Category Archives: NRI’s / PIO’s

GLOBAL: Indian-American 9-year old Preesha Chakraborty listed in world’s brightest students list

Preesha Chakraborty, a nine-year-old Indian-American schoolgirl, was named in the “world’s brightest” students list by the prestigious Johns Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth.

Preesha Chakraborty, a nine-year-old Indian-American schoolgirl, was named in the “world’s brightest” students list by the prestigious Johns Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth, based on the results of above-grade-level tests of over 16,000 students across 90 countries.

Preesha is a Warm Spring Elementary school student in Fremont, California, and took the US-based Johns Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth (JH-CTY) test in Summer 2023 as a Grade 3 student, a media release said on Monday.

Preesha figured in the list after the results of above-grade-level tests of over 16,000 students from more than 90 countries around the world were assessed, it said.

She was honoured for her exceptional performance on the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), ACT (American College Testing), School and College Ability Test, or similar assessments as part of the CTY Talent Search.

Less than 30 per cent of students qualify each year for either High Honors or Grand Honors/SET based on their test scores.

She aced in the test’s verbal and quantitative sections – on par with the 99th percentile of advanced Grade 5 performances – and bagged the Grand Honors, according to the press release.

The achievement qualifies Preesha for more than 250 Johns Hopkins CTY’s Online and On-Campus Programmes for advanced students in grades 2-12 in mathematics, computer programming, chemistry, physics, reading, and writing.

Preesha is a lifetime member of the universally renowned Mensa Foundation, the oldest high-IQ society in the world, where membership is open to people who score at the 98th percentile or higher on a standardised, supervised IQ or other approved intelligence test.

She achieved this accomplishment at age six by securing 99 percentiles in the national level NNAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test), which assesses K-12 students for gifted and talented programmes. Preesha loves travelling, hiking, and mixed martial arts outside of studies.

According to her parents, Preesha has always been passionate about learning and has consistently displayed exceptional academic abilities.

“This is not just recognition of students’ performance on one test, but a testament to their curiosity and capacity for learning,” Amy Shelton, Executive Director of the CTY, said.

“These students have demonstrated enormous potential, and now we encourage them to seek out experiences and communities that help them challenge and stretch their knowledge, connect with other young scholars, understand diverse perspectives, think critically, and pursue their goals confidently,” Shelton said.

Founded in 1979, CTY is a centre for innovation dedicated to advancing the field of gifted education through research on testing, programmes, and other support for advanced learners. 

source/content: indiatodayne.in (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: HEALTH & MEDICINE: RESEARCH: British Indian Doctor Tony Dhillon to undertake ‘ground-breaking’ Cancer Vaccine trial

Dr Tony Dhillon, a Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, proposed the idea for the trial and has worked with Professor Tim Price in Australia for the last four years to develop the vaccine.

A British Indian doctor is the chief investigator of a “ground-breaking” trial of a vaccine to treat early bowel cancer for patients worldwide, following a UK-Australia collaboration between scientists and doctors.

Dr Tony Dhillon, a Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, proposed the idea for the trial and has worked with Professor Tim Price in Australia for the last four years to develop the vaccine.

The trial, announced recently, will be run by the Cancer Research UK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Southampton in collaboration with Royal Surrey and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Adelaide, Australia.

“This is the first treatment vaccine in any gastrointestinal cancer and we have high hopes that it will be very successful. We think that for a lot of patients, the cancer will have gone completely after this treatment,” said Dr Dhillon.

“This is ground-breaking. I feel as if we are on the edge of something really big here. The vaccine makes the immune system go after the cancer. It will be life-changing because it means that potentially, patients may not need to have surgery – they may just have the vaccine,” he said.

There will be 10 sites for patients to be enrolled – six in Australia and four in the UK, with 44 patients to be enrolled in the study over an 18-month period.

The vaccine will be used to treat patients before surgery, in the hope that it will cause the body to attack the cancer. It would mean any surgery would be less invasive. It is also hoped that the strength of the vaccine could support the immune system to respond if there is a relapse and the cancer returns later on.

“We are hugely proud to have been involved in the launch of this ground-breaking new vaccine. As the fourth-largest cancer centre in the UK, helping to fight cancer is a huge part of what we do and this will really provide an opportunity for bowel cancer patients and give them real hope of beating the disease,” said Louise Stead, Royal Surrey Foundation Trust Chief Executive.

