• By shedding the illusions of corporate or public sector employment and embracing a culture of ownership, innovation, and resilience, the modern generation can unlock its dormant entrepreneurial DNA and build lasting wealth.

By: Raphic Burdo

The Forbes Billionaires List carries names of a few Sindhis. These individuals and families represent a master class in wealth creation, urban development, and corporate resilience. They have built their massive fortunes not from government jobs, not through unfair means but through self-made enterprises. These people started from a state of total displacement which was result of events of 1947. Today, their names are etched into the upper echelons of global net worth tracking.

The rise of these Sindhi billionaires is one of the most remarkable sagas of economic resilience, grit, and visionary entrepreneurship in modern history. Arriving as penniless refugees during the 1947 Partition, these Sindhis lost their ancestral lands, homes, and businesses overnight. Yet, within a few generations, they transformed from displaced migrants into the architects of some of their country’s largest corporate empires. This phenomenal ascent speaks volumes about an inherent entrepreneurial DNA. It is evidence of a mindset that views displacement not as a dead end, but as a blank canvas for building generational wealth. For contemporary Sindhis trapped in the safety net of lifelong employment. The history of these tycoons serves as both a roadmap and a powerful wake-up call to reclaim their heritage of risk-taking for wealth and value creation.

In following paragraphs, we will look at individual breakdown of these iconic Sindhi tycoons. We will briefly touch upon their current net worth, primary industries, and their unique entrepreneurial journeys.

1. Gopichand Hinduja & Family

• Net worth: $31.7B+
• Field of business: Diversified Conglomerate (Automotive, Banking, Oil & Gas, IT)
• The billionaire journey: The Hinduja Group traces its origin back to Shikarpur, Sindh (now Pakistan). Gopichand’s father, Parmanand Hinduja, initially migrated to Mumbai and then built a merchant trading hub in Tehran, Iran, dealing in food commodities like onions and textiles. Following the Iranian Revolution, the family pivoted to Europe and aggressively expanded. Gopichand, along with his brothers, institutionalized the empire by acquiring massive legacy brands like Ashok Leyland and Gulf Oil, alongside establishing IndusInd Bank. Today, they sit comfortably as global mega-billionaires.

2. Chandru Raheja

• Net worth: $5.2B
• Field of business: Real Estate and Retail
• The billionaire journey: Chandru Raheja is a foundational pillar of Mumbai’s luxury commercial real estate. His family arrived as migrants in the wake of Partition and began operating small-scale construction projects. Following a major, highly publicized family business split in 1996, Chandru forged ahead independently to establish K Raheja Corp. He single-handedly revolutionized the Indian commercial sector by building state-of-the-art Mindspace IT Parks, high-end malls, and launching Shoppers Stop, India’s premier department store chain.

3. Renuka Jagtiani (Landmark Group)

• Net worth: $4.8B
• Field of business: Retail and Hospitality
• The billionaire journey: Carrying forward the monumental legacy of her late Sindhi husband, Mickey Jagtiani, Renuka leads the Dubai-headquartered Landmark Group, which commands a massive presence across India and the Middle East. Mickey Jagtiani’s journey is legendary; after tragic family losses, he moved to the Gulf and started his retail venture as a single shop in Bahrain selling baby products. Through aggressive consumer tracking and flawless supply chains, the family scaled the brand into a global retail titan with major household names like Lifestyle, Max, and Splash.

4. Rajan Raheja

• Net worth: $3.2B
• Field of business: Industrial Manufacturing and Media
• The billionaire journey: Cousin to Chandru Raheja, Rajan started within the joint family real estate business but displayed an innovative, disruptive streak that led him to build an completely separate industrial conglomerate. Rather than sticking solely to property, Rajan diversified into core sectors. He took control of Exide Industries (making it India’s dominant automotive battery manufacturer), built up Supreme Petrochem, and entered digital telecom infrastructure via Hathway Cable Datacom.

5. Jitendra Virwani

• Net worth: $1.9B
• Field of business: Commercial Real Estate
• The billionaire journey: Operating out of Bangalore, Virwani’s [Embassy Group] has developed over 62 million square feet of prime commercial space. His family timeline tracks the classic Sindhi migration trajectory into trading and property. Realizing that the modern internet boom required premium corporate infrastructure, Jitendra turned his sights to tech parks, securing massive multinational clients like Google and IBM. In a historic move, he partnered with private equity titan Blackstone to launch India’s very first public Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), forever shifting how capital is raised in Indian real estate.

6. Niranjan Hiranandani

• Net worth: $1.5B
• Field of business: Real Estate and Infrastructure
• The billionaire journey: The son of a prominent Sindhi doctor who migrated to Mumbai, Niranjan rejected a comfortable medical track to dive headfirst into the high-risk world of construction. He co-founded the [Hiranandani Group] with his brother. His defining moment of innovation occurred in the late 1980s when he acquired a vast expanse of barren, rocky wasteland in Powai, Mumbai. While others dismissed the land as useless, Niranjan envisioned a self-sustaining city. He integrated schools, hospitals, and lush Greek-inspired architecture, pioneering ultra-luxury integrated townships in India.

Key Entrepreneurial Takeaways for Aspiring Sindhis

Analyzing the Forbes data and the journeys of these specific billionaires reveals distinct operational principles that stand in stark contrast to a safe employee mindset:

The Equity Over Salary Rule: None of these individuals built wealth by trading hours for a paycheck. They focused entirely on owning assets. They dealt in physical land, corporate stock, and manufacturing intellectual property among other asset classes and enterprises.

