Woman with a vision

Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh is a visionary. The first woman to become the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Regional Director for South-East Asia for two consecutive times, she is known for her contributions to revamp the healthcare scenario of the South-East Asia Region, which eventually emerged as the top performer in the organisation worldwide. Dr Poonam, […]

The Record Maker

The first female and African to head World Trade Organisation (WTO), 66-year-old Nigerian economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has over four decades of expertise in development and finance. Her four-year term at WTO began on March 1, 2021. As a person who holds dual citizenship with the United States, she is also the first American to hold […]

The real sport!

A record holder for being the Japanese woman athlete who has made the greatest number of Olympic appearances Seiko Hashimoto, for the Japanese, is a name synonymous with Olympics, literally! Born in the year of the Tokyo Olympics, in 1964, she was named after the Olympic flame ‘seika’. A record holder for being the Japanese […]

Finding a balance between reality and realisation

“What is our reality and how do we create it,” clubbed with the realisation that people struggle with their own paradigms or mental programming and most often are not able to resolve an issue or changing a habit or removing a repeating pattern in their lives, persuaded Kanya Govind to take up Life Coaching and […]

A gateway to solving the language knot

Udaipur-based Prithvi Jain saw an active issue in the freelance and translation industry when she was just a college student “I used to freelance, while I was in college, which is when I noticed a huge gap in the language service industry in our country.” She points out that unlike in countries like the US […]

The guiding light

“It actually has been a year of unlearning, relearning, adapting and implementing the best methods of technology-aided education” Rachel Ignatius, who has been the principal of The Choice School, Thiruvalla, Kerala, for years, is known for her strong team-building skills, attention to detail and efficiency. She says, “I came to this profession by chance at […]

Setting high ‘volume’ beauty standards

“Beauty is not just about the appearance but it is about character, confidence and how well you play the given role, be it in any industry”. This was the thought that persuaded Akshaya Navaneethan to start loving the way she looked and flaunt it with utmost confidence and pride. She decided to take up plus […]

Soigné clicks rooted in perfection

“My forte is a traditional set up and I am very particular about the props as it is important to build the entire mood” It is not just cooking food that excites Sony Dinesh, she also spends time thinking how to present a dish in the most appealing way. After quitting her job in the […]

The silversmith's playbook

Chanchu George didn’t start silversmithing as a business, it was a long journey of passion and curiosity that led to this. It all started some 15 years ago when she started off by putting beads together to make necklaces, a time when YouTube videos or tutorials were not available on the internet. Chanchu reminisces how […]

‘Food’-steps to success

Hobbies are like stressbusters. However, But not all get the privilege to actually take up what they love doing as a career option as well. That said, for Teenu Terrence it has been all about doing what she loves, food writing and blogging for the past few years. It was like finding the light at […]

Crafting her own warp and weft stories

“Sometimes I am inspired by some of the colours that I come across on the runway. But most of the time I develop some concept on my own” It took Alka Hari just five years to become a household name among those women who prefer classy breathable everyday wear. For Alka, however, these past few […]

Being one with nature

Maya Varghese’s life has always been aligned with nature, prompting other people to sit up and take notice. She says, “I wanted to take a small proactive step towards climate change. As I grew up, with my grandparents’ farm around, I knew that the more one engaged in growing food and living off the land, […]

Taking the less traveled road to change

One who comes across Daniela Pichlera’s achievements might think that it would be a well-thought decision made by a woman to dedicate her life towards working for human rights. However, the truth is that she selected her path to become a human rights defender at a very young age. She says, “It started when I […]

Finding the voice within

Behind the chirpy voice of RJ Neena is the epitome of what resilience is. Her experiences will literally make one go weak at the knees, however, she never stops being strong. She now completes 14 years in the industry. She says, “When FM Radio had made its advent in Kerala, I had just completed the […]

Confidence and conviction personified

Anisha Cherian is driven by passion, yet fully aware of the fact that a business can only succeed with an efficient cash-flow model. However, she stresses that this realisation came to her after encountering multiple failures in her journey towards becoming who she is today. On what inspired her to start something different from what […]

