Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveFrom Bridgerton to L’Oréal: Simone Ashley’s journey beyond skin colour

From Bridgerton to L’Oréal: Simone Ashley’s journey beyond skin colour

By: Amrita Priya

(July 14, 2024) Last month, the Monte-Carlo Television Festival hosted a star-studded event in Monaco, which saw the who’s who of the television industry gracing the blue carpet. For 63 years, the Principality of Monaco has been hosting its own international television festival where major broadcast networks, digital platforms, and well-known artists come together in picturesque settings to promote their programs to the press and public and to compete for the prestigious Golden Nymph Awards. This year the ‘International Golden Nymph for Most Promising Talent’ was awarded to British Indian actress Simone Ashley – best known for her role as Kate Sharma, the female lead in season two of the highly successful Netflix series Bridgerton.

Indian Actor | Simone Ashley | Global Indian

Simone Ashley receiving the Golden Nymph award for ‘Most Promising Talent’ by Prince Albert II of Monaco

Apart from her role as the spirited Kate Sharma in Bridgerton, Simone Ashley has been recognised for her performance as Olivia Hanan, on the Netflix dramedy Sex Education. For her success as an artist Simone was named in the 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 list and the TIME 100 Next list. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that have helped me open doors throughout my career and I would particularly like to thank Shonda Rhimes (television producer and screenwriter who helmed Bridgerton), and Netflix,” Simone said after receiving the award from Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Recently the Indian origin actor has also been appointed as the UK’s ambassador of the beauty brand L’Oréal.

Earning worldwide stardom

Simone Ashley (Simone Ashwini Pillai) skyrocketed to global fame nearly overnight, after featuring as the lead in season two of the immensely popular Netflix series Bridgerton – transitioning from being moderately successful to becoming an international star.

The actress had already created a mark among the fans of the Netflix series Sex Education, but her role as the lead in Season 2 of the immensely popular Netflix series Bridgerton made her career soar.

Simone Ashley in Bridgerton

The Indian origin actor had left home at 16 to pursue her dreams. In 2018, she made her feature film debut in Boogie Man, and a year later, she secured the role of Olivia Hanan in the Netflix series Sex Education. After auditioning for the romantic period drama in 2020, she was named the leading lady of Bridgerton in early 2021, and there has been no looking back ever since. “I think that it’s a gift to an actor to be presented with such a great character journey,” she remarked about the role that changed the course of her career and life for the better.

The India connection and love for acting

Born to Indian Tamil parents Latha and Gunasekharan Pillai in Camberley, Surrey, Simone grew up in a family of academics. However, despite her family’s academic background, she developed a passion for performing arts, a fact that initially concerned her parents. Nonetheless, her family supported her endeavour to pursue her creative interests in singing classical music and opera and playing the piano. They even moved to another town so that she could attend Redroofs Theatre School in Maidenhead. Later she enrolled herself in the Arts Educational School in London for training in acting.

Using stardom to raise awareness

While growing up in the UK, Simone was made aware of her dark complexion early on. “I remember people saying certain things that make you really aware of the colour of your skin,” she remarked in an interview. Later, when she started looking for acting opportunities, it led to slower growth in her career compared to other aspiring actors. “But I never surrendered to it,” she said, highlighting how skin tone-based discrimination affected her career initially.

Always inclined towards giving back, as soon as Simone started getting successful, she began putting her stardom to good use by raising awareness about colourism in the industry. She believes actors are still ‘typecast’ and ‘overlooked because of the colour of their skin.’

Simone Ashley

That’s one of the reasons she is excited about her new role as the UK’s ambassador for L’Oréal. “I’m so honoured to be invited to join the L’Oréal Paris family and to stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the most inspiring and beautiful women in the world,” she said. “Being the face of a brand like L’Oréal means the world to me. I guess maybe I manifested it when I was a kid – I always dreamt of stuff like this. I feel very happy.”

Simone’s journey of achieving her dreams of becoming an actor and then being chosen as the spokesperson for the world’s leading beauty brand serves as a powerful example of how talent shines irrespective of skin colour.

