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Unveiling the power of the Indian Diaspora: Highlights from Stanford India Dialogue
The discussion also brought attention to the economic lifeline the diaspora provides to India through remittances, totaling a staggering US$125 billion, with expectations of reaching US$135 billion the following year
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Asha Jadeja Motwani, Founder of the Motwani Jadeja Foundation, and Harshul Asnani, President of Technology and Media Business at Tech Mahindra / Screengrab from the official Youtube video
The Stanford India Dialogue 2024 unfolded as a dynamic conference, bringing together vibrant discussions, insightful fireside chats, and panel sessions led by student moderators from the Stanford India Policy and Economics Club (SIPEC) team. Among the plethora of engaging sessions, one stood out for its emphasis on the influential force that often operates behind the scenes - "Power of the Diaspora."
Hosted as a student-moderated panel discussion, "Power of the Diaspora" featured Asha Jadeja Motwani, Founder of the Motwani Jadeja Foundation, and Harshul Asnani, President of Technology and Media Business at Tech Mahindra. The conversation offered a nuanced exploration of the Indian diaspora's impact on both the United States and India.
Asha Jadeja Motwani, a luminary in Silicon Valley, provided valuable insights into the scale and significance of the Indian diaspora's presence in the United States. Highlighting the impressive size of the diaspora, she noted its substantial contribution to the U.S. economy, particularly in the fields of technology and innovation. With pride, Motwani underlined the diaspora's role as a major economic force, constituting 2 percent of the U.S. population but contributing a substantial 6 percent to U.S. taxes.
Motwani also shed light on the diaspora's influence in pivotal areas such as technology and academia. Citing examples of trailblazers like her late husband, Rajiv Motwani, instrumental in creating Google algorithms, she emphasized the diaspora's profound impact on disruptive innovations and technological advancements in Silicon Valley.
Harshul Asnani complemented the narrative by delving into the global reach of the Indian diaspora. He highlighted its extensive presence across the world, from Africa to the Middle East, and its diverse contributions in various sectors. Asnani revealed that the diaspora's positive influence extended to areas such as hospitality, construction, IT, medicine, and academia.
The discussion also brought attention to the economic lifeline the diaspora provides to India through remittances, totalling a staggering US$125 billion, with expectations of reaching US$135 billion the following year. The remittance economy, particularly from the U.S., significantly contributes to India's economic growth and development.
Asnani accentuated the diaspora's reputation as law-abiding citizens with a penchant for giving back to their communities. Over the past decade, forums like IndiaSpora have emerged, fostering unity within the diaspora and amplifying its voice on the global stage. As a result, Indian-origin individuals have assumed influential roles in politics, policymaking, and corporations, contributing to India's growing soft power.
The panellists concluded by addressing the age-old debate surrounding brain drain. Contrary to conventional perceptions, Motwani asserted that Indians contributing to American companies or culture are not draining intellectual resources from India. Instead, she advocated for a more inclusive perspective, encouraging individuals to seize exciting opportunities in the U.S. while still maintaining strong connections with India.
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