Patients will have an endoscopy, and then a tissue sample will be tested to see if they are eligible for the trial. If they are, they will have three doses of the vaccine before having surgery to remove the cancer.

The trial will be available for just 44 patients around the world. After the trial finishes, the vaccine will either be licensed for use or if it’s successful, a bigger study will be carried out.

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the third most common cancer, with a worldwide annual incidence of over 1.2 million cases and a mortality rate of approximately 50 per cent. 

source/content: tribuneindia.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: ARTS & CULTURE / RECOGNITION : Jyotsna Srikanth: First Carnatic Musician to Receive Britain’s 03rd Highest Civilian Award

It was natural, considering that Jyotsna is thoroughly trained in both Carnatic and Western classical music.

Jyotsna Srikanth received, a few weeks ago (December 2023), the prestigious MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) from His Majesty King Charles.

“I was simply overwhelmed and overjoyed. I also felt immensely grateful to God, my parents, gurus, musiclovers, the UK government and everyone who made this possible!” says musician Jyotsna Srikanth describing her response to receiving, a few weeks ago (December 2023), the prestigious MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) from His Majesty King Charles. Internationally acclaimed violinist and composer Jyotsna is the first Carnatic musician ever to receive the MBE, UK’s third highest civilian award.

The investiture ceremony by King Charles was held in December, 2023, at Windsor Castle in UK. Says Jyotsna: “I had previously visited Windsor Castle as a wide-eyed visitor along with hordes of other tourists, after I had moved to the UK. Never did I ever imagine then, that I would come here one day, to receive an MBE from King Charles himself. I had also visited Buckingham Palace when I came to the UK along with other tourists. Years later I had the unforgettable honour of meeting Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth, and performing before her.” These were surreal experiences for her.

Jyotsna, now a British citizen, met Her Majesty late Queen Elizabeth a few years ago when she performed before her at Buckingham Palace for the inauguration of the Commonwealth heads meeting. Many years before that, she had performed for the British Parliament in the presence of the-then MPs and British Prime Minister. The UK press and music-connoisseurs have showered praise on her. Leading UK newspapers have variously described her as an “amazing”, “extraordinary”, “versatile” artiste and called her music “often mesmerising”.

Jyotsna was very diffident, even apprehensive, and slightly nervous when she moved to the UK in 2002, when she followed her husband, Shreekantha Sharma, who had been posted there on work. At that point, she had spent years of effort and hard work building up her career and reputation as a violinist in Indian music circles and among Indian audiences. She recalls thinking at that time: “Now that I have uprooted myself from my native country, I have to begin building my career from scratch in a new country and a foreign culture. I told myself that I have to work very, very hard to gain acceptance in this new environment.”

Look where all that hard work and determination got here! Not only did Jyotsna gain acceptance in the UK, and receive the honours already mentioned but she has also performed at the country’s most prestigious venues, taught the violin for courses at the University of Cambridge and other educational institutions, and even toured all over Europe and played the violin to applause at the continent’s best-known festivals and venues and collaborated with several Western music legends and upcoming artistes. She has composed for and performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and many famous string quartets and bands.

It was natural, considering that Jyotsna is thoroughly trained in both Carnatic and Western classical music. She has also given talks and held workshops and lec-dems at universities, music conservatories and music-fests worldwide. She has contributed her talent to the world of cinema too: she has played the violin for over 300 south-Indian films, the background scores in many Italian, French, Portuguese films, as well as English TV documentaries. She has featured in a wide gamut of musical genres like Carnatic, Western classical, jazz, western contemporary, south-Indian contemporary, pop, jazz, Bollywood, south-Indian cinema, Hollywood, etc.

Jyotsna thus has demonstrated extraordinary success in a wide variety of musical scenarios. This has been made possible because of the eclectic, broad-based training she received and her cosmopolitan outlook both as a person and professional. Born into a Telugu family hailing from Andhra Pradesh and settled in Karnataka; she was born and brought up in Bengaluru, a city she loves and idolises; lived for decades in London; constantly travels around the world, and thus been exposed to many influences. She adds: “Besides the Western and Carnatic classical streams that I am trained in, I also listen to many genres: folk-music including Irish folk, Nordic music, flamenco, Klezmer style (Eastern Europe), jazz, film music. I pay special attention to how the violin is played in all these genres.” All this has given her what she calls a 360-degree vision of the violin.