Acing the floral chord

Regina Hermann’s own wedding helped channel the florist in her, as the joy that came out of arranging flowers stuck with her and made her realise that she was tailor-made for the same. “After my own wedding, I realised that I am very much inclined towards being a florist, and I have been very creative. […]

Beauty, wellness and connecting as humans

Savvia Pavlou has been in the beauty and wellness industry for the past 21 years.For Savvia, it all started as a young girl when she used to sneak into her mothers cosmetic drawer and try on beauty creams. However, the idea of entering the industry struck her after she enrolled into University. After gaining experience […]

Fashionista on a roll

It is no No wonder that Sharlet Dcruz’s instagram page emanates a style that is classy and sophisticated. The model, who has been the face of established brands like Veromoda and Lancome Paris, has always been deeply passionate about fashion and styling. It ultimately persuaded her to work towards trying her luck in the modelling, […]

Charting out paths of glory

In 2006, when Geetha Kannan was working at Infosys, the opportunity to head Infosys’ women inclusivity network came her way, and she readily embraced the chance. “At the time, we held our first conference for women in technology. It was a real eye-opener, as I discovered that women in technology face discrimination, and there is […]

Road to Muay Thai, fitness and happiness

Monica Lal has managed to carve an identity of her own by going through a massive physical transformation. Soon, she tried her hand at the fitness regime Muay Thai, Today, she runs Combat Fitness Cult which imparts training in Muay Thai and is gaining momentum in Kerala. “At a certain point in life, being overweight […]

No Child's Play this!

It was not just a mere fascination that Susan Gibbs had with dolls ever since she was a little girl. She went a step ahead and imagined how one can create dolls that look realistic and feel real. This idea made her the famous silicone baby artist that she is today. Ask her to elaborate […]

Serving love the ethnic way

Chef Maria Bennan says her passion for culinary arts dates back to her childhood. She says, “Working with my father in the food manufacturing units of Pavizham group in Kerala immensely helped me gain that much needed industrial experience. I was always inspired by the way my mom cooked and the flavours she would create, […]

Spilling the right portion of mentorship to women

With the women workforce growing by leaps and bounds, having the right kind of mentorship makes a world of difference. Dal Dhaliwal understands deeply the need for a mentor in women’s lives. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dal decided to create the ‘Female Success Club’, an online platform that would help women to […]

Emirati royal showcases meaningful canvas for children

Her work so far speaks volumes about the personality that she is, and aptly reflects how she has always been motivated to lead the way Sheikha Maryam Saqer Al Qasimi has been one of the most significant women achievers from Emirates Royal family and has been setting an example for other Emirati women. She has […]

Decoding skin secrets

“Our aim is to work with medical and beauty-driven communities to bridge the gap between medicine and beauty” Nima N Nair, Founder and Chairman, Mantras Advanced Aesthetic Clinicare (MAAC), has been in the forefront guiding an efficient team of dermatologists and has been dedicating her time and skills for the same, which is located at […]

Lighting it up on air

“Tough times are the biggest lessons in life and what I do is I take a deep breath and wait for the right time” You may take Nilam out of Kolkata, but you cannot take Kolkata out of Nilam! That is how much RJ Nilam is a part of the city. This radio jockey (RJ) […]

Changing lives with the benevolent touch

“Each day, the issues were different and needed to be addressed with a different approach” For those who think that a homemaker always remains one, Chitra Gopinathan is unassuming. While she literally put her best foot forward during her early stages of life, as a homemaker, the latter half saw her stepping out and touching […]

Sashaying her way to ‘Inspower’

“With all our material and scientific advancements, half of us are still at a disadvantage, simply due to ignorance and prejudice” The personality of Career Growth Strategist Shadé Zahrai has been such that it exudes confidence, and equanimity, in every word she utters. And, she has been instilling the same values in women. Multifaceted Shadé […]

Journey to the true self

“Value your time and others as well. Be a team person, at the same time value your team members’ time as well. Continue to be curious. Believe in your intuition, and vision, and empower empire builders” Shwetha Ashwin, hospitality specialist at HomeStay Delight and Orbit Hotels, has always been a proponent of striking the chord […]