The Power of Reinvestment: In the initial chapters of their journeys, these entrepreneurs lived lean, bootstrapping their ventures and routing 100% of their cash flow back into scaling their operations rather than inflating their lifestyles.

High-Stakes Adaptability: When the Raheja business split, or when the Hindujas had to shift out of Iran, they did not panic; they adapted. They shifted capital flawlessly from old-world commodities to emerging sectors like technology and real estate.

Embrace the bootstrap mindset: Start small, but think global. You do not need tons of money to launch a business; you need a viable idea and the willingness to sweat. Reinvest every single rupee of profit back into the business rather than upgrading your lifestyle prematurely.

Cultivate high risk tolerance: True wealth is always found on the other side of calculated risk. While employment prioritizes the avoidance of failure, entrepreneurship treats failure as a necessary data point for refinement. Do not fear losing temporary stability if it stands in the way of permanent equity.

Master the art of leverage: You cannot scale a business relying solely on your own two hands. Learn to leverage OPM (Other People’s Money) through smart credit and partnerships, and OPT (Other People’s Time) by hiring talented individuals who can execute your vision.

Focus on asset creation: Shift your focus from earning an income to owning assets. Dictate your financial future by owning real estate, equity in a business, or intellectual property. Real wealth compounds silently in the background while you sleep.

The legacy of these Sindhi billionaires is living proof that external circumstances do not dictate your financial destiny. By shedding the illusions of corporate or public sector employment and embracing a culture of ownership, innovation, and resilience, the modern generation can unlock its dormant entrepreneurial DNA and build lasting wealth.

Read: Rich Benefit, Others Left Out

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Raphic Burdo is student of Finance, Entrepreneurship, Public Policy, Psychology and Literature. He writes on the intersection of these subjects. He can be approached at RaphicBurdo@gmail.com

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With an unyielding commitment to excellence, she spearheaded the establishment of state-of-the-art centers in Orangi Town (2023), Sukkur (2024), Gambat (2024), Hyderabad (2024) and a facility for Autism Adults in Korangi (2022), providing free-of-cost, world-class services encompassing diagnosis, rehabilitation, education, skill training, and employment opportunities.

Karachi: Renowned autism specialist Irum Rizwan on Wednesday was awarded prestigious Tamgha-i-Imtiaz for her exceptional services, excellence, and commitment to reshape the landscape of autism care in the country.

Governor Sindh Syed Nehal Hashmi conferred Tamgha-i-Imtiaz on Irum Rizwan on behalf of President Asif Ali Zardari at a ceremony at the Governor House.

Currently overseeing the first-ever residential facility for autism in Pakistan, Ms Rizwan stands as a trailblazer in the field of autism in Pakistan.

Armed with a Postgraduate degree from the University of Birmingham, UK, and world-class training from the UK and the US, she has transformed the lives of over 3,000 individuals with Autism, reshaping the landscape of autism care in the country.

In 2013, she established a state-of-the-art Autism department at Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, the first of its kind in any teaching hospital in Pakistan.

Recognizing her unparalleled expertise, the Government of Sindh entrusted her with the development of the Center for Autism and Rehabilitation Training Sindh (C-ARTS) in 2018. What began as a single center in Gulistan-e-Johar, Karachi, soon flourished into a network of premier autism facilities. With an unyielding commitment to excellence, she spearheaded the establishment of state-of-the-art centers in Orangi Town (2023), Sukkur (2024), Gambat (2024), Hyderabad (2024) and a facility for Autism Adults in Korangi (2022), providing free-of-cost, world-class services encompassing diagnosis, rehabilitation, education, skill training, and employment opportunities.

C-ARTS stands as Pakistan’s first and only government-run autism network, setting a gold standard in inclusive care and rehabilitation.

Among its groundbreaking initiatives is Pakistan’s first café managed by individuals with Autism, a revolutionary step toward empowerment and independence.

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Read: Our Failure To Address Autism

The post Transforming autism care across Pakistan first appeared on Sindh Courier.

By Ramesh Raja

On 1st March 2026, Dr. Rahim Bux Bhatti celebrates eighty luminous years of a life devoted not to personal comfort but to public service. Born on 1 March 1946 in Village Ghulam Muhammad Bhatti on Pipri Road near Gambat, to Arbab Ali Bhatti, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of Pakistan’s most respected leaders in public-sector medicine.

From my own village, Sant Nagar, barely a kilometer away, his journey has always felt close to the heart. My late father, Anjahani Kaloo Mal, often spoke of a young doctor working with limited resources but unlimited resolve; a young man who would eventually build an institution that changed the destiny of Gambat.

Early Life, Education, and Discipline

Dr. Bhatti received his primary and secondary education in Gambat. With steadfast dedication and academic brilliance, he entered Liaquat Medical College, University of Sindh, completing his medical degree in the late 1960s.

In 1971, immediately after his house job, he joined the Pakistan Army as a Medical Officer and rose to the rank of Captain. Those formative years of military service shaped his discipline, administrative acumen and resilience.

By 1974, he had joined the Sindh Health Department, beginning service at a modest dispensary in Gambat. That small beginning would one day evolve into a national landmark of healthcare excellence.

The Birth and Rise of GIMS

The most defining chapter of Dr. Bhatti’s life is the creation and transformation of the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS). What began as a humble facility in a small town grew, under his visionary leadership, into one of Pakistan’s most advanced public-sector tertiary care institutions.