Jyotsna’s musical journey began at the age of five when her mother and first teacher, musician Rathna Srikantiah, initiated her into Carnatic music. She received advanced training under the renowned seven-string-violin master R R Keshavamurthy. She gave her first concert at age nine. After that, for years, she performed around India both as a solo artiste and also accompanist to young artistes as well as maestros. For example, she first accompanied the Carnatic icon M. Balamuralikshna when she was just 15 years old!

Jyotsna, who is a mother of two children, also became a postgraduate medical doctor but has almost stopped practising except during the pandemic in UK when she went to help because all doctors on hand were needed. She also gave up her career in IT after working for TCS. This after becoming the world’s first medical doctor to study C, C ++, Java, and earn Sun Certification in Java! “Yes, I did give up two lucrative professions, medicine and ÌT for the violin, but my love of music was so overpowering,” she exclaims.

In the world of classical music, perhaps in any art and even sports, there is no substitute for sheer hard work, discipline, intense focus, and sustained practice to gain success. Jyotsna believes in all these means.

How and why did she foray into Western classical music? “I was listening to Ilayaraja’s album ‘How to Name It’ in which I heard the violin played by V S Narasimhan in different shrutis (pitches) on a single violin. I was fascinated and wanted to learn this technique. I wanted to understand the potential of the bowing technique in Western music.” This was followed by a thorough grounding in the Western classical-style violin at the Bangalore School of Music and VS Narasimhan. She has also worked in film music for Ilayaraja whom she admires a lot.

Well, after all, the violin is an instrument of Western origin which arrived in India, a few centuries ago and has now become ubiquitous in Indian classical music. So, it is interesting that an Indian violinist wanted to explore its depth and breadth as a Western classical-music instrument.

However, Jyotsna has had her fair share of setbacks and obstacles. The music-fraternity in India is well aware of the prejudices among several male classical musicians including leading ones, against performing with female accompanists, whether violinists or mridangam-and-ghatam-players. She reveals: “I too faced this negativity. Many a time, after receiving a concert opportunity, I was quietly told that I would not be allowed to perform as the male musician had objected saying he only wanted a male accompanist only. So, I had to withdraw. Yes, it was both frustrating and humiliating. Fortunately, there are also male classical musicians in India who are merit-oriented and have allowed me to accompany them. In cinema playback music too, many opportunities have been lost at various stages, for various reasons. If you ask me, these prejudices against women have prevailed for a long time and will continue to do so.”

This was one of the reasons that Jyotsna was spurred to become a music-events organiser who gives opportunities to anyone based on merit and regardless of background, gender, etc. “I also wanted to give back to the art of music,” she adds. She became founder and curator of the London International Arts Festival (LIAF) in 2012. The LIAF showcases world music with a focus on her first love, Carnatic music. She has also teamed up with Bangalore String Ensemble. Her brainchild is the Jyotsna Srikanth Project and part of this project is Jyotsna Srikanth Live which mainstreams the violin with the support of drums, piano, keyboard and Indian ethnic percussion. She is also founder of a not-for-profit organisation, the UK-based Dhruv Arts which provides music classes, workshops, etc., to further the cause of music.

Drawing on her rigorous training, vast theoretical knowledge, immense creativity, and eclectic influences, she continues to impress audiences at every performance, whether as a performer—as a soloist, accompanist, or one among a group of collaborating musicians—or a composer. However, she is constantly aware that all the accolades have come after tremendous effort. As Jyotsna says: “My track-record might look good but I know how tough the journey was and is, and the endless hours of sadhana and many sacrifices that have gone and are going into it. I also know the journey ahead is tougher. There are countless challenges to becoming an accomplished and appreciated artist. The more I learn, the more I realise what a vast amount of knowledge is out there still waiting to be acquired. I just want to be able to explore that world of music as much as I can.”

The writer is a journalist, photographer, translator and author of Forgotten Composers. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.

source/content: firstpost.com (headline edited) / aruna chandaraju

GLOBAL: WORLD’S BRIGHTEST: 9-year-old Indian-American girl Preesha Chakraborty on ‘World’s Brightest’ Students List by Johns Hopkins Centre

At the age of 6, Preesha secured a lifetime membership in the esteemed Mensa Foundation, the world’s oldest high-IQ society.

