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Diaspora’s success redefines US perception of India

Even though Indians are just 1 per cent of the American population, they are more than 10 per cent of the Fortune 500 CEOs, a report by Meenakshi Iyer

The rapid rise of Indian-Americans from politics to administration, entrepreneurship to technology, medicine to hospitality, science to academia has put the global spotlight like never before on the high-achieving four million-plus strong diaspora.

The community happens to be the most educated with the highest median income in the US, with an average household earning of $123,700 — making them the top earners in the US among other Asians in the country.

As the profile of the Indian American community — now the second-largest immigrant group in the US — has grown, so too has its economic, political, and social influence, according to a recent Carnegie Endowment study.

In 2010, only 18 per cent of Americans saw India as “very important” to the United States, according to The Chicago Council survey.

Now, India is perceived by Americans as their seventh favourite nation in the world, with 70 per cent of people viewing India favourably in 2023, says a Gallup survey.

Much of how America views India today can be attributed to the success of this community, which according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has played a significant role in the all-round development of the nation they live in and also strengthened the India-US relationship.

The fifth largest economy of the world, India today is seen in the US as a strong bilateral partner sharing common democratic values with broad-based and multi-sectoral cooperation in sectors like trade and investment, defence and security, education, science and technology, cyber security, etc.

American businesses heavily rely on highly-skilled workers from India to fill the gaps in IT and engineering sectors via the H-1B visa programme. These visa holders create prospects for US citizens, by enabling companies to invest in domestic operations instead of sending jobs abroad.

As US Ambassador Eric Garcetti recently said: “India is a place where dreams become reality every day. Our counties have so much in common. Indian dreams and American dreams are two sides of the same coin.”

Addressing the 2019 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, then Foreign Minister late Sushma Swaraj had noted that while the Indian diaspora started migrating centuries ago, it was the migration of the educated, highly-skilled and dynamic young Indians that brought laurels to India.

The dominance of Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, and Parag Agarwal in the IT sector has strengthened the image of India in the US as a technology powerhouse and a source of quality human resources.

With US Vice President Kamala Harris sitting atop the political ladder, the US House of Representatives has five Indian Americans — Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal and Shri Thanedar.

PM Modi at the State Department Luncheon with VP Kamala Harris, at White House, in Washington DC.

There are close to 60 Indian-American CEOs in Fortune 500. Even though Indians are just 1 per cent of the American population, they are more than 10 per cent of the Fortune 500 CEOs with the likes of Laxman Narasimhan (Starbucks) and Raj Subramaniam (FedEx).

The US now has 20,000 Indian-American professors and at least a third of companies in the Silicon Valley that come for funding, and have an Indian American co-founder, according to Indiaspora founder M.R. Rangaswami.

According to foreign policy experts, it is the success of this community, which has dramatically changed the US perception of Indians and India, with its ability to spread Indian soft power, lobby for India’s national interests, and contribute economically to their mother country’s rise.

As part of “soft diplomacy”, Indian-Americans played a pivotal role in the fructification of the historic Indo-US nuclear deal in 2005.

The community also urged the political establishment — right from the Oval Office down to statehouses — to send aid worth at least half-a-billion dollars to India during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

ALSO READ: Musk’s SpaceX eyes India

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Canadian envoy appalled over ‘celebrating’ Indira Gandhi’s assassination

Videos depicting a tableau depicting the assassination of the late Prime Minister by her Sikh bodyguards as part of a five-km-long parade by the Indian diaspora sparked outrage in social media….reports Asian Lite News

The High Commissioner for Canada in India, Cameron MacKay on Thursday said he was appalled by reports of an event in Canada that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

“There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence. I categorically condemn these activities,” he said in a tweet.

His reaction came after social media was abuzz with videos depicting a tableau depicting the assassination of the late Prime Minister by her Sikh bodyguards as part of a five-km-long parade by the Indian diaspora in Brampton on June 4.

The tableau depicted Khalistan flags with a poster that said “revenge”.

People in Punjab were aghast over the development. They had said India should summon the Canadian High Commissioner to strongly object to the inclusion of Indira Gandhi assassination tableau in a parade.

Intelligence agencies here believed that it seemed to be linked with the 39th anniversary of the Indian Army’s ‘Operation Bluestar’ in Amritsar that was carried out between June 1 and 8, 1984, claiming several lives and left the Golden Temple and its complex damaged.

‘Operation Bluestar’ was a military action ordered by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to flush out militants led by Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale holed up in the Golden Temple complex.