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Published on 14, Jul 2024

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Paris 2024: Hyderabadi table tennis champ Sreeja Akula all set for Olympics

(July 8, 2024) With the Olympics just around the corner, India's rising star in table tennis, Sreeja Akula does not feel the pressure. “This is my first Olympics, and I am as prepared as I can be. I will give it my best shot and not worry about the rest,” the upcoming Olympian tells Global Indian. The Arjuna Award winner is currently ranked 25th in the world and comes off a great year that saw her go from strength to strength. 2024 was a watershed year for the young player as she became the first Indian women table tennis player to win international tournaments courtesy of her victories at the WTT Feeder, Corpus Christi, Texas, and the WTT Feeder, Beirut II. The right-handed player who plays both singles and doubles has performed at the highest levels over the past years by consistently beating formidable players from Korea and China. The paddler’s story is one of perseverance and triumph, making her one of the most promising athletes on the Indian sports scene. [caption id="attachment_38518" align="aligncenter" width="519"] Sreeja Akula[/caption] Family matters Sreeja's initiation into table tennis began at the age of nine, when her parents enrolled her in a local coaching center.

alindian.com/youth//wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sreeja-1024x1024.png" alt="Sreeja Akula | Table Tennis | 2024 Paris Olympics | Global Indian" width="519" height="519" /> Sreeja Akula[/caption]

Family matters

Sreeja's initiation into table tennis began at the age of nine, when her parents enrolled her in a local coaching center. Recognizing her potential, her coach encouraged her to participate in various state-level tournaments.

“My father used to play table tennis, as did my sister Ravali, so I sort of grew up watching them play and was obsessed with becoming a good player. Also, I was very weak as a child, so my parents encouraged me to play as it helped to build my stamina,” she states.

Having trained at St. Paul’s Academy, the YMCA, and then at the academy started by her coach, Somnath Ghosh, Sreeja’s childhood was spent mostly on courts in Hyderabad.

Sporting stars are not born in isolation. The young sporting star saw immense sacrifices made by her family. With both parents (mother Sai Sudha and father Praveen Kumar) in insurance, one of them constantly accompanied her as she played in tournaments across the country, traveling by trains and buses, always supporting her along the way.

She recalls, “My father had to shift from a government job to the private sector just so that he could afford the expenses of travel and tournaments. My mother learned to ride a two-wheeler so that she could pick us up and drop us off at the academy. My grandparents took over running the household, as either of my parents used to constantly be on the move along with me. I am here because of my entire family.”

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A post shared by Sreeja Akula (@sreejaakula31)

Rising through the ranks

It was all this grit and hard work that helped Sreeja Akula make her mark very early on in her career. Just two years after she started playing (in 2009), she won her first medal (bronze) at the national championships and never really looked back.

Sreeja Akula's rise through the ranks of Indian table tennis has been nothing short of meteoric. She made her mark on the national scene with her performances in the National Table Tennis Championships. In 2017, she won the Junior National Championship, showcasing her talent and signaling her arrival on the big stage.

Her transition from the junior to the senior level was seamless. Sreeja's consistent performances earned her a place on the Indian national team.

2022 was a breakout year, where she clinched the gold (mixed doubles) at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Sreeja also claimed the Senior National Championship in 2022 in women’s singles, successfully defending the title she first won in 2021.

Incidentally, the sportswoman is good at her studies too and spent time traveling hooked on her studies. She laughs, “Academics and sports are my twin loves. I used to travel to tournaments with my text books. I scored a 9.5 GPA in my tenth grade, thanks to my teachers at Rosary Convent, and 96% in my 12th grade.”

Balancing act

Since her childhood, Sreeja spent her time on the court. Did she ever miss out on the regular growing-up activities of going to the movies and hanging out at a mall with friends? “I really don’t believe in having regrets. I always enjoyed playing table tennis, and there was no pressure on me from anyone. Of course, sport requires some sacrifices, but then so does anything if you want to excel,” she explains.

Women players from Hyderabad have really made it big in recent years, from Sania Mirza and Saina Nehwal to PV Sindhu and Nikhat Zareen, as Sreeja joins the big league. Is the sporting environment more conducive for women now? “I’ve been really lucky to have the unstinted support of my family at every stage. Also, I’m an employee of RBI and have support from the Deccan Sports Foundation. Things are definitely looking up for women as we see more and more women athletes make their mark. Also I’ve never really been discriminated against due to my gender.”