Brick by brick, step by step, GIMS expanded to offer highly complex procedures once thought possible only in major metropolitan or international hospitals. Today, it houses a Liver Transplant Program with over 1,300 successful transplants, a Kidney Transplant Unit performing thousands of procedures, Bone Marrow Transplant Services with more than 200 critical cases, Corneal Transplants restoring sight to hundreds, and even Lung Transplant capabilities; placing it among the rare centers in Pakistan to offer such advanced care.

Modern ICUs, specialized transplant theaters, Cardiology, Orthopedics, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine departments, as well as state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities including MRI, CT Scan and Cath Lab services, have strengthened its foundation. The attached medical college continues to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals through MBBS and allied health programs. Patients now travel from Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and even Afghanistan; many receiving treatment entirely free under the public model.

In stature and spirit, GIMS stands alongside pioneering institutions such as the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation and the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, forming a powerful backbone of Sindh’s free tertiary healthcare revolution.

Pharmaceutical and Educational Expansion

Among Dr. Bhatti’s most forward-looking initiatives is the establishment of Pakistan’s first public-sector pharmaceutical production facility within GIMS, producing quality medicines at affordable costs. This bold step reflects his deep conviction that healthcare must not only be advanced but accessible and sustainable.

Under his guidance, GIMS has expanded far beyond surgery into a comprehensive academic and training institution, offering postgraduate programs such as FCPS and MCPS, structured Nursing and Allied Health education, and fostering a culture of research. Facilities such as hostels and guest houses provide dignity and comfort to families who travel from distant regions.

Dr. Bhatti’s vision has always been institutional rather than personal; he builds systems to endure beyond any individual, turning Gambat into a “Health City” where treatment, education, research and pharmaceutical support function in one integrated ecosystem.

A Gentle and Hopeful Reflection

Every great institution grows through triumphs and challenges. As GIMS continues its remarkable journey, there remains the opportunity to make it even more welcoming and accessible to the underprivileged, especially local patients who may sometimes feel distant from its advanced systems. This is not a critique of Dr. Bhatti’s vision but a hopeful nudge toward the next stage of evolution. The foundation has been laid with courage, foresight, and dedication; now, it is time for its next chapter of growth.

Captain (Retired) Dr. Rahim Bux Bhatti is disciplined, strong-willed, visionary, and tireless. Not a man of speeches, he is a man of execution. His style is direct, sometimes strict, but always focused on outcomes. It is this steadfast character that has transformed a modest dispensary into a beacon of hope and life-saving medicine.

Gambat’s Pride, Sindh’s Symbol

City of Gambat is a land of educated and cultured families; Shaikhs, Memons, Hindus and many others who have always valued knowledge, service, and excellence. Yet, in the modern history of our town, the strongest identity has become GIMS; an institution shaped not by committees or temporary enthusiasm, but by the relentless persistence and singular vision of Dr. Rahim Bux Bhatti.

From a small dispensary in 1974 to a multi-organ transplant center in 2026, this journey reflects what one determined individual can achieve when purpose outweighs limitation.

At the age of eighty, Dr. Bhatti’s legacy is not confined to buildings, awards or titles. It lives in thousands of transplant recipients, in families saved from financial ruin, in young doctors trained under his disciplined system and in the transformation of a rural town into a national medical landmark.

He did not leave Sindh to seek greatness; he chose to stay and in staying, he brought greatness to Gambat. On his 80th birthday, we pray for his continued health, strength and wisdom. May GIMS evolve into a true sanctuary where the poorest are first in dignity and where hope, planted by one extraordinary man, blossoms for generations to come.

Read: GIMS: Public Healthcare Revolution in Sindh

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The author of this article, Engr. Ramesh Raja, is a Civil Engineer, visionary planner, PMP certified and literary enthusiast with a passion for art and recreation. He can be reached at engineer.raja@gmail.com  

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The Walk of Life is on a mission to champion walking as a transformative way of life—one that strengthens the body, sharpens the mind, and awakens the spirit

Vijay Rajvaidya

Sacred ‘snaans‘

I did not intentionally plan this leg of my padyatra (walk) from Neemrana in Rajasthan to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand to coincide with the Mahakumbh snaan (holy bath) in Prayagraj, yet fate had its own design. What made the experience truly unique was that I bathed in the sacred Ganga at Haridwar one morning and, the very next day, again in the Ganga at Prayagraj—after an arduous yet fulfilling journey.

The Walk of Life is more than just a journey—it is my mission. I am walking to the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in sequence, retracing the footsteps of Adi Shankaracharya from his legendary pilgrimage in 722 AD. My odyssey began in May 2022 from Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, and I have now reached the base of Kedarnath after passing through Omkareshwar, Somnath, and Naagnath—covering over 2,800 km (1,750 miles) on foot.

This particular stretch of my walk in February 2025 spanned 569 km (356 miles) from Neemrana in Rajasthan to Gaurikund, the base of the revered Kedarnath shrine, completed in just 18 days.

25 Miles a Day

During each phase of my journey, I walk for at least 15 days, twice a year, averaging around 40 km (25 miles) per day. This pilgrimage is not just about distance; it is a spiritual quest, a tribute to an ancient tradition, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

The most profound aspect of my walk is the opportunity to connect with the local people, flora, and fauna in ways I had never experienced before. Each interaction has deepened my understanding of my own internal conflicts, refined my sense of self, and reshaped my purpose in life. At this stage, I have the privilege of looking back on my journey with clarity, allowing me to reexamine myself from a fresh perspective.

