[caption id="attachment_27267" align="aligncenter" width="724"] An old image of Tudu family. Droupadi Murmu can be seen standing second from right.[/caption]
After finishing her seventh standard at the Uperbeda Middle English School, Murmu moved to Bhubaneswar, where she completed her high school and moved on to pursue a bachelor of arts at the Rama Devi Women's College. Married soon after her graduation, she never let anything come in the way of her career. An ambitious youngster, Murmu's first job was at the Odisha State Irrigation and Power Department, where she worked as a junior assistant from 1979 to 1983. The couple subsequently became parents to two sons and a daughter.
In the early 90s, the family moved to Rairangpur, where Murmu worked as an assistant professor at the Shri Aurobindo Integral Education and Research Institute.
A glorious political journey
As a teacher, Murmu took stock of the many social ills that plagued Rairangpur - such as high illiteracy, bad sanitation, and rampant health issues. Moved by the people's plight, the President took up voluntary teaching and worked toward educating kids from the most remote parts of Odisha. She entered politics in 1997, contesting in the local polls as a BJP candidate. She won, becoming Rairangpur's councillor. An able leader, Murmu would personally supervise the sanitisation work in the town, making sure that the drains and garbage were cleaned properly. An excellent orator in Odia and Santhali, Murmu's persistence and reputation helped many young kids, especially girls, get back to school.
[caption id="attachment_27269" align="aligncenter" width="643"] An old staff photograph of Integral School, Rairangpur. Droupadi Murmu is standing fourth from left[/caption]
A member of the Bhartiya Janata Party, Murmu was elected twice to Odisha's Legislative Assembly - in 2000 and 2009 - from the Rairangpur seat. In the Biju Janata Dal - BJP coalition led by Naveen Patnaik, Murmu even took care of the commerce and transport, and fisheries and animal resources portfolios. Between 2006 and 2009, BJP made Murmu the state president of its scheduled tribe's wing, during which Murmu worked extensively with the remote Adivasi communities, suffering from social and economical disadvantages. It was during this period that she was conferred with Nilkantha Award for the best MLA by the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
A tragic turn
Her professional career was flourishing. As she climbed higher in Odisha's politics, Murmu's life came to a sudden halt after she lost her eldest son, Laxman Murmu, in 2009. According to reports, the 25-year-old was found unconscious by his bed. Although the family rushed him to the nearby hospital, he couldn't be saved. About three years later, Murmu lost her second son in a road accident. "I was devastated and suffered from depression," Murmu had shared, during a 2016 interview with Doordarshan, "I spent sleepless nights after my son's death. It was when that I visited Brahma Kumaris, I realised I had to move on and live for my two sons and daughter."
While she was still picking up the pieces of her life, Murmu's encountered another tragedy. In 2014, Murmu's husband succumbed to a major cardiac arrest, leaving behind an inconsolable wife. But realising that she had to take care of her teenage daughter, Murmu pulled herself together and continued her work towards the betterment of her community. She later became the National Vice-President of BJP Scheduled Tribes Morcha.
Road to Raisina Hills
After suffering through several personal setbacks, Murmu's life was slowly coming back on track. Impressed with her work for the socially and economically weaker communities in Odisha, the Government of India appointed her as the Governor of Jharkhand. The first female to be sworn into the office, Murmu took several hard decisions to protect the rights of the tribal community of Jharkhand. This included her refusal to approve the bill seeking amendments to the Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908, and the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act, 1949.
[caption id="attachment_27272" align="aligncenter" width="632"] Droupadi Murmu during her presidential campaign[/caption]
BJP-led National Democratic Alliance considered Murmu's name as their official candidate for the 2017 Presidential election. However, the party picked Ram Nath Kovind over her. In June 2022, Murmu was nominated by the NDA as their candidate for the 15th President of India. Sixty-four and still enthusiastic to work for the people, Murmu visited numerous states, including Odisha, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and met the head of governments there during her presidential campaign. As many as 73 percent of Members of Parliament and 74 percent of Members of the legislative assembly, of 6,76,803 value, voted for the tribal candidate, who is set to be sworn in as the 15th President of India on July 25, 2022.
