Small Community, Big Contributions, Boundless Horizons

Small Community, Big Contributions, Boundless Horizons

@johnny_law
@johnny_law
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This presentation explores the multifaceted contributions of the Indian diaspora in the United States, detailing their influence in sectors like economy, culture, healthcare, and technology. It highlights individual stories, achievements, and the growing bond between the two democracies, showcasing the Indian community's essential role in shaping American society and maintaining deep ties with their heritage.

Small Community, Big Contributions, Boundless Horizons

@johnny_law1 month ago

Small Community, Big Contributions, Boundless Horizons

The Indian Diaspora in the United States

By Amrita Oak, Shoba Viswanathan, Santosh Appathurai, Sidharth Madaan, Sanjeev Joshipura, Sesh Iyer, MR Rangaswami, Neeraj Aggarwal

1

      Foreword by the Steering Committee

      Imagine a tapestry of compelling, adventurous stories that could inspire the whole world. Stories of a people undertaking myriad journeys that, taken together, form an epic narrative of hope and courage, risk and reward, dreams pursued and realized in defiance of countless challenges. That tapestry-that ongoing epic-is the Indian diaspora.

      While the people of India have journeyed to every corner of the globe, a remarkable collection of stories has emerged from one destination in particular: the United States. As different as India and the US may be, their powerful connection is rooted in shared values. Both are pivotal democracies with global influence and strong traditions of economic, diplomatic, and strategic cooperation.

      This report takes the reader on a wide-ranging tour of that connection. It is both a revelation and a celebration. It reveals many metrics, statistics, and measurable factors that provide clear evidence of the diaspora's influence across six dimensions. It also celebrates the numerous ways in which this relatively small group-a mere 1.5% of the US's populationhas had and continues to have an outsized impact on multiple aspects of American life, from the economic to the cultural.

      That impact is ongoing and growing, just as the Indian diaspora is growing, both globally and within the US. For the 5.1 million Indian Americans comprising today's diaspora in the country, the US is the backdrop against which hopes, dreams, and aspirations are playing out. This report is an assessment of the measurable impact of the Indian diaspora in the US. However, it seeks to provide more than metrics. It goes beyond the economics to delve into the personal depths of individual stories. Whether as the proprietor of a small restaurant, a doctor providing essential services to a rural town, an executive in the c-suite of an influential tech company, or a public servant in political office, each person's chapter adds to the richness of this remarkable story. The profiles of artists, entertainers, culinary trailblazers, cultural icons, scientists, innovators, and political leaders celebrate the collective spirit of the Indian diaspora in the US, a people who share a common love for their new home as well as their ancestral homeland, and who have played an inspiring role in lifting both nations to new possibilities.

      The research presented in this report takes stock of what has been achieved but also serves as a blueprint for what is yet to be explored. As the Indian American population continues to deepen its connection to the United States, there will undoubtedly emerge new ways for the diaspora to give back, work in partnership with other communities, and reinforce the bilateral ties between the US and India. We join community leaders who believe that the best is yet to come.

      Steering Committee

      Ken Juster 25th US Ambassador
      to the Republic of IndiaIndra Nooyi Former Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo
      Charles Phillips Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Recognize
      Dr. Geetha Murali Chief Executive Officer, Room to Read
      Mohanbir Sawhney Associate Dean for Digital Innovation, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

        A Story of Opportunity and Cultural Integration

        India, an ancient country and major global population center, is also the wellspring of a worldwide diaspora. People who have migrated from their homeland over the centuries have maintained deep ties to the land of their origin, as well as its culture. In this way, the Indian diaspora has emerged as a dynamic, influential community that has carried the traditions of its rich heritage across the globe.

        Meanwhile, the millions of people comprising the diaspora have contributed to their new homes, integrating with varied cultures, industries, and ways of life. The Indian diaspora has flourished across the world, but this report is focused principally on the diaspora in the United States-a group of 5.1 million as of 2020. These people are at the interchange of a relationship between two of the world's most influential democracies - one the oldest, and one the largest.

        Scope of the Diaspora in the United States

        While the United Arab Emirates is home to the largest segment of the Indian diaspora, the US is home to the second largest. India and the US have much in common by way of democratic values. Beyond this, there's a mutual respect for ambition and the pursuit of opportunity. These shared values put a common premium, to paraphrase the astrophysicist Dr. Priya Natarajan , on the 'actualization of dreams.'

        5.1M Indian Americans

        represent the Indian 'diaspora' including those born in India and in the US

        According to data from the Migration Policy Institute, of the diaspora's 5.1 million people in the US, about 2.8 million are first-generation immigrants. Approximately 30% of these 5.1 million migrated to the US before 2000, while around 45% made the move after 2010. The population is concentrated in New York State and California. Most Indian Americans are married (~70%), and about 20% live in multi-generational households. According to the most recent census data, the median age of the diasporic population is 36 years -a bit younger than the median population of the US as a whole. Perhaps owing in part to this relative youth, as well as the prominence of multigenerational homes, Indian identity and traditions remain strong-fueling the diaspora's influence on the broader US culture.

        Education and Achievements

        The educational offerings within the US are a major draw. Around 78% of Indian Americans hold bachelor's degrees or higher, which outpaces by more than double the US national average of 36%. This high focus on education and achievement creates a pipeline to prominent roles in the STEM fields, along with business and the arts.

        of Indian Americans have a bachelor's degree or higher

        ~78%

        In addition to the pursuit of further learning, new diaspora members arrive in the US with considerable workforce skills. Approximately 320,000 work visas-which equates to roughly 73% of work visas the US allocated in 2022 -23were issued to Indian diaspora members. This is an indication of the power this group holds to fill talent gaps in STEM and other high-skilled occupations. The number of Indian American doctors, particularly those serving in rural areas, provides a good example; as do the number of tech workers, who also comprise a large percentage of H-1B visa holders.

          Indian diaspora population is concentrated in CA, TX, NJ, NY, IL

          Indian American population distribution with top 20 population centers

          Source: B01003, ACS Demographic Survey, US Census Bureau. Numbers of the map may not add up to 5.1M since only diaspora dense areas are highlighted

          Contending with Challenges

          The median income of diaspora members is around $136,000, which is almost double the US population average. Incarceration rates are low, at 0.3%. But Pew Research Center estimates that about 6% of the group lives below the poverty line-with the complexities of undocumented migration comprising a significant contributing factor. Approximately 14% of Indian Americans were undocumented in 2021, making them the third-largest undocumented migrant group in

          the country. This status presents considerable challenges to everything from securing stable employment to accessing government benefits, resulting in clear disparities within the community. The H-1B visa program continues to constrain access to foreign talent, including that from India, but restricts the scope of available job opportunities and imposes longer-term uncertainties for those in the country on work visas. The Indian diaspora continues to thrive despite these challenges.

            Economic Impact

            The Indian diaspora in the United States has had a profound economic impact. Beginning with the aforementioned statistic about college degree holders and extending to the C-suite of some of the world's most influential companies, the group's impact is notable - especially considering they comprise only 1.5% of the US population.