Yet, my padyatra is adding new dimensions to this reflection, enriching me beyond anything I could have imagined. Rather than “settling down,” I find myself on an endless quest for learning and discovery. This is the essence of Tapasya—a transformative process for those willing to embark on it.

Paradoxically, this experience feels both immense and unhurried. If I compare the insights from my walk to everything I have learned in my lifetime, it seems like an intense crash course, eclipsing years of accumulated wisdom. And yet, the padyatra unfolds at the slowest, most deliberate pace—an intimate traversal through the vast expanse of the universe.

Noticing slow transformations

The walk brought into focus the changes around me—changes that had always been there but were imperceptible before.  When we move through time and space, change becomes visible only in large, discrete observations over long intervals. Our senses often fail to register the slow transformations happening around us.

However, during my slow walk, I noticed abrupt shifts in my surroundings, particularly at man-made state borders. The contrast in infrastructure and administration was striking as I crossed from Rajasthan into Haryana or from Haryana into Uttar Pradesh. In Haryana, walking through the backroads and villages felt like I was walking through rural California. The availability of resources directly impacted people’s living conditions and overall well-being.

So far, I have walked through Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand—in that order. I prefer walking through small villages and side roads, where the differences in quality of life between states are evident. Surprisingly, I did not encounter beggars in rural areas, towns, or even semi-urban regions. People were engaged in economic activities everywhere. While there were slackers, there was no sense of despair.

Google Maps & Compasses

For navigation, I primarily follow walking routes suggested by Google Maps, which works reasonably well in India. However, it proved unreliable in small villages and completely failed me in the Rann of Kutch. In that featureless terrain, I had to rely on an unreliable compass to navigate, especially during the dark hours.

Occasionally, Google directed me to walk along major highways. I try to avoid highways as they are both unhealthy and unsafe for pedestrians. However, walking on them gave me firsthand exposure to the hazardous traffic conditions in India.

The urgent need for traffic regulation is undeniable. Drivers, particularly those operating commercial vehicles, require systematic training and retraining. Alarmingly, bus drivers stand out as the most reckless, closely followed by private car drivers. Currently, the enforcement of traffic rules is almost nonexistent. Wrong-side driving is rampant, involving even large vehicles and machinery like harvesters. My most recent observations are based on my experience walking along National Highway 8, a major artery connecting Delhi to western India.

My observations

Another noteworthy observation is the varying degree of women’s participation in the political process across states. In some states, nearly all election hoardings featured women contesting local civic body elections—an encouraging sign of progress.

However, I also encountered an unhealthy practice in Haryana. Roadside provision stores and tea stalls frequently had big hookah setups, allowing customers to purchase small wads of tobacco, load the hookah, and smoke on the spot. Alarmingly, I saw many high school students indulging in this habit. This is a concerning trend that the state administration must pay attention to.

Uttarakhand is truly a land of divine beauty. Blessed by nature, its landscapes are breathtaking, though the region occasionally faces natural calamities that result in loss of life. The entire Himalayan belt remains geologically unsettled, requiring constant infrastructure reinforcement to mitigate the effects of landslides, which, though infrequent, pose challenges. Despite this, the warmth and hospitality of the people make every journey here an enriching experience.

A pilgrimage with friends

The next leg of my Padyatra begins on September 29, 2025, from Gaurikund, where we will ascend close to 12,000 feet in altitude to a 17-kilometer-long walk to Kedarnath. I say “we” because I will be joined by friends who will walk with me for this part of the journey. After Kedarnath, I will continue my pilgrimage on foot to Shri Kashi Vishwanath in Benaras.

The Walk of Life is on a mission to champion walking as a transformative way of life—one that strengthens the body, sharpens the mind, and awakens the spirit. We believe that true wellness is holistic, rooted in the powerful connection between movement, mindfulness, and meaning.

At the grassroots, we are committed to promoting literacy and education for those left behind, empowering individuals, and uplifting communities.

Through this journey, we strive to revive and expand access to India’s vast civilizational wisdom in academic institutions worldwide. We invite all generations to step forward and support this endeavor.

Read – Walking Through The Rann Of Kutch: A Journey Of Faith & Fitness

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Vijay Rajvaidya is a veteran of the high-tech and Information Technology industry of Silicon Valley. Vijay has an MBA in Finance from Santa Clara University and multiple degrees in engineering. Passionate about India’s rich culture, heritage, and civilizational history, Vijay is walking through all 12 Shiv temples (Jyotirling Temples) in India, a walk longer than 6,000 miles, replicating the journey of Sri Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. He is also visiting rural high schools during his walk to promote the Literacy Project “Each One, Teach One” of Rotary India. Vijay is a theater actor, a pilot, a mountaineer, and a certified scuba diver.

Courtesy: India Currents

The post Padayatra: A Walk Of Life first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Nandita Bose

Captain Shanti Sethi (Retd.) spoke to India Currents about her inspirational career in the US Navy as the first American of Indian origin to command a guided missile destroyer. On International Women’s Day, IC thanks Captain Sethi for her service to the nation.

“My heart is still on the ocean at sunset. I don’t think anything I’ve seen beats that”, says Captain Shanti Sethi (Retd.) of the United States Navy. Sethi is the first American of Indian origin to serve as the commander of a guided-missile destroyer, the USS Decatur, in the US Navy, one of very few women in the military with this achievement.