(August 4, 2024) With Kamala Harris stepping up as a presidential candidate in the US, there has been a surge of interest in women politicians. This renewed focus highlights the significant contributions and growing influence of women in politics. Global Indian puts into spotlight six Indian-origin women politicians serving in different corners of the world, showcasing their achievements and the diverse paths they have taken to leadership roles. These trailblazers not only represent their constituencies but also serve as inspirations for future generations of women leaders globally. Kamala Devi Harris United States Following Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race, Kamala Harris is the presumptive Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election. The American politician and attorney has been serving as the 49th vice president of the United States since 2021 under President Joe Biden. She holds the distinction of being the first female vice president, the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, and the first African American and first Asian American to hold the office. A member of the Democratic Party, Harris was a U.S. senator from California from 2017 to 2021 and previously served as the attorney general of California. [caption id="attachment_53216" align="aligncenter" width="475"] Kamala Harris[/caption] The Oakland, California-born
ican and first Asian American to hold the office. A member of the Democratic Party, Harris was a U.S. senator from California from 2017 to 2021 and previously served as the attorney general of California.
The Oakland, California-born politician graduated from Howard University and the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a biologist whose research on the progesterone receptor gene advanced breast cancer studies. Harris’s mother moved to the United States from India as a 19-year-old graduate student in 1958, while her father, Donald J. Harris, is an emeritus professor of economics at Stanford University, who came to the United States from Jamaica in 1961 for graduate studies at UC Berkeley.
Shivani Raja
United Kingdom
In May 2024, the British Conservative Party politician was announced as the Conservative candidate for the Leicester East constituency. She was elected to the House of Commons in July 2024, winning with a majority of 14,526 votes. Her victory marked the only seat gained by the Conservatives in the 2024 election. The Indian-origin politician took the Oath of Allegiance holding the Gita.
Shivani was born in Rushey Mead, Leicester, to parents who immigrated to the UK from India and Kenya in the 1970s. She attended Herrick Primary School, Soar Valley College, and Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College. She graduated from De Montfort University with a first-class honour’s degree in cosmetic science. In 2017, she participated in the Miss India UK beauty pageant and was named a semi-finalist.
Zaneta Felice Antoinetta Mascarenhas
Australia
The Indian-Australian politician made history as the first woman to win the seat of Swan in its 101-year history and as the first person of Goan origin elected to Australia's House of Representatives. She was elected during the 2022 federal election for the Division of Swan in Australia. Mascarenhas has a background as an engineer, having worked for 15 years in Western Australia and Victoria, including as a FIFO engineer. Her career also includes 12 years dedicated to climate change action, during which she supported ASX 200 companies in their decarbonisation efforts. Additionally, she has volunteered with The Climate Reality Project.
Born in Kalgoorlie in Western Australia to Indian immigrant parents of Goan descent, who migrated from Kenya, she pursued studies in science and engineering at Curtin University in Perth, where she served as President of the Student Guild.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar
Trinidad and Tobago
Often known by her initials KPB, the politician served as the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago from 2010 until September 2015. She was the nation's first female Prime Minister, Attorney General, and Leader of the Opposition. Additionally, she was the first woman to chair the Commonwealth of Nations and the first woman of Indian origin to lead a country outside of India and the broader subcontinent.
The Trinidadian lawyer, politician, and educator currently holds the position of leader of the opposition in Trinidad and Tobago, serving as the political leader of the United National Congress (UNC). Kamla Persad-Bissessar was born in Siparia, southern Trinidad, to Lilraj and Rita Persad, both Hindus of Indian descent. Her father worked as a bookkeeper in Texaco's accounting department, while her mother started as a maid and labourer in cocoa fields, eventually saving enough to own and operate a roti shop.
Priyanca Radhakrishnan
New Zealand
Radhakrishnan has been serving in the New Zealand Parliament since the 2017 general election as a representative of the New Zealand Labour Party. She was the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector from 2020 to 2023. Radhakrishnan worked as a social worker among the Indian community in Auckland, and joined the New Zealand Labour Party in 2006. She has been active in internal party policy development as well as at development of the party at the local and regional level. In 2021, Radhakrishnan was conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award for public service by the President of India. In 2023, she was granted retention of the title ‘The Honourable’ in recognition of her term as a member of the Executive Council.
Priyanca Radhakrishnan was born in Chennai to Malayali Nair parents. Her great-grandfather, Dr C. R. Krishna Pillai, played an instrumental role in the formation of the state of Kerala. She grew up in Singapore before moving to New Zealand. After completing her master's in development studies, she became a social worker and eventually a politician.