            Top-Tier Business Leaders

            From Silicon Valley tech giants to global conglomerates, Indian-origin leaders are steering some of the most influential companies, driving innovation, and reshaping industries. Indian-origin CEOs were at the helm of 16 Fortune 500 companies in 2023 (3%), managing enterprises that generated roughly 978 billion (5%) in revenues and employed 2.5 million people (9%) across the globe that year.

            Diaspora members lead across sectors, from technology and pharmaceuticals to consumer goods and energy. Like all immigrants, they bring perspectives shaped by their cultural backgrounds, which often includes having navigated two different worlds. This kind of cross-cultural agility provides many such immigrants with deep insights into global market dynamics and consumer behaviors, enabling them to drive their companies to adapt and thrive in rapidly shifting business environments.

            16

            of the Fortune 500 CEOs are of Indian origin

            The number of diaspora members in the CEO position-as well as overall in senior corporate leadership positions-has been steadily increasing over the past decade. Most earned advanced degrees in the US after their undergraduate education in India. And many embody the qualities that comprise a recipe for success in today's globalized market.

            Consider Satya Nadella , who, during his tenure at Microsoft , has pushed for significant shifts to cloud computing and AI while also fostering a more collaborative, innovative company culture. Meanwhile, Reshma Kewalramani is serving as the first female CEO of a major US biotech company, Vertex Pharmaceuticals -a major achievement in breaking through the glass ceiling in a male-dominated industry. Pioneers such as Shantanu Narayen (Adobe) and Kevin Lobo (Stryker) , have been leading their companies for the last 12-15 years; meanwhile, Laxman Narasimhan (Starbucks), Vimal Kapur (Honeywell) , and Ravi Kumar S (Cognizant ) have recently taken on leadership positions in 2023.

            Not only are these CEOs shaping the business world around them, but they are also bringing countries together on the global forum. Consider Raj Subramaniam , the CEO of FedEx since 2022 (also featured as an Indiaspora Inspiring Icon). He is a part of the US India CEO Forum, the US India Strategic Partnership Forum, and the US China Business Council, as well as the President's Export Council. He shares Cordell Hull's view that 'when goods cross borders, armies rarely do,' and amplifies the importance of business as a force for peace and stability among people and nations.

            There's a cascading impact here, too. When young professionals and aspiring leaders witness the success and achievements of diaspora members in the highest echelons of business and industry, they are inspired. This makes clear -particularly for young people in India-that geography and cultural origins don't impose limits on one's potential.

              India is the leading country of origin for immigrant-founded unicorns in the US in the last ~5 years

              Out of 648 unicorns, first-gen immigrants have founded 358 (55%) unicorns in the US between 2018-2023

              Number of unicorns in the US

              Among these 358 unicorns

              72

              (i.e., 20%)

              have Indian migrants as founders or co-founders

              With

              ~55k

              Most unicorns in enterprise technology, followed by high-impact sectors such as consumer, finance and healthcare

              72

                Holding the Reins of Unicorns

                The vibrant ecosystem of unicorns, startups valued at over $1 billion, is one in which Indian-origin entrepreneurs have carved out a significant niche. We assessed the latest data on unicorns from CB Insights and identified 72 unicorn startups out of 648 in the US led by Indian-origin founders. Their collective value exceeds $195 billion (9.4% of total), and they employ approximately 55,000 people (13% of unicorn employees).

                This list of unicorns with Indian origin co-founders is headed by enterprise tech startups Rippling and Lacework . Another example is Cambridge Mobile Telematics , a company that uses AI to gather data from millions of devices to enhance the safety of drivers on US roads. Reify Health and Innovacer are examples of digital healthcare startups that are changing the way clinical trials are deployed and helping the US achieve more than a billion dollars of savings in healthcare costs, respectively.

                The sectors these unicorns span include cuttingedge fields like biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and fintech. This diversity highlights not only the versatility of many Indian-origin entrepreneurs, but also their ability to innovate across industries, bringing new thinking and solutions to complex, ever-evolving challenges. Startup success requires innate adaptability, a growth mindset, and high risk-tolerance-qualities that these leaders have demonstrated.

                Much of this success can be traced back to India itself: favorable business policies have helped it emerge as a strategic market, making for an environment conducive to entrepreneurship. Moreover, established networks and resources provide required investments, as well as a sense of connection and belonging in respective markets. Approximately 20% of Indian unicorns and many startups have co-founders who have leveraged US higher education into successful ventures. The unicorn with the highest valuation on this sub-list is PhonePe . Consider the journey of its founders,

                Rahul Chari, Burzin Engineer, and Sameer Nigam , each of whom got his graduate degree from a university in the US and returned to India to join Flipkart before founding PhonePe in 2015. Today, PhonePe is one of India's largest digital payments and financial services companies, which in 2023 raised $350 million in funding at a pre-money valuation of $12 billion. Dream11 , the second unicorn on this list with a valuation of ~$8 billion, has two co-founders, Harsh Jain and Bhavin Seth . The pair, who were both educated in the US, decided to start the first-ever fantasy cricket platform in India in 2009. They had no way of knowing if it would be successful, but they had a desire to combine their three biggest passions: sports, gaming, and technology. In 2023, they became the new sponsors for the India cricket team.

                Entrepreneurs Drive Culture in the US

                The diaspora's entrepreneurial spirit goes beyond Silicon Valley. A visit to any number of towns and cities in the US will reveal Indian-origin business leaders creating vibrant, thriving community hubs. Their economic contributions to the community are important, of course, but they're also touchpoints for culture, cuisine, and customs.

                Consider the example of Yogi Gahunia , one of the founders of the Mahatma Gandhi District in Houston . Recognizing a lack of Indian-specific culinary options in the 1980s, he opened Raja Sweets , one of the first Indian restaurants in the area. It provided more than just a place to eat and emerged as a gathering place of the community and a cultural landmark. Over time, it became a sort of gravitational center that drew others to establish businesses nearby, eventually forming a thriving hub for the Indian American community. Similar to Mahatma Gandhi District, there's India Square in Jersey City, Little India in Chicago, and many other examples of the bustling enclaves where Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses cater not just to the diaspora but also a broader clientele intrigued by Indian culture.

                  Starting with 1 unicorn in 2010, India has seen exponential growth reaching 114 unicorns as of Mar '24

                  114

                  Of the 261 co-founders for the 114 unicorns, ~20% have studied in the US

                  13% 87% are Female are male

                  60% of all US hotels

                  are owned by members of the diaspora

                  According to data collected by the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, Indian Americans own around 60% of all US hotels, a number that reflects both entrepreneurial success and a profound impact on the hospitality industry. This ownership translates into significant economic activity, generating approximately $700 billion in revenue and creating over 4 million jobs, directly and indirectly. The trend began with Kanji Desai in the 1940s and skyrocketed in the 1970s and 1980s. The massive growth in this particular industry is in large part attributable to the community's solidarity. Indeed, 'handshake loans' - i.e., with no collateral, no payment schedule, paywhen-you-can terms - empowered many among the first wave of Indian immigrants to take the entrepreneurial leap into motel ownership, often revitalizing rundown establishments.

                  Another area where the diaspora has made a notable impact is in convenience store retail. Indian Americans own an estimated 35%-50% of all convenience stores in the US. These serve as vital points of commerce for everyday transactions taken together, they represent $350-$490 billion in revenues each year. These family-run establishments are often the first step into the business world for many diaspora members.

