At the Democratic National Convention this summer, Kamala Harris shared a touching tribute to her mother, who emigrated from Chennai, India, with dreams of becoming a scientist. Harris, a trailblazer poised to be the first female and South Asian president, lost the race to President-elect Donald Trump, who triumphed in all seven swing states. While many might assume Indian Americans would be disheartened by Harris’ defeat, their political influence is at an all-time high under Trump’s leadership. The incoming administration includes influential Indian Americans, such as Kash Patel, nominated to lead the FBI, and Jay Battacharya, appointed to the National…
Author: Bhakti Sharma
Bhakti Sharma
Bhakti has been working as a journalist for about twenty years. She holds a postgraduate degree in mass communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Delhi.
When Joe Biden and Kamala Harris took office on January 20, 2021, over 20 Indian Americans had already been appointed to key roles within their transition team and administration. By the end of the year, this number surged to more than 130. This shift came after efforts by the Indian American advocacy group Impact, which compiled resumes for talented professionals to ensure more representation for the community in US politics. The initiative sought to bridge the barriers often faced by candidates of color in securing political roles. In contrast, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed just four Indian Americans to significant…
Priyanka Naik, an Indian American chef, has an inspiring story of resilience and reinvention. After over a decade working for major firms like X (formerly Twitter), Bloomberg, and Conde Nast, Naik faced a significant challenge when she was laid off from Twitter in 2022. Instead of being defeated, she transformed this setback into an opportunity to pursue her true passion: cooking. Her love for food, deeply rooted in her vegetarian upbringing, had always been part of her life. In 2017, she earned recognition by winning Cooks vs. Cons on the Food Network, a hint of what lay ahead. Even before…
At the 2024 Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, actress Priyanka Chopra received an honorary award celebrating her significant contributions to global cinema. Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker presented the accolade, describing it as a “true honour” to recognize Chopra’s achievements. Chopra, who shined in a dazzling gown, was accompanied by her husband, singer-actor Nick Jonas, who looked sharp in a black blazer. In her acceptance speech, she thanked the festival for the recognition and shared the moment on social media, saying, “Thank you for the wonderful honour, Red Sea Film Festival.” Reflecting on her journey, Chopra…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEEC) as a groundbreaking initiative to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth during his meeting with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In discussions held on Thursday, PM Modi extended warm regards to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs. PM Modi expressed satisfaction with the ongoing high-level exchanges, including the September 2024 visit of Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reflecting the enduring strength of bilateral ties. Both…
Two Indian American filmmakers are making headlines at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Geeta Gandbhir’s documentary “The Perfect Neighbor” will compete in the U.S. Documentary Competition, exploring a neighbourhood dispute in Florida that escalates into fatal violence, highlighting the impact of “stand your ground” laws. Gandbhir, an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker, has an extensive portfolio, including HBO’s “Black and Missing” and the short “How We Get Free.” Meanwhile, Rohan Kanawade’s Marathi film “Sabar Bonda” is the sole Indian entry in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition. This poignant story captures queer life among India’s rural and lower-caste communities. Kanawade, known…
India has achieved a major economic milestone, with total foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows surpassing $1 trillion since April 2000. During the first half of FY25, FDI inflows rose by nearly 26%, reaching $42.1 billion. This sharp increase underscores India’s rising status as a global investment hotspot, driven by business-friendly reforms, a thriving economy, and competitive advantages. Key initiatives like the “Make in India” campaign, the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and relaxed regulations for various sectors have significantly boosted investor confidence. Between April 2014 and September 2024, India attracted $709.84 billion in FDI, making up 68.69% of total investments…
India is poised to make groundbreaking advances in space exploration with plans to establish its own space station, Bharat Antariksha Station, by 2035, and to send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040. Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Space, Jitendra Singh, announced these ambitious milestones during a press conference in Delhi. Singh highlighted that India will be among a select few nations, after the United States and others, to have its own space station. He also shared updates on the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send the first Indian astronaut into space by late 2024…
Filmmaker Payal Kapadia has made history with her film All We Imagine As Light, which earned two nominations at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards. The film, recognized globally, is nominated in the Best Director (Motion Picture) category, marking the first time an Indian director has been nominated in this prestigious category. It also earned a nomination for Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language. The nominations were announced on December 9 by Mindy Kaling and Morris Chestnut, and the recognition of All We Imagine As Light is a significant achievement for Kapadia and Indian cinema. Bollywood stars such as Anil…
Dr. Tausif Malik and Dr. Shabana Parvez have launched the Global Desi Republican Caucus (GDRC), aiming to empower Indian Americans and the broader South Asian community in U.S. politics. This initiative aligns the community’s values—such as fiscal responsibility, family values, and economic empowerment—with Republican principles. Dr. Malik, drawing inspiration from Maratha King Shivaji Maharaj, emphasized that reducing government overreach and fostering entrepreneurship resonates with the aspirations of Indian Americans. Co-founder Dr. Parvez, a seasoned ER physician, advocates for affordable healthcare and innovative reforms to tackle inefficiencies in the U.S. system. GDRC’s Focus Areas: Tax Reform: Addressing double taxation for non-resident…