Kamalpreet Khera
Canada
The Indo-Canadian politician is one of the youngest women ever elected to Parliament. She has been serving as the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities since 2023. A member of the Liberal Party, Khera has represented the riding of Brampton West in the House of Commons since the 2015 federal election. She also served as the Minister of Seniors from 2021 to 2023.
[caption id="attachment_53228" align="aligncenter" width="645"] Kamal Khera[/caption]
Khera was nominated as the Liberal candidate for Brampton West in December 2014 and won the seat in the federal election the following October. When first elected in 2015, she was the youngest Liberal MP in the House and the second-youngest overall. Before entering politics, Khera attended York University, earning an Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She then worked as a registered nurse in the palliative and oncology units at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto.
This list is not exhaustive but provides an idea of how Indian-origin women politicians are making waves in different corners of the world. There are many more women who are not part of this list but are significantly contributing to the field of politics.
(October 26, 2022) "Trust is earned and I will earn yours," said Rishi Sunak, soon after being sworn-in as the Prime Minister of the UK. It's cause for celebration by Asians the world over. Understandably so - it's an accomplishment with many firsts (he is the first Hindu and the first person of colour to hold the PM's office. He is also the youngest and richest ever). Poetic justice has definitely been served. Although his family's connections with Africa go back two generations, Rishi has never doubted that his roots are truly Indian. Having grown up in the UK, Rishi found success soon after college, working with two hedge funds and going on to become partner at one.Still, he left it all behind to head for the sunny, very promising California climes, where he quickly a name for himself with hedge funds and to graduate as a Fulbright Scholar from Stanford University, where he would also meet his wife, Akshata. Despite a life of privilege (which has caused controversy), Rishi has hardly been the man to choose the easy way - whether it's taking off across the Atlantic or choosing to enter politics as a Conservative candidate. His first bid
choosing to enter politics as a Conservative candidate. His first bid for Prime Minister was thwarted by Liz Truss although he burst back onto the scene with the overwhelming support of 190 MPs. As congratulations pour in from around the world, Global Indian takes a look at his journey.
From Africa to the UK
For Rishi, it has been a long way here, a journey that began with his grandparents, who left India in search of a better life nearly a century ago. His parents were both born in Africa- his father in Kenya and his mother in Tanganyika, which later became part of Tanzania. It was part of a long and shared history - after the creation of the East African Protectorate in 1885, many Indians migrated there. Both regions were under British control at the time.
This symbiosis didn't last long, with vast numbers of Indians leaving East Africa in the second half of the 20th century. Politics had changed and Idi Amin's expulsion of the Indian minority from Uganda made life very difficult for the diaspora, who packed up their bags and moved. In 1966, Rishi's maternal grandfather Raghubir Sain Berry set off to the UK with his family. His wife sold her wedding jewellery to fund that trip.
Rishi's father went on to study medicine at the University of Liverpool while his mother studied pharmacy at Aston University. Rishi, who even did a stint waiting tables at an Indian restaurant, has spoken often of the sacrifices his parents made. "But it was Britain, our country that gave them, and millions like them, the chances of a better future."
Warmest congratulations @RishiSunak! As you become UK PM, I look forward to working closely together on global issues, and implementing Roadmap 2030. Special Diwali wishes to the 'living bridge' of UK Indians, as we transform our historic ties into a modern partnership.
A glowing article in The Tatlerdescribes Rishi Sunak 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 RishiSunak comes with a tear-jerker of a rags-to-riches, immigrant in the UK origin story. Far from it. Born to a physician father, Yashvir, while his mother, Usha, ran a pharmacy, his life was decidedly upper-middle class.
Still, even if there are doubts raised about his privileged upbringing, Rishi's capability as a leader is well-known and greatly appreciated among his party MPs. In 2015, he made his political debut by winning the constituency of Richmond, North Yorkshire, in the general elections. Despite early hurdles, he 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.
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 toe 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.
California dreaming
After graduating from Oxford in 2002, Rishi joined Goldman Sachs, where he worked for three years as an analyst. Then, he worked with The Children's Investment Fund Management, a hedge fund firm and became a partner in 2006. After he moved to California, he worked in hedge funds and experienced the buzz of genius and enterprise that comes with being in the Silicon Valley. Eventually, he went to Stanford University for his MBA. Those were golden days in sunny California, a love affair that hasn't quite died out for Rishi Sunak.