Training mind, body and soul

“Our soul has come here in this world to make an experience, for a solid purpose. We all are spiritual beings on a human journey, according to me” Woman entrepreneur Aaliyah Bincy Mathew, who worked solely as a mathematics coach in the early part of her career has been actively involved in the field of […]

Breaking the glass ceiling

“Women can achieve great things. The best thing to do is to focus on one’s goals, and not let distractions have an impact on the same” Dr Sneha Rakesh, Managing Director, Akarmaxs Tech Pvt Ltd, hails from a humble background from the rural parts of Hassan, Karnataka. High-spirited and ambitious as a young girl, she […]

Designing the art of ‘guilt-free’ eating

“The smiling faces of our clients is the biggest motivating factor which only leads us to work harder and help people attain good health” Shweta Shah is on a mission to promote healthy living. Apart from taking on roles of a dietician, nutritionist and a certified professional health and wellness coach, she is also the […]

Scaling realms of glory

“I would ask youngsters to be consistent and focus on providing quality service, which is important to help build the brand name in the public” Dr Bindu Sathyajith’s story is an inspiration for those women who have inhibitions about breaking the stereotypical image of an ‘ideal woman’ who is expected to get married, have kids […]

Etching new hues of education and value system

“I felt it was my duty to give back in a tangible, meaningful way to children and families who may not have the same access or privilege as me” Fostering an ongoing love for learning mathematics among children has been a global challenge. This, however, prompted Ritika Subhash, the Director of Schools at Mangahigh, a […]

When teamwork takes centerstage

“I am a person who believes in teamwork” Exploring the world of the hospitality industry was not on the cards for Anne Sajeev, who started off her career in the Department of Health. However, in 2005, life took a different turn for her when she visited a property which was planned as a hospitality project. […]

Breaking gender and body stereotypes

“As each year passes within the blink of an eye, I try to learn from my mistakes and am constantly striving to be a better version of myself, irrespective of whether it works or not” Bodybuilder Mamatha Sanath Kumar has come miles ahead from her rustic roots by defying norms, highlighting, ‘This is not what […]

Setting up sustainable abodes

“Think out of the box and work towards fulfilling a need which can turn into a business opportunity eventually” Sheetal Phansopkar’s business is one that holds a brilliant streak of hopefulness amid the doom that is unsustainable living conditions. Through her business ‘Elegante Inspired Spaces’, Sheetal has envisioned how to redefine spaces using upcycled shipping […]

Of palatable flavours and a palette full of stories

“The biggest challenge is the transformation of a creation from a mere idea to a complete structure” One would imagine how artistic a baker could be. For those who think that baking has nothing much to do with creativity and is all about mixing the right ingredients in the right proportion, Anna Austin’s cakes exhibit […]

Tapping into the philanthropic verve

“I would say communication and understanding is key in difficult situations” College days are probably the best days of life where one can live carefree and enjoy to the fullest. One of the other facts about college life is that despite being enrolled in various courses most of the students are sceptical about their future […]

Doll it up, the Althea way

“I have learnt more with the downs because that is how we train ourselves to be better and devise methods to get those things sorted” Barbie dolls are any girl child’s favourite. As kids, they like to play with dolls, make them wear the different costumes that come with the package, comb their hair and […]

A homemaker and proud of it

“The idea of wind chimes came in through the thought of waste management. I wanted to create things that bring in happiness for others, through waste materials” Being a homemaker is no small feat and Janet Jibu knows it all too well. Janet, a wife and mother of two says proudly, “Being a home-maker is […]

Giving forms to words artfully

“I always keep myself associated with my art irrespective of how many challenges or hurdles I have to face” Waking up to a dream that becomes a lifelong passion can be an intimidating thought to pursue. However, a classic example of perseverance and conviction, Roohy Khan is an Artist/Arabic Calligrapher and a curator based in […]

Goals set right from a very young age

“Be resilient and be loyal to the company or your client. They believe in you and you should believe what you do” Manusha Punyadi Perera had her goals set right from a very young age. “It has always been my desire to become a lawyer and I was studying and working towards becoming qualified,” she […]

Racing ahead of stereotypes

“Always keep your head high and feet on the ground, because the faster you fly the faster you come down. Always stay grounded” Alisha Abdullah is more than a bike racing champion, for many young girls, her achievements shaped their dreams of conquering the world. Titled India’s first female national racing champion, Alisha’s entry into […]

A ta santé, wine queen!