Early interest in the military

Sethi’s interest in the military developed as a teenager. Though not from a long-serving military family, Sethi’s maternal grandfather served briefly in the US Army during World War II and her maternal uncle served in the Navy briefly during the Vietnam War. In her middle school years, Sethi and her brother moved to the Bay Area with their mother who was an electrical engineer. “Growing up as the only Indian person in upstate New York was not a pleasant experience, but when we moved to the Bay Area it was eye-opening to see people who looked like me, and not being unusual or standing out.”

Army’s loss is Navy’s gain

Sethi joined the ROTC at age 13 and was a part of the Civil Air Patrol in the Bay Area. She went to military college at Norwich University with plans to join the Army. But training during a blizzard in Vermont had Sethi’s Army ROTC unit “crawling through the snow taking apart rifles. I did not enjoy that at all,” she laughs. “At the same time, my roommate was in a Navy program learning about radars, so I switched over to the Navy the following year.” The ocean became a lifelong passion. The Army’s loss became the Navy’s gain, but Norwich gave her a “good environment where I learned a lot of leadership skills,” says Sethi.

Enrolling in the ROTC and Military College also gave Sethi the guardrails that she was seeking personally. “In my teens, I realized that I needed some external discipline to work through, and being in the ROTC helped. 30+ years later I got diagnosed with ADHD and suddenly it all made sense”.

The USS Hopper

Sethi began her Navy career on an ammunition carrier as a communications officer and then as an electrical officer. Soon after, the Navy dropped the combat exclusion law which kept women off combatant ships. Sethi was then recruited as a navigator on the guided-missile destroyer, USS Hopper, named after Rear Admiral Grace Hopper. One of the first women to serve as a weapons officer and combat systems officer, with responsibility for radars, computer processors, gun systems, and missile systems – Sethi chose to serve on the USS Hopper as a tribute to Grace Hopper, her hero since school. “She had an incredible technical mind and it was cool to be serving on the Navy ship named after her,” she remarks.

Operation Iraqi Freedom

As Operation Iraqi Freedom went underway in 2003, Sethi worked to establish a missile defense program and collaborated with the Army and the Air Force “to inform them about inbound missiles. I’m proud to say that we successfully detected 13 inbound ballistic missiles from Iraq to American forces, and the Air Force and the Army took care of all of them.” After that, Sethi gained a reputation for being a missile defense expert, a job she held for several years.

Command at sea

After only 13 years in the Navy, Sethi became one of the first women to assume command of a mine-hunting ship, a post that usually takes 18 years to achieve. “For the first time, it was 55 sailors and me, with nobody standing behind to tell me what to do. From there, it was on to command at sea, which for a commander is sort of the pinnacle of our careers. It’s when we have the most responsibility and the most personal engagement with sailors, and with activities. That was just spectacular. I had an amazing team of officers who all had big personalities and worked together, and it was always fun. I was so fortunate to have an incredible crew, and hopefully, I was the leader that they wanted and needed.” In 2010, Sethi took command of the USS Decatur.

Task Force 64

On her final tour, Sethi was the commander of Task Force 64, part of the US Sixth Fleet, responsible for the integrated missile defense of Europe, specifically defending NATO Europe against missiles from Iran. “As we saw recently, that’s not just a theoretical threat, but something that could and did happen at the height of the Gaza conflict as they launched missiles toward Israel.” At Task Force 64, she worked closely with both the NATO Air Forces and the United States Air Force and coordinated ship movements regularly to ensure that the protection promised to NATO was in place.

At the White House

In 2012, after handing over command of the USS Decatur, Sethi joined the National War College for a Master’s Degree in National Security Policy. “When people think about national security, they tend to think about the military. But a lot happens before military engagement between the intelligence community and the State Department.” During her time at the White House attached to Vice President Kamala Harris’s national security office known as “the inner agency”, Sethi learned the nuances of “using soft power pressure, conversation, and nudges to avoid conflict and present the best possible options as against focusing on just military responses.”

“I watched her run war games”

“I’m happy to see the numbers of women in service growing yearly, but there are still not that many of us,” Sethi says. Given that, she finds “very concerning” the distinct lack of faith the current administration has shown in distinguished military leaders like Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the former Chief of Naval Operations, the first woman to hold the post in the US Navy.

“The US Navy is still clearly strong, well-trained, and capable of executing every mission, no matter who the Chief of Naval Operations is. I worked directly for Admiral Franchetti at Sixth Fleet and could discuss with her all about the operations I ran, including strikes into Syria. I watched her run war games. She is a highly qualified naval officer who earned her position by being better than the people around her. This situation is really unfortunate and I hope as a nation, we can overcome this and get back the belief in ability.”

Ban on Trans servicepersons

Sethi calls the ban on Trans-service personnel unfortunate. “I believe that all sailors, soldiers, marines, airmen, and guardians want a leader who cares about them and will make sure they do their best and come back alive from the mission. There are a handful of people with very deeply held beliefs rooted in religion and culture who have disputes with trans, gays, lesbians, or those anywhere on the sexuality spectrum. But for those who have served with honor and continue to do so by overcoming tremendous odds, discrimination, and in some cases, harassment, I believe that their ability to serve the nation should be unimpeded.”

For youth who dream of careers in the military, Sethi says, “There are a lot of options, and serving in the military gives you a chance to see the world, to meet people who don’t look, act, or sound like you, and to make a real difference by serving the country. Yes, a lot is going on in the world today but we should aim to be the best sailors, soldiers, airmen/women, marine guardians, and Coast Guardsmen/women that we can be.”