Appearing on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuennsberg, he said, "You make the point about California. I have lived and worked in California and I actually think it's one of the reasons I would be good at this job.
Rishi went on to reflect on the "culture" of enterprise he witnessed during his two years living on the West Coast. "I think it's incredibly inspiring and empowering. If I was a young person, I'd want to go and do something like that." Rishi went on to add, causing some controversy as he geared up for the Prime Ministerial race that Liz Truss went on to win, that he will not rule out moving to his Santa Monica home if he loses the election.
Meeting Akshata Murthy
[caption id="attachment_31061" align="aligncenter" width="379"] Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murthy at their Bengaluru wedding in 2009[/caption]
The first time they met, Rishi said in an interview, he knew there was "clearly something." Akshata, the daughter of Indian billionaire and Infosys co-founder Narayana Murty was in Stanford University too and Rishi recalls re-arranging his schedule to take the same classes so he could "sit next to her." The couple married in 2009.
In a poignant letter to his daughter in 2016, Narayana Murty describes coming to terms with the man who stole his daughter's heart. "I, too, was a little sad and jealous when you told us you had found your life partner. But when I met Rishi and found him to be all that you had described him to be-brilliant, handsome, and, most importantly, honest-l understood why you let your heart be stolen. It was then that I reconciled to sharing your affections with him," he wrote. Akshata continues to manage her father's venture capital firm, Catamaran Ventures in the UK and together, the couple are the 222nd richest people in Britain, with a combined net worth of GBP 730 million as of 2022.
The political route
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. Then 37-years-old, 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.
[caption id="attachment_31063" align="aligncenter" width="744"] Rishi Sunak with his family[/caption]
The Conservative man of colour
As a conservative candidate of colour, Rishi'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.
Making history
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. Finally, Akshata stepped in, saying she would pay the taxes, not because she had to because she “wanted” to do so.
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 contested then as something of an underdog, with Liz Truss eventually being named the Prime Minister. He tenure was short-lived and tumultuous and on October 25, Rishi Sunak, who stood unopposed, was named the Prime Minister –in-waiting of the UK. Perhaps Rishi will have his own chance at rewriting history after all.
(July 21, 2022) A modest gathering of 800 people turned up one fateful day in December, 2010, for Saaku, Bengaluru's anti-corruption campaign. These were the early murmurs of a movement that would, one year later, sweep its way across the nation as the India Against Corruption movement. Among those in attendance in Bengaluru was Shanthala Damle, who had just returned after a decade in the United States to begin a career in politics. "I had seen that life can be different,” Shanthala tells Global Indian. “We Indians have it in us to follow the rules and do the right thing but as a country, we need to streamline the process, to create a systemic change. And for that, we need political change." Shanthala’s presence at the Saaku protest had been to hear JP Narayan, founder of the Loksatta Party, whose speech was followed by that of another "firebrand," - a feisty activist named Arvind Kejriwal. Although she couldn't have imagined it at the time, destiny was waiting quietly for her on the sidelines. Today, she's the Karnataka State Secretary of the Aam Aadmi Party and as we speak, is taking a day off from her door-to-door canvassing efforts in Mahalakshmi Layout, Bengaluru, where she
Karnataka State Secretary of the Aam Aadmi Party and as we speak, is taking a day off from her door-to-door canvassing efforts in Mahalakshmi Layout, Bengaluru, where she intends to contest as an MLA in 2023.
Raised in Bengaluru, Shanthala's father worked at the iconic HMT as an electrician in the machine tools division. "It was a middle-class upbringing," she says, but a happy one nonetheless, with all the freedoms that come with urban life. But thing changed when she was nine as her family moved to Chikkabanavara, where she spent one year. "I grew up in a Brahmin household and was aware of things like caste, but you don't really encounter those things in a city. Not like you would in a small village."
For the first time, Shanthala came face-to-face with rural India's deeply divided social fabric. She returned to Bengaluru and went to study at the HMT School, where company employees could educate their kids. "But that one year stayed with me." At home, she was the eldest of four and often wondered if the emphasis placed on boys had had any role to play in her family's choices. Even growing up, she was never given to accepting the status quo - not without asking questions, at least.
Moving to Davanagere at 17 for her engineering degree was another bold decision for the time. She was one of the very few girls, and being an outsider made her a rarer quantity. Even so, she spoke out against the injustice and corruption that took place, unquestioned, before her eyes - lecturers collecting salaries but refusing to come to class for instance. Shanthala attempted to speak up but was quickly subdued - nobody wanted to risk their futures over an act of rebellion.
