By Papri Das

If you are active on social media or have been following the news, you must be familiar with how Tamil born and IIT Kharagpur alumni Sundar Pichai risen to the position of Google CEO. No sooner did the news hit the intetnet than netizens poured in with praises for him to celebrate this proud moment for India.

Pichai isn?t the only one who has done the country proud when it comes to putting India?s name amongst world leaders in technology. Previously, Indian American business executive Satya Nadella grabbed headlines when he took over as CEO of another technology giant, Microsoft Corp.

In fact, according to a recent media report, India is the current leader in startup and entrepreneurship in the Silicon valley. ?Rise of Indians and Indian-Americans in the US tech world appears to be at its peak with as many as 15 per cent of startups in Silicon Valley being founded by Indians, according to a 2014 study by Professor Vivek Wadhwa,? the article reads.

IT isn?t the only front where India has garnered faith internationally. Indian Navy earned several accolades from nations worldwide for its efficient rescue operation ?Operation Rahat? in Yemen that saved over 5000 lives, which included a 1000 foreign nationals as well. Almost 23 countries requested assistance from India to help their citizens out of the war torn Yemen to safety.

As India steps into its 69th year of Independence, Exec Lifestyle ponders over several such reasons of taking pride as an Indian. We caught up with leading journalists, CEOs, writers and creative heads in the media to find out what they take pride in as an Indian.

Balaji Telefilms creative director Nivedita Basu shares that she finds it hard to choose from the many success stories of Indians that have made her proud to be an Indian. An avid follower of sports, if Basu had to pick, she would certainly go with 17 year old Tennis champion, Sumit Nagal who won the boys? doubles title at the Wimbledon.

Basu says, ?I also rejoiced when India announced that a missile will be named after the late president APJ Abdul Kalam. It was disheartening that his last rites were marred by the entire controversy over Yakub Memon?s hanging. Naturally media covered that more. But it?s good to see that our missile man isn't forgotten and has been given due respect through the decision to rename a missile after him.?

When it comes to patriotic songs, Basu?s favourite is AR Rahman's Vande Mataram. And although they are not patriotic movies, Chak De! India and Bhag Milkha Bhag instils a powerful feeling within her.

Known as a fearless and celebrated journalist, India Today Group consulting editor Rajdeep Sardesai shared that India is the best place to work as a journalist. ?I take pride in the fact that India is the most mobile and diverse country. Young kids from different parts of the country are travelling across cities and finding their destinies. And not just nationally, Indians are shining throughout the world,? he says.

?What disappoints me is that a lot of its potential is curbed because of the inequality of opportunities that still exists,? Sardesai adds after a thought.  When asked if he worries that this very cultural diversity might be at stake after the many bans that were brought upon by the State, Sardesai confidently says that the ban culture won't go on for long. ?I have faith in the current generation that will respect India?s cultural diversity and put a stop to the arbitrary banning,? he adds.

Ask him his favorite part of Independence Day and he says with a smile, ?On every Independence Day I come early to office and start my day by revealing the Prime Minister?s speech from Delhi in the news. Can you find me a better way to celebrate the day?? For Discovery Network Asia Pacific executive vice president and general manager Rahul Johri, taking pride as an Indian is an inherent feeling that is not changed by any events. ?I believe that taking pride as an Indian-ness is a lifelong feeling,? he adds.

A great campaigner for knowledge and learning amongst the youth, Johri is satisfied with the fact that Indians are pushing their boundaries and learning new ways to bring pride to the nation.

?As a media professional, I take pride in the young Indian population who have an immense appetite for knowledge, which is why you see them exploring beyond their comfort zones and bringing accolades to the nation. I pay an ode to the true spirit of an Indian, which is being manifested in the current mood of the country - thriving entrepreneurship. I love my country and take pride in being an Indian,? shares Johri wishing more power to every Indian to make a difference to this world.

Moreover, Sardesai isn?t the only one banking on India?s youth and its talent. Grey Advertising India chief strategy officer Dheeraj Sinha too trusts in the young and skilled Indian population. ?China as a country succeeded thanks to its policies. But when you look at India, its success lies in its people and their skills. The achievement of Indians worldwide is what gives India its stature,? he quips. Well informed and keeping up with India?s global position in the financial market, Sinha?s recent column on Independence Day in a leading daily discusses marketers and their approach to the Indian consumer.