Nine-year-old Indian-American student Preesha Chakraborty has been named in the “world’s brightest” students list by the Johns Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth, based on the results of her exceptional performance in the above-grade-level tests, which assessed over 16,000 students from 90 countries. 

Preesha is a Warm Spring Elementary school student in Fremont, California, and took the US-based Johns Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth (JH-CTY) test in Summer 2023 as a Grade 3 student.

The CTY Talent Search evaluates students through various tests, including the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), American College Testing (ACT), and School and College Ability Test. Preesha received recognition for her outstanding performance in these assessments. She excelled in both the verbal and quantitative sections, achieving a level on par with the 99th percentile of advanced Grade 5 performances, earning her the prestigious Grand Honors.

Notably, less than 30% of students each qualify for either High Honors or Grand Honors/SET based on their test scores. This accomplishment opens several doors for Preesha, allowing her eligibility for more than 250 JH-CTY courses. These advanced courses, spanning grades 2-12, encompass a diverse range of subjects such as mathematics, computer programming, chemistry, physics, reading, and writing.

At the age of six, the child prodigy secured a lifetime membership in the esteemed Mensa Foundation, the world’s oldest high-IQ society.

This recognition follows in the footsteps of other Indian-American students like Samedha Saxena and Natasha Perianayagam, who were featured in previous years for their exceptional performances in JH-CTY tests.

The Center for Talented Youth, a non-profit organization affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, has been identifying and rewarding gifted students since its founding in 1979.

(With inputs from agencies)

source/content: ddnews.gov.in / DD News (headline edited)

Why an Indian Princess’s memorial in Ayodhya is a big draw for South Korean tourists

South Korea has a special connection with Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram. No, it has nothing to do with Lord Ram.

Every year, hundreds of South Koreans visit the holy city of Ayodhya to pay tribute to Queen Huh Hwang-ok. It is believed that several South Koreans have their ancestral roots in Ayodhya.

Who was Queen Huh Hwang-ok?

Legend has it that Queen Huh Hwang-ok, also known as Princess Suriratna, was the princess of Ayodhya before she went to South Korea and married King Kim Suro of Karak Clan in 48 AD.

As per a research paper by Dr Uday Dokras, “Ancient Korean text Samguk Yusa chronicles King Suro’s wife to have been a princess of a distant kingdom called Ayuta, which people relate to be the holy city of present-day Ayodhya.”

Queen Huh Hwang-ok has a memorial in Ayodhya

The South Korean queen’s memorial was first inaugurated in 2001 in Ayodhya.

In 2015, PM Narendra Modi and former South Korean President Moon Jae-in signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during the PM’s visit to South Korea for expansion of the memorial.

Later, the memorial was beautified to honour the queen’s legacy, and the memorial park was inaugurated in 2022.

According to UP tourism’s official website, around 60 lakh people of the Karak clan consider Ayodhya as their maternal home.

In 2019, commemorative Rs 25 and Rs 5 postage stamps for the queen were also issued by India. 

From Ayodhya to South Korea by boat

As per the UP government website, it is believed that Princess Suriratna reached Korea on a boat. She was only 16 when she got married.

She is believed to be the first queen of King Suro of Geumgwan Gaya.

According to some Chinese-language texts, the then King of Ayodhya was ordered by god to send his 16-year-old daughter to South Korea to marry King Kim Suro in a dream, says a BBC report.

The same publication mentioned that the king and queen had ten sons, adding that they both lived over 150 years.

Back in 2020, the then South Korean Ambassador to India, Shin Bong-kil, told ANI, “Ayodhya has important relations with Korea.” 

Shin Bong-kil mentioned that in Korea’s ancient history book, it’s written that a princess from Ayodhya married a Korean king, adding that in archaeological findings from Kim Suro’s tomb, artefacts belonging to Ayodhya have been discovered.

Where is Queen Huh Hwang-ok’s memorial?

  • The memorial park portrays the journey of Princess Suriratna from Ayodhya to Korea.
  • The legend is inscribed on a stone structure that was shipped from South Korea.
  • The park has been built on the bank of the Sarayu River, on a reported budget of Rs 21 crore.
  • The south-east corner of the memorial features a statue of Queen Huh Hwang-ok.
  • The north-east corner has a statue of King Kim Suro.
  • The princess’s sea journey has been recreated at the memorial with the help of a pond and footbridge.
  • The park also features an egg made of granite. It is believed that Princess Suriratna took a golden egg along during her journey to Korea.