When Shanthala returned to Bengaluru, the IT boom was just beginning. She found a job but longed to go abroad and applied for a H1B visa. Despite numerous interviews, no offers came her way. "One agent was kind enough to tell me why - they were all afraid that being a young woman, my parents would ask me to get married and forbid me from going, which would mean a wasted effort for the agent." Shanthala says. It was a call that happened to be made entirely by the agent, as employers in the United States placed no such restrictions on women applying for work visas. "I said I wasn't going to get married, which was my stand at the time and so, he helped me get the H1B visa." Again, every decision meant pushing the envelope, of peeling back layers of entrenched inequality and discrimination so hard to discern it went unnoticed.
Living in the USA
Landing in Washington, a thriving hotbed of diversity, Shanthala didn't just find a new world. She found the chance to see the world with new eyes. Everything seemed simple – “Soon after I found a job, I was able to get loans, first for a car and then a house. All the processes were so easy and straightforward, I didn't have to pay any bribes!" Even in the less developed neighbourhoods, people had the basics. Their houses had heating and a fridge and they could get unemployment benefits for six months. I'm not going to say that the US is perfect in every way. But government processes are easier. And there is something for everyone. No matter how little a person has, they aren't going to starve."
She did, however, have cause to recall what her agent had told her back in India. Mingling with the diaspora, she met many women who were unhappy and dejected. Highly educated, several had quit good jobs back home to join their spouses in America on H4 visas. "They were class toppers and had done well in India. In the US, they couldn't work legally on H4 visas - many women would go into a depression."
A turning point
"All this made me want to examine the difference between different political systems," Shanthala says. She read extensively - the history of America - their freedom struggle, the civil rights movement and women's fight for suffrage, which they received in 1921. "Luckily, our Constitution had been written by Dr Ambedkar, a man who understood inequality and independent India came into being giving women equal rights to vote. I wondered, if it hadn't been for him, would we still be fighting for voting rights today?"
By the time she signed up for an MBA programme at Virginia Tech, Shanthala was aware she wanted to return home and join politics. "I wrote it in my application essay," she smiles. She had just met the man she would go on to marry and recalls asking him to proofread her essay, also in part so he would know that she meant to return to India. "If he didn't want that too, I wouldn't have proceeded with our relationship."
Shanthala was, however, keen to study in the USA and after her MBA, worked for three years as an Application Development Manager, gaining experience in managing teams. At the university, she found a vast chasm between what she had known in India and the system that existed in America. Indian and Chinese students were academically excellent, handing in flawless written assignments and acing the theory sections. They would, however, cower in class, reluctant to speak up and participate. "I had to learn to speak in public, to build on others' ideas. In India, we like to start with 'I disagree', but in America, they go about things differently. It's a lesson I continue to apply in my life today.”
The journey back home
If all of her decisions so far had pushed the envelope, quitting a job in the US to return home and be in politics was outright preposterous - to those around her, at least. In the US, she would meet up with Indian friends over the weekends, who would spend hours "ranting about how horrible India is." It troubled her. "It's all very well to talk but who will change things? I wanted to bring about that shift and as far as I was concerned, every change is political."
During the final year of her stay in America, Shanthala joined the office of Krystal Ball, a Democratic nominee who chose to contest boldly from Virginia's 1st congressional district, a historically Republican bastion. Intrigued by her story, Krystal allowed Shanthala to experience the gamut of processes that comprise a campaign, from answering phone calls and handing out leaflets to accompanying her as she attended house meetings and working with the campaign management team.
Finding a foothold in politics
Shanthala arrived in India in 2010, at the age of 37. Drawn to the classical liberal ideals of JP Narayan, she joined the Loksatta Party in Bengaluru and threw her weight behind NASA-scientist turned urbanist and social technologist Ashwin Mahesh as he contested for the upper house election in 2012. Although that didn't result in a Legislative Council seat, the effort was commendable, with the Bangalore Mirror noting at the time, "If every one of the voters Mr Mahesh enrolled for voting had turned up to cast their ballot on election day, he would have won by a thumping majority." For Shanthala herself, it was a lesson in creating an election campaign on ground, of helping to build a campaign from scratch. Meanwhile, in May 2013, she contested as a Loksatta party candidate for the assembly elections in Karnataka, receiving 9000 votes from her constituency in Basavanagudi, Bengaluru. Soon after, she met Arvind Kejriwal, who even invited her to Delhi to join his AAP campaign for the Delhi assembly elections - she didn't.