Earlier, a Hindu temple was vandalised with ‘anti-India’ graffiti in Brampton province, leaving the Indian community in shock.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar speaks at a news conference in New York on Saturday, September 24, 2022. (Photo: Arul Louis/IANS)

‘Giving space to extremist elements not good’

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday strongly criticised Canada after visuals of a parade float depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in that country’s Brampton city surfaced, wondering ‘why it gives space to extremists’.

Addressing a press conference to highlight achievements of the Centre in the last nine years in terms of foreign policy, Jaishankar said in response to the incident, “I don’t know why Canada does this. Giving space to extremist elements is not good for it.”

“Frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do this. I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence,” he added.

To another query on a Canadian government official blaming India of meddling in its affairs, Jaishankar quipped, “Rather we have complaints against Canada on the space it gives to Khalistani elements. It is like the saying in Hindi – ‘Ulta chor kotwal ko daante’.”

ALSO READ: Canada wildfires smoke darkens US skies

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Indians gather in solidarity after San Francisco consulate attack

More than 100 locals, including Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus, gathered outside the consulate to show their support.

Members of the Indian diaspora gathered outside the Indian consulate in San Francisco on Saturday to show solidarity after the consulate was vandalised by extremist and separatist elements last week.

More than 100 locals, including Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus, gathered outside the consulate to show their support. In order to emphasise their unity, the supporters were spotted hoisting both the American flag and the Indian tricolour. The diaspora also chanted ‘Vande Matram’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ in loud voices during the gathering.

There were a few verbal altercations between the diaspora and Khalistan supporters who have been camping outside in tents for more than five days now.

Another pro-Khalistan protest in favour of Amritpal Singh has been scheduled for Saturday outside the consulate.

Speaking to ANI, US Congressional Candidate CA17, Ritesh Tandon said that he is proud of the people from the Sikh community as well as all the other Indian communities who participated in the support rally for Indian Consulate General in San Francisco.

He also condemned the attack and said that the government of San Francisco failed to provide security in such a situation.

“It is sad to see that San Francisco Government failed to provide security to our Government officials, and at the same time, they allowed people to camp outside. As far as I know, no arrest is made, despite the violence by Khalistani supporters,” Tandon told ANI.

He also demanded a prompt investigation into the violence and added such attacks anywhere are unacceptable.

“I would like to call for a prompt investigation into this unacceptable violence by Khalistanis. Any attack against diplomats or diplomatic facilities anywhere is unacceptable. We remind the Government of San Francisco and the US of its responsibility under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to protect foreign diplomats in the US,” he said.

After vandalism in London, Khalistan supporters attacked the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, following which the videos of supporters breaking the doors and barging into the office surfaced on social media.

“I like to assure our consulate, we are standing with you and we are always with you. Today all of us have left our jobs and we are here to support you. You can count on us. I hope that US government will act fast and take severe action and punish the culprits, so in future, no one will dare to repeat such incidents. Also, I would like to ask US government to take steps to secure all Indian consulate offices across the US and ensure that in future such incidents are never repeated,” Tandon told ANI.

A community leader, Satish Vale, showcasing his support to India said that the attack on Indian Consulate was disturbing to the world community as a whole.

“CGI-SFO was attacked a week back by fringe elements which was disturbing to not only Indian Americans but whole world community. We want show our solid support & solidarity to India and also show desh bhakti. Great to meet new brothers & sisters irrespective of religion & region,” he said.

In a separate statement, another community leader, Gaurang Desai told ANI, “It was truly heartening to see people of all backgrounds (Hindu, Sikhs and Muslims) and ages show up in solidarity with India against violence perpetrated by Khalistani terrorists who damaged Indian embassy in San Francisco. I am also disappointed that none of the Bay Area elected officials has condemned this act of violence against India.”

Calling the attack on Consulate in the US an ‘unceremonious’ one, poet and social activist Archana Panda said that Indians gathered in a huge crows today in front of the CGI office in San Francisco to portray solidarity and patriotism.

“To portray solidarity and patriotism to Mother India, Indians gathered in a huge score today in front of the CGI office in San Francisco to condemn the unceremonious attack on the CGI office by the Khalistani troupe. The whole area was echoing with unanimous cheers and chorus from dedicated Indian diaspora who stood together to honour heritage and legacy of our Matrabhumi!,” she told ANI.

More than 200 protesters waving Khalistan flags descended upon the Indian Consulate in San Francisco on Wednesday this week for a planned demonstration amid a heightened security presence of the San Francisco Police Department (SFDP).