“To be called a pioneer, it is a long route filled with hard work,perseverance and patience” Sonal Holland does not mince words when she says that being a pioneer means to have a vision for the future of the entire industry. Sonal, who holds the coveted position of ‘Master of Wine’, is the first Indian […]

On a quest for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

“DIB (Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging) has been my focus for a very long time now. My post doctoral research is in gender diversity and I periodically write research based editorial articles in national dailies” It would be impossible to contain Dr Bindu Sivasankaran Nair under a single label. For the uninitiated, she might effortlessly introduce […]

Reinfusing soul and grit

“Being an entrepreneur is a strenuous process, while acting gives you a lot of joy. Though I enjoy both, I look at acting as nirvana” Perizaad Zorabian’s life has been a palimpsest, which she has mastered being an actress and entrepreneur, coupled with an equally satisfying personal front. Today, she leads the way for Zorabian, […]

Stairway to nostalgia and enduring camaraderie

As told to Fred Cochin by veteran singer and his longtime friend Sujatha Mohan. They revive memories of music concerts of yesteryears, life amid pandemic and more For veteran singer Sujatha Mohan, who has umpteen soul-stirring songs to her credit and still continues to touch the hearts of millions with her mellifluous voice, every day […]

50 Streaks of Legacy

Drumming up magical beats

In a freewheeling interview with Cochin Herald, Michael Benöhr – the wonderworker of percussion – talks about his musical sojourn, his two schools of music in London and how he beat pandemic blues   Renjith Leen –   As they say, every city has its soul which comes alive in more ways than one. It […]

Lending a Bollywood twist to La Dolce Vita

A planned vacation to Italy turned into an unexpected twist of fate for Ambili Abraham. This is the story of Italy’s whirlwind romance with Bollywood dance and how she was at the centre of it all.   Deepthi Sreenivasan –   The year 1999 was coming to an end, the world was at the cusp […]

The Phantom of Hosur

Sandeep Menon braved odds when he quit his IT job to pursue his dreams. Today, as he rides into the fourth year of successfully running the Stallion Valley School of Lifestyle, he shares how he fearlessly pursued his passion of starting a horse riding academy   Deepthi Sreenivasan –   As dawn sets in, the […]

Thampi Antony: Keeping alive the Malayali roots

In a tete-a-tete with the multi-faceted Thampi Antony, Fred Cochin revives umpteen memories of their association, his acting, writing experiences and life in the US   Deepika Jayaram – The moment Fred starts talking to his good friend and actor-writer Thampi Antony, one can experience a splurge of nostalgia, warmth, mutual appreciation and friendship, transcending […]

Cochin Herald Editor-in-Chief Ansif Ashraf no more

KOCHI- The Editor-in-Chief of Cochin Herald and noted entrepreneur Ansif Ashraf, 37, died on Wednesday morning in Sharjah, UAE. The date and venue of the funeral are yet to be finalised. An award-winning businessman, eCommerce savant and media entrepreneur, Ansif joined took over the reins of Cochin Herald in 2012, which had been founded by […]

When lockdown led to the ‘Highway to Hell’

COVID-19 curbs helped New Zealand-based Malayali chef and restaurateur Rejoy Antony Paul explore his passion for filmmaking For many, the lockdown or a retreat indoors would have meant a life of monotony, but not for Rejoy Antony Paul, who is based in New Zealand. He found an opportunity in adversity by exploring avenues to tap […]

Raising a toast to science and agriculture

Scientist and social entrepreneur Dr Deborshi De talks about his journey so far in the realm of food security and sustainable food production and what lies ahead… When scientist and social entrepreneur Deborshi De came across his contemporaries who were settled abroad, having the best of opportunities, he often found them dismissing any chances of […]