On retiring from the Navy, Sethi, based in Washington DC, runs a leadership coaching practice that enables her to spend time with her eight-year-old daughter, Priya, who “speaks Italian fluently and has a passion for figure skating. I love that I can do things with her, be it taking her to Namibia for a trip or figure-skating training in Italy,” says the proud single mother. “I found my balance late in life but you have to stretch a little bit in some areas to make room for another.”

Read: Kalpana Chawla – Citizen of Galaxies

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Nandita Chowdhury Bose is Contributing Editor at India Currents. In Mumbai, she worked at India Today and Society magazines, besides other digital publications. In the United States, she has been a communications consultant.

Courtesy: India Currents (March 8, 2025)

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Hike Queen Buddies is a sisterhood of hikers that builds community, transforms lives and inspires wellness, one trail at a time

By Arunima Gupta

From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Community

Hike Queen Buddies (HQB) is a thriving community of women hikers across the United States that inspires wellness through a love of nature. What started as a simple hiking journey between two friends has blossomed into a powerful 1000+ women network that fosters personal rejuvenation, community building, and empowerment.

In 2017, the seeds of Hike Queen Buddies were sown when two friends–Gunjan and Priti–sought respite from the demands of work and family by exploring local hiking trails. As word of their weekend excursions spread, more women joined their adventures. This led to the creation of a WhatsApp group, marking the informal beginnings of HQB.

“We weren’t hikers at that point; we simply wanted to enjoy our time outdoors,” recalls Gunjan. “Being out in nature and meeting different people was giving us an energy boost.” This transformative experience laid the foundation for HQB.

Sustaining the Sisterhood

A dedicated team of four administrators–Priti, Gunjan, Saritha and Madhavi–manages the HQB community. The community comprises five chapters, with the South Bay and East Bay chapters in California being the most active, and a recent addition in New York.

The chapters organize frequent community activities, primarily hikes. With the help of guidelines that promote efficiency and responsible leadership, community members lead hikes. Apart from following the guidelines, leading a hike also requires planning, research and sometimes preparations in advance. HQB Admins assist members in preparing for hikes through training plans and shared experiences from past hikers. They also share awareness about proper gear such as appropriate shoes and backpacks. Together, the community has hiked some challenging paths including Grand Canyon Rim 2 Rim, Half Dome in Yosemite National Park and Mt. Whitney – the highest mountain in the contiguous United States.

Speaking about her journey, Pratibha, an HQB member for the past four years shares “Every trail we traverse together reminds me that we’re so much more than just a hiking group – we’re family. The way we lift each other up literally and figuratively on steep climbs and through life’s challenges embodies the true spirit of ‘one for all, all for one.’ What makes our sisterhood truly special is how we lead with nurturing hearts and strength. Whether it’s sharing snacks at the summit, carrying each other’s extra items on tricky terrain, or being there with encouraging words when someone needs it most – we’ve created something remarkable together.”

In addition to hikes, HQB hosts an annual in-person meetup, providing an invaluable opportunity for community members to connect on a deeper level. Members who are making significant contributions to the wellness space share their personal journeys and inspire others. This enhances community bonding and reinstates one of the core pillars of HQB i.e supporting each other in their wellness journeys. While joining HQB is free, the annual in-person meetup is ticketed to cover operational and logistical costs.

Priti, co-founder of HQB encapsulates the essence of HQB’s mission: “A community of strong women who share the love for nature. It’s a community where we inspire each other, learn new things and create lifelong memories, all along supporting each other, both on and off the trails.”

Nurturing Growth and Connection

HQB evolved organically, soon transitioning from a WhatsApp group to an active Facebook community of women from diverse backgrounds, age groups and different fitness levels. What has remained in common is their shared enthusiasm to be out in nature. To cultivate a secure and supportive environment, the community has remained private and women-only, offering an outlet for members to enjoy nature while forging deep connections with fellow hikers.

Saritha, an admin of the HQB community, shares her impression. “I was drawn to HQB by its strong sense of belonging and genuine care for people. From the start, I felt an immediate connection with like-minded individuals who share a passion for nature and physical health. Over the years, I’ve formed close friendships through shared experiences and challenges. This group has helped me discover strengths I didn’t know I had, like completing long hikes, and has empowered me through inspiration, support, and a shared commitment to growth.”

HQB serves as a platform for women from diverse backgrounds to connect with fellow hikers. Madhavi, a software engineer, describes HQB as “an extended family, building new friendships, fostering life-long bonds, and a strong network of like-minded women who share my passion for hiking, fitness, and the love for the great outdoors.”

Transforming Lives, One Trail at a Time

HQB is deeply committed to receiving feedback and consistently delivering on it. The proactive community-run model has eliminated barriers for women to express themselves. Rather, they have found their lives to be profoundly impacted by the open model of HQB. Gunjan recounts instances where members have overcome personal challenges through the community’s support.

Another hiker shares, “Living in the Bay Area and being a mom of two young kids, my world became too small. I felt like I was stuck in a gold mine when Naani introduced me to HikeQueens. The gift that MyTrailpals can provide to larger communities is priceless.”

Heather Keres, a recent member, adds, “At a time in my life when I was seeking change, I found HQB. The group includes me, encourages me, and challenges me…I now hike distances and visit destinations I never imagined alongside strong, courageous, and encouraging women. I am forever grateful to the ladies of HQB.”

MyTrailPals: Expanding the Vision

Inspired by the HQB community, Gunjan launched MyTrailPals, a mobile application for all nature & outdoor enthusiasts. Unlike HQB, the app is not limited to women or hiking. People from all walks of life can find/host activities and outdoor events as per their interests. They can also connect with other like-minded outdoor enthusiasts and communities within proximity. MyTrailPals’s mission is to make the outdoors a seamless part of everyday life and reduce travel barriers that often deter people from participating.