Unlike the violent disorder on Sunday when the Consulate came under attack, the protesters were heavily barricaded across the road with uniformed SFPD officers standing guard and patrolling the area.

Protesters waving Khalistan flags gathered outside the Indian Consulate amid heightened security, in San Francisco on Wednesday. (ANI Photo)

Regarding the attack on Indian Consulate in San Francisco, the visuals circulated online showed a huge mob brandishing Khalistan flags mounted on wooden poles, using them to smash glass doors and windows of the consulate building. They raised pro-Khalistan slogans as they broke through makeshift security barriers raised by the city police and installed two Khalistani flags inside the premises.

In a meeting with the US Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi on Monday this week, India conveyed its strong protest at the vandalisation of the property of the Consulate General of India, San Francisco.

“The US Government was reminded of its basic obligation to protect and secure diplomatic representation. It was asked to take appropriate measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Our Embassy in Washington D.C. also conveyed our concerns to the US State Department along similar lines,” read the Ministry of External Affairs press release. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Majority of Sikhs in UK reject Khalistan, says Blackman

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Indian Diaspora expresses solidarity at the HCI

More than 200 community members have gathered outside the HCI waving Indian flags and chanting Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata ki Jai, and celebrating their belongingness and pride…reports Ragasudha Vinjamuri

“You try to take down one, and there will be hundreds and thousand raising” was the strong message non-verbally communicated by the Indian Diaspora members at a mega show of strength and unity in front of the High Commission of India on 21 March.

Scores of Indian origin people have congregated in Aldwych, London to show massive support to the flag-cause demonstrating the community spirit, patriotic fervour and love for the nation they originate from. It demonstrated “Jhanda ooncha rahe hamara” in real sense. This outpour follows the attempt to bring down and vandalise the Indian tricolour on the HCI building on Sunday, 19th March which was foiled immediately by the security officers present on the premises at the time.

The attempt caused global outrage, has hurt and angered the huge diaspora living outside India, while  the Indian government called British Diplomats for an emergency meeting express dismay over the lack of police presence and pointed out the absence of security- as per Vienna Convention.

More than 200 community members have gathered outside the HCI waving Indian flags and chanting Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata ki Jai, and celebrating their belongingness and pride. Before dispersing, they rendered the national anthem.

ALSO READ-Indian High Commission in UK vandalised

READ MORE-‘Attack on Indian High Commission unacceptable’

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‘Over 54K complaints from Indian diaspora between 2018-2022’

As per the reply, total 54,401 complaints have been received on these portals between the years 2018 and 2022 out of which 54,081 complaints have been resolved…reports Asian Lite News

The government has received a total of 54,401 complaints from the Indian diaspora, Non-Resident Indians and Overseas Citizens of India during the last five years, out of which 54,081 complaints have been resolved.

On a question, whether the government is aware of the fact that the Indian diaspora is facing problems in the countries of their residence because of Indian identity, V. Muraleedharan, MoS, External Affairs, said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that the government accords the highest priority to the safety, security and well-being of Indians abroad.

“Our missions and posts abroad remain vigilant and closely monitor and actively follow up grievances of any nature received from the diaspora in foreign countries. Grievances are also responded through various channels like calls, walk-ins, e-mails, social media, 24×7 helplines and ‘Open Houses’. To enable the diaspora to register their grievances, the government has provided online portals such as MADAD and e-Migrate,” the Minister said.

As per the reply, total 54,401 complaints have been received on these portals between the years 2018 and 2022 out of which 54,081 complaints have been resolved.

“Missions and Posts abroad take up these grievances with the host governments for action on priority basis. If the issue pertains to the state governments in India, then it is taken up with them for resolution. Financial and legal assistance to distressed Indians, if necessary, is provided through the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF). These issues are also raised during meetings with the concerned countries, at appropriate level ,” said the reply.

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KV Kumar: Indian diaspora champion spreads global wings

Spreading his wings, Kumar is connecting with the Indian diaspora, especially those corporates with Indian roots, a report by Rahul Laud

KV Kumar – USA resident is soaring to newer heights with his global travel. Spreading his wings , Kumar is connecting with the Indian diaspora, especially those corporates with Indian roots.

He will take a break from the ongoing India visit to launch the Singapore chapter of the Indian American International Chamber of Commerce (IAICC) in the city state. While there, he will meet with senior officials at the US Embassy, prominent Singaporean entrepreneurs and members of the Indian diaspora, informs his office staff . He is the chairman of the (IAICC). Kumar is exploring different countries to carry forward the mission of IAICC.

