Bela Bajaria: The Visionary Leading Netflix’s Global Entertainment Empire

  In the evolving landscape of global music, artists who embody the fusion of cultural heritage and contemporary innovation stand out as beacons of creativity and identity. Among these, Sathvi Ramaseshan, an Indian-American violinist and composer, exemplifies the spirit of the Global Indian—rooted deeply in tradition while boldly navigating the modern world through her unique musical expression. A Musical Journey Bridging Two Worlds: Born and raised in San Diego within a Tamil musical family, Sathvi ’s early exposure to Carnatic music and Tamil film songs laid the foundation for her artistic identity. Yet, her passion for the violin led her to embrace Western classical music through formal training at the San Diego Suzuki School of Music. This dual immersion shaped her into a versatile musician capable of blending the intricate rhythms and melodies of South Indian classical music with the harmonic and structural sophistication of Western traditions. Her journey...

  In a historic moment for the Global Indian community, Dr. Monica Bharel, an Indian-American physician and public health leader, has been appointed Vice Chair of the Harvard University Board of Overseers’ Executive Committee for the 2025-2026 academic year. This prestigious role places her at the forefront of Harvard’s governance, where she will help steer one of the world’s most renowned academic institutions through complex challenges and transformative opportunities. A Journey Fueled by Compassion and Purpose: Dr. Bharel’s path to Harvard leadership is deeply personal and inspirational. Growing up, her visits to India left a lasting impression—one poignant memory is of an elderly homeless man in Kolkata whose silent, resigned gaze sparked her lifelong dedication to social justice and health equity. This early encounter ignited a career focused on serving vulnerable populations and advocating for systemic change in public health. Bridging Public Health Expertise...

  In a remarkable milestone for Indian motorsport, 10-year-old Atiqa Mir, a Dubai-based karting sensation of Indian origin, has become the first Indian to secure a top-10 finish at the prestigious Rotax Euro Trophy. This achievement not only highlights her extraordinary talent but also symbolizes the rising presence of Global Indians making waves on the international sports stage. Atiqa Mir’s Historic Breakthrough at Rotax Euro Trophy: The Rotax Euro Trophy is one of the most competitive international karting championships, attracting the world’s best young drivers racing on Rotax MAX engines—platforms that have groomed Formula 1 stars like Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Lando Norris. Atiqa’s ninth-place finish at Round 2 held at the Steel Ring Circuit in Trinec, Czech Republic, is a testament to her skill, determination, and composure under pressure. Despite facing two bumper penalties during the heats, Atiqa maintained her focus and finished 10th after the heats. The p...

In the vibrant tapestry of Global Indian entrepreneurship, stories of resilience and innovation shine brightest when they break barriers and inspire change. Atul Bhatara’s journey—from a child born with cerebral palsy to the founder of a unique skincare brand rooted in Indian heritage—is a compelling testament to the power of purpose-driven business and cultural pride. A Global Indian Journey of Strength and Heritage: Born prematurely in Queens, New York, Atul faced immense challenges early on. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy after 14 surgeries, his childhood was marked by physical hurdles and societal underestimation. Yet, his Indian roots and family traditions provided a source of strength. Spending formative years in New Delhi with his grandmother, Atul absorbed the wisdom of age-old Ayurvedic skincare rituals—natural remedies blending yogurt with turmeric, saffron, and cinnamon. These simple yet potent mixtures, applied routinely by his mother and aunt, planted the seeds for his...

  Indian cuisine has long been cherished for its rich flavors, diverse regional dishes, and vibrant spices. Yet, for many years, Indian dining outside India often fell into predictable categories—either casual takeout or overly traditional fine dining. Enter Jessi Singh, a visionary Global Indian chef and restaurateur who is revolutionizing the way the world experiences Indian food. Through his acclaimed restaurants like Horn Please, Pinki Ji, and Don’t Tell Aunty, Singh is turning Indian dining into a global party, blending authenticity with innovation and creating spaces that celebrate Indian culture in a fresh, exciting way. The Global Indian Identity: Bridging Tradition and Innovation: Jessi Singh embodies the essence of a Global Indian—someone deeply rooted in Indian culinary traditions yet shaped by global experiences and contemporary influences. Born in India and raised in Australia, Singh’s culinary journey reflects a seamless fusion of he...