Along with her physical fitness, the table tennis star has been working on her mental fitness too, practicing yoga and meditation for ten years. Focusing on the troika of technical skills, physical fitness, and mental toughness, she is today a formidable player on the court.

The Olympic journey

As Sreeja Akula sets her sights on the Paris Olympics in 2024, her journey so far provides a strong foundation for her aspirations. Part of the historic India women’s team to have qualified for the first time for the Olympics, Sreeja is well on her way to achieving her dream of winning a medal on the biggest sports stage.

One of the critical factors in Sreeja’s favor is her experience and exposure to international competitions. Competing against the best players in the world has honed her skills and given her the confidence to face tough challenges. Her ability to adapt to different playing styles and conditions is a significant advantage as she prepares for the Olympics.

"Everyone keeps asking me about the Olympic medal, but I approach every game as if it were an Olympic match. Each victory matters. I take this competition seriously, but it's no different from any other game I play. The Olympics are wonderful, but winning or losing isn't everything. I aim to remain consistent in my outlook, regardless of the outcomes," she explains.

Sreeja Akula’s journey is an inspiring story of passion, perseverance, and hard work. With her skills, experience, and determination, she surely has the potential to bring home an Olympic medal and make India proud. The road to Paris in 2024 is challenging, but a billion Indians are in her corner.

Quick takes

Favorite athletes: Saina Nehwal and Sachin Tendulkar.
When not training: Love reading.
Next target: To be ranked in the top 20 in the world.
Advice to young players: Keep improving and don’t succumb to pressure and expectations. Also, remember that there are no short cuts to success, only hard work and dedication.

Follow Sreeja Akula on Instagram.

Nandita Saxena, the pastry chef who bagged a silver at WorldSkills 2022

(December 27, 2022) “Every time I think about it, it feels unbelievable,” says Nandita Saxena, the young confectioner who bagged the silver in the patisserie and confectionery category at the WorldSkills Competition 2022. The youngster, who first learned about the competition in a college magazine, had dreamed of bringing home a medal ever since. In 2022, she managed it, becoming the first Indian woman to win a silver medal. The global competition, which was held between September and November 2022 is considered the gold standard of vocational skills. [caption id="attachment_25863" align="aligncenter" width="608"] Nandita Saxena[/caption] Founded in 1950, the WorldSkills Competition provides youngsters from across the globe a chance to compete, experience, and excel in their chosen endeavour. This was the 46th edition of the competition, which is held every alternate year in a new country. Originally scheduled to be held in Shanghai, then postponed by the pandemic, the WorldSkills 2022 is something of a ‘special edition’, also because it was held across 15 countries instead of a single venue. India was represented across 50 skill categories, with participants bringing home two silvers, three bronzes and 13 medallions. Plan to win “Through my college magazine I had learned that Mohit Dudeja

kills 2022 is something of a ‘special edition’, also because it was held across 15 countries instead of a single venue. India was represented across 50 skill categories, with participants bringing home two silvers, three bronzes and 13 medallions.

Plan to win

“Through my college magazine I had learned that Mohit Dudeja had brought India a silver medal in the patisserie and confectionery category in 2017,” says the alumnae of IHM Aurangabad.

[caption id="attachment_25866" align="aligncenter" width="722"] Nandita during the WorldSkills Competition held at Lucerne, Switzerland[/caption]

Nandita had discovered her love for baking as a child and when she heard of Dudeja, she pored over his Instagram profile. She was deeply inspired by one post, in which Dudeja had written, “If you have the skills, you must participate and be confident of winning.”

Nandita made up her mind to participate too, she tells Global Indian. She travelled to Lucerne, Switzerland, for the competition, going up against people from 15 countries.

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under the ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship, Government of India, has been leading the nation’s participation on the WorldSkills Platform. “Our training sessions for the competition were organised by the government,” says Nandita. She was pleasantly surprised to find that Indians’ patisserie and confectionery skills were comparable to the best in the world.

[caption id="attachment_25865" align="aligncenter" width="722"] Nandita during the WorldSkills Competition held at Lucerne, Switzerland[/caption]

The ten days spent in the breathtakingly beautiful Switzerland is an experience that has got etched in the youngster’s mind. Apart from the six days of events, the competitors enjoyed excursion trips. “It gave us an opportunity to get to know each other and develop friendships,” she says.

