When I first met her a decade ago, I was captivated by Jyotsna’s dedication to uniting the Indian diaspora in Toledo and her tireless efforts in creating a familiar world for them thousands of miles away from home. A conversation with her at any given time is invariably filled with rich cultural anecdotes and nostalgia.

In Toledo in the early 2000s, Jyotsna turned the local Hindu temple into a vibrant community hub, where Sunday gatherings brought families together over shared meals and cultural celebrations. As the Chairperson of the Festival of India, she transformed it into a kaleidoscope of music, dance, and food that united the community and even drew a lot of media attention to it, with even the Toledo mayor participating in the festivities.

“People in the US are curious about different cultures, aren’t afraid to explore them.”

Jyotsana infused the same energy into the Houston Maharashtra Mandal (HMM), rallying the community around festivals, cultural workshops. She tells me proudly of the time that they enacted “Janata Raja”, an elaborate theatrical production that requires more than 100 actors to raise funds for the Vastu project. Jyotsna animatedly describes all the other fun stuff she’s been a part of through the HMM – dhol-tasha performances during the Thanksgiving parades, Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations., but leaves me with one last thought that supersedes all:

“Start with baby steps; every effort counts towards progress. Instead of taking on too much at once, focus on smaller initiatives to achieve long-term success. Give back to the community; we need to share what we learn for it to grow further.”

They say humor is contagious & my first meeting with Rajiv Satyal reinforced this! There was never a dull moment talking to him; his anecdotes on life and people were inspiring as also entertaining.

His journey from an engineering student in Ohio to a prominent comedian in California embodies the American Dream with a comedic twist. Born to Punjabi immigrants and raised in a disciplined, education-focused household in Cincinnati, Rajiv’s path was unconventional. Though he loved his Procter & Gamble position, he made a life-changing decision at the age of 30.

“The move was terrifying; it’s one thing to say, ‘just go for it,’ but quite another to actually do it. I realized that while any intelligent person could do my day job, only I could express myself creatively the way that I do.”

Driven by this realization, he packed his bags and moved to California to pursue comedy full-time, facing financial risks and the daunting prospect of starting over.

Rajiv has opened for Russell Peters over 30 times, as well as for Dave Chappelle, Jerry Seinfeld, and Indian PM Narendra Modi. His “I AM INDIAN” video went viral with over 100 million views, cementing his place in comedy. However, Rajiv learned that success in comedy is not linear.

“Roadblocks aren’t linear; some big opportunities to you might not be to others. I’ve achieved things that blow me away and missed things that seemed easy.”

As he observed the changing portrayal of the Indian diaspora in US media, Rajiv felt a greater sense of belonging and embraced the rising competition in a diverse comedy scene. He advises aspiring comedians to stay true to their humor, believing that audience enjoyment follows naturally: “If you’re having fun, the audience will too.”

In a world where action often falls short of intention, social reformer and Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi stands as a beacon of fierce advocacy for the voiceless and marginalized. His journey began modestly in India, where from a young age, he committed himself to the fight against child labor and exploitation. With a relentless spirit, Kailash has given hope to millions of children and a chance to reclaim their childhoods. He has played a pivotal role in shaping groundbreaking policies and legislations worldwide.

While talking to us, Kailash stresses the transformative power of compassion, a principle that has driven his actions and defined his life’s work. In his words, his mission lies in compassion in action, to mobilize society at all levels from grassroots communities to global leaders.

“Compassion is not just an emotion but a catalyst for concrete, problem-solving action that knows no borders. In simple words, ‘compassion’ is ‘unconditional problem solving’ for people and the planet.”

Through the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion, he is trying to inspire these ideals and aiming to infuse them into politics, businesses, and education systems worldwide. He calls upon every citizen of the world to globalize compassion. This is not just the mission of one man but a rallying cry for humanity.

“Billions of children who suffer and do not have any social protection need us. We who are in better conditions, should speak out for them and give back to society. I call upon the Indian diaspora to join the movement.”

The energy and determination Abhinav exudes is contagious! As the CEO of Innovaccer, Abhinav has transformed an innovative idea into a leading digital healthcare company.

Abhinav’s early foray into entrepreneurship began with a bold vision. The business was initially serving U.S. universities with a need for structured information and analytics platforms. Innovaccer’s early success with 65 of the top 100 research institutions, including Ivy league colleges, set the stage for expansion. They realized the need to pivot and the importance of networking with larger businesses. Abhinav emphasizes on the immense value of his IIT education in networking. These connections were pivotal in acquiring clients, raising initial seed money, and gaining critical traction.

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Abhinav’s success. Early guidance from successful startup founders helped transform Innovaccer’s business model and refine their sales processes and growth strategies. He can’t stress enough the importance of finding the right mentors and seeking input on your idea to make it bulletproof. And now, Abhinav is committed to giving back. Through Z21, a fund he co-founded, he aims to support early-stage founders with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed.

Abhinav’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is rooted in purpose and perseverance.

“Five minutes of fame only last for five minutes, and then you must return to the grind. It is more hard work than glamor but if you have a clear purpose, it’s easier to navigate the challenges.”

Abhinav’s story is one of leveraging community, embracing mentorship, and maintaining a clear vision. It is a powerful example of how purpose-driven entrepreneurship can create a life-changing impact.

When I missed my first meeting with Raj due to an emergency involving the care of an injured young boy, I sent him a note filled with apologies.

His response was both profound and unwavering: “I understand. People matter and always come first.”

This succinct yet powerful statement epitomizes Raj Subramaniam’s essence—his empathy, his adaptability, and his dedication to the primacy of the individual. It is this philosophy, grounded in the recognition of the value of each person, that defines Raj and sets him apart as a true leader.