On February 1, 2014, Shanthala officially joined the Aam Aadmi Party. Arvind Kejriwal, who had led the party to a historic win in Delhi and was Chief Minister, resigned a fortnight later when the Jan Lokpal Bill failed to garner a majority in the assembly. "It was a bittersweet time - President's Rule was declared in Delhi and when the general election happened later that year, we lost everywhere apart from four seats in Punjab. But then, AAP had pulled off something tremendous, becoming a national name within a year or two of its formation."
She has risen steadily up the ranks since then and is currently the Karnataka State Secretary. Today, her days are spent canvassing through Mahalakshmi Layout, where she hopes to contest the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections next year.
[caption id="attachment_27212" align="aligncenter" width="458"] With Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal[/caption]
Avalahejje - for the rights of women
In 2015, when she went in for what she thought was a routine medical check-up, Shanthala was diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer. Months of rigorous treatment followed, "I was 42 at the time and my body was able to handle aggressive treatment," she recalls. After she went into remission, she would wonder everyday if a relapse would occur. "Then I thought to myself, what if it doesn’t re-occur? I would have given up a job in the US to be in politics but what would I have actually accomplished?” And so, in 2017, she leaned into another cause she held dear - gender equality, founding Avalahejje. Over the years, she had watched women struggle, from being unable to get work visas to join their spouses abroad to rejecting promotions so they won’t earn more than their partners.
Before the pandemic, Avalahejje’s model involved bringing successful women to address girls in rural and less developed areas. Their programmes include conducting workshops in colleges, annual festival and documenting video interviews of women who have carved themselves a place in society. She’s clear about not wanting to be an activist or running an NGO, aiming instead for self-sustaining social entrepreneurship models to facilitate a change that "seeps in naturally.” “All I want to see is girls being able to make their own decisions without fear and to reclaim some of the space that is rightfully theirs.”
(November 27, 2022) He might have been born and brought up in Lavik, Norway, but he is still connected to his roots in New Delhi. Norwegian politician Himanshu Gulati has time and again spoken fondly about how his Indian heritage has influenced his life choices and the paths he has taken. A vocal advocate of human rights in Europe, Himanshu became the youngest state secretary in the Norwegian parliament, when, at the age of 25, he was appointed state secretary for Anders Anundsen in the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. But there is so much more to this politician than meets the eye. Having travelled to more than 160 countries, Himanshu has directed an International Art House feature film, starred in several cinemas and documentaries, and also participated in and hosted shows on Norwegian television. [caption id="attachment_32195" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Indian-Norwegian politician Himanshu Gulati[/caption] The Global Indian, who is currently a Member of the Norwegian Parliament for Akershus and the Delegation to the Nordic Council, Himanshu was conferred with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman 2019 in the field of public service. "I am proud to be a Norwegian but my soul, the way I think, the way my views have been
noopener">Global Indian, who is currently a Member of the Norwegian Parliament for Akershus and the Delegation to the Nordic Council, Himanshu was conferred with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman 2019 in the field of public service. "I am proud to be a Norwegian but my soul, the way I think, the way my views have been shaped, is very much influenced by my Indian heritage and I try to stay very closely connected to India," the politician shared during a recent interview.
The Hygge land
In the early 1970s, in search of better work opportunities, a young doctor couple moved from New Delhi to Lavik. Starting their careers from scratch in Norway, the couple was able to start practicing independently in the small village. And this is where Himanshu was born. While the politician is quite private about his family life, he has shared that his childhood experiences pushed him to choose a career in public service. "My parents, like a lot of people, left India in the 70s-80s. They headed for Norway and started with two empty hands. My father is an educated doctor, and my mother is a physiotherapist. I am very grateful to them. Me and a lot of people who had been born to Indian parents abroad got opportunities served to them on silver platters while people who did the hard work were our parents’ generation. I am just a small example," he expressed during a conference.
Not unlike many Indian kids in the country, Himanshu grew up watching Indian movies and eating Indian cuisine for lunch and dinner. Even though the family wasn’t able to visit New Delhi every year, Himanshu's parents brought him up with all the same value systems within which they had been raised. "Indians, wherever they travel, are very good at preserving their culture. Although living away from India, my parents, like millions of other Indians abroad, closely watched Bollywood films, listened to Indian music. They made Indian food not just for themselves but for all the neighbours and sort of became ambassadors of Indian culture. Indians are very good at exporting their cultures to others,” Himanshu said.