Read: Mum climbs deadly 6,000m mountain to inspire her son to always ‘follow his dreams’

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Arunima Gupta is a Berkeley-based writer covering issues on Indian culture, heritage and startups

Courtesy: India Currents (Posted on March 7, 2025)

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Dr. J Ravikumar Stephen G.

Before understanding how turmeric can aid in cancer treatment, it is essential to first understand what cancer is. Our body is a complex community of independent cells, each performing its designated function under the central command of the brain. This communication occurs through neurotransmitters, which facilitate electrochemical signals between cells. Every cell has a natural lifespan and is programmed to undergo apoptosis (natural cell death) after a certain period.

However, some cells become rogue and refuse to undergo this programmed cell death. While every cell has an auto-destruction mechanism, some fail to respond to these internal commands—similar to how humans seek longevity. The brain recognizes these malfunctioning cells and attempts to trigger their destruction, but in some cases, these cells resist these signals and continue to survive within the body.

As long as these rogue cells remain isolated, they do not pose a significant threat. However, when they begin clustering and influencing nearby cells to behave similarly, they initiate what we call cancerous growth. This unchecked proliferation of abnormal cells is what leads to the development of cancer.

Faith, Medicine, and the Role of Natural Remedies

There exists a sect of theists who believe that one should rely solely on prayer rather than medicine, while some atheists mock such beliefs, arguing that even those who visit hospitals for treatment ultimately place their trust in science rather than divine intervention.

Interestingly, I recently came across a passage in the Roman Catholic Bible that caught my attention:

“Give honor to the physician, for you need him, and it was God Himself who established him. Healing, in fact, comes from the Sovereign God … God created medicinal herbs that grow on Earth, and a sensible person will not despise them. It is God who gives medical knowledge to people… The physician uses it to heal and comfort, and the pharmacist prepares the medicine. Consult the physician; remember that he was established by God, so do not disregard him, for you need him. There are cases when good health depends on physicians, for they, too, will pray to God to grant them the grace to relieve and heal, in order to save lives.” – (Sirach 38:1-14)

Whether one attributes the existence of turmeric to divine creation, as theists do, or to nature, as atheists believe, the fact remains that turmeric has profound medicinal value.

Scientific Evidence on Turmeric’s Role in Cancer Prevention

Recent research has shown that curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, possesses powerful anti-cancer properties. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that curcumin can kill cancer cells in certain types of cancer and prevent their further growth.

Indian cuisine follows the philosophy of food as medicine, which is why turmeric is an essential ingredient in many traditional dishes.

Incorporating Turmeric for Cancer Prevention and Recovery

– If you have a family history of cancer, consider consuming a small amount of raw turmeric daily to help prevent the proliferation of rogue cells that may lead to cancer.

– If you are a cancer survivor, increase your turmeric intake—either in raw or powdered form—as a complementary measure alongside your prescribed medications to help combat the disease effectively.

Nature offers solutions, and science validates them. Let us embrace the best of both worlds for a healthier future.

Read: A Culinary Journey: Unveiling the Rich Heritage of Poha and Its Dravidian Roots

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Dr. J Ravikumar Stephen G., is the Founder, Dravidianism Revival Centre, Peace Coalition of the People of South Asia, and Sages of the New Covenant. He is also the Presiding Bishop of General Convention of the Episcopal Churches in Southern and South Eastern Asia.  The Dravidianism Revival Centre is located in Badlapur, Greater Thane Maharashtra, India.

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• Communities battle Climate Change Shocks as Rising Health Issues Threaten Vulnerable Populations in District Umerkot

Umerkot, Sindh

The Association for Water, Applied Education & Renewable Energy (AWARE) organized a free medical camp at village Babu Faqeer, union council Khan Sahib Atta Muhammad Palli of district Umerkot, where about 710 individuals were provided with free medical consultations, treatment, and essential medicines.

The medical camp, organized on Dec 15, 2024, funded by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) under the Restoration of Social Services and Climate Resilience (RSSCR) project, was a vital initiative addressing health challenges happened due to climate change and mitigating the shock of the 2022 flood.

During diagnosing the patients, it was found that eye infection, ear infection, female diseases, cold, diarrhea, pneumonia and scabies were main diseases reported in the area.

“Climate change poses significant risks to human health, exacerbating respiratory diseases, heat-related illnesses, and the spread of vector-borne diseases in Umerkot,” Dr. Sumayya Shafique, from Transparent Hands, speaking at the camp highlighted the dire healthcare disparities in rural regions. “The lack of quality healthcare continues to result in high health issues especially in women, actually women are not aware about health and hygiene that lead to them major issues,” she stated.

Read: Climate Change and its Impact on Gender in Rural areas of Sindh

“Bridging this gap demands sustained partnerships to extend accessible and effective health services to underserved communities be because in remote areas there is lack of suitable health facilities.”

“Extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, disrupt access to clean water and healthcare, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Addressing these impacts requires urgent climate adaptation and healthcare solutions,” she said.

Dr. Rahib Ali, Project Manager at AWARE, emphasized the importance of localized healthcare delivery. “Our approach focuses on bringing medical professionals directly to the people, ensuring immediate relief and long-term community trust,” he explained.

