USA (Commonwealth Union)_ Indiaspora, a non-profit organization composed of leaders from the global Indian diaspora, has released an inaugural data-driven analysis focusing on the contributions of Indian Americans to the United States. Titled ‘Indiaspora Impact Report: Small Community, Big Contributions’, this first volume marks a significant effort by the organization in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group. Beyond presenting compelling statistics, the report aims to spotlight individuals who exemplify the diaspora’s impact across economic, cultural, and innovative spheres.
Also read: `Brotherless Night’ wins Women’s Prize for fiction!
Central to its narrative is the slogan “Every town is my town, and all the people in the world are my kin,” resonating deeply within the diaspora. The report delves comprehensively into how Indian Americans have influenced five key dimensions: economic, scientific, social, cultural, and civic. Guided by a prominent steering committee of industry leaders, academic scholars, and business officials, the report offers thorough and insightful analysis. Indiaspora’s initiative celebrates the extraordinary achievements of Indian Americans, highlighting their contributions not only to the United States but also to India. In a statement, Indiaspora remarked, “We hope this view will uplift the Indian diaspora to new heights and inspire and endear readers from around the world”.
Also read: Decoding Modi’s electoral setback
As the second-largest immigrant group in the USA, Indian Americans constitute a young, highly educated demographic. The report meticulously evaluates their impact across economic, cultural, scientific, civic, social, and philanthropic domains. In an era where immigration issues are contentious, Indian Americans have overcome numerous obstacles to emerge as one of the most influential immigrant communities in the country today. Notably, the Indian American population in the US has reached 5 million as of 2023, reflecting a 50 percent increase since 2010. This population is nearly evenly split between first-generation immigrants and those identifying with Indian ancestry.
According to M.R. Rangaswami, founder of Indiaspora, despite comprising only 1.5 percent of the US population, Indian Americans continue to exert a disproportionately positive influence across various facets of society. Their innovative contributions significantly bolster the nation’s economy and lay the groundwork for future growth. He stated, “Indian Americans account for only 1.5 percent of the US population, yet they continue to have an outsized and positive impact across different aspects of society. Indian American-driven innovation flows to the country’s bottom line and is laying the groundwork for the next phase of economic growth.”
According to Sesh Iyer, North America Regional Chair at BCG X, while accomplishments such as spelling bee victories and CEO positions garner attention, the increasing presence of Indians in America is reshaping US culture in many ways. Notably, with cultural festivals like Holi and Diwali and the growing popularity of Indian cuisine, yoga, and cricket, India’s cultural influence continues to enrich America’s diverse heritage. Overall, Indiaspora’s report serves as a testament to the enduring impact and growing influence of Indian Americans in the USA, underscoring their vital role in shaping contemporary American society and culture.
