Gulf News interim CEO Vijay Vaghela with author Xavier Augustin at the UAE launch of The Global Indian
(September 19, 2025) Gulf News held the private UAE unveiling of The Global Indian, authored by the innovative entrepreneur Xavier Augustin, signifying the book’s first appearance in the region. The event was tailored to honour discussions, concepts, and the changing identity of Indians living overseas. This close-knit gathering at the Gulf News headquarters united editors, journalists, and select guests for a keynote speech, an engaging fireside conversation, and the long-awaited launch of Xavier’s book.
A space for concepts and selfhood:
Xavier’s keynote emphasised the motivation behind The Global Indian, a book that functions as both a story and a manual for reinterpreting the concept of success for Indians on the global platform.
Addressing the audience, Xavier stated, “My aim is to promote the concept… it was intended as the guidebook for the global Indian. My business focuses on developing global Indians, and this book enhances that brand by posing a crucial question: what signifies being a global Indian?”
He highlighted that the path of the global Indian extends beyond geographical boundaries, grounded in flexibility, aspiration, and determination. “In my view, the evolution into a global Indian is a lengthy process,” he remarked. “No experience alters an Indian more profoundly than the time spent overseas. It reshapes your thoughts, your approach to work, and your self-perception.”
Following the keynote, a fireside chat took place, during which Xavier offered perspectives from his journey as the founder and CEO of Y-Axis, the foremost immigration and career consultancy in India. He highlighted that, based on his experience assisting thousands of Indians in moving into international positions, habits rooted in identity-encompassing the ways individuals opt to learn, develop, and make contributions-play a crucial role in crafting successful global narratives.
He also highlighted the traits that have come to be associated with Indians overseas. “Indians embody the spirit of hard work in the most admirable way,” he remarked. “It involves perseverance, ingenuity, and a flair for business. These characteristics characterise the global Indian and render them valuable in any location.”
Shifting Worldwide Perspectives:
The conversation shifted towards how the world views Indians, highlighting figures such as technology pioneers Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella, alongside doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions across various sectors. Xavier recognised that although stereotypes and obstacles persist, the reputation of Indians has flourished due to a longstanding commitment to reliability and excellence through the years.
“The demand for talent is immense – a vast quantity of exceptional skills – and India stands out as the sole nation capable of producing this at scale,” Xavier highlighted. “From neurosurgeons to AI pioneers and engineers, cultivating this expertise requires decades of effort. The global Indian plays a crucial role in addressing the most intricate challenges we face today.”
The occasion concluded with the formal launch of The Global Indian, presented by Gulf News Interim CEO Vijay Vaghela in the company of Xavier. Every guest was given a customised signed edition of the book, marking a memorable end to an evening that melded insightful leadership with cultural contemplation.
Given that over 3.5 million Indians reside in the UAE, the concepts explored in The Global Indian strongly resonate within the region. This book addresses not just the first-generation immigrants who have established their lives overseas but also the younger generations who are grappling with issues of identity, belonging, and aspirations in an increasingly globalised environment.
For Xavier, the launch represented a significant achievement as well as a prompt for action. “Embracing the identity of a global Indian is a process,” he stated. “This book serves as an invitation to contemplate, redefine, and elevate that identity.”
Know more: https://www.globalindian.com/the-book/
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We highlight trending Indians and stakeholders who shape the identity and perception of India and Indians abroad, while showcasing cross-border journeys of Indians who found their purpose and chose to give back
This release was published on openPR.