INSTA

Queen Huh Hwang-ok’s Tamil connection 

There is another theory about the queen by Dr Kannan Narayan, a retired professor and former Scientific Advisor and Coordinator of Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology.

In his theory, based on Chinese legends, Kannan Narayan stated that the queen’s name points to the South Indian kingdom of Pandya – the Pandyas of Madurai, says a Deccan Herald report.

He added that the twin fish symbol seen on the walls of Ayodhya possibly dates back to a time when it was a part of the United Provinces. He mentioned that it was also the national symbol of the Pandya Dynasty.

The retired professor said that it’s a possibility that the queen left the port of Athiyuthu from Tamil Nadu and not Ayodhya and the same has been modified over time to ‘Ayutha’.

source/content: indiatoday.in (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: REGIONAL – SOUTH ASIA: BJP president releases Commemorative Stamp on 200 years of Indian Origin Tamils in Sri Lanka

The stamp, released at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, was received by the Governor of Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, Senthil Thondaman.


Bharatiya Janata Party President J.P. Nadda on Saturday released a commemorative stamp on 200 years of arrival of Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka.

“Our National President shared his experience of working for the Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka as the Health Minister and acknowledged the hardships faced by them in the past. He also elaborated on the need to recognise their agony and the Government of India’s commitment to extending support to the brothers and sisters of Indian origin Tamils living in Sri Lanka during the last 9 years and the years to follow,” BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit chief K. Annamalai said in a statement.

Mr. Annamalai said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always considered Sri Lanka, “our civilisational twin” and has been instrumental in supporting the country with humanitarian and financial aid during its times of distress.

“He has also been thoughtful in reinstating the dignified lives of the Indian Origin Tamils in Sri Lanka,” he said.

The release of the commemorative stamp has strengthened this commitment of unwavering support to the Indian-origin Tamils living in Sri Lanka, the statement said.

The stamp was released at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi and was received by the Governor of Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, Senthil Thondaman.

The statement said that Mr. Thondaman acknowledged and thanked the BJP and the Indian government for recognising the hardships of the Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka and the steadfast projects implemented by the Government of India in the estate regions of the country for the welfare of the Tamil community.

Announcing the release of the stamp on Friday, Mr. Annamalai had said that Prime Minister Modi has “earnestly undertaken several initiatives to ensure the welfare and development of the Indian Origin Tamil community in Sri Lanka” ever since he assumed office in 2014.

He said that the Modi government had sanctioned 14,000 houses in addition to setting up other facilities in areas where the Tamil population resides.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: U.K.: Over 30 British Indians Honoured by King Charles in New Year List: Who Are They?

Several prominent Indian-origin people received knighthoods, OBEs, MBEs, and CBEs in the name of King Charles III.

Over 30 Indian-origin academics, economists, philanthropists, medics, and politicians were honoured by Britain in the country’s New Year’s Honours list – issued in the name of King Charles III – for their “incredible public service” in the United Kingdom (UK) and overseas.

Recipients on the list were hailed for contributions in their respective fields, particularly public service, youth engagement, and community work.

Among them, Alok Sharma, an Indian-origin former minister, was given a knighthood for serving as the president of the COP26 summit, which was held in Glasgow, Scotland, in October and November last year.

Sharma, 55, was born in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and moved to the UK’s Reading when he was five years old. He currently serves as the MP from Reading West and was a Cabinet-level minister in the Boris Johnson government till October last year.

What did the UK say about Sharma’s contributions? In a statement, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said that Sharma had been honoured with a knighthood for his “contribution to combatting climate change through his leadership at COP26” and “driving the UK to agree a historic agreement from individual countries that will have a major impact in addressing climate change in the future.”

List of Indian-Origin People On the List

Apart from Sharma, several British Indians were given high honours by the UK.