                    Taxes, Jobs, and Education

                    The Indian diaspora in the US makes up only 1.5% of the population, but BCG estimates suggest that members contribute 5-6% (~$300 billion) in tax revenues annually to the federal coffers. That's on top of the $370 billion to $460 billion in annual spending, which translates to a major economic wave in terms of sales tax, business growth, and support of employment.

                    5-6% of taxes are contributed by 1.5% of the population

                    Job creation deserves a close look. Along with direct work in fields such as management, business, and technology, many Indian Americans have proven to be powerful job creators. The 3.1 million Indians directly employed in the US are the force behind the creation of 11.5 million indirect jobs. Each sector has its own employment multiplier (the number of indirect jobs it creates). The sectors where many diaspora members work, including STEM fields, business, and the arts, tend to spin off more additional jobs (multiplier of 3.9) relative to other sectors (avg multiplier of 2.7).

                    Many diaspora members come to the US to study. Open Doors data for 2022-2023 saw 270,000 students from India embark on graduate and undergraduate degrees in US universities. This accounts for 25% of the international student population in the US and 1.5% of the total student population. These students infuse roughly $10 billion annually into universities and related businesses across the country through tuition and other expenses - while also creating around 93,000 jobs. There is a demonstrated preference for studies in STEM subjects among Indian international students, with over 70% enrolled in engineering, computer science, or life science programs-along with approximately ~10% in business/management programs - as of 2023. Around 60% of Indian international students are enrolled in graduatelevel programs. Some of these students decide to kickstart their career in the US and go on to bridge skill gaps, contribute to academic research, and support innovation. Some rise to become CEOs of global companies.

                    25% of international students

                    to the US each year are of Indian origin

                      Innovation, Research, and Development

                      Pushing Boundaries in a Range of Fields

                      Diaspora members have been recognized for contributions to science, technology, and beyond - earning major global awards and even Nobel Prizes. Back in 1968, Har Gobind Khorana won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine; more recently, Abhijit Banerjee was presented the Nobel in Economic Sciences in 2019. Manjul Bhargava won the 2014 Fields Medal, often called the mathematician's Nobel, for his work in numbers geometry. The Turing Award, a major recognition in the field of computer science, was presented to Raj Reddy in 1994 for his work in the field of artificial intelligence. Diaspora members have also been standouts in engineering, with their ranks including multiple winners of the Faraday Medal and the Marconi Prize, recognizing significant contributions to wireless technology and digital video.

                      Recognition Beyond Academia

                      From 2022-2024, Indian Americans have secured around 11% of the Forbes 30 Under 30 awards across North America, underscoring major impact and contributions to sectors including healthcare, consumer tech, education, energy, finance, and more. Indian Americans were especially prominent in healthcare and consumer technology in this time span, having won 21% and 19% of those awards, respectively.

                      A Competitive Spirit Powered by Grit and Focus

                      Many members of the Indian diaspora have been standouts in the academic realm, particularly in national competitions. Among the most visible is the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The phenomenon first came into the national spotlight with Balu Natarajan , who in 1985 became the first Indian American to win the Bee. His victory inspired many more Indian Americans to follow in his footsteps.

                      Since 2000, 28 out of 34 winners have been of Indian origin. One of them is Dev Shah , who won in 2023 at just 14 years old; likewise, Bruhat Soma won the 2024 Spelling Bee and broke the record for most words spelled correctly in the 90 second spell-off. Indian American students are also excelling in the Geography Bee, the Math Olympiad, and numerous science competitions.

                      28 Since 2000 out of the 34

                      Scripps Spelling Bee winners were of Indian origin

                      Research and Innovation Excellence

                      A 2020 study by researchers from the National Bureau of Economic Research and Harvard University found that the Indian diaspora's share of patents increased from 1.9% in 1975 to 10% in 2019. Within the patent realm, Indian patent holders are most prominent in the computer sectors, with 11% of computers-related patents having an Indian co-author. Indian students today make up ~25% of the over 1 million international higher education students in the US. Studies from the World Bank group have shown that a 10% increase in the number of foreign graduate students results in a 4.5% rise in patent applications, a 6.8% increase in university patent grants, and a 5% increase in nonuniversity patent grants. Complementing this are the Indian migrants joining the US workforce. A 1.3 percentage point increase in the share of immigrant college graduates in the population leads to a 20% increase in patenting per capita. Additionally, a 0.7 percentage point increase in the share of post-college immigrants results in a 21% increase in patenting per capita. These statistical studies underscore the critical impact of Indian talent on the US innovation landscape.

                        13% of US scientific publications

                        had an Indian American co-author

                        According to BCG analysis, around 13% (380,000) of all 2023 journal publications were co-authored by scientists of Indian origin in the US, up from 11% in 2015. This parallels an increased amount of research funding going the way of diaspora researchers. With regard to National Institute of Health grant awards, grants to research groups with diaspora scientists increased from 6% (2 billion) in 2015 to 11% (4.8 billion) in 2023. The 2017 essay 'Attention is All You Need' has resurfaced in the news recently. Written by eight Google engineers, two of whom are Indian origin, this piece of research is considered to be the founding paper for large language models such as those driving generative AI programs.

                        Approximately

                        full-time faculty members are members of the diaspora

                        22,000 (2.6%)

                        BCG estimates that around 2.6% of higher-ed faculty members (~22,000) were Indian Americans in 2021. A look at the top 50 colleges in the US reveals that 35 have an Indian American in their leadership ranks, including roles like deans, chancellors, provosts, and directors of colleges.

                        Indo-US Collaborations

                        Increased collaboration between labs in the US and India, especially through diasporic connections, has advanced innovation and research in both countries. The number of collaborative publications between diaspora scientists with scientists in India increased from 0.2% in 2015 (~4,000 publications) to 0.4% in 2023 (~11,000). In the academic realm, 37 out of India's top 50 colleges have over 294 exchange programs with 205 universities in the US.

                        This collaboration has a 'flywheel effect'. As more students come to the US, their efforts yield new innovations, generate new patents, and earn more awards and recognition. This momentum builds, and the flywheel turns faster. The result is economic and technological advances that benefit both the US and India.

                        The recent collaborative efforts between the US and India span several critical sectors, aiming to leverage mutual strengths to address global challenges and promote sustainable growth. Central to this partnership are initiatives focused on catalyzing innovation, stimulating manufacturing, and driving responsible growth. Notable projects include promoting research partnerships, building shared ecosystems, and investing in advanced technologies such as telecommunications, quantum tech, and AI. Additionally, there is a significant emphasis on co-producing sensitive technologies, enabling private sector investments, and meeting climate goals through smart infrastructure and green tech advancements. This multifaceted approach is underscored by strategic collaborations in sustainability, new-age technology, defense, semiconductors, experimental physics, and telecommunications.