It is reported that Anandi Iyer will be the Executive Director of the Singapore Chapter of IAICC. She brings decades of experience in media and entrepreneurship to the role.

Mr K.V.Kumar – Executive Chairman & CEO, IAICC

On his trip to India Kumar inaugurated in March 2022 the IAICC ‘s new Western India HQ at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) .He spent many weeks of the past few months reconnecting with his Indian roots and meeting politicians, businesspersons and bureaucrats all over India. In India he met Nitin Gadkari, Indian Transport Minister and Om Birla, speaker of the Indian Lower House Lok Sabha in the Parliament among a galaxy of other notables.

Kumar’s avuncular style belies his substantial contribution to India-US relations, advocating the cause of minorities whether in small business or in gender rights and his commitment to make the trade body he turned around after taking over in 2017 a truly multilateral force. For more information on IAICC visit

www.iaicc.org.

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Stalin calls for unity among global Tamil diaspora

The Chief Minister called upon the diaspora not to abandon Tamil Nadu and to be rooted in Tamil culture and legacy…reports Asian Lite News

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday called for unity among the global Tamil diaspora and urged them to overlook all the divisions among them. He said the Tamil diaspora should consider the Tamil Nadu government as their own government.

Stalin was addressing the Tamil diaspora during the World Tamil Diaspora Day celebrations organised by the Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils and Rehabilitation Department on Wednesday.

The Chief Minister invited the diaspora to visit Tamil Nadu with their children and show them the rich Tamil cultural heritage that has been in existence for the past 3,000 years.

“Many of you may not have voting right in Tamil Nadu, but you have the right to call this government your own government. This was why I had made several announcements in September last year for the welfare of the Tamil diaspora,” the Chief Minister said in his address.

Stalin called upon the diaspora not to abandon Tamil Nadu and to be rooted in Tamil culture and legacy.

He also called upon the diaspora not to have divisions with other Tamil people and to live united as brothers and sisters in foreign countries and to make maximum use of the situation prevailing in those countries for academic and industrial growth.

Citing the rich heritage of Keeladi and Adichannalur, Stalin said that these are glowing examples of the existence of a rich Tamil culture even 3,000 years ago. He said that people from Tamil Nadu are spread in several countries across the globe.

He said the late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi, wanted to set up a welfare board for non-resident Tamils as early as in March 2011, but the government that had succeeded the Karunanidhi government did not pursue the issue further.

Stalin said that within five months of coming to power, he had announced the setting up of the board in the state Assembly.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister also said that the state government is implementing schemes worth Rs 317 crore for the welfare of Sri Lankan Tamils who came to Tamil Nadu.

Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had greeted everyone, especially the Indian diaspora on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “Greetings to everyone, especially the Indian diaspora on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. Our diaspora has distinguished itself all over the world and has excelled in different spheres. At the same time, they have remained connected to their roots. We are proud of their accomplishments.”

Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan

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On January 9, the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is observed to strengthen the engagement of the Indian community overseas with the India government and reconnect them with their roots. It is celebrated to mark the contribution of the Indians living abroad in the development of the land of their ancestors.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan will address a virtual youth Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas conference on ‘the role of Indian diaspora’ with regard to innovation and new technologies.

January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion since, in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, had returned to India from South Africa, on this day, and led the country’s Freedom Struggle which changed the lives of Indians forever.

Started in 2003, these conventions provide a platform to the Indian community overseas to engage with the government and the people from the land of their ancestors, for mutually beneficial activities. These conventions are also very useful in networking among the overseas Indian community residing in various parts of the world and enable them to share their experiences in various fields.

ALSO READ: Stalin looks to team up Tamil diaspora for TN Dollar goal

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Indian Women Bag Laurels In Dubai

Indian Women in Dubai (IWD) organised its first award ceremony at Swissotel Al Marooj …. reports Asian Lite News

H.E Laila Rahhall; Tadu Mamu, Consul – Press Information, Culture and Labour at Indian Consulate Dubai; Dr Vibhabakshi, film director & producer; Debanjali   Kamastra-  Mrs. UAE World 2021; Richa Anand, Inspirational Women of the Year award & Jury; Lynette Lobo -Impactful Women Entrepreneurs Award & Jury; Dr. Mariam Shaikh , Leader in the Educational Industry & Jury, Harjyot Oberoi, Women Achiever of the Year & Jury were present.