Stepping into the world of hospitality

Passing out from Amity International School in Noida, Nandita went on to pursue a degree in hotel management. “Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, it was just one and a half year of in-college experience. But five months of intensive in-house training in hospitality management at Taj Vivanta, Aurangabad proved very helpful.”

Nandita also did an internship at Lavonne Hospitality, subsequently getting a job there, which helped her hone her skills even further. There, she was mentored by the senior chefs, who, upon learning that she was participating at the WorldSkills competition, wholeheartedly guided her. “It was good for me that the competition was postponed due to the pandemic. The delay helped me polish my skills and learn enough to bring home the silver medal,” Nandita remarks. “Most of the modules required for the competition were covered by my mentors, and the rest was taken care of at the government organised workshop,” says the pastry chef, who always looks forward to learning new things.

[caption id="attachment_25867" align="aligncenter" width="783"] Professionals at Lavonne Academy prepared her for different modules - Anosh Ranbhise, chocolate showpiece, Prathana Narang entremet, Vinesh Johnny, sugar stand and overall training, Joonie Tan, fondant, and Mani chef, bonbons[/caption]

For WorldSkills challenge, participants begin with a regional round and graduate to the national round, with the winners going on to represent the country on the global platform. The national winners are assigned an expert, who train them for the international challenge. That’s how Nandita became a protégé of Vinesh Johnny, one of the cofounders of Lavonne Academy.

Baking and tennis

The multifaceted youngster has been a national level lawn tennis player. “I started baking at the age of six and playing tennis at eight,” she says. She spent her school years juggling her academics, baking and tennis. “I was six years old when I decided I wanted to be a pastry chef and at 16, I started catering neighbourhood orders for cakes and pastries,” Nandita says.

Nandita played tennis under the aegis of The All India Tennis Association, the governing body of tennis in India. “Since I grew up in Noida, I played several tournaments representing Uttar Pradesh,” says the youngster, whose all-India rank was 77 in the under -18 categories. “I have also represented Uttar Pradesh several times in national competitions organised by CBSE,” she adds.

From protégé to mentor

Nandita comes from a family which is artistically inclined. Her parents are architects and her elder sister is a dentist. “Ever since I can remember, I had an inclination towards taking up a career that is creative,” tells the pastry chef.

[caption id="attachment_25868" align="aligncenter" width="740"] Nandita with her WorldSkills expert Vinesh Johnny[/caption]

With loads of happiness that has come her way after winning a silver, Nandita has been busy not just working in the baking division of Lavonne Hospitality’s cafes but also taking classes at Lavonne Academy of Baking Science and Pastry Arts. “I will also train the next competitor who will represent India in the patisserie and confectionery category at WorldSkills,” says the twenty-two year old.

“From clearing the state levels to representing at the international platform WorldSkills has been a journey of personal growth and everlasting friendships,” she signs off.

Follow Nandita Saxena at LinkedIn and Instagram

Reading Time: 5 mins

Young Indian environmentalists are working hard to save our planet

(February 21, 2023) The climate change sweeping the world is occurring at a faster pace than previously thought, making it imperative that governments act now to reverse the damage being done to the planet. According to a study by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), over the last few decades, the exploitation of our planet and the degradation of our environment has gone up at an alarming rate. With several natural disasters striking us more often in the form of flash floods, earthquakes, blizzards, tsunamis, and cyclones, many environmentalists have positioned themselves as advocates of sustainability, determined to meet the climate crisis at humanity’s doorstep. Global Indian takes a look at young Indians, who have been working on protecting this planet. Through their sustainability efforts across fashion, water conservation, waste management, education, policymaking, and sustainable energy, these young environmentalists inspire and impact thousands of people around the globe. Sneha Shahi, reviving rivers As a young child, environmentalist Sneha Shahi would visit the northeastern region of India, almost every summer, where her father was stationed. And that's when she fell in love with nature. Growing up in Vadodara, Gujarat, Sneha was always a girl who showed a keen interest in environmental activities.

n love with nature. Growing up in Vadodara, Gujarat, Sneha was always a girl who showed a keen interest in environmental activities. Today, a Ph.D. scholar at the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Bengaluru, Sneha is among the 17 UN Young Climate Champions from India.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maQzojOBQ44

"Since we were in school, we have been learning how plastic waste and its irresponsible disposal harm our flora, fauna, and land water systems. While we are taught about it, most people do not do anything to reduce the impact," shared the activist, who removed about 700 kg of waste from a natural rivulet that people thought to be a gutter.

Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Extreme Hydrological Events at ATREE, Bengaluru, Sneha is gearing up to work on the restoration of the only perennial river in Tamil Nadu, Thamirabarani. "It has been only six months since I started the programme here and the project is still getting developed. The objectives currently are to restore this beautiful river, Thamirabarani, which is about 128 km long," shares Sneha, adding, "It supports drinking water and agricultural activities. We do not just want to install physical instruments to control pollution, but also create awareness about the pollution and change their mindset," shared the environmentalist.

Sagarika Sriram, climate change activist

A young 17-year-old took centre stage while top leaders from across the world gathered to discuss how they can save our planet from the changing climatic conditions at COP27, held in Egypt. Addressing her audience, the young environment activist, Sagarika Sriram, pointed out the youth’s perspective on sustainability and how youngsters can have their voices heard. Stressing how awareness must be raised in schools, her closing remarks pushed for the youth around the world to be heard when it comes to their sustainable goals, ending her speech to thunderous applause from the audience.

Called an "inspiration to all young girls in her country and West Asia” by the U.N. Environment Programme, the Dubai-based Indian ex-pat has been able to inspire and motivate numerous kids to join the movement for a cleaner and healthier future for all. Her digital platform Kids for a Better World, which the young environment activist created in 2016 as a school project, has brought together nearly 100,000 young kids from around the globe who too want to fight climate change.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPWtMtGOs-s

The environmentalist who has organised numerous local clean-up drives and workshops for kids believes that young people have to stand for the cause to prevent the impact of climate change. "I want to make a real change and contribute towards helping the planet revive. I just finished my final examinations and want to take a year's break to concentrate on the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference, COP 28, which will take place in the UAE," she shared.

Soumya Ranjan Biswal, marine conservation

Mangroves might appear to be merely coastal forests, but these rich ecosystems support the planet and living being in many ways. From providing breeding grounds for fish to carbon storage, and protection against flooding mangroves does it all. However, despite its importance, the mangrove forests are under threat. Odisha-based, 24-year-old environmentalist Soumya Ranjan Biswal has been voluntarily growing intending to regenerate the mangrove forests along the 18-km-long beach stretch for the last few years. Locally called Rai, Harakancha, Sundari, Bani, Guan, and Keruan, these plants are integral to the coastal habitat and livelihood of local fishermen.

The youngster is also working tirelessly to protect the threatened habitat of Olive Ridley turtles. From making sure eggs of the endangered species are protected from predators like dogs, jackals, and other animals, taking out cycle rallies to spread awareness among coastal inhabitants for the safety of the sea turtles to cleaning the beaches for the release of hatchlings, Soumya, fondly called Olly Boy has been doing it all. When the Odisha government agreed to have the Olive Ridley sea turtle as the mascot for the 2018 Hockey World Cup, that was when the young environmentalist decided to hold their historic one-month-long cycle expedition, paddling through coastal pockets of Rushikulya, Puri, Chilika, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore to create awareness about the protection of the turtles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeXCsE5eKEo

While Olive Ridleys are close to Soumya, he has also been working for the cause of sparrows, reviving dry water bodies in forests and keeping beaches plastic-free. "As a coastal village boy, I've always been affected by ocean and beach pollution, high mortality rates of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, and mangrove destruction which have resulted in the occurrence of consistent natural calamities. This made me feel more strongly about issues like environmental degradation, climate change, and its impact on the marine ecosystem." Soumya had said during an earlier interview. Soumya was part of the "We The Change" campaign initiated by the United Nations in India.

Hina Saifi, clean air and renewable energy activist

Working with NGOs within her village in Meerut, Hina Saifi started to work on climate awareness after noting a lack of environmental awareness in her polluted village of Sisosla. From campaigning for solar-powered solutions to mobilising local communities to tackle air pollution through public campaigns, call for action, and pamphlets, Hina has been associated with the 100% Uttar Pradesh Campaign and The Climate Agenda since 2018.

"I believe that if there’s public awareness first, then we can improve the environment. It will happen if people are aware of climate-friendly behaviours and actions. This is why I want to work in the space of public awareness and mobilization." Hina advocated during a press interaction. After she launched ‘Suraj Se Samriddhi’, a campaign to raise awareness about the benefits of solar power, Hina was selected as the United Nation Young Environment Champion last year.