In the vibrant tapestry of the Global Indian diaspora, young leaders like Neil Barot stand out for their innovative approach to storytelling and activism. Rooted in his Gujarati-American identity and driven by a deep commitment to equity and community service, Neil is harnessing the power of theatre, podcasts, and nonprofit initiatives to create meaningful change both locally and globally. Embracing Dual Identity to Inspire Change: Neil Barot ’s journey is a compelling example of how Global Indians blend cultural heritage with contemporary platforms to address pressing social issues. Growing up in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by rich Gujarati stories, Neil recognized early on the transformative potential of storytelling. As he shares with Global Indian, “Stories can change systems.” This belief has propelled him to become a youth leader who uses creative expression as a catalyst for social justice and community empowerment. Theatre: More Than Performance, a Medium for Advocac...

  In an era where global diplomacy increasingly intersects with academic expertise, the nomination of S. Paul Kapur as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs by former President Donald Trump marks a significant milestone for the Global Indian community. Kapur’s journey from New Delhi to the highest echelons of U.S. foreign policy exemplifies how deep scholarly insight, combined with pragmatic policy experience, can shape international relations in one of the world’s most complex regions. The Making of a Global Indian Diplomat: Born in New Delhi to an Indian father and American mother, Paul Kapur ’s life story is a powerful narrative of cross-cultural integration and intellectual rigor. Raised in the United States, Kapur pursued advanced studies in international relations, earning a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. He is currently a professor at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School’s Department of National Security Affairs and a visiting fellow at St...

  In today’s interconnected world, the Global Indian identity is defined by a seamless blend of cultural heritage and global engagement. Raghuvamsh Chavali, a Hyderabad-born photographer now based in Canada, exemplifies this dynamic perfectly. Through his award-winning work, especially the acclaimed project Wings Over Concrete, Raghuvamsh transforms moments of stillness—like the flight of urban birds—into powerful narratives that resonate across continents. His journey from the quiet townships of India to the expansive landscapes of Canada reflects not just a physical migration but a creative evolution that bridges cultures, environments, and artistic disciplines. From Hyderabad’s Quiet Corners to Canada’s Vast Skies: Growing up near Hyderabad, Raghuvamsh was surrounded by nature’s subtle rhythms rather than the cacophony of city life. Without formal training and armed only with curiosity and self-doubt, he taught himself photography, learning frame by frame how to captur...

India’s majestic tiger, a symbol of wilderness and cultural pride, has survived against daunting odds, thanks to the unwavering dedication of conservationists like Belinda Wright. As a Global Indian figure—born in Kolkata and deeply rooted in India’s forests while impacting wildlife conservation globally—Belinda’s life story is a powerful testament to passion, perseverance, and pioneering leadership in protecting India’s natural heritage. Early Life: A Childhood Among Tigers: Belinda Anne Irene Wright was born in 1953 in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, into a family with a strong conservation legacy. Growing up in the jungles of Bihar near today’s Palamu Tiger Reserve, she encountered wild tigers at an extraordinarily young age—seeing her first tiger at just three months old and capturing her first tiger photograph by age 16. These early experiences instilled in her a lifelong commitment to India’s wildlife. From Award-Winning Filmmaker to Conservation Leader: Belinda’s initial...

  In the dynamic landscape of global politics, Indian-origin leaders are increasingly making their mark far beyond the subcontinent. Zohran Mamdani, son of acclaimed Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani, is a striking example of this phenomenon. At just 33 years old, Mamdani is emerging as a formidable candidate in the 2025 New York City mayoral race, representing a new wave of Global Indians who blend multicultural heritage with progressive political vision. A Unique Global Indian Narrative: Born in Uganda and raised in New York City’s Queens borough, Mamdani’s life story reflects the complex tapestry of the Indian diaspora. His upbringing in subsidized housing and education in Africana Studies at Bowdoin College have profoundly shaped his worldview. Unlike traditional political candidates, Mamdani’s career path is unconventional; he has only about three years of formal work experience, including brief roles as a rapper and campaign manager, and has ...

  In the complex and often turbulent world of U.S. immigration law, Sheela Murthy stands as a shining example of resilience, expertise, and unwavering advocacy. A Harvard-educated immigration lawyer and founder of the Murthy Law Firm, Murthy has become a steadfast ally to immigrants and international students, especially during the challenging Trump 2.0 era. Her journey from India to the pinnacle of immigration law reflects the spirit of the Global Indian—combining deep cultural roots with global vision and impact. The Making of a Global Indian Legal Pioneer: Born in 1961 in Baroda (now Vadodara), India, Sheela Murthy grew up in a modest family with a strong sense of social responsibility instilled by her father, an officer in the Indian Defense Forces. Despite initial familial reservations about her pursuing law, Murthy was driven by a passion for justice and helping others. After excelling academically at Stella Maris College in Chennai and the University Law College in Bang...

