Bridging cultures, driving innovation: Indian American experience in 2024

Representative Image / File Photo

The story of Indian Americans in the United States represents a remarkable journey of cultural integration, innovation, and achievement across every aspect of American life. 

From groundbreaking political milestones to economic entrepreneurship, cultural enrichment to technological advancement, our community has transformed from immigrants seeking opportunity to essential contributors shaping America's future. 

While comprising just 1.5 percent of the U.S. population, Indian Americans have established an outsized impact that extends far beyond their numbers, demonstrating how cultural diversity strengthens the nation's fabric.  

 The political landscape reflects the remarkable progress of Indian Americans in U.S. politics. Kamala Harris's candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination marked a watershed moment, challenging long-held assumptions about who could aspire to the nation's highest office.

Her mixed heritage - Indian and African American - exemplifies America's evolving identity and suggests promising changes in our national conversation about representation.

 This political emergence extends beyond party lines. The Republican Party has also seen prominent Indian American candidates, including Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley, who competed vigorously in their party's presidential primary.  

Their campaigns have generated considerable pride within the Indian American community, much like the excitement surrounding Usha Vance's role as the incoming second lady.  

Ramaswamy has already been tapped to be a key advisor in the incoming administration.  Trump recently nominated Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institute of Health, and Kash Patel as FBI Director. 

Several other prominent Indian Americans like Governor Bobby Jindal are under consideration for substantial roles in the new administration. 

 However, broader political developments have raised complex questions for the Indian American community. The U.S.-India relationship, particularly through high-level diplomatic engagement, continues to evolve. Meanwhile, domestic policy discussions around immigration have created uncertainty for many. 

Of particular concern are the approximately 700,000 people of Indian origin living in the U.S. without proper documentation. The potential impact of changing immigration policies on legally resident Indian Americans and citizens is worrisome. 

How will the new administration's view on economic conditions and social support programs impact the fate of those living under the poverty line, which is estimated to include 6 percent of the Indian American population?  Issues such as these raise profound questions about family separation and community stability.

 Despite these causes for concern, there are promising signs to appreciate.  Indian Americans have emerged as a pivotal force in the U.S. economy, creating substantial employment opportunities and contributing to various sectors of American society. 

A groundbreaking study by Indiaspora, conducted in partnership with the Boston Consulting Group, provides compelling data about this community's outsized impact.

 The hospitality industry offers a striking example: Indian Americans own 60 percent of hotels across the nation, generating more than 4 million American jobs. In healthcare, Indian American physicians have become essential providers, serving 30 percent of all patients in 2023. 

These contributions demonstrate how deeply integrated Indian Americans have become in providing vital services that touch millions of American lives.

 The community's economic impact extends beyond business ownership and professional services. Indian Americans generate between 5-6 percent of the nation's tax revenue, reflecting their strong presence in high-skill, high-wage professions. 

This disproportionate economic contribution underscores the community's role in strengthening America's fiscal foundation.  That is in addition to the 270,000 International students from India, contributing over $10 billion in revenue to academic institutions and their corresponding local communities.

 These achievements reflect more than mere economic success; they represent the fulfillment of the American dream through hard work, entrepreneurship, and dedication to service. Indian Americans have woven themselves into the fabric of American society, creating value not just for themselves but for the entire nation.

 The impact of Indian Americans on U.S. culture has grown from subtle influences to mainstream prominence, marking a significant shift in American cultural diversity. 

One striking example is the elevation of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, from a community celebration to a nationally-recognized event. Its commemoration at the White House represents a powerful symbol of cultural recognition at the highest level of American society. 

In entertainment, Indian American actors like Mindy Kaling, Kal Penn and Aasif Mandvi have transcended stereotypical roles to become leading figures in television and film, portraying complex, multidimensional characters that reflect authentic American experiences. 

The crossover appeal of Indian culture is particularly evident in the music industry. When Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh performed on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon," it demonstrates how language barriers are no longer impediments to cultural appreciation. His success with Punjabi-language music illustrates America's growing embrace of global artistic expression.

Sports organizations have recognized the value of engaging with the Indian American community.  Major sports franchises, like the LA Kings, now regularly host cultural events that celebrate Indian heritage, reflecting the community's growing influence in shaping American entertainment and leisure activities.  

Moreover, Indian American ownership in sports, particularly in Major League Cricket, signals the community's growing influence in shaping American athletics.  

Education and innovation represent another crucial area of impact. Indian Americans have consistently demonstrated strong academic achievement and technological innovation, contributing significantly to America's scientific research, technology sector, and academic institutions. 

Their presence in STEM fields has helped maintain U.S. leadership in global innovation. According to the Impact Report, Indian Americans obtained 11 percent of NIH grants and co-authored 13 percent of US Scientific publications.  

What makes these contributions particularly valuable is how they align with and enhance core American values: entrepreneurship, innovation, family, education, and civic engagement. 

Indian Americans have not only preserved their cultural heritage but have also adapted and integrated it into the American experience, creating new forms of cultural expression that enrich both traditions.

Looking ahead, the Indian American community continues to expand its influence, suggesting even greater contributions to America's future development. 

Their experience provides a compelling example of how cultural communities can maintain distinct identities while fully participating in and enriching the broader American society.

 

Sanjeev Joshipura is Executive Director, Indiaspora and Sameer Acharya is Marketing and Communications Manager, Indiaspora.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of  New India Abroad.)