Berjis Driver, sustainable urban planner

An urban planner and associate member of the Institute of Town Planners India, Berjis Driver is working with the government authorities to reduce disparities, and improve accessibility and quality of life in cities. Berjis' expertise in environmental planning was important in understanding the relationship between Mumbai’s infrastructure and its environment. As an architect, he has been contributing to statutory urban policy and guideline preparation in Mumbai and Amravati.

A UN Youth Environment Champion, Berjis advocates that the urban cities' environment has been disconnected from the ecosystem. The norms on a per capita basis track back to the 60s and 70s and are not relevant to India today. He has been working to implement the basic benchmarks for green infrastructure, with rigorous control, in every city. "The promise of being able to reach out and scale up climate action, to learn the truth behind the origins and contexts of sustainability, help navigate it favourably, and to be able to safeguard the weakest in the face of climate change, is what continues to motivate me in this journey," Berjis has shared during an interview.

Reading Time: 6 mins

Suyash Keshari, the 25-year-old wildlife conservationist behind India’s first wildlife OTT platform

With her amber eyes watching her prey, Solo the tigress crouches amid tall brown grass, beautifully camouflaged. In a second, she pounces on a chital deer. Her teeth tear into its flesh, and she devours him. Solo is the big cat who stole the thunder on Safari with Suyash – Season 1, a wildlife series by environmentalist Suyash Keshari. Amidst the lush foliage, rolling hills and grasslands of Bandhavgarh National Park, Solo found her habitat where she first met Suyash eight years ago. A capture of the six-month-old earned Suyash the Nature’s Best Photography Asia Award, which incidentally hung at Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington DC for a year. Solo played a huge part in Suyash’s journey into wildlife filmmaking as his debut five-part series managed to impress the World Wildlife Fund, which eventually became its distributor. "My first series was inspired by my early life in Central India, its people and animals. It was showcased at the 13th United Nations Convention on Migratory Species in February 2020," Suyash tells Global Indian in an exclusive. [caption id="attachment_16950" align="aligncenter" width="607"] A picture of Solo clicked by Suyash Keshari[/caption] For the past three years, this champion of wildlife conservation has been

lobalindian.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Solo-1-3.jpg" alt="Solo" width="607" height="950" /> A picture of Solo clicked by Suyash Keshari[/caption]

For the past three years, this champion of wildlife conservation has been navigating through unexplored territory of the park to capture the raw and unfiltered beauty of nature.

A childhood in the lap of nature

He grew up in Central India where his IAS officer dad was posted. Thus for the Madhya Pradesh-born, his love for wildlife began early. On his first visit to a zoo as a four-year-old, he learnt (from his maternal grandfather) that animals aren’t free like those he saw on wildlife shows. Instead, they are caged for life. "It broke my heart, and set me on a path to learn more about our wild animals and observe them in their habitat," he recalls.

Instead of guffawing to Tom & Jerry as a five-year-old, Suyash would spend hours watching wildlife shows. Often, he would sprawl languidly in his backyard, spotting birds, climbing guava trees, or observing fish by a pond. "I always wanted to do something related to wildlife, film and photography, and document these sightings. Growing up, people from across the world would present on Indian wildlife. I wondered why an Indian could not do the same," muses the environmentalist whose supportive family cheered him on.

Switching gears to political advocacy

Inspired by mavericks like Steve Irwin, Steve Backshall, and Nigel Marven, Keshari was ready to become a wildlife presenter like his childhood heroes. Yet, his enthusiasm was met with dissent by field experts in India. At age 17, a career in wildlife was considered a suicide mission with no guaranteed results or hefty paycheck. "They told me that it would take me at least 10 to 15 years to create a name. When this came from the people who I looked up to, I accepted it as the only truth. I gave up on my dream and moved to the US," recalls Keshari.

