People First

'The Not So Bashful Bride | Meet Shilpa Sreekumar, Who Became Viral For Playing Chenda At Her Wedding'

'In a world of bashful brides, with stereotypes of being demure, Shilpa Sreekumar – an engineer, became an overnight sensation when she donned the role of the new-age drummer girl. Playing the chenda – a traditionally male instrument – to her heart’s desire at her wedding. Sreekumar has been playing the chenda for 12 years, and when it was time for her to play it at her wedding, she didn’t find it unusual at all but says that she didn’t anticipate a small act of joy would spark such an impact for young girls!' Read more

'The Story Of A Brave Mother's Brave Son - Lt Gen Tiny Dhillon'

'Lt. Gen KJS Dhillon, known almost exclusively as Tiny Dhillon, has had an illustrious tenure in the Indian Army spanning almost 40 years, having helmed successful strategic operations such as Operation Maa, an operation that worked with mothers of youths who joined militancy and requested them to come back home. Lt. Gen’s own mother had a role to play in this, wonder what? When he was just 3 years old, he lost his mother as she protected his father from the attack of a vicious wild animal, an attack that immemorialised her as the SherMaarMa.' Read more

'Meet The Powerlifter Who Shun All Stereotypes'

'Majiziya Bhanu’s story is an inspiration. Having grown up listening to slurs about her religion and identity, she didn’t let the naysayers deter her passion. Instead, she shut all her critics by excelling at powerlifting – a feat no one around her thought she would achieve. Her inspiration though? Her mother – who asked her to go for her dreams, being the wind beneath her wings! From a difficult childhood to being a world champion – this is her extraordinary story.' Read more

'People First | Shekhar Krishnamoorthy'

'Shekhar Krishnamoorthy was a father who didn’t scold his children ever when they were alive, and in death, there is a calmness to his anger, because he wants to remember them fondly and be a rock to his wife. The Krishnamoorthys went through something entirely too unimaginable, something that parents even shudder to think about. Neelam and Shekhar Krishnamoorty fought a long, arduous, heartbreaking legal battle seeking justice for their children – Ujjwal and Unnati who died in the Upahaar Movie Hall Fire.' Read more

'People First | Ginni Mahi'

'Ginni Mahi is a 24-year-old Dalit musician from Punjab, and her music is an act of resistance, one that is all about her identity and busting archaic notions people have about her caste and her individuality. When she was in school, Ginni was asked a question by a fellow student that made her reclaim her lineage, one she took extreme pride in. Enter – the song Danger Chamar. This is her story of grit & glory, making art out of what is used by others to belittle you.' Read more

'People First | Cdr Abhilash Tomy'

'A love for solitude prepared him for possibly the toughest ordeal life could put anyone through. Commander Abhilash Tomy is a retired Indian Navy Officer, who also doubles up as a naval aviator and a yachtsman! However, in a crazy twist of fate, in 2018, Commander Tomy while participating in the Golden Globe Race, got injured when his boat was caught in a violent storm. The accident left him with a broken spine, but not a broken spirit, eventually recuperating, and coming second in that very race the next year!' Read more

'People First | Akkai Padmashali'

'Akkai Padmashali, a trans activist, attempted suicide at the age of 12. Theurs is a journey of struggle; for the world to accept their identity and authentic self. Today, they stands call as an activist striving for a more inclusive society – having been honoured with Karnataka’s highest civilian award. They are also the first trans person to register their marriage in Karnataka. Akkai Padmashali, believes in the power of being a good human, and not just in being a father or a mother.' Read more

'People First | Ashwani Kathpalia'

'The moment summer comes a-knockin', the need for cold coffee increases exponentially - and this is when the demand for Dilli's apni cold coffee takes centre stage! But who is the man behind a coffee empire that is important to many Delhiites? Meet him here!' Read more

'People First | Damayanti Vijay Tambe'

'Damayanti Vijay Tambay is no ordinary woman, hers are nerves of steel. She was a six-time National Badminton Champion and an Arjuna Awardee, when her husband Flt. Lt Vijay Tambay went missing after the 1971 war between India and Pakistan. She gave up her own ambition as a sportswoman, to search for her husband for 50 long years.' Read more

'People First | Piyush Parathewala'

'Piyush Dixit is a parathewala – and if you know Delhi, you know that it is the city of foodies for foodies, and BY foodies – such as Piyush whose family has owned a paratha shop in Chandni Chowk since 1875. He is a 6th generation shop owner. His shop has served parathas from Pandit Nehru to Ranbir Kapoor, and a host of people in between – with Imtiaz Ali being a regular customer! So with a story so classic, it is a bit shocking that Piyush himself likes a fusion paratha, but such is the love for food: it brings different people together!' Read more

'The Iconic Idli Amma'

'India is a repository of humans with such strength of character, one will never be amazed enough. Stories of generosity, strength, and resilience: such as the story of Kamalathal – or fondly known as Idli Amma, the almost 90-year-old lady who come rain or shine feeds the poor across Tamil Nadu an idli – for just Rupee 1. Something she didn’t let go off even during COVID. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw of Biocon, famously said on WTW that Idli Amma reminds her of her own mother…this is a story of unyielding generosity. Meet Idli Amma!' Read more