Several Indian-origin people occupy leadership positions in fifteen countries
More than 200 Indian-origin people occupy leadership positions in over 15 countries, with over 60 of them holding Cabinet positions, including the US and the UK, building a legacy for future generations, according to the 2021 Indiaspora Government Leaders List, which was released on Monday. It had drawn from government websites and other publicly-available resources to prepare the report to showcase the leaders' achievements.
Future generations will build on this foundation: Rangaswami
"It is a source of pride to have the Vice President of US be of Indian heritage. We wanted to use this moment to highlight others from the diaspora who are in public service. Future generations will build on this foundation," said Indiaspora founder MR Rangaswami.
Indians are the largest diaspora population in the world
The list includes diplomats, legislators, heads of central banks, and senior civil servants from countries with significant histories of diaspora migration, such as Australia, Canada, Singapore, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. With more than 32 million people of Indian-origin globally, according to India's Ministry of External Affairs, Indians are the largest diaspora population in the world.
Proud to be a leader in the Indian-American community: Bera
"It is an honor to be included on the 2021 Indiaspora Government Leaders List. As the longest-serving Indian-American member of Congress, I'm proud to be a leader in the Indian-American community," said Congressman Ami Bera, Chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia.
Facts and figures about the Indian diaspora
The officials on the 2021 Indiaspora Government Leaders List collectively represent more than 587 million constituents, and their countries account for an estimated $28 trillion in GDP. While some of the officials are part of the first wave of immigration, arriving as refugees or for economic opportunities, others are part of subsequent waves, who came for educational opportunities or are of subsequent generations.
These leaders will set an example for many more
"It is inspiring to see the number of Indian diasporas who are entering the public arena," said Indiaspora Board Member Arun Kumar, chairman, and CEO at KPMG India, who served as Assistant Secretary of Commerce in the Obama administration. "I hope this cohort of leaders will set an example for even more of the Indian diaspora to be in public service," Kumar added.