                          One notable example of such partnership is the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and NASA collaboration, particularly through the NASAISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission. This mission is focused on Earth observation, with the primary goal of deepening our understanding of climate change, deforestation, glacier melt, and natural hazards such as volcanoes and earthquakes. This collaboration underscores the sharing of technical strengths and resources between NASA and ISRO, setting a precedent for future joint space missions and enhancing the global scientific community's ability to monitor and respond to Earth's dynamic processes. This partnership is only beginning to show its potential. In June 2024, NASA administrator Bill Nelson remarked that the US space agency will expand collaboration with India, and that will include a 'joint effort' aboard the International Space Station with an Indian astronaut.

                          Other key Indo-US initiatives include the US-India Climate Tech Action Group , which facilitates climate-resilient technology development and clean energy models, and the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership , aimed at scaling clean energy to reduce emissions. In technology, the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) and the Indo-US Quantum Coordination Mechanism enhance cooperation in space, telecom, and defense innovation. The defense sector sees the IndiaUS Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUSX) fostering innovation and co-production of military systems. Additionally, semiconductor collaborations through the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and an MoU on Semiconductor Supply Chain and Innovation Partnership aim to build a robust ecosystem. The joint efforts in experimental physics, highlighted by the NISAR mission , and telecom advancements through Joint Task Forces, exemplify

                          the depth and breadth of this strategic partnership.

                            Cultural Influence

                            As the Indian diaspora has introduced its traditions, cuisines, practices, and festivals into the US, these elements have become intertwined in the broader culture, enriching and diversifying it.

                            A Culinary Celebration

                            Not that long ago, Indian cuisine was more-or-less limited to dishes like chicken tikka masala and naan. But those days are long past. The Indian restaurant scene has exploded, with eateries all over the country offering the regional diversity of Indian cooking. One can find dishes such as biryani, dosa, and chaat almost everywhere. In fact, these Indian specialties have become regular favorites among non-Indian Americans, too.

                            As recently as the 1990s, Indian chain restaurants were a rarity in the US, with most options being independently owned local establishments. Since then, there has been a significant rise in Indian restaurant chains with multiple locations in California, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. Some examples are Curry Up Now, Chutneys, The Butter Chicken Company, Rangoli Grill, Twisted Indian Wraps, and Honest . In the 1990s, basic Indian spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander were mostly found in ethnic and specialty stores in the US. Since then, the popularity of Indian cuisine has led to a broader availability of these and other previouslylesser-known spices, such as asafoetida and amchoor, in mainstream grocery stores.

                            3% of Michelin guide US restaurants in 2023

                            serve Indian-inspired cuisine

                            Celebrity chefs of Indian origin have had a big influence on the US culinary scene. Padma Lakshmi , Maneet Chauhan , and Vikas Khanna , throughout their TV careers, have increased the visibility of Indian cuisine, elevating its profile and exposing it to wider audiences. Roni Mazumdar , a well-known restaurateur, founded Semma with his partner Chef Chintan Pandya , which in 2002, became the first Indian restaurant in the US to obtain a Michelinstar. Chef Srijith Gopinathan , the two-Michelin star ex-chef of the Campton Place in San Francisco has now opened Ettan and Copra . Out of roughly 1,500 restaurants in the 2023 USA Michelin guide, 39 (~3%) serve Indian-inspired cuisine.

                            And these chefs do far more than run restaurants. Take Vikas Khanna who, inspired by Jose Andres' World Central Kitchen , launched the 'Feed India' campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic, distributing more than 7 million meals in 79 cities across India. Chef Sujan Sarkar , inspired by Khanna, also began food delivery to frontline workers, the elderly, and the unemployed in Chicago, New York, and San Francisco.

                            Cultural Harmony: Wellness, Fashion, and Literature

                            Yoga offers a wellness tradition accessible to everyone-young or old, athletic or not. Today, approximately 10% of the US population practices Yoga-roughly 34 million people. Studios are almost as ubiquitous as Indian restaurants in the US-in fact, BCG estimates suggest that there are around 36,000 of them. They can be found in fitness clubs, standalone centers, and even as classes offered at a local YMCA or around the corner in a park. This tradition's journey from the banks of the Ganges to the shores of the United States is emblematic of how deeply Indian culture has woven itself into the fabric of US life. What began as an ancient practice known only to the sages of India has become a mainstream wellness practice across the US and the rest of the world.

                              1 in 10 Americans practices yoga In 2023

                              Most give credit to Swami Vivekananda , a Hindu philosopher, for introducing Yoga to the US in the 1890s. He offered a speech in Chicago that gave rise to a wellness revolution that would take over a century to unfold. The scale of its acceptance is a reflection not only of Yoga's inherent appeal, but also of a broader embrace in the US of holistic health and wellness practices that were once considered foreign.

                              Yoga has given rise to industries such as athleisure wear and wellness retreats. Physical education programs across the country have incorporated Yoga into their routines, enhancing mental and physical well-being and creating community spaces that foster connection.

                              The US has also embraced Ayurveda and transcendental meditation, which offer deeper insights into the holistic principles that form the foundation of Yoga. Rooted in the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the body, mind, and spirit, Ayurveda offers a different approach to medicine that emphasizes preventions over cures. Once a niche interest among yoga practitioners and a small segment of the health-conscious population, Ayurveda has steadily grown to become a mainstream wellness phenomenon in the US. Turmeric lattes and ashwagandha supplements have fueled people's interest in organic, natural remedies, and such products are now found on the shelves in both health stores and supermarkets.

                              The integration of Ayurveda into the beauty and skincare markets has been strong, with Ayurvedic infusion of ingredients like neem, tulsi, and sandalwood. These offer a cleaner approach to beauty-which resonates with today's ecoconscious shoppers. Ayurveda also appeals to a broader trend in US consumer culture: the allure of exotic and ancient wisdom as remedies to the stresses of modern life. Brands such as Fable & Mane and Inde Wild are drawing inspiration from traditional practices by incorporating ingredients like ashwagandha, amla, and camellia oil into their products.

                              Prominent figures such as Dr. Deepak Chopra , who has written extensively about Ayurveda and its benefits, have been influential in the spread of Ayurvedic principles to the broader US culture. Their influence, along with the proliferation of information on social media and health blogs, has been embraced by people increasingly skeptical of pharmaceutical solutions and eager for holistic alternatives.

                              Indian origin fashion designers, including Roopa Pemmaraju, Falguni and Shane Peacock showcase their designs at the New York fashion week. Roopa has striven to create a slow, luxury fashion label that fairly compensates Indian artisans for their skill. Shilpa Yarlagadda started a fine jewelry company from her dorm room and pledged to donate 50% of the profits to the company's charity arm which provides seed money for women-led entrepreneurial ventures. In literature, authors Jhumpa Lahiri and Abraham Verghese have had a profound impact with their explorations of the Indian-American experience. More recently, authors such as Alka Joshi and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni have been exploring historical fiction while Pallavi Sharma and Sanjana Sathien address the contemporary IndianAmerican experience through their novels.

                                An Array of Festivals

                                With their riot of colors, irresistible food, and deep spiritual significance, Indian festivals have become an immersive element of Indian culture intertwined with the broader US culture. Diwali, the Festival of Lights ; and Holi, the Festival of Colors , are among the most visible and compelling.