[caption id="attachment_16951" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Suyash Keshari with lions at Bandhavgarh National Park.[/caption]

In America, he switched gears to political advocacy - a degree from Wake Forest University, and then a cushy job at Washington DC. Yet, something was amiss. He yearned for the woods, wildlife and nature. "My deep-seated love for wildlife, and the quest to fulfill my childhood dream led me in 2019 to quit my job and become a full-time wildlife presenter. It also brought me back to my homeland, India. There was no other place I could think of but my beloved, Bandhavgarh National Park (to start my journey as a wildlife presenter) - it had shaped my life and made me the person I am today," beams the 25-year-old with pride.

Finding his true calling

For a child who picked up his dad's camera to record wild stories, he was a natural. A self-taught photographer, his urge to tell stories was prime. "For me, it was always about capturing nature’s beauty and explaining the importance of conservation. Moreover, I would tell stories of the human-wildlife conflict, and make people aware of the beautiful natural heritage that our planet offers. I knew that in order to stand out, I had to be myself," reveals Suyash, whose Instagram account has over 46k followers.

Suyash went viral on the OTT scene in 2019 with Safari with Suyash. Entirely self-funded, the series was picked up by WWF International for a web release, and it opened the doors to wildlife film making. "The idea was to create something people could emotionally connect with. It is vital for people to feel attached to wildlife, only then will they care," says the wildlife presenter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia4SRQcM7cg

Happy to put the spotlight on wildlife conservation, forest community upliftment, and virtual safaris, his aim was to show something completely raw, authentic and unfiltered. Today, the Bandhavgarh National Park is his playground, and the wild animals, his muse.

With the help of a few friends, Suyash recently provided electricity through solar lamps to 175 anti-poaching camps at the national park that he funded from his virtual safaris. "More than 250 forest staff received shoes, raincoats, and bags. Another 200 staff received solar torches to help with night patrol and phone charging. It's vital to take care of the people who take care of our natural heritage," reveals the conservationist who was a former associate at Legislative Affairs and State Engagement at US-India Strategic Partnership Forum.

India’s first OTT wildlife platform

Since virtual safaris had never been done in India before, Suyash has carved a niche by creating India’s first virtual safari experience which comes at a cost of ₹5000. "Buy a membership, jump into the back of the jeep from the comfort of your home and indulge in a wild, raw and epic adventure," coaxes the presenter who loves chasing sunsets.

[caption id="attachment_16952" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] A leopard at Bandhavgarh National Park[/caption]

Suyash along with his small team often brave Madhya Pradesh’s scorching sun and torrential rain to capture footage that resonates. "The biggest challenge isn’t the endless wait in adverse conditions or tracking an animal. It is the willingness of the mind and heart to work harder to achieve the goals, but the body is just too tired to keep going. The challenge is to overcome the setbacks and keep going no matter what," says Suyash who wants to expand virtual tours on Safari with Suyash.

"The idea, for now, is to expand the ‘Safari with Suyash- TV’ platform as much as possible along with our conservation merchandise line. The focus would lie on connecting people with nature, whether virtually or physically with safaris and tours. For me, there’s still a long way to go and a lot more to do and connecting more and more people to nature and wildlife on the way," signs off Keshari.

Follow him on Instagram and Twitter

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From turf to teaching: Rani Rampal’s double milestones in 2023

(September 19, 2023) Ace hockey player Rani Rampal who earned the moniker the 'Queen of Hockey,' has recently been appointed as U-17 coach to mentor rising stars of the game. "Hockey gave me an identity, people listen to me, talk to me because of hockey. So, I just want to work for it in any capacity. You can can play, mentor young kids, you can teach," she said accepting the role. This is the second milestone that the 28-year-old achieved in her career in 2023. She had reached a significant milestone earlier this year when Modern Coach Factory (MCF) Stadium in Raebareli got renamed to ‘Rani’s Girls Hockey Turf'. From being a girl who had to plead to enter a hockey academy to becoming the first female player to have a stadium in her name, Rani’s journey is extraordinary. [caption id="attachment_33144" align="aligncenter" width="794"] Rani Rampal coaches rising hockey stars[/caption] India's most celebrated female hockey player, Rani has journeyed from a village of Haryana to the international hockey stage with elan. From being a cart-puller’s daughter to representing India in all the major international hockey turfs is nothing short of an inspiration.The former captain of women's hockey team was bestowed with

rising hockey stars[/caption]

India's most celebrated female hockey player, Rani has journeyed from a village of Haryana to the international hockey stage with elan. From being a cart-puller’s daughter to representing India in all the major international hockey turfs is nothing short of an inspiration.The former captain of women's hockey team was bestowed with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2020 and received the Padma Shri, the country's fourth highest civilian award the same year.

