Bending it like Sid Mallya

This interview was originally published at bollywoodjournalist.com in 2016, a few days ahead of the London Indian Film Festival. Naman Ramachandran, a personal friend had written his first film Naman Brahman and Sid Mallya was one of the lead cast.  When I started interacting with the PR handling the project, it was really difficult to try to convince them for...

SHEROES and UK government launch “Women Go Digital” programme to power digital growth for women entrepreneurs and professionals

100 women entrepreneurs to get access to digital transformation training and tools, mentorship and community The UK-India Tech Hub has partnered with SHEROES to launch the “Women Go Digital” programme. The programme offers access to digital tools and skills, mentorship and community to women looking to transform their entrepreneurial and professional outcomes. The Women Go Digital programme is offered for free...

A personal plea for generations to co-operate in saving the planet and our children’s futures

As far back as I can remember, I loved animals, plants, and trees — really anything that was outdoors and wild. Simply put, I was fascinated by the natural world. My interest was magnified when I spent a summer holiday in the Midlands with my grandparents. Even though I was only four years old, I remember so vividly the...

Publisher of “The House of Commons Book of Tribute Messages to Nelson Mandela” gets in more supporters for ending poverty

At a recent cultural programme evening Nrutyotsav, organised by Sarjan Nartan Academy, the Founder of "The House of Commons Book of Tribute Messages to Nelson Mandela" and organiser of the Nelson Mandela Book Charity Balls, Nic Careem, invited Jasu Vekaria MBE and Suryakanth Jadva to leave a hand-written message in the book. Famed choreographer and dance teacher Neha Sachin presented...

Multi-faith celebration marks 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak

Multiple faiths truly came together in Edinburgh at an event held to celebrate the 550th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. It was a ground-breaking evening arranged a Muslim organisation, supported by a Hindu organisation, and hosted by the Christian Lord Provost. It was attended by all faiths and was a wonderful showcase of...

Kashmir’s Children of a Lesser God

I wonder if Medoff drew his inspiration from Kashmir when he chronicled the fascinating drama capturing the intensity of conflicting ideologies of speech and deafness and in the process creating tension and discord in their ever-developing romantic relationship. James, ‘the adamant and energetic school teacher’ pitched against the ‘ever defiant yet independent’ deaf woman Sarah, persistent to crack the ice,...

World Mental Health Day 2020: a tribute to the selfless Sumitra Tevani

In recent months, everyone has been talking about getting used to a new ‘normal’ in a COVID-19 world. In reality, my new normal is learning to live life to the fullest without my beautiful Mummy sending me WhatsApp messages, calling me a gazillion times a day, video calling me but then putting the phone up to her ear, sharing the...

Rahul Nangare, First Secretary (Trade) – a tenure of protecting heritage and championing diasporas

Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better, and this cannot be more true than of Rahul Nangare, the First Secretary (Trade) at the High Commission of India (HCI) in London. Rahul received the prestigious 'Specially Distinguished Record of Service Award' from the President of India for his outstanding work over a prolonged period of service,...

Opinion: Those who do not learn from history end up repeating it with even more dire consequences

Sant Bhindranwale, an unelected and self-appointed leader, promised Sikhs extra rights and benefits in a secular and democratic country, India, where equality for all is enshrined in its constitution. He offered the Sikhs more benefits than the elected Chief Minister of Punjab could give them. He played on the human weakness of wanting to get something for nothing. The result...

Gray’s Inn in London unveils the Ambedkar Room and a new portrait

Master Ali Malek QC, Master Treasurer, Gray’s Inn, unveiled the Ambedkar Room at Gray’s Inn on 30 June 2021, dedicated to Dr Ambedkar, known internationally as an extraordinary academic, writer, politician, socio-political reformer, economist, and jurist. He also inspired the Buddhist movement in India. As the chief architect of India’s Constitution, he abolished Untouchability, and secured social and fundamental legal rights and equality for its...