Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Indian-Americans are more optimistic about India’s trajectory than they were four years ago, with 10% more respondents now believing the country is moving in the right direction, according to a new survey. Conducted by the Indian American Attitudes Survey (IAAS) in collaboration with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and YouGov, the study was released in March 2024. The survey highlights continued support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi among the diaspora, with many respondents viewing the results of the 2024 Indian general elections as a boost to democracy. Forty-one percent believe the election made India more democratic, while 28% disagree.…

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has asserted that the term “Hindu” should be understood as more than just a religious identity. Instead, the organization considers it a nationalist expression that embodies India’s cultural, spiritual, and civilizational heritage. This statement was made by RSS Sahakaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale in response to a question during a press conference following the conclusion of the Akhil Bhartiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) meeting in Bengaluru on Sunday. “From the perspective of the Sangh, being called a Hindu organization is not something to be ashamed of. I, along with crores of workers, feel that being called a Hindu…

Vinay Hiremath, co-founder of the video messaging platform Loom, has revealed that he currently has no income and is actively looking for internships. This comes after Loom was sold to Atlassian for $975 million in 2023, reportedly earning him between $50 to $70 million from the deal. Speaking on the Moneywise podcast, Hiremath shared that he walked away from a $60 million retention package, which would have paid him over four years. “I left $60 million on the table. I have no income. Right now, I’m looking for internships,” he admitted. Since the sale of Loom, he has dedicated 5-8…

The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) will celebrate its 36th anniversary by honoring exceptional individuals at its 2025 Convention. The event will take place from March 28 to 30 at the Brisbane Marriott in Queensland, Australia, with the grand awards ceremony scheduled for March 29. GOPIO will recognize five individuals for their professional and business accomplishments and three for their dedication to community service. The conference will be inaugurated by prominent dignitaries, including Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, and India’s Consul General Neetu M. Bhagotia. They will be welcomed by GOPIO leaders, including…

The New York City mayoral race is heating up, with Indian American candidate Zohran Mamdani emerging as a strong contender. His campaign has gained momentum due to widespread community support, progressive policies, and significant fundraising success. Mamdani, son of Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and Ugandan-born academic Mahmood Mamdani, has positioned himself as a challenger to the traditional political elite. His campaign has particularly resonated with Indian American communities, Muslim voters, and young progressives, expanding representation in New York politics. With over $840,000 raised in the last two months from more than 16,000 donors, Mamdani’s financial backing has exceeded expectations. Since…

Canadian YouTuber, comedian, and actress Lilly Singh has introduced HYPHEN8, a groundbreaking media network designed to uplift South Asian YouTube creators. Developed in partnership with Skara Ventures, this initiative aims to equip digital creators with essential tools and opportunities to enhance their careers. HYPHEN8 will focus on securing direct advertising deals, optimizing revenue streams, and fostering brand collaborations for content creators. Singh, who started her YouTube journey in 2010, recalled the lack of support available to South Asian creators at the time. With HYPHEN8, she hopes to provide mentorship and valuable industry resources that will help emerging talents navigate the…

The University of Michigan’s College of Engineering has honored Somya Valecha, a computer engineering undergraduate, with the Distinguished Academic Achievement Award for her exceptional academic performance and leadership contributions. Despite being only in her second year, Valecha has taken on multiple leadership roles while consistently earning a place on the Dean’s Honor List. As the Professional Excellence Officer for the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), she organized career-building initiatives such as networking events and an Interview Prep Workshop. She also played a key role as Hospitality Chair for the Fall Engineering Career Fair, facilitating connections between students and recruiters. Additionally,…

Shikha Bajaj was celebrated as a transformational leader at the 13th Annual Congressional International Women’s Day Celebration, hosted by the American Multi-Ethnic Coalition (AMEC) on March 12, 2025. Known for her dedication to empowerment, inclusivity, and leadership, Bajaj has inspired individuals and organizations worldwide to break barriers and embrace their uniqueness. Her award-winning book, Own Your Color, has been recognized as one of the top self-help books of the year, earning over 10 prestigious awards, including the BookFest Awards, International Impact Book Awards, and Book Excellence Award. Her influence as an author placed her among the Top 50 Most Influential…

Avani Modi Sarkar, an Indian-American entrepreneur, co-founded Modi Toys with her brother Viral Modi in 2018 after becoming a mother. The brand, which creates mantra-singing plush toys and children’s books, is designed to introduce Hindu culture to young Indian-American kids growing up in multicultural environments. “The idea stemmed from a personal need,” Sarkar shared, explaining how she and her brother wanted a soft toy that played Hindu mantras when squeezed. However, when they found nothing like it on the market, they decided to create their own. Modi Sarkar, recognized by Forbes Next 1000, Inc Female Founder 100, and E&Y Entrepreneur…

The Trump administration has enlisted Abhishek Kambli, an Indian-origin lawyer, to defend its use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 for deporting illegal immigrants, despite a federal judge’s orders to halt the flights. Kambli, serving as Deputy Associate Attorney General at the Justice Department, faced criticism from Judge James Boasberg after the administration insisted it was adhering to judicial rulings while privately asserting executive authority to continue deportations. Judge Boasberg, under pressure from MAGA hardliners calling for his impeachment, ordered Kambli to provide a written certification by Tuesday noon confirming that no deportations had occurred. This followed the administration’s…