Raj’s path in FedEx is anything but ordinary. In 1991, amid a global recession, as MBA graduates were leaving the USA, Raj found a home at FedEx where he was welcomed into an international marketing role that set the stage for a global career. In Hong Kong, he embraced the challenge of a new environment, learning to adapt and empathize with people from different cultures and languages. In Canada, he led 5,000 team members and participated in a reality TV show, “The Big Switcheroo”, where he experienced a multitude of roles on camera including working at the hub and the counter, and as a courier, a mechanic, and a call center agent. This deep, immersive engagement with team members reinforced his belief in the centrality of people to FedEx’s success. As the CEO now, he underscores that FedEx’s culture, anchored on people, service, and profit, is a constant in an ever-changing world.

Raj’s leadership is grounded in timeless values drawn from his Indian heritage. He advocates for mental well-being through yoga, living in the moment, and doing good for its own sake. His advice to leaders is simple: be open-minded, adhere to core principles, lead with empathy, and above all, be human. In a complex geopolitical landscape, he shapes the agenda at the US India CEO Forum, the US India Strategic Partnership Forum, and the US China Business Council. He shares Cordell Hull’s view that “when goods cross borders, armies rarely do”, and amplifies the importance of business as a force for peace and stability amongst people and nations.

Raj’s superpower is his ability to relate and unite. His leadership at FedEx is a masterclass in people-centric innovation. As FedEx continues to connect the world together, Raj’s belief that people are at the heart of every success defines his being. Each interaction he engages in, each decision he makes, is a deliberate act of creation, forging ever-stronger connections between individuals, enterprises, and nations. As a global leader, he is authentic. As a person, he brings unpretentious humility. He stands tall as a leader. The world is his network!

Yuven Sundaramoorthy talks about motorsports with a passion that is unmistakable. Raised in the U.S. by Indian immigrant parents, Yuven managed to balance his academic pursuits with his racing dreams, carving out a unique path that combined both his interests.

Despite excelling academically Yuven’s heart was invested in motorsports. Starting his racing career at 13, Yuven quickly faced the hurdles of breaking into a sport unfamiliar to his family. “We had no background in motorsports, so we figured things out as we went along, trusting our instincts”, he recalls. His perseverance paid off when he won his first race at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a moment that solidified his confidence and commitment to racing.

Yuven’s drive extends beyond the track. Recognizing the financial barriers in motorsports, he established the YS Investment Fund to support his racing career and to inspire others. He hopes this initiative will open doors for other aspiring racers from diverse backgrounds. Apart from that, inspired by his cousin with autism, he actively supports causes related to autism awareness and community upliftment.

“Racing is expensive, and talent alone isn’t enough. The investment fund allows people passionate about seeing an Indian racer in IndyCar to be part of the journey.”

Despite the growing popularity of motorsports, Yuven acknowledges the challenges of the sport becoming more competitive with fewer opportunities for new drivers.

Looking ahead, Yuven envisions a future where he can make a significant impact both on and off the track. In a community that often follows traditional career routes, Yuven’s story is a reminder of the power of passion and perseverance. With his unwavering determination and supportive network, Yuven Sundaramoorthy is racing ahead, inspiring others to chase their dreams.

Ferose begins our chat with a fundamental question: How should we define philanthropy, and what does it mean for different cultures? It’s clear he’s been pondering this for some time, partly as research for his next book, “Giver,” and partly because questioning the status quo seems to be in his DNA. Ferose questions the established norms everywhere. He strongly espouses the rallying cry – ‘nothing about us without us’ and expresses his disbelief around some blind spots that seem prevalent today.

“You cannot do a disability conference without people with disabilities in the room.”

At the 2018 Indiaspora event, Ferose sparked a lively debate on the true nature of generosity, emphasizing that it’s not about how much you give, but how much you sacrifice. His talk on philanthropy was more than just a critique; it was a vibrant call to action, advocating for a shift from nominal donations to meaningful, hands-on involvement.

“Believing that money alone can solve problems is a flawed notion.”

We also discuss the importance of shifting mindsets from sympathy to empathy to compassion. Ferose fervently believes that compassion is where true change happens. Ferose’s life mission goes beyond personal accomplishments; it is a call to fundamentally rethink how we view and practice giving. I end our chat feeling inspired by his thoughtful approach to societal problems, confident that the world is being made better, one motivated person at a time.

Murali Vullaganti is very matter of fact when he tells me that he is now in the “business of life”. His goal is to resolve a pinch point in the system that is in plain sight, but never addressed. He earnestly explains to me what led to the formation of Rural Shores—an initiative in India aimed at “bringing jobs to the people” by establishing work centers in rural areas.

“People talk about onshore, nearshore and offshore. Why not take it to the next level where it can really make a difference – why not establish a ‘rural shore’.”

Reaching the answer to this straightforward question was a labor of love and perseverance. Despite helping more than 25,000 rural youth in building a career, Murali insists that this is just the start and looking at his determination, I believe it! Building on RuralShores’ success, Murali launched PeopleShores in the US, adapting it to local needs and focusing on soft skills development.

“Spending significant years in the US, achieving personal growth and financial stability, I felt indebted to the country that had given me so much.”

Currently, PeopleShores has centers in six communities: Clarksdale (MS), Pine Bluff (AR), Brooklyn (NY), South Dekalb (GA), South Bronx (NY) and East Tampa (FL). Thanks to PeopleShores, these communities have seen a real turnaround with new skills, more direct and indirect jobs, and a boost in local businesses that’s brought a fresh wave of optimism.

Murali doesn’t plan to stop there. With the support of big companies, his team is rolling out these successful strategies to other areas and hoping to address other challenges such as access to reliable and timely health care along the way.

Drawing from this success, he encourages the diaspora to start making a difference.