British Indians awarded Knighthood:

  • Partha Sarathi Dasgupta, an 80-year-old professor, received a Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) for his contributions to economics and the natural environment.Dasgupta was born in Dhaka and raised in Varanasi, following which he moved to the UK to study at the University of Cambridge and the London School of Economics in the 1960s.
  • Pune-born businessman Ivan Manuel Menezes was knighted for “services to business and equality.” The 63-year-old has been the CEO of Diageo, a multinational alcoholic beverage company, since 2013.
  • Mayur Keshavji Lakhani, Chair of the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management and General Practitioner at the Highgate Medical Centre in Loughborough, received a knighthood for his contributions towards “general practice.”Born in East Africa to Indian-origin parents, he moved to the UK in 1972.
  • Indian-origin recipients of Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE):
  • Vengalil Krishna Kumar Chatterjee, a professor at the University of Cambridge, was awarded a CBE for serving people with endocrine disorders. The 64-year-old obtained multiple degrees from the University of Oxford in 1982.
  • Ramesh Dulichandbhai Mehta, a Nagpur-born paediatrician, was honoured for his efforts towards “equality, diversity, and inclusion.”The 75-year-old was born in Nagpur and moved to the UK in 1981. He currently serves as the president of the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO).
  • Nageshwara Dwarampudi Reddy, an Indian-origin portfolio director of the Department for Work and Pensions, was honoured for his efforts towards public service.
  • Gurdial Singh Sanghera, CEO of Oxford Nanopore Technologies, received a CBE for his contributions to the UK’s technology sector.
  • The principal of Walsall College, Jatinder Kumar Sharma, was honoured for his services towards education.
  • Jasvir Singh, a family law barrister and chair of the City Sikhs, was honored with a CBE for his contributions towards charity and social cohesion. The Labour Party politician is also the co-founder of South Asian Heritage Month.
  • Keshav Singhal, a professor, was honoured for his contributions to medicine in Wales.

British Indians given the Order of the British Empire (OBE):

  • Nishi Chaturvedi, a professor at University College London, received an OBE for her contributions to medical research. She had graduated from the University of London in 1985.
  • Ravinder Gill, founder of the College of Accountancy, was hailed for his services to higher education.
  • Puneet Gupta, CEO of PG Paper, was awarded an OBE for his contributions to business, charity, and the community in Scotland.
  • Sharon Kaur Jandu, director of the Yorkshire Asian Business Association, was honoured for the contributions towards international trade.
  • Krishna Rohan Kandiah, founder of the Sanctuary Foundation, was given an OBE for services towards refugee integration.
  • Hitan Mehta, executive director of the British Asian Trust, was recognized for his efforts towards the British Asian community.
  • On the overseas list of Army OBEs were Corporal Pardeep Kaur and Acting Major Daljinder Singh Virdee.

British Indians who are given Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBEs):

  • Among the British Indians awarded MBEs are doctors Minal Bakhai and Jyotiben Shah, for their contributions to medicine and the field of education.
  • Bhavena Patel, senior relationship manager at the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education, was hailed for the services to further education.
  • Nipa Devendra Doshi was awarded for contributions to design.
  • Chef Vineet Bhatia, for services to British cuisine, hospitality, and international trade.
  • Sarah Johal, for services towards adoption and fostering
  • Inderpaul Singh Johar, for contributions towards architecture.
  • Psychologist Aditya Kamal, for his role in health psychology during the COVOD-19 pandemic.
  • Jaspal Singh Mann, director of Simply Shred and Recycle Ltd, for his contributions to environmental protection.
  • Businessman Veejay Kumar Chimanlal Patel, for contributing towards employment and training.
  • Professor Prashant Pillai for his role in cyber security and education.
  • Keranjeet Kaur Virdee, for contributions towards art.
  • And urologist Jyotiben Shah, for contributing to medicine.

Further, Robina Shah—one of Britain’s leading patient care experts—received a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her immense role in the National Health Service.

source/content: thequint.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: ARTS & CULTURE: AMERICAN BEAUTY PAGEANT: Surgeries to Stilettos: Dr Piyali Roy Wins Mrs Universe USA 2024, Seattle November 2023.

Unapologetic in her evolution Dr Piyali Roy created an inspirational bench mark for other women to emulate from the multitudinal transformation she underwent in different spheres of life which led to her win at the Mrs Universe Curvy USA 2024 pageant, held at Seattle on the November 11, 2023.

Dr Piyali Roy is a beauty queen in its true sense, besides being a New York University trained dental surgeon, an author, international fashion model.