                                In some cities, such as Dallas, New York, and San Francisco, these festivals have become widely recognized, public events that attract thousands of Indian Americans and non-Indians, too. Local governments and cultural organizations have been instrumental in bringing these festivals to the broader population, making them official school holidays in some cases. DiwaliSA , originally started in 2009 to celebrate the sister-city relationship between San Antonio, Texas and Chennai, attracts visitors from all over the country.

                                Heritage Organizations

                                Indian cultural organizations have played an important role in this interweaving of cultures. Regional organizations in various cities and universities provide important platforms for cultural preservation and sharing with and beyond the Indian American community. These organizations play a critical role in keeping cultural heritage alive, enabling traditions to be passed down through generations. By celebrating festivals and social events, and offering language classes, and cultural workshops, they open doors for other Americans to step into the world of Indian culture.

                                Impact on Media: Film, Television, and Music

                                In recent years, Hollywood has seen a sharp uptick of influential Indian actors, directors, and filmmakers. Consider Priyanka Chopra , who moved on from Bollywood to become a global icon with her roles in Quantico and Baywatch . Or

                                Mindy Kaling , whose work on The Office and The Mindy Project has brough a new dimension to US comedy, blending it with the nuances of her Indian heritage. Avantika Vandanapu , who emerged on the scene with her most recent role in Mean Girls , exemplifies the youngest generation of Indian actors shaping storytelling in film.

                                Meanwhile, directors such as M. Night Shyamalan continue to intrigue audiences with their unique storytelling approaches, including twist endings and a depth reminiscent of the intricate narratives that underlie Indian cinema. Newcomers such as Meera Menon and Aneesh Chaganty are pushing boundaries even further, bringing fresh perspective to audiences in the US. On TV, stars like Aziz Ansari , and Poorna Jagannathan are creating and/or starring in critically acclaimed series that draw on the Indian-American experience.

                                In music, artists like Anoushka Shankar and Ravi Shankar invite audiences to explore and enjoy the rich traditions of Indian classical music, as have A.R. Rahman and Ricky Kej , both Grammy Award winners. The fusion of traditional Indian sounds with global music trends has added yet another harmonic to the universal language of music. Beyond the mainstream, artists like classical vocalist Mahesh Kale continue to garner international acclaim. Composer Reena Esmail bridges the worlds of Eastern and Western classical music, with compositions that blend Indian motifs with Western music trends. Vijay Gupta , a former member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, is a violinist and social justice advocate who has used his music to effect change by forming Street Symphony , which performs for the homeless and incarcerated.

                                  New Perspectives on Sports

                                  Indian Americans are increasingly visible in a variety of sports, bringing new energy and perspectives to athletics. One of the most exciting developments has been in cricket, a sport that's immensely popular back in India but still nascent in the US. In 2021, the International Cricket Council announced that the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup would be played in the US and West Indies. This was part of USA Cricket's efforts to develop cricket in the United States.

                                  Cricket is now officially part of the 2028 Olympics

                                  The US team won the match against Pakistan in a surprise upset. For the first time since 1900, cricket will be a part of the Olympics program starting in 2028. Eric Garcetti , the current US Ambassador to India who had been working closely with the chair of the LA28 Olympics for the inclusion of cricket in the games, called it 'a gift to India, a gift to the world'.

                                  The launch of Major League Cricket (MLC ) in 2023 is a big milestone. This professional T20 cricket league, spearheaded by Indian-origin entrepreneurs and heavily backed by investors from the Indian community (including tech giants Anand Rajaram, Venky Harinarayan of SF Unicorns and Anurag Jain of Dallas Super Kings ), underscores the deep passion and commitment to making cricket go mainstream in the US. It has already attracted a large fan base and promises to serve as a gateway for more engagement.

                                  It's also notable that the MLC is part of the growing sports exchange fueling the Indo-US economic corridor. The involvement of Indian Premier League (IPL) teams in the MLC signifies a deepening cross-investment in sports franchises between the two nations. Consider the example of New York MLC team's transformation into MI New York, linked with Mukesh Ambani's Mumbai Indians . Such collaborations not only boost the league's credibility and marketability, but also open up new avenues for bilateral investment and marketing opportunities between the US and India. This is a two-way street: the popularity and financial success of the IPL have attracted significant US investment back into India. For instance, US firms have poured billions into IPL, with investments peaking with massive stakes like Silver Lake Partners' $1.35 billion investment in Reliance's digital arm, a major player in the IPL ecosystem.

                                  Indian-origin athletes are also gaining visibility and breaking new ground in more mainstream US sports. A good example is Satnam Singh , who made headlines as the first Indian basketball player drafted into the NBA. Following his lead are players like Sim Bhullar and Princepal Singh , who are inspiring a new generation of Indian American youth to take up the sport. In the realm of soccer, Sunil Chhetri stands out as the first Indian to play in Major League Soccer. His journey from the local fields of India to the international stadiums in the US is a testament to the global nature of sports today.

                                    Philanthropy and Social Impact

                                    Philanthropic Contributions by Individuals

                                    BCG estimates that Indian American households donate to charity between $1.5 billion to $2 billion annually. This estimate is based on around 1.5 million Indian American households, with twothirds of them donating approximately 1.5% of their earnings. The 2018 Indiaspora-Dalberg study involved a survey asking Indian American donors which issues they were most passionate about. Education and healthcare were top areas of interest for philanthropic contributions, with ~60% and ~45% interest respectively, followed by gender equality (~40%) and human rights (~30%).

                                    Indian American households estimated to contribute

                                    The study also found a giving gap compared with the estimated donation rate of the average US population, which was 4% per year. Due to limitations on availability of data and methodology, this is an indicative gap and not an absolute number. Nonetheless, it suggests an opportunity for the diaspora to consciously try to bridge this gap in giving.

                                    Since 2008, members of the Indian diaspora have made over $3 billion in donations to 40+ universities, with 67 donations of over $1 million. These values include publicly announced donations of $1 million or higher in the period from 2008 to 2023; however, the actual figure including anonymous donations is likely to be higher. Almost half of the

                                    diaspora donors are motivated by gratitude towards their alma mater while the rest are non-alumni donors aiming to provide quality education to the community in their area of interest.

                                    Indian Americans have donated over

                                    to US universities since 2008

                                    $3B

                                    Dr. Amar Bose received his undergraduate and PhD education from MIT and continued on as a member of the MIT faculty for several years before founding the Bose Corporation in 1964. In 2011, he gave MIT the majority of the stock of Bose Corporation in the form of non-voting shares so that MIT could use the cash dividends to advance its research and education mission. Other notable donors include alum and trustee Rajan Kilachand , who has made multiple substantial donations to Boston University, Ranjan and Chandrika Tandon's donation to NYU, and Ram and Vijay Shriram's donation to Stanford University, which was driven by their desire to enhance the quality of STEM education.

                                    Philanthropic Donations to Indian Organizations

                                    Under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), donations from the US to India increased from $782 million in 2015-2016 to $831 million in 2018-2019, with significant contributions to social and educational causes. The US is the largest donor country, contributing 35% of all FCRA donations to India.

                                    Several diaspora-led organizations have made substantial contributions to India. Notable contributions captured in 2022 include $39 million by the Rural India Supporting Trust , $17 million by Pratham USA , and $10 million by the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation .

                                      Diaspora-Led Philanthropic Organizations in the US

                                      Examples of diaspora-led philanthropic organizations include American India Foundation (AIF), Room to Read, Pratham USA and Ekal Vidyalaya. AIF , currently led by CEO Nishant Pandey , reports having helped nearly 19 million people through 330 NGO partners and has raised over $300 million since its inception in 2001. The organization's programs address education, public health, and livelihood challenges in India. Vijay Goradia established Pratham USA in 1999 after being inspired by a visit to Pratham's urban literacy program in Mumbai. In 2022, Pratham USA raised ~$22 million to deploy in literacy and vocational training programs in India. In 2019, 11 US-based organizations - the Akanksha Fund, AIF, Arogya World, CRY America, Dasra, Ekal USA, Foundation for Excellence, Indiaspora, Magic Bus USA, Pratham USA, and VisionSpring -came together to form the India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA) . With over 20 organizations currently

                                      in its network, the IPA raises $60 million annually in the US and $ 135 million globally to support development and humanitarian programs in India. Since 2023, it has established March 1 as India Giving Day. In 2024, India Giving Day raised $5.5 million through nearly 1,700 donors and 35 organizations in a single day. Room to Read , currently led by Geetha Murali , is focused on reducing illiteracy with an additional focus on female illiteracy all over the world. It operates programs in 24 countries, including the US and India.

                                      Indian Americans also serve in leadership and founding roles in philanthropic and social impact organizations. Notable leaders include Vilas Dhar , president of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation; Amit Bouri , CEO of the Global Impact Investing Network; and Maya Ajmera , founder of the Global Fund for Children . Others are on the boards of social impact organizations, such as Sonny Kalsi for Teaching Matters .

                                        Government and Public Services

                                        The Indian diaspora in the US has taken on an increasingly visible role within the government and in public services. Between the years 2012 and 2022, the number of Indian Americans holding federal administrative positions (presidential appointees with and without Senate confirmation, non-career members of the senior-executive services, and Schedule C) more than doubled. The diaspora has garnered support on bipartisan lines.

                                        Leading Roles in Political Administration

                                        Indian Americans have been serving in political and public works at nearly every level, from local offices to the highest legislative and executive echelons. Prior to 2012, only two ( Dalip Singh Saund (Democrat) in 1955 and Bobby Jindal (Republican) in 2004) had ever been elected to the House of Representatives. Since the election of Ami Bera (Democrat) in 2012, the number has increased to five; nonetheless, Indian-American representation still has room to grow, as it currently stands proportionally low relative to the population. Only 5 of 435 members of the House of Representative are of Indian origin, which is only just over 1% of the body.

                                        The administrative roles of Indian Americans have seen a substantial increase under successive US administrations, from 1.7% in 2013 to 4.4% in 2023, with over 150 Indian Americans in pivotal roles in 2023. These appointments, many requiring Senate confirmation (a total of 40) are epitomized by figures such as the Vice President Kamala Harris and the Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy .

                                        of the House of Representatives of 435 members 5

                                        are of Indian origin

                                        In 2016, Kamala Harris made history as the first Indian American to be elected to the United States Senate. In 2020, she became the first woman and first person of color in US history to serve as Vice President of the United States and at the time of the publication of this report, is the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee for the 2024 election.

                                        Following his term in the House of Representatives, Bobby Jindal went on to become the first Indian American Governor, taking office in Louisiana and serving as chair of the Republican Governors Association . He led an unsuccessful bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. Another prominent Republican of Indian descent, Nimarata 'Nikki' Haley (nee Randhawa) , became the second Indian American and first female Indian American Governor, taking office in South Carolina in 2011. She served as the US Ambassador to the United Nations in the Trump Administration and was the first Indian American to serve in a presidential cabinet. She was also the first woman ever to win a Republican Party presidential primary contest (Washington, D.C. and Vermont) in 2024.

                                        Hand-in-hand with this rising influence in public service roles is a rising impact on voter demographics. Indian Americans comprise about 1% of the eligible voter population, and are demonstrating increasing influence in swing states, potentially shaping electoral outcomes in close contests. The demographic trends over recent years illustrate a significant rise in the number of Indian American voters. This animated political spirit is represented by support on both sides of the aisle. While many Indian Americans have tended to vote on the left, the prominence of two contenders in the 2024 Republican primary race (Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy , founder of Roivant Sciences ) demonstrates the political diversity of the diaspora.

                                          This voter base is actively participating in the electoral process, showing a keen engagement in civic duties and an increasing tendency to mobilize for key issues that affect both their communities and the broader US socio-political landscape. Many within the community contribute significantly to political campaigns and are involved in policy advocacy, focusing on areas such as immigration reform, civil rights, and bilateral relations between the US and India. This multifaceted engagement is making Indian Americans a critical constituency that both major political parties seek to court.

                                          Championing Causes for the Public Good

                                          Along with positions of accountability and leadership, many Indian Americans are actively engaged in ensuring that the US population progresses to a sustainable future. The members of Congress have championed significant social causes, including public health, environmental protection, and social policies such as education reform, healthcare initiatives, economic equity, LGBTQ+ rights, and veterans' issues.

                                          Pramila Jayapal , Chair of the House Judiciary Committee's Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, champions causes in healthcare, education, and housing. She is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights as well as those of immigrants, pursuing efforts to reduce student debt and make higher education more accessible. She has been an inspiration to women from minority backgrounds.

                                          Representatives such as Ro Khanna and Shri Thanedar have focused on initiatives that align with their visions for an inclusive, sustainable future. Khanna has worked to secure a massive climate investment through the Inflation Reduction Act

                                          and led campaigns to curb fossil fuel exploitation in California. Thanedar has spearheaded initiatives to increase accessible loan amounts for small businesses, as well as advocated for bipartisan efforts against discrimination and health disparities.

                                          Raja Krishnamoorthi has been instrumental in securing funding for domestic violence programs and addiction treatment centers while championing educational and technical training initiatives. His legislative efforts, including the KREMLIN Act and his proactive stance against the vaping industry, demonstrate his focus on national security and public health. Ami Bera has focused on healthcare and global issues, advocating for food security and improving healthcare services for Native Americans.

                                          Bobby Jindal , during his tenure as Governor of Louisiana, focused on stabilizing the state after the impact of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. His efforts were also prominent in the healthcare sector, including reformation of the state-run hospital and healthcare payer systems. In his current role as chair of the Center for a Healthy America , he remains focused on systemic healthcare reform. This Rhodes Scholar was the youngest governor in the nation at the time of his election, and gained a reputation as a fiscal conservative, having coupled substantial income tax reductions with budget downsizing.

                                            Impact in Healthcare and Science

                                            Indian Americans make up a substantial portion of the health care workforce, many of them in areas such as internal medicine, cardiology, and oncology. Both categories of health-care jobs - practitioners and support/technical operations are predicted to grow at 10-20% by 2030 but face acute shortages.

