Washington, February 15
More than 200 Indian origin persons occupy leadership positions in as many as 15 international locations together with the (*60*) States and (*60*) Kingdom. Of these, 60 hold Cabinet ranks, in response to the primary of its kind-released by a US-based organisation working amongst Indian diaspora.
Drawing from authorities web sites and different publicly out there assets, the 2021 Indiaspora Government Leaders List on Monday recognised greater than 200 leaders of Indian heritage who’ve ascended to the very best echelons of public service in 15 international locations throughout the globe, with greater than 60 of those leaders holding Cabinet positions.
“It is a huge source of pride to have the first woman and first person of colour as the Vice President of the world’s oldest democracy be someone of Indian heritage. We wanted to use this seminal moment on Presidents’ Day to highlight a host of others in the diaspora who also are in public service,” stated Indiaspora founder MR Rangaswami, a Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur and investor.
“These leaders are building a legacy for future generations, and one that extends beyond our community to all of the constituents and communities that they serve,” he stated in an announcement.
The listing additionally contains diplomats, legislators, heads of central banks and senior civil servants from international locations with vital histories of diaspora migration, akin to Australia, Canada, Singapore, South Africa, (*60*) Arab Emirates, (*60*) Kingdom, and the (*60*) States.
“It is an honour to be included on the 2021 Indiaspora Government Leaders List. As the longest-serving Indian-American Member of Congress, I am proud to be a leader in the Indian American community, which has become an integral part of American life and society,” stated Congressman Ami Bera, Chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia.
With greater than 32 million folks of Indian origin or (PIOs) globally, in response to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Indians are the biggest diaspora inhabitants in the world.
The officers on the 2021 Indiaspora Government Leaders List collectively signify greater than 587 million constituents, and their international locations account for an estimated USD 28 trillion in GDP, demonstrating the affect that these leaders are having globally, Indiaspora stated in an announcement.
“It truly is inspiring to note the remarkable contribution that government leaders of Indian heritage have made to advance the societies that they now represent,” stated Rosy Akbar, Fiji’s Minister of Education, Heritage, and Arts. “For a sizable segment of the population, it is government policy addressing social injustices that lead to a transformative path of sustainable socio-economic progress.” The listing contains immigrants from India, in addition to professionals born in international locations akin to Singapore, South Africa, England, Canada and the US.
“As a proud Indo-Canadian, it is an honour to be included in the 2021 Indiaspora Government Leaders List alongside an accomplished and diverse group of leaders from the India diaspora,” stated Senator Ratna Omidvar.
“I am eternally proud of my Indian heritage but also being Canadian. Canada has given me its protection and its opportunities, and in return, I am committed to making it a better place so that it continues to be a land of protection and opportunity for future Canadians,” he stated.
While among the officers are a part of their nation’s first wave of immigration, arriving as refugees or for financial alternatives, others serving in their governments are a part of subsequent waves of diaspora, who got here for instructional alternatives, or are of subsequent generations, Indiaspora stated.
(*15*) stated Indiaspora Board Member Arun Kumar, chairman and CEO at KPMG India, who served as Assistant Secretary of Commerce in the Obama administration.
“Having had the opportunity to serve, I can speak to what a memorable and fulfilling experience it was. Above all, it was a meaningful way to give back. My hope is that this cohort of leaders will set an example for even more of the Indian diaspora to aspire to public service,” Kumar stated. —PTI