According to Piyali, her infectious smile, confidence and charm forayed her way into the top 3 of Mrs Universe Curvy USA 2024 after leaving everyone in awe of her creativity and reverence that she displayed while walking down the National Costume Round depicting Washington DC’s state flag and emblem displayed on her while she took on the look of the National Flower herself, The American pink rose. Dr Piyali Roy in her electric blue evening gown displayed royalty and looked majestic, as she walked the ramp leaving all the judges and audiences mesmerised by her attractive personality, grace and oozing charm.

Icing on the top was her on point answer to a question based on domestic violence during the interview round and the finale answer which generated loud applause in the audience, demarcating her as the clear winner of the pageant. Piyali was crowned by the reigning queen Mrs Universe 2023 Meranie Gadiana Rahman in Mrs Universe USA Pageant.

As she steps into the limelight after winning Mrs Universe 2024, Dr Piyali Roy is not just a model or a dentist or an actor; she is an inspiration. A beacon of resilience, showcasing that with confidence and determination, one can transcend boundaries, redefine norms, and truly embody the essence of empowerment and grace.

Today Dr Piyali Roy stands as an example as to how versatility can shape one’s journey. She is testament to the magic that happens when grace meets tenacity, and when confidence becomes one’s guiding light.

Her time at New York University, where she honed her skills as a dentist, gave her insights into the intricacies of human aesthetics. This foundation, perhaps unexpectedly, served as a springboard into the world of fashion. As she transitioned to the runway, the parallels became evident. Just as she would sculpt and perfect a smile in her clinic, she sculpted her presence and poise on the runway. Every detail, from her posture to her gaze, became an expression of her artistry.

The New York Fashion Week runway became a platform where Dr Roy communicated a narrative – of reinvention, courage, and limitless potential. This narrative was further enriched as she collaborated with global fashion stalwarts, from Mumbai’s Rohit Verma to visionary African designers from Paris. Each collaboration, each walk, became a testament to her versatility.

Her win at Mrs Bharat (India) DMV 2023 in Washington DC, USA wasn’t just a title; it was a recognition of her ability to captivate and inspire. That’s not it, Dr Piyali Roy was also the winner of Mrs Universal Petite 2023 Audience Choice Crown in Mexico.

With her spirit and talents, Dr Piyali Roy is exemplifying how one can craft a rich tapestry of diverse yet harmonious paths, leaving an indelible mark of grace, strength, and confidence in every stride.

Dr Piyali Roy’s achievements are testament of her skills, talent and above all her dedication. We are certain that she will continue to soar, while she celebrates this milestone.

source/content: timesofindia.indiatimes.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: BUSINESS & ECONOMY: From US to India: Chandigarh Man Sidharth S Oberoi’s Razor-sharp Journey to Crores

From a small inventory room in Ambala where initially Sidharth S Oberoi got only 30 to 40 orders a month to over 20,000 orders a month, he is going places.

Chandigarh boy Sidharth S Oberoi was working as a project engineer in the US when one day he just resigned from his job to start a new company- LetsShave. The 31-year-old returned to India and began working on high quality razor blades with diamond coating. From a small inventory room in Ambala where initially Oberoi got only 30 to 40 orders a month to over 20,000 orders a month, he is going places. Today, LetsShave is spread over 100 countries and the firm has raised $6 million in four years with firms such as Wipro and Korean giants too having stakes in it.

How did this idea strike you and when?

The idea struck me in my university dorm room in America. The frustration of limited shaving options in a market flooded with choices for other grooming products sparked the concept of revolutionizing the shaving industry. But then I was focussing on my studies and I went on to pursue my job as project engineer.

But this idea was still there on my mind. And somehow I kept working on it if I could sign an exclusive partnership with Korean giant Dorco as I was only 22 years old. It took me 2 years to negotiate and convince that I could do it.

Two years went by and I had even begun my job as a project engineer in US then. One day I got to know that the Korean firm had agreed to partner with me on this concept of mine. It was then I resigned from my job and returned to India in 2015 to start LetsShave. And basically the realization that there was a gap in the market for quality razors, combined with my passion for grooming and the desire to bring something extraordinary to consumers, led to the birth of LetsShave.

How did you translate this idea into Let’s Shave finally?