  India’s innovation landscape has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the past four decades, and much of this change can be traced back to the visionary leadership of Dr. Ashok Jhunjhunwala. As the founder of the IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP), India’s first university-affiliated research park, Dr. Jhunjhunwala has pioneered a unique model of collaboration between academia and industry that continues to fuel deep-tech innovation, startup growth, and affordable technology development across the nation. Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry: When Dr. Jhunjhunwala joined IIT Madras in 1981, he quickly realized that India’s research institutions and industries operated in silos, with minimal collaboration. This disconnect meant that Indian companies heavily relied on imported technologies, which were often expensive and ill-suited for local needs. Driven by a vision to change this, he conceived the idea of a research park that would physically and operationally...

  In the vast tapestry of the Global Indian diaspora, few stories resonate as powerfully as that of Karan Chopra—a visionary entrepreneur who has seamlessly woven his rich Indian heritage with the evolving wellness landscape of the United States. Through his leadership of Sumitra Remedies LLC and its flagship holistic Ayurvedic brand, The Vedic Store, Karan embodies the spirit of cultural fusion, innovation, and commitment to authentic healing. From Mohali to New Jersey: A Journey of Heritage and Opportunity: Born in 1982 in Mohali, Punjab, Karan’s journey to the U.S. in 1997 was fueled by curiosity and the pursuit of opportunity. Unlike many who might have sought to simply assimilate, Karan embraced his bicultural identity, nurturing a deep connection to both Indian and American values. His early years in the U.S. were marked by a unique blend of cultural expression and entrepreneurship—founding fusion music groups and launching an e-commerce business importing traditional Ind...

  In a momentous celebration of intellect and perseverance, 13-year-old Faizan Zaki from Dallas, Texas, emerged as the champion of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee — a landmark event marking the competition’s 100th anniversary. This victory not only crowns Faizan as a national spelling champion but also shines a proud spotlight on the GlobalIndian community’s continued excellence and contribution to academic arenas worldwide. A Century of Spelling Excellence: Since its inception in 1925, the Scripps National Spelling Bee has grown from a modest classroom contest to a prestigious global competition, drawing hundreds of young linguistic talents annually. The 2025 edition was especially historic, commemorating 100 years of spelling brilliance and educational empowerment. This year, 243 participants aged 8 to 14 competed at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Maryland, with only nine finalists reaching the climactic rounds. The Winning Word and Moment: Fa...

  On May 24, 2025, Kush Maini made history by becoming the first Indian driver to win a Formula 2 race, triumphing at the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix. This landmark victory not only marks a personal milestone for the 24-year-old racer but also signals a transformative moment for Indian motorsport on the global stage. A Masterclass at Monaco: Precision, Poise, and Perseverance: Driving for DAMS Lucas Oil, Kush Maini delivered a flawless lights-to-flag performance in the highly competitive F2 Sprint Race. Starting from pole position due to the reverse-grid rule after qualifying 10th for the Feature Race, Maini led every lap on Monaco’s notoriously demanding street circuit. The tight corners and unforgiving barriers of Monaco require exceptional skill and mental fortitude—qualities Maini demonstrated with surgical precision, maintaining composure under relentless pressure from Alpine Academy teammate Gabriele Minì to finish two seconds clear at the checkered flag. Maini’s vict...

  In a world where cultural identity often risks fading across generations, especially among immigrant families, Avani Modi Sarkar has emerged as a visionary entrepreneur bridging the gap between heritage and childhood play. As the co-founder of Modi Toys, Avani has transformed a personal quest into a thriving business that celebrates Indian culture and Hindu faith through mantra-singing plush toys and children’s books. This article explores her inspiring journey, the ethos behind Modi Toys, and how the brand is making a meaningful impact on diaspora families globally. From Corporate Marketer to Cultural Changemaker: Avani Modi Sarkar’s professional background is rooted in over 15 years of experience in corporate marketing, including a senior role at American Express Global Business Travel. However, her transition to entrepreneurship was sparked by a deeply personal motivation: when she and her brother Viral Modi became first-time parents, they struggled to find toys that refle...