In 15 countries, including the US, the UK and some others, people of Indian origin hold prominent leadership positions. No less than 60 of them hold Cabinet ranks, according to a list released by a US-based organization working among the Indian diaspora.
The 2021 Indianspora Government Leaders List has been drawn from government websites and other resources. The list points out that at least 200 leaders of Indian heritage have made it to top level. Indianspora founder MR Rangaswami said the election of Kamala Harris as Vice President of the US was a seminal moment.
“We wanted to use this moment to highlight a host of others in the diaspora who are also in public service,” he said, adding “these leaders are building a legacy for future generations”. Congressman Ami Bera, Chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia said it was an honour to be featured in the list.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), with 32 million population, people of Indian origin are the largest diaspora in the world. Indian diaspora leaders represent more than 587 million constituents and their countries account for $28 trillion, according to the list released on Monday.
“It is truly inspiring to note the contribution that government leaders of Indian origin have made,” said Rosy Akbar, Fiji’s Minister of Education, Heritage and Arts. The list released by Indianspora includes immigrants from India, as well as professionals born in countries like Singapore, South Africa, England and the US.
“As a proud Indo-Canadian, it is an honour to be included in the 2021 Indianspora Government Leaders List alongside an accomplished and diverse group of leaders from the Indian diaspora,” said Senator Ratna Omidvar.
“It is inspiring to see the number of Indian diaspora who are entering the public arena,” said Indianspora Board Member Arun Kumar, chairman and CEO at KPMG India. “My hope is that this cohort of leaders will set an example for even more of the Indian diaspora to aspire to public service.”