Sadhguru’s Isha Leadership Academy hosts 3-day virtual event to empower entrepreneurs

With the aim of helping entrepreneurs explore the art of scaling up the business as well as one’s own self as a leader despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, a three-day virtual event titled ‘Isha Insight: The DNA of Success’ was held from November 27 to 29 under the auspices of celebrated […]

Aniyan George - A colossus of the American Malayali diaspora

In a freewheeling chat with the president of Federation of Malayalee Associations of Americas (FOMAA), Fred Cochin introduces the helmsman of one of the most prominent organisations of the Keralite community in the US, their friendship and Aniyan’s memories of Kochi As Fred Cochin settles down for a tete a tete with Aniyan George, he […]

Flashbacks of art, theatre and Fort Kochi

Veteran artist, music aficionado and a prominent personality among American Malayalees, Fred Cochin unlocks the treasure trove of memories centred around his hometown of Fort Kochi, life in the US and tryst with legends from various walks of life While growing up, Frederick A Edward was an ardent fan of all things artistic and was […]

Jobin S Kottaram - Moulding dreams and transforming lives

A motivational guru, academician par excellence, author and civil services coach, Jobin S Kottaram inspires countless individuals and has ignited a silent social revolution   – Renjith Leen For the want of a nail the shoe was lost; For the want of a shoe the horse was lost; For the want of a horse the […]

Mapping the DNA of wellness

As the pandemic surges across countries claiming precious lives, the world is sitting up and taking notice of the prospects of wellness and healthy lifestyles. With the hospitality industry raring to make a comeback riding on the wings of Ayurveda, Bengaluru-based Malayali entrepreneur Gopinath Nair’s latest venture AyurDNA is all set to be a bellwether […]

Taking business consulting to a new level

Synconic Solutions and Services Pvt Ltd helps start-ups and MSMEs overcome the stumbling blocks in their journey to greater heights   – Deepika Jayaram Umpteen questions arise when it comes to transforming one’s creative ideas into reality, for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and the start-ups. However, Synconic Solutions and Services Pvt Ltd, based […]

Of green fingers and greasepaint

With movie shoots stalled by the pandemic, actor David John, who will appear in Jeethu Joseph’s upcoming flick ‘Ram’, finds time to indulge in his passion for organic farming   – Deepika Jayaram Actor David John is on cloud nine these days, as his brief stint in ‘Bigg Boss Malayalam’ TV reality show has garnered […]

The Hearing-Impaired Filmmaker: Siddharth’s Inspirational Story

22-year-old Siddharth, fondly known as Appu, was first diagnosed with profound hearing loss 6 months after he was born, and a BERA test confirmed the diagnosis. A Mother’s Love Doctors informed Siddharth’s anxious parents that he would not be able to hear or speak at all. Though they were devastated to hear this, there wasn’t […]

Meera U Menon-A Story of Strength, Smiles, & a Split Spine

Born with Spina Bifida Meera was born with a rare condition called Spina Bifida, otherwise known as a Split Spine. A sac-like feature was present on her back when she was born- the options presented to her parents were to leave it as it was or surgical intervention. She underwent the surgery at the tender […]

Women Empowerment: The other side of the coin- Cultural acceptance

The current era has seen ample examples of women empowered and reaching zenith. The basic assumption which arises from the word ‘empowered women’ is that of a woman who is bold, a rebel, assertive, stubborn and non- adherence to the so-called norms and views. To bring it under a single label, ‘A strong woman’. Tackling […]

HOPE Child Cancer Care Foundation

Where Hope, Help & Healing Meet HOPE Child Cancer Care Foundation was founded in 2016 as a result of a personal incident in Haris Kattakath and his wife Suhada’s life. They were in the U.S. on a family trip and on the day they were to return back home, their 10-month-old son Mohamed Naazim began […]

Poland-The Juncture of Major Trade Routes

Poland is a central European nation located at the geographic crossroads of the lush plains of the Eurasian frontier, the Atlantic ocean’s sea-lanes and the forest-dense Northwestern Europe. The well-connected location at the crossing of major trade routes along with the fact that it is a melting pot of diverse cultures and nationalities makes this […]