Entertainment performances by celebrity Shweta Subram, Dance group Balle Balle Dubai and special child Navya Bhaskaran electrified the award ceremony and elevated the whole experience. 

INDIAN WOMEN AWARDS 2021, DUBAI

IWD members also walked the ramp for a fashion show showcasing the collection of leading Indian designers in the region.

A total of 30 awards were given to the very talented Indian Women in Dubai for their exceptional contribution to different fields of work. 


“It was a beautiful evening,” said Reema Mahajan, Founder of Indian Women in Dubai. “When 200 strong, determined, empowered women came together in one ballroom, it became a really special evening. I am glad everyone enjoyed the show and appreciated the hard work and efforts we have put into it in the last two months.”

INDIAN WOMEN AWARDS 2021, DUBAI

WINNERS

   
1.Gurnoor Bindra             –Leader in the Hospitality Industry
2.Pallavi Puri                       –Outstanding Fashion Designer
3.Dr. MUNMUN GHOSH        –Popular Dentist
4.Anuradha Vobilisetty   –Outstanding Legal Services to Humanity
5.Radhika Lamba                 –Best Talk Show Host
6.Sreenath Sasidharan    –Best Photographer
7.Ananya                                –Breakout Star Model
8.Shweta Subram               –Star Singer Performance
9.Dr. SUPRIYA CHAUHAN      –Best Artist
10.Prashanti Chopra          –Best Singer
11.Hitiksha Shah                   –Best Travel Agent
12.Sunita Bhatia                   –Most Impactful Corporate Career
13.Nisha Tandon                   – Best Writer
14.Tanushree   Jain              –Best Health and Wellness Expert
15.Silvy Penha                       –Best Dancer
16.Jasleen Bhatia                 –Young Achiever (Under 19)
17.Hima Bhuta                      –Best Baker
18.Ekta Thakker                   –Best Home Maker
19.Maria Manasawala     –Best Blogger
20.Prisha Babbar                 –Best Event Organiser
21.Divine By Diazz                –Best Entrepreneur
22.Pprerrna Goel               –Best Model
23.Ayesha Shaik                   –Most Impact in Education
24.Al Mashaier Al Jamilah  – Ladies SalonBest Salon Services
25.Shubhangi Saka                 –Most Impactful Social Work
26.Rupali Shah                         –Best Photographer
27.Kraftz Décor                      –Home Décor
28.Hiral Agarwal                   –Best Designer (Apparel)
29.Bhumika                               –Best Makeup Artist
30.Partybuzz                           –Best Event Decor
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Modi Greeted By Huge Wave of Indian Diaspora in Rome

Excited to have a close glimpse of PM Modi and a chance to shake hands, Indian diaspora members travelled overnight to have this opportunity of meeting the PM in the foreign land, reports Asian Lite News

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing welcome from Indian diaspora on Friday when he reached Piazza Gandhi in Rome to pay floral tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

Soon as the PM’s cavalcade entered the premises, chants of PM’s name reverberated in the surroundings.

Excited to have a close glimpse of PM Modi and a chance to shake hands, Indian diaspora members travelled overnight to have this opportunity of meeting the PM in the foreign land.

PM Modi after paying floral tribute to Gandhi met the Indian disapora members waiting to have a quick word with the leader.

Modi

“In Rome, I had the opportunity to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, whose ideals give courage and inspiration to millions globally,” PM Modi tweeted after paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

A yoga guru, Hariom Kalia, along with his three students recited Shiv Stuti that brought smile to the PM’s face.

Hariom Kalia, who has been practising Yoga in Italy for more than 20 years told PM Modi that he hails from Nagpur.

PM Modi interacted with Kalia in Marathi. Also, responded in Gujarati to a woman who asked him as to how he is doing.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing welcome from Indian diaspora.

Moving on to another set of supporters, PM Modi waved and the crowd started raising slogans like “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Modi, Modi”.
Vishwanath Valluri who has roots in Andhra Pradesh and is now working for the European Space Agency, told ANI that he is excited and do not have words to express the joy of meeting the PM.

“I am very excited to see PM Modi. Overall he is rebranding India’s name, through the G20 summit our voice will be heard. We felt happy and delighted to get a chance to meet our beloved leader,” he said.

Satish Kumar Joshi, Convenor, Overseas Friends of BJP said that it is a great opportunity for both Italy and India to strengthen their relationship.
“We are very proud. After several years, an Indian leader has arrived here in Italy. PM Modi is the world’s leader. Since he has assumed office in 2014, he has delivered what he promised,” he said. (ANI)

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