IMPORTANCE OF INDIAN-AMERICANS IN USA

 

IMPORTANCE OF INDIAN-AMERICANS IN USA

Post-independence of India on 15^th August, 1947, when most of the IITs (Indian Institute of Technology) and NITs (National Institute of Technology – previously named as Regional Engineering Colleges), IIM (Indian Institute of Management), AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Science), IISC, and many other Institutions of National Importance,  a number of Universities of Basic Sciences and Humanities Stream, Technical Stream, Modern Medical Stream, Modern Agricultural Universities, XLRI, , IRMA (Institute of Rural Management Anand) and even other reputed private and public institutions of Higher Education ( may be pardoned as it is not possible to list the large number by name, it is understood) were established in India, undisputedly initiated by the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in the first decade and carried forward by subsequent leaderships, there opened a chain of doors for Indian Talent to move largely towards USA and lesser numbers to other developed territories for higher education as well as profession. In pre-independence era, it was primarily England (or UK for that matter) which was the major destination for such higher education or profession purpose, however mostly by well to do Indian families who could break the ice through the British and it was easier to move to England through acquired British co-operation then in colonial era, as Britishers were ruling India then as one of their colonial states. It is a fact that, the plethora of Institutions of Higher Learning described above were possible to be established due to the assistance and co-operation from the reputed institutions of USA or other Nations well recognized then. Since they themselves form USA (and other Developed nations) were instrumental in extending co-operation and know how as well as quality standards in establishment of such institutions in India post-independence, they were more amenable to accept and more receptive to recognize the talent of India which had passed through the systems they had co-opted to be placed and run in India. Therefore, lot of Indian talent got ample opportunity and acceptance to migrate to USA, as I said for Higher Education and then Profession there itself after education. Thus, a sizable bright and upmarket talent from India moved to USA and established their residency in USA (post-independence of India). They are all highly educated, either MS (Masters) or Ph.D. above education or multiple of these higher degree holders. They being talented and their talent being recognized in USA they became incumbents in higher class jobs either in US Universities, Industry or State Departments, to say, precisely they got absorbed there occupying higher level positions whether in Private Sector or Public Sector. Further, many of them being well settled there and exploring the opportunities in the large economy, became entrepreneurs to expand their economic and social horizon there. Many expanded and perpetuated their families there by getting married (or socially engaged) to people of various intercontinental origins and have remained there by quite strong holding socially and professionally; it would not be wrong to say, exceeding generations now. With this opportunity, many from the Business oriented communities of India (especially people from Gujarat for example) also moved from India and established businesses in USA and have spread their wings far and wide within USA territory, an influential business community with social and financial power. Further with arrival of the opportunity of Software and Information Technology with strong wind from the beginning of 21^st Century, there were large movement of Indian talent to the US territory. Thus, while Education, Profession, Business and Entrepreneurship made Indians well established in USA, the area of Politics have also not been left behind by them. Indian-Americans have been also well active in American politics. Although as reported in 2018, the population of Indian-Americans in total USA population is only 1.2% or 3.85 million, they are a quite influential lot in USA politics. Because of the Social Status they have acquired in USA they are a strong group of Opinion Leaders, Opinion Makers and Opinion Drivers in USA. They have potential to weld lot of seen or unseen influence in American politics. Because of the Social Status and Influence they command in USA, they can opine and move other communities or inhabitants of other inter-continental or international origins in favor of any party or group and drive for making or breaking in an election. They also being a well established and well to do group, have potential funding capability to help and move an election campaign in US standards.

It is clearly visible from the willingness of the presently incumbent Honourable American President by his inclinations towards India and Indian Leadership and maintaining strategic and friendly relationship with India, with well-receptive and well-greased posturing towards India which has also been told by him in public without mincing words. This definitely indicates that, the Indian-American group welds sizable influence for electioneering and politics in USA. In the forthcoming Presidential Elections in USA the Indian American Group would matter a lot. It is also corroborated by the fact that the opposite candidate engaged in electioneering for the Presidential election has picked up an established lady of Indian family back ground, to act his deputy in electioneering process. Thus, it goes without saying that the Indian-American group has a recognizable influence and potential in moving the politics and electioneering in USA in any direction and can possibly tilt on any side.

About the Author : Dr. Nimain Charan  Biswal is a B.Sc.(Agri. Science and Technology). M.B.A. and Ph.D.( Management Area ) by qualifications and he has 34+years of work experience in both  industrial and development sectors in diversified fields of social importance. He has been educated at Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT)-Bhubaneswar, Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) and Gujarat University ( with Resource Support of IIM-Ahmedabad ). Dr.Biswal is further educated at IIM-Calcutta, XLRI-Jamshedpur, Apple Computer Industries and Spar Inc., USA. He has worked for reputed National and International Organisations in Senior/Top Management Capacities. He is a management  expert, a prominent professional of India and known Internationally as well. He lives at Mumbai in India.