Shedding more light on the topic, Sinha adds that he has high hopes from the Indian startup scene. ?In my village, a catering guy, who started with a small vendor then moved on to do business in three villages. Now he can afford to send his kids to IIT. It?s this very attitude to push through boundaries and fight against odds that makes Indians good entrepreneurs. And it shows internationally as well since India is a world leader in start ups. When people have such talents it starts mattering less, which government rules and what policies they make, as the source of power are the people, and when they shine, they make us proud,? explains Sinha.

While Sinha looks at India?s success irrespective of government policies, Doordarshan Mumbai additional director general Mukesh Sharma can?t help but appreciate the opportunities today?s youth have at their disposal. ?At times I feel envious of today?s youth for having born during such a good time. I wish I was born in independent India, specially now, when there are so many opportunities. I am proud that they are making the most these opportunities and putting them to good use. I am also happy that I can see the good times for the country during my lifetime,? Sharma adds with a smile.

While our media executives enumerate reasons for taking pride as an Indian, Exec Lifestyle observes that collectively they place immense faith in the current generation of Indians to reach newer heights and make India shine brighter. On that note, exec Life style wishes you a very happy 69th Independence Day hoping that our readers too find countless reasons to take pride as an Indian.

 By Papri Das

As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, Muslims across the nation wait in anticipation of the moon to break their fast and let loose in the celebratory mood of their biggest festival, Eid-Ul Fitr on the first day of Shawwal.

From offering prayers at the mosque with the family, indulging in the mouth watering feast for Iftaar in the evening to enjoying scanning through the late night street food stalls through the city, Eid brings with itself many reasons to celebrate. And this joyous occasion doesn?t limit itself to just Muslims. People across all faith in India are seen enjoying the national holiday with their Muslim friends through Iftaar parties and get-togethers.

However, if you are working in an industry like media, which doesn?t follow the norms of a 9 am ? 5 pm job, chances are that you celebrate Eid differently than most others. Take producer Gul Khan from 4 Lion Films productions for example. When Exec Lifestyle queried her about her Eid plans, a simple ?I am shooting? answer.

?There was a problem to get the location and thus we need to work through the weekend. I have been shooting without a break for eight days straight. It?s highly likely that I will miss celebrating Eid at home,? adds the producer, who has worked on hit television shows like Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon and Geet, amongst others. Nonetheless, Khan plans to make up for her absence at home by having her family over on the sets.

Walt Disney International India director marketing Mubina Ansari too is away from home on Eid. ?I am in Ladakh right now and most likely I won?t be able to make it home before Eid,? Ansari informs over the phone.

While on a trip to Ladakh with a friend?s family, Ansari had to stay back to look after her friend, who unfortunately fell sick. However, this anomaly from her original plans isn't stopping Ansari from giving Eid her best shot. ?There?s hardly any network here so there?s no chance for a Skype call with my family, but I will make sure to give my family back home a phone call. I also plan to find a local Dargah to pray, while donning the traditional costumes available here,? Ansari shares adding that she can?t wait to go home and try the Kheer and Biryani that her mother makes on Eid.

Those who have been in the industry for long have come to terms with the working hours and have learnt to work their way around it to celebrate festivals. ?When you are in a business and profession like the media, you can only yearn for the carefree ways you celebrated festivals as kids.

Nonetheless, Eid to me is the best time to catch up with all my family members, and even those who you seldom meet over the year,? says Green TV co-founder and managing director Junaid Memon, who is visiting his brother?s new home to celebrate Eid and is also throwing him a housewarming party. When asked about his fondest memories of Eid from childhood, Memon recounts, ?My fondest memory involves renting a cycle with the Eidi money I got as a kid. It was 25 paisa per hour in those days and one had to book it for four hours minimum. Spending one rupee on a cycle ride is something I still cherish and miss.?Memon also shares that for Iftaar he prefers dry fruits to desserts, with the exception being Malpua and the delicious kebabs served during the season.

Kalaignar TV vice president operations Humayun Ali Ahmed also resonates the sentiment that Eid strengthens family bonds and brings the family closer as a unit. ?Every Eid, I traditionally pray together with the family and then share a meal with my extended family as well. I have been holding the fast on and off throughout the month due to health reasons, but I am looking forward to breaking the fast on the last day followed by the Iftaar treat that follows,? he says, before busying himself with the preparations of the day.

On that note, we at Indiantelevision.com wish one and all Eid Mubararak!