                                            in the US is Indian American in 10 physicians 1

                                            The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates that by 2032, the United States will be ~122,000 physicians short of need. Around 800,000 nurses are estimated to leave the workforce by 2027. Part of this gap is being filled by Indian American physicians and nursing staff. The number of Indian American physicians has risen steadily, and now stands at about 75,000, which constitutes ~10% of all physicians in the US. These doctors often work in underserved and rural communities, serving as the lifeline for these regions. Enrollment of Indian Americans in US medical schools is increasing at four times the average rate, and more than 1,800 doctors (10% of graduates) of Indian origin are added to the US healthcare workforce every year. Indian origin nurses make up 7% of all foreign-born nurses (~38,000) in 2021, making India the second largest exporter of nurses to the US.

                                            Beyond clinical positions, Indian Americans are also playing important roles in public agencies that operate at the intersection of healthcare and science. These include the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) , where Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan leads with a focus on innovation and inclusivity through initiatives like the 'GRANTED' program, which supports minority and female scientists.

                                            However, Indian American representation in these agencies suggests potential for further growth. Overall, Indian Americans hold ~3% of top positions across these agencies. This underrepresentation highlights an opportunity to leverage their expertise more substantially to shape public health policies and scientific research.

                                              Global Policy

                                              While this report focuses on the Indian diaspora in the United States, the diaspora plays an important role in international institutions, helping to address immediate global challenges while setting the stage for long-term policy developments.

                                              Leadership in Global Economics, Finance and Health

                                              Indian professionals have held top jobs in global institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Gita Gopinath , who served as the First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, played an important role during the pandemic. Along with developing strategies for global economic recovery, she also set vaccination targets that garnered worldwide support. This led to the development of task forces and working groups that expedited vaccine distribution, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. She also spearheaded the formation of a climate change team at the IMF, which has influenced environmental policy around the world.

                                              Raghuram G. Rajan , a former Chief Economist at the IMF, demonstrated foresight in predicting the 2008 financial crisis and has contributed in important ways to global financial stability. He is known for having integrated financial sector analysis into economic evaluations.

                                              Diaspora members have likewise had a substantial impact at the World Bank. Figures like Indermit Gill and Mamta Murthi , by introducing groundbreaking concepts such as 'The Middle-Income Trap' and leading efforts such as the 'Human Capital Project,' have redefined developmental economics and policy frameworks. Their work has enabled new insights into global economic challenges and how to meet them through sustainable development

                                              and social equity. More recently, Ajay Banga , the 14th President of the World Bank Group since June 2023, has highlighted the focus areas for the group under his tenure-financing climate projects, focusing on major cross-border projects that can affect large numbers of people, and poverty reduction.

                                              The health sector has seen major involvement from the Indian diaspora, particularly during global crises like the pandemic. An example is Soumya Swaminathan , Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization , whose efforts in coordinating international health policy underscores the diaspora's commitment to addressing worldwide health challenges.

                                              Diplomacy and International Relations

                                              The relationship between the world's two largest democracies is important on the world stage. Not only does this have bearing on India and the US themselves, but it also has major implications on nations across the globe.

                                              The passing of the Indo-US civil nuclear deal is a notable example. Though the deal had little support from the outset, the diaspora mobilized in formal and informal ways to lobby for action. This occurred through traditional methods, such as through agencies and political action committees, but it also happened at the grassroots level as diaspora members worked en masse to convey their support to elected officials. The deal became a touchstone of US-India relations and has strengthened strategic and military collaborations.

                                                The Indo-US Corridor

                                                The Indo-US economic corridor is a vibrant and crucial axis of global commerce, characterized by deepening mutual dependencies and expanding opportunities.

                                                Mutual Growth

                                                Both the US and India are realizing substantial benefits from intensified mutual trade and investment flows, including strengthened economic and strategic ties. Growing investment from Indian companies into the US has enhanced India's global footprint while contributing to the US's economic vitality. Indian companies, through this increased investment, are expanding their global footprint while cementing India's role as a key player through substantial foreign direct investment (FDI). Similarly, US companies are investing in India to capitalize on growing customer base and skilled human capital available in India.

                                                As of 2023, Indian companies have invested a cumulative $40B in the US leading to creation of ~426,000 jobs

                                                Since 2000, US companies have invested a cumulative $ 63 billion in FDI in India, with most of this investment coming from the tech and retail sectors. As of 2023, Indian companies had collectively invested over $40 billion in the US. This influx of capital has been a major force for job creation; meanwhile, it has had a ripple effect across several sectors of the US economy. The Confederation of Indian Industry estimates that Indian FDI had led to the creation of a cumulative 426,000 job opportunities in the country by 2023. These investments were accompanied by R&D expenditures exceeding $985 million. This growth is expected to accelerate, with 85% of surveyed Indian companies (n=163) indicating plans for further US investment over the next five years.

                                                The Flow of Remittances

                                                Annual remittances to India have grown considerably in recent years, from $66 billion in 2015-16 to $113 billion in 2022-2023 according to the Reserve Bank of India. The US is the top source, with around $26 billion. These funds provide a crucial boost to the Indian economy, both balancing ledgers and fueling innovation and development. Moreover, they provide clear evidence of just how connected the Indian diaspora feels to their roots in India.

                                                  Conclusion

                                                  No single report can capture the entire story of the Indian diaspora. Nonetheless, the picture presented in this research has offered a meaningful snapshot of the many ways Indian Americans have risen to the challenges of their journeys, realizing opportunities along the way. As Indian Americans continue to integrate with broader US culture, they are shaped by it even as they shape it. This is the gift of global community - a festival of intercultural experience that leaves everyone in some ways richer for having been a part of it.

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                                                    Impact Report: Summary

                                                    Quick read: 5 mins

                                                    Short on time? Get all the key facts from the Impact Report through the summary!

                                                    Indiaspora Inspiring Icons

                                                    Discover Indiaspora Inspiring Icons-individuals from the Indian diaspora whose contributions we would like to highlight. Unlike other lists, this isn't about rankings; it is a celebration of incredible individuals whose stories have inspired us while compiling our report on the Indian diaspora's impact in the US.

                                                      Place holder for content Authors of the Impact Report

                                                      Amrita Oak Principal, The Boston Consulting Group

                                                      Shoba Viswanathan

                                                      VP, Development & Civic Engagement, Indiaspora

                                                      Santosh Appathurai

                                                      Managing Director and Partner,

                                                      The Boston Consulting Group

                                                      Sidharth Madaan

                                                      Managing Director and Partner The Boston Consulting Group

                                                      Amrita Oak is a Principal at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), based in Houston, TX. In her current role, she leads strategy and operations work in Energy and Healthcare. Amrita obtained her PhD in Chemical Engineering where her research focus was to investigate the effect of fatty acids on the incidence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Amrita grew up in India in the Konkan region in Maharashtra. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, running marathons, and baking.

                                                      Shoba Viswanathan is Vice President - Development and Civic Engagement at Indiaspora. She comes to the role with experience in communications, community engagement, volunteer mobilization for social justice causes, and non-profit management. Shoba is a co-founder of the Chitthi Brigade, an organization focused on strengthening the political participation of Indian American women. Born in New Delhi and brought up in Chennai, she is a first-generation Indian American currently living in New York.

                                                      Santosh Appathurai is a Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), based in Houston, TX. He is a core member of the firm's global Energy Practice and Climate and Sustainability Practice. Santosh advises major oil and gas, petrochemical, and oil field services companies on business strategy, operating models, core operations improvement, and sustainable large-scale change. His work addresses the trilemma of energy use: security, affordability, and sustainability. Santosh's career spans work in North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. He began his professional journey at Chevron and holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, as well as an undergraduate degree from IIT Madras.