A stadium in her name

“Words seem too less to express my happiness and gratitude as I share that the MCF Raebareli has been renamed as ‘Rani’s Girls Hockey Turf’ to honour my contribution to hockey,” she had tweeted. She achieved this rare honour for her consistent good performances in the game. In another tweet, Rani remarked, “It is a proud and emotional moment for me as I become the first woman hockey player to have a stadium to my name. I dedicate this to the Indian women’s team and I hope this inspires the next generation of women hockey players!”

The self-made hockey player had dared to dream when there were odds stacked against her and with her sheer dedication has come a long way.

Life as a cart-puller’s daughter

Growing up in Haryana, Rani dreamed of becoming a hockey player ever since she was a little girl. But her cart-puller father who could not even manage two meals a day for the family was unable to support her dreams. Rani persisted. Playing with a broken hockey stick, running around in a salwar-kameez as she could not afford a tracksuit, the youngster carried on. Her mother worked as a housemaid.

"I wanted an escape from my life - from the electricity shortages to the mosquitoes buzzing in our ears when we slept, from barely having two square meals to seeing our home getting flooded when it rained. My parents tried their best but there was little that they could do,” Rani said in an interview.

There was a hockey academy near their house. Rani would spend hours watching players practice. She too wanted to play but every time she requested the coach to include her in the practice sessions, he would reject her saying, she was malnourished. While her parents kept on postponing her demands to purchase a hockey stick. One day Rani found a broken hockey stick near the academy and was on top of the world. Determined to change her life’s trajectory she begged the coach to give her a chance to learn. Eventually, with lots of pleadings, he agreed to train her. This was the beginning of a history that was waiting to be unfolded.

[caption id="attachment_29085" align="aligncenter" width="760"] Rani Rampal[/caption]

The journey began...

When Rani’s parents came to know about her plans to play hockey, they were reluctant. Instead, they wanted her to take up household chores and disapproved of the idea of girls playing hockey wearing skirts. It was the second time that Rani had to plead very hard. “I pleaded with them to let me play and if I failed, I promised I would do whatever they wanted me to do,” she said. It was only then that they agreed.

At the academy, each player needed to bring 500 ml of milk to drink before resuming practice. However, it was just 200 ml that the family could afford for Rani. The youngster did not want to take any chances and make the coach unhappy. She would mix milk with water in a 500 ml bottle and take it to the academy to do exactly what the coach desired. Rani picked up the sport fast. Looking at her dedication to the sport and how she did not miss a single day of practice, the coach built a liking for her. Later he even bought her a hockey kit and shoes and allowed her to stay with his family so that her nutritional needs could be taken care of.

[caption id="attachment_29087" align="aligncenter" width="470"] Rani Rampal[/caption]

It was a joyous and emotional occasion for her family when Rani came home with her first earning, a Rs 500 note that she won in a tournament. It was her first earning and when she gave the money to her father, he wept in joy. “I promised my family that one day we would be having our own home and worked hard to keep that promise,” the Global Indian said.

On the path to success

After playing several tournaments and representing her state under the guidance of her coach who stood by her in thick and thin Rani Rampal got a chance to play at the nationals. As she started to play professionally, GoSports Foundation, a sports NGO provided Rani with monetary as well as non-monetary support. At the age of 15, she was the youngest player in the national team which participated in the 2010 World Cup. After giving several consistent performances, there came a day when she was named the captain of the Indian Hockey Team – making her parents and hockey coach swell in pride.

Keeping to her promise she fulfilled the need for one’s own home for the family in 2017. “It was an emotional day for all of us. We cried together and held each other tight” she said. Having played the sport for more than 13 years, the veteran player had been the mainstay of the team. In 2020 the striker who often doubled up as a midfielder was honoured with a Padma Shri. Her coach Baldev Singh received the Dronacharya Award.

[caption id="attachment_33143" align="aligncenter" width="443"] Rani Rampal receiving the Padma Shri award[/caption]

Bringing laurels to the country in numerous international tournaments Rani has also worked as an assistant coach with the Sports Authority of India. Apart from Padma Shri, she has won the Arjuna Award and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award – the highest sporting honours of India.

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