So, it all started from a small inventory room in Ambala and we used to get only 30 to 40 orders a month. The initial months were disappointing as we would hardly make a lakh a month. Today we are making around Rs 3 crore a month with over 20,000 orders. Translating the idea of LetsShave from concept to reality began with a vision to fill the void in the shaving market. Collaborating with the world’s finest razor blade manufacturer, I focused on creating a product that prioritized excellence, precision, and innovation.

How far have you taken this idea?

Today, we have expanded to more than 100 countries. Our business plans abroad are rooted in the belief that grooming should know no borders. Not just this, now even big giants like Wipro and Korean giant Dorco that produce second largest razor blades have stakes in my firm. But major stake which is 70 percent still belongs to me.

Do you think marks matter?

I did my class 11 and 12 from Vivek High school in Sector 38 Chandigarh before pursuing engineering from USA. I have studied at prestigious institutions such as Purdue University, Sapienza University of Rome, and eventually, the Harvard Business School. The diverse educational experiences provided a holistic perspective, blending theoretical knowledge with practical insights.

However, I believe that while academic performance is significant, it is not the sole determinant of success in the entrepreneurial world. Real-world challenges often demand a blend of practical skills, innovative thinking, and resilience, aspects that go beyond conventional academic metrics.

What can Chandigarh do to retain talent?

A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem through initiatives like co-working spaces and mentorship programmes is needed. Colla-boration between local educational institutions and industries should be strengthened. Better transportation and healthcare facilities will also help.

What help should the government give startups?

Financial assistance through grants or low-interest loans and simplifying the regulatory framework can enable startups to focus on business development. Good R&D, innovation-friendly infrastructure, and regular policy advocacy also help startups thrive.

One thing you like and one thing you want to change about Chandigarh.

I admire Chandigarh’s dynamism and the wealth of talent. The city’s cosmopolitan character and the diverse skill sets of its residents. But I would also advocate for a more robust infrastructure specifically tailored to support startups.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: Who Is Smital Dhake? First British Indian To Win UK RailStaff Award

A data scientist of British Indian origin, hailing from Maharashtra, clinched the Newcomer of the Year award at the 2023 RailStaff Awards in Birmingham.

Smital Dhake, the sole data scientist at Alstom, a major player in mobility, was born in Jalgaon, India, and pursued education at Watford Grammar School in England and later at King’s College London. Now 26, she works from Alstom’s Hatfield office in eastern England. Inspired by her grandparents’ work ethic, she aims to further hone her skills and apply them toward advancing engineering technologies.

“Smital is a fast learner who always finds ways to seek knowledge and grow herself in an exponential manner,” said Mifaz Miftha, Design Group Manager at Alstom.

He added, “She regularly takes on much more complex tasks above her role and delivers them with full commitment and with a high level of accuracy. Her meticulous approach to problem-solving and critical thinking on design have made Smital an asset to Alstom and the wider railway industry where innovation and sustainability are key to growth.”

Dhake draws inspiration from her grandparents, motivating her to dedicate herself to hard work. Her ambition lies in perpetually refining and utilizing her skills to contribute to the advancement of engineering technologies.

The 26-year-old scientist is often said to be an “enormous inspiration” to young women who want to pursue a career in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) category.

Miftha also said, “Smital has used her own time to visit numerous schools promoting careers in engineering and sustainability.”

The RailStaff Awards were initiated in 2007. It aims to honour the remarkable contributions of individuals within the rail industry, acknowledging those who play pivotal roles in sustaining the UK’s railways – spanning from drivers and cleaners to engineers and station staff.

As the sole national accolade program for UK rail personnel, these awards frequently highlight narratives of saved lives, transformed careers, and triumph over adversity.

Dhake joined Alstom’s Digital and Integrated Systems (D&IS) UK signaling division, based in Hertfordshire, to collaborate on the pioneering Modular Advanced Route Setting (M-ARS) system.

This groundbreaking M-ARS system for the UK railway, integrating machine learning techniques like reinforcement learning, utilises real-time data to anticipate future occurrences.

This capability facilitates swift decision-making to resolve conflicting train movements, consequently amplifying railway efficiency.

Alstom has indicated that its M-ARS system is presently undergoing the approval process by Network Rail, with Smital playing an instrumental role in this evaluation. Once approved, the M-ARS system will be implemented across various prominent rail projects.

source/content: timesnownews.com (headline edited)