When he was about 14 years old, the Gulati family moved from a small village to Lillestrøm in Akershus. After finishing school, the politician studied medicine for a while, before deciding it was not for him. He later received a bachelor's degree in Economics from BI Norwegian Business School, and also attended a six-month course in filmmaking at an academy in India.
Exploring the world
Since he was a young boy, Himanshu never missed an opportunity to go out on picnics with his schools friends or even on a one-day trip to Oslo with his father. So, after finishing his degree, he decided to take a break to roam the world, before 'settling down. “Travelling is the true passion of my life and I urge everybody to travel as much as possible. I travelled a lot within India also and was fortunate to see all parts of the country. Travelling truly expands one’s horizon and also teaches one that the world is not black and white," he shared.
[caption id="attachment_32196" align="aligncenter" width="714"] Himanshu with his family[/caption]
The politician, who has travelled to 160 countries, loves to meet new people and learn from various cultures. He said, "The world is full of nuances and people all over are very different in culture. I have travelled to some dangerous parts of the world like North Korea, which is one of the most isolated countries in the world. I was recently in Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and also have participated in several personal initiatives to help Norwegians stranded abroad to come home. So I do travelling for my soul and as a hobby."
Climbing the political ladders
After taking an early interest in local politics, Himanshu was keen on leading his people even when he was a graduate student. In 2007, the politician fought his first election at the age of 18 and became a representative on the Skedsmo municipal council, representing FrP. In 2010, he became the vice-chairperson of the Progress Party's Youth and was later elected as its chairperson in 2012.
In 2013, he became the youngest state secretary in Prime Minister Erna Solberg's cabinet and was appointed as the state secretary in the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. "I am truly very grateful for the opportunity to have high positions of office in politics at a young age and although it is less common in India, I am lucky it is not completely uncommon in Norway for people below 30 to be Members of Parliament or Deputy Ministers. I think it is important in every society that people of all ages, and the younger ones, have their voices represented in politics and play a part in how society is shaped. It helps to create better policies if all age groups are represented," the politician expressed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leJyxNEnAtg
While it was a commendable feat, his journey was not sans challenges. He shared, "I have been able to ascend high in politics at a young age. The challenge you face as an outsider being so young in politics is that people underestimate you. But we live in a world where what you do and the input you provide is more important than who you are. That is one of the reasons I could also be where I am.”
An outspoken critic of the Red-green coalition, especially on issues of foreign policy, immigration, and taxation, Himanshu has been heavily involved in the development of Akershus, as well as several immigrant minorities. Speaking about the Indian diaspora in Norway, the politician shared, "The Indian community in Norway is small but making a big impact. We are fortunate to have Indians on the highest level in all sectors. They are extremely respected and are fantastically contributing to the economy."
[caption id="attachment_32199" align="aligncenter" width="737"] Himanshu (extreme left), along with Sushma Swaraj, former Minister of External Affairs, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, and Yogi Adityanath, CM of Uttar Pradesh, during the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman 2019[/caption]
During a recent interview, the politician recalled his experience of receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award in 2019. "It was an out-of-the-world experience and for the motherland of my parents to honor the children of somebody who left India 40 years ago. Personally, to receive the Award from the President and Prime Minister was one of the greatest honors of my life and something I will never forget," he shared.
An old image of Tudu family. Droupadi Murmu can be seen standing second from right.[/caption]
An old staff photograph of Integral School, Rairangpur. Droupadi Murmu is standing fourth from left[/caption]
Murmu family[/caption]
Droupadi Murmu during her presidential campaign[/caption]
Kamala Harris[/caption]
Shivani Raja[/caption]
Zaneta Mascarenhas[/caption]
Kamla Persad-Bissessar[/caption]
Priyanca Radhakrishnan[/caption]
Kamal Khera[/caption]
Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murthy at their Bengaluru wedding in 2009[/caption]
Rishi Sunak with his family[/caption]
Shanthala Damle[/caption]
With Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal[/caption]
Himanshu with his family[/caption]
Himanshu (extreme left), along with Sushma Swaraj, former Minister of External Affairs, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, and Yogi Adityanath, CM of Uttar Pradesh, during the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman 2019[/caption]