                                                      Sidharth Madaan joined BCG in April 2015. As a Managing Director & Partner, he leads client engagement and projects in Technology, GrowthTech, and Public Sector. He has worked with clients in the Asia/ Pacific, Europe and US on a wide range of strategy and operations issues, including cost transformation, organizational simplification, strategic planning for growth and go-to-market models. Sidharth holds a level-3 CFA qualification and an MBA from ISB where we was a merit holder in the Dean's list. Currently he resides in Gurgaon, India. Apart from work, he enjoys photography, running, traveling, and sketching.

                                                        Sanjeev Joshipura

                                                        Executive Director,

                                                        Indiaspora

                                                        Sesh Iyer

                                                        Managing Director and Senior Partner, North America Regional Co-chair, BCG X, The Boston Consulting Group

                                                        MR Rangaswami

                                                        Founder and Chairman of the Board, Indiaspora

                                                        Neeraj Aggarwal

                                                        Managing Director and Senior Partner Chair, Asia-Pacific, The Boston Consulting Group

                                                        Sanjeev Joshipura serves as Indiaspora's Executive Director since January 2018 and served as Director since July 2016. Immediately prior to that, he was active in the US-India corridor in a public policy and business capacity, via his own consulting firm. Sanjeev was born and raised in India and migrated to North America in 2000. In the corporate realm, Sanjeev has worked at Fortune 500 multinational organizations in different industries, in the areas of strategy, finance and project management.

                                                        Sesh Iyer currently serves as the regional chair for BCG X in North America. BCG X is the tech design and build business within the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Iyer and his team lead BCG X's work with customers across several industries on their innovation and transformation strategies and implementations. Across several engineering roles, Iyer has more than 25 years of experience building mission-critical production systems and leading global teams. He previously served on Bakkt's board and on the alumni advisory board at the School of Computer Science at CMU. He is an active member of the Indian diaspora in the United States.

                                                        MR Rangaswami is an entrepreneur, investor, corporate eco-strategy expert, community builder and philanthropist. Recognized as a software business expert, he participated in the rapid expansion of the Silicon Valley software industry during his tenure as an executive at both large and small software companies. In 2012, he founded Indiaspora, a nonprofit community of powerful global Indian leaders from diverse backgrounds and professions who are committed to inspiring the diaspora to be a force for good.

                                                        Neeraj Aggarwal is the Chair of the Asia Pacific region for BCG and member of BCG's global executive committee. He oversees business in Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and South-East Asia. In his current role, he supports CEOs and chairs to improve the effectiveness of their organizations. Neeraj is inspired by clients who challenge conventional wisdom and set new standards for the world to follow. Neeraj holds an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad and received the Alumni Achiever award from his alma mater. He has been instrumental in setting up Plaksha University.

                                                          Acknowledgement

                                                          The author team would like to recognize several people at Indiaspora and Boston Consulting Group who played an important role producing this reportMira Bhayroo, Amandeep Kalsi, Spruha Kamdar, Tanvi Malhotra, Paritosh Pandey for their support and contributions to this study. The author team would like to thank Paul Cumbo of PJC Editorial for his assistance in drafting and editing this report.

                                                            Boston Consulting Group

                                                            Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholders-empowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact.

                                                            Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place.

                                                            Indiaspora

                                                            Indiaspora, a nonprofit organization, is a network of global Indian-origin leaders from diverse backgrounds and professions who are committed to inspiring the diaspora to be a force for good by providing a platform to collaborate, build community engagement, and catalyze social change.

                                                            Indiaspora is a nonpartisan organization that builds bridges between the global community leaders of the diaspora and leaders in India. By convening curated events, connecting leaders, and spearheading thought-leadership, Indiaspora aims to bring together the professionally, geographically, generationally and religiously diverse Indian diaspora toward collective action worldwide to increase philanthropy and social impact , foster entrepreneurship and innovation and build political and civic engagement.

1
Art by Jeena Raghavan
Small Community, 
Big Contributions, 
Boundless Horizons
The Indian Di…
1/31
Table of Contents
• Philanthropic Contributions 
by Individuals
• Philanthropic Donations to 
I…
2/31
Imagine a tapestry of compelling, adventurous stories that could inspire 
the whole world. Stories…
3/31
A Story of Opportunity 
and Cultural Integration
India, an ancient country and major global 
pop…
4/31
5
Indian diaspora population is concentrated in CA, TX, NJ, NY, IL
Indian American population dis…
5/31
The Indian diaspora in the United States has had 
a profound economic impact. Beginning with the 
…
6/31
EXHIBIT 2
Most unicorns in enterprise technology, followed by high-impact sectors 
such as consum…
7/31
Holding the Reins of Unicorns
The vibrant ecosystem of unicorns, startups valued 
at over $1 bill…
8/31
According to data collected by the Asian American 
Hotel Owners Association, Indian Americans own …
9/31
5–6%of taxes
are contributed by 1.5% of 
the population
Many diaspora members come to the US to …
10/31
11
Since 2000, 28 out of 34 winners have been of Indian 
origin. One of them is Dev Shah, who won…
11/31
According to BCG analysis, around 13% (380,000) of 
all 2023 journal publications were co-authored…
12/31
13
One notable example of such partnership is the 
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and …
13/31
Cultural Influence
As the Indian diaspora has introduced its traditions, 
cuisines, practices, an…
14/31
15
Most give credit to Swami Vivekananda, a Hindu 
philosopher, for introducing Yoga to the US in…
15/31
An Array of Festivals
With their riot of colors, irresistible food, and 
deep spiritual significa…
16/31
17
New Perspectives on Sports
Indian Americans are increasingly visible in 
a variety of sports,…
17/31
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Philanthropic Contributions 
by Individuals
BCG estimates that In…
18/31
19
Diaspora-Led Philanthropic 
Organizations in the US
Examples of diaspora-led philanthropic or…
19/31
Government and Public Services
The Indian diaspora in the US has taken on an 
increasingly visibl…
20/31
21
This voter base is actively participating in the 
electoral process, showing a keen engagement…
21/31
in the US is Indian American
in 10 1 physicians
Beyond clinical positions, Indian Americans are 
…
22/31
23
Global Policy
While this report focuses on the Indian diaspora in 
the United States, the dia…
23/31
The Indo-US economic corridor is a vibrant and 
crucial axis of global commerce, characterized 
b…
24/31
25
No single report can capture the entire story of 
the Indian diaspora. Nonetheless, the pictur…
25/31
Place holder for content Discover More with 
a Simple Scan!
How to Scan
1. Open Your Camera: Use…
26/31
Place holder for content
Amrita Oak
Principal,
The Boston Consulting Group
Amrita Oak is a Prin…
27/31
28
Sanjeev Joshipura
Executive Director,
Indiaspora
Sanjeev Joshipura serves as Indiaspora’s Ex…
28/31
The author team would like to recognize several 
people at Indiaspora and Boston Consulting Group …
29/31
30
Boston Consulting Group
Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in 
business and societ…
30/31
31
31/31


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