Jidhu Chandran A.K, Modicare-Success Story

“Willpower is the key to success. With willpower, one gets the strength to work hard” Success and failure are not absolute measures of one’s life, but rather the opposite ends of a spectrum that is constantly in flux. A lot of people dream about being successful and achieving their dreams. Jidhu’s life resembles of a […]

Vijeesh Kumar, Modicare-Success Story

“If you can’t make it good, at least make it look good” Direct Selling or Multi-Level Marketing has always been a trend ever since this concept was introduced. Both young and experienced people are entering the field of direct selling in the hope of doing something big in life. One such true leader is Vijeesh […]

Satheesan N.P, Modicare-Success Story

“Time is money, only when you are alive. It is zero, when you are dead. Don’t wait until then” Satheesan hails from Vadakara and his family includes wife Kavitha, children Niveditha and Nikita. Currently, he is serving as the Platinum Director with Modicare company. He has been working for the past 43 years in various […]

Jaleel Pariyaram, Modicare-Success Story

“It is better to be unique than the best, because being the best makes you the number one, but being unique makes you the only one” Jaleel’s story is one of dreaming beyond the ordinary, who cares deeply about giving the common man a platform where he could have freedom of dignity, freedom of choice […]

Sreejith T, Modicare-Success Story

‘‘Change as you Wish’’ It is believed that there is no force more powerful than a person who is determined to rise. And Sreejith proves that how one can emerge a winner with sheer courage and passion. His journey begins with surpassing all the challenges thrown his way and emerging victorious, thanks to his never-say-die […]

Susil. S. Kunnummal, Modicare-Success Story

‘‘Believe in one’s capability, be confident and convert failures into fuel necessary for a successful life’’ Susil’s story helps to discover how people in any industry can become successful, and how one need not start out with all the advantages in life. Susil who manages an Agriculture Nursery in addition to his marketing career, holds […]

Radhakrishnan. P, Modicare-Success Story

Think beyond experiences, keep your thoughts close to your dreams, make failures a stepping stone to success and maintain an optimistic attitude in life”. In order to be a successful business person in today’s fast-paced world, talent, academia and qualifications are not enough. Above all, being confident in your work is crucial for career success, […]

Jithesh Balussery, Modicare-Success Story

“Modicare – The Guiding Source-More than us, our products speak” The most valuable things in life aren’t the ones that come easily. Jithesh’s success story can be attributed as a ‘One Man Battle’. He joined Modicare business in December 2015 and prior to joining Modicare team, he worked in several other MLM companies and gained […]

Dinesh Narayan - A Leading Edge in Innovative Network Marketing

The world is full of followers and leaders who guide the way. Influential business leaders are best defined as those that have changed the world in some way through their business leadership abilities or successes, or the way in which they have changed business thinking.Dinesh Narayan is a perfect example of a good leader who […]

Ayesha - The New Trend Setter in the World of Fashion

Fashion is a true art and if one look at the creators behind the clothes, they are always bound to find something interesting and creative. The land of India harbors some of the finest craftsmen and artists. The designer couturiers from India are unparalleled. Skyscraping to the standards of Paris and New York, Indian designers […]

Ramadan program, spiritual activities, entertainment events and competitions throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan

Ramadan Dubai for compassion and coexistence Events aimed at the general public and residents of various Muslim and non-Muslim communities The Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department is organizing the Ramadan Dubai under the theme “Compassion and Coexistence” for the duration of the Holy Month of Ramadan. The event will hold a diverse range of activities, […]

Mohamed bin Zayed Honours Winners of Zayed Sustainability Prize 2019

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, alongside leaders and representatives from the winners’ countries, presented awards to the 10 winners of the […]

Easier Said Than Typed: Niki's Hindi Language Capability Helps Indians Transact Online

All of us want a friend we can count on. A buddy who we can make impromptu movie plans with. A friend who shares the best online deals with us and helps us recharge our mobile just when we need it. What if we told you that an app can be that friend? All you […]