Social activist Faheem Ahmed highlighted that a significant portion of the local population lives in poverty, unable to afford costly laboratory tests. This initiative has provided crucial support to the most marginalized, effectively reducing health issues in the area. (PR)

Read: WB Mission highlights future climate change threats to Sindh

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Read: Villages in Sindh losing their fight with climate change

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Umerkot, Sindh

A district-level program was held at Government Boys Degree College Umerkot on December 12, 2024 to address the dual challenges of climate change and polio eradication.

The event, attended by 800 participants, brought together policymakers, healthcare experts from WHO and Government, Civil society, NGO and INGOs, social leaders, and students to discuss innovative solutions for these pressing issues.

The event was organized by SPO Umerkot, a non-government organization, in collaboration with the District Administration Umerkot and Government Boys Degree College Umerkot.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Commissioner Naveed Rehman Lark said, “Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s a health crisis, a societal challenge, and an economic concern. The rise in diseases, particularly polio, demands urgent action. Our collective efforts must focus on innovation and sustainable solutions to create a resilient and healthy future for Umerkot.”

DHO Muhammad Ali Nohri, Assistant Commissioner Rajab Ali Sathio, and SPO officials also spoke.

Read: 7 More Polio Cases Detected in Sindh

The event featured a panel discussion titled “Vaccines: A Right or a Responsibility?” Moderated by Dr. Vijay from the EPI program. The session explored myths and facts surrounding vaccination. Key panelists, including DHO Muhammad Ali Nohri, WHO Area Coordinator Thanwer Khalil Abbas, Dr. Allam Azad (EPI focal person, WHO), and Dr. Abdul Jabbar, delved into critical gaps and challenges in polio eradication efforts. In this session, “The Role of Youth in Promoting Immunization Awareness,” was also highlighted. Panelists shared the importance of engaging young people to dispel misinformation and champion vaccination campaigns.

Students delivered impactful speeches in Sindhi, Dhatki, and Urdu to raise awareness about polio and climate change. Their speeches emphasized the importance of vaccination, dispelling myths, and taking collective action to create a healthier, more resilient society. Highlighting the link between climate change and the rise of diseases like polio, they urged communities to act responsibly and protect future generations.

In addition to their speeches, the students performed three tableaus, creatively conveying polio awareness messages. These performances showcased how youth can play a crucial role in spreading knowledge, inspiring action, and uniting communities to tackle these pressing issues together.

For the first time in Umerkot, ambassadors were trained to support climate action and polio eradication efforts in the region. This pioneering initiative equipped participants with the knowledge and skills to address these pressing issues, fostering awareness and community engagement. The ambassadors are now set to lead impactful campaigns, bridging gaps in understanding and inspiring collective action to build a healthier, climate-resilient society in Umerkot. (PR)

Read: Villages in Sindh losing their fight with climate change

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Read: Poverty, conflict and climate fuel spike in trafficking victims: UN report

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Iqra Hussain

In the emerging field of medicine nowadays world is moving from pharmaceuticals towards nutraceuticals having high demand of nutritional supplements because prevention is better than treatment and when your body requirement is fulfilled with nutritional supplements, the disease or ailment is no more in your life. The need and urge to have nutraceuticals in your life is as your all caloric contains are met as per your body requirements.

Many other vital parameters are as follows:

Increasing Focus on Preventative Health

• Pharmaceuticals have traditionally been used to treat diseases after they occur. However, the rising interest in preventative healthcare has led to greater exploration of how nutraceuticals—products that combine nutrition and pharmaceuticals—can help prevent or mitigate disease.
• Nutraceuticals, such as vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and herbal supplements, are seen as tools to enhance overall health, strengthen the immune system, and manage chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Integrative Medicine and Functional Medicine

• There is a growing field of integrative medicine, which combines conventional Western medicine with alternative and complementary treatments. Functional medicine, which focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease, also places a significant emphasis on the role of diet and lifestyle.
• Nutraceuticals are often a part of this approach, as they can be tailored to a person’s individual needs based on their genetics, microbiome, and environmental factors.

Personalized and Precision Health

• Advances in personalized medicine are driving the demand for customized solutions, and nutraceuticals fit well into this paradigm. Nutraceuticals can be tailored to individual genetic profiles, lifestyle factors, and specific health needs, offering a more personalized approach to healthcare.
• Fewer side effects.

Improves patients quality of life

As nutraceuticals supplements do not have any kind of harmful effect versus to Pharmaceuticals as drug-drug interaction, drug disease interaction, drug food interaction, drug lab interaction, no any side effect or ADRS to be seen hence with daily food requirements you become energetic and boost up to fight to your challenges effectively.

Examples of Popular Nutraceuticals:

• Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria that support gut health, immunity, and digestion.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish oil, these are linked to improved heart health and cognitive function.
• Curcumin: The active compound in turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Adaptogens: Herbs like ashwagandha and ginseng that are used to reduce stress and improve energy levels.

The shift from pharmaceuticals to nutraceuticals is part of a larger trend toward more holistic, preventative, and personalized healthcare. While pharmaceuticals will continue to be essential for managing acute and serious conditions, nutraceuticals are increasingly being seen as part of a broader approach to maintaining health, preventing illness, and managing chronic conditions. This evolving field offers exciting possibilities for the future of medicine, but it also requires careful regulation and research to ensure safety, efficacy, and quality.

So not just get treated but also be prevented to have Healthier and Happy life, as the quality of life matters.

Read: Say good bye to runny itchy nose, watery eyes and feel healthy and active

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Iqra Hussain is a Pharmacist, a social activist and a writer.

Read: The Vital Role of Pharmacists in Healthcare Systems

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