This week, we dive into how voices with Indian roots are influencing various conversations and industries around the world. From Vivek Ramaswamy’s bold statements in America’s culture wars to a tech innovator transforming compliance into an AI startup, and a Netflix executive championing local stories on a global stage, these stories highlight significant impacts.
Who Gets to Be American?
Vivek Ramaswamy, an Indian-origin Republican leader, has entered the heated debate about American identity. His main point? Being American is about shared beliefs, not just one’s background. This discussion comes at a time when America’s cultural landscape feels divided. Ramaswamy challenges both the far-right’s focus on race and the left’s tendency to emphasize victimhood.
He argues that Americanness should be defined by citizenship and civic duty. His views resonate deeply, especially with the Indian diaspora and other immigrant groups, as they push against pressures for ethnic exclusivity on one end and identity politics on the other. Ramaswamy’s personal experiences with racial prejudice add weight to his argument.
The Bigger Picture
Ramaswamy’s assertion that America is a choice, not an inheritance, presents a new framework for understanding identity. Although he doesn’t solve the crisis, he highlights the growing anxiety tied to economic struggles and political fragmentation. His perspective might influence how immigrant communities view their own identities and roles in society.
Revolutionizing Compliance with AI
Kalyani Ramadurgam is another standout figure transforming her industry. After working at Apple to ensure compliance with terrorism watchlists, she realized the traditional methods were outdated. In 2023, she co-founded Kobalt Labs with Ashi Agrawal, aiming to modernize financial compliance using artificial intelligence. Their tools can analyze complex documents in minutes—a task that previously took months.
This innovative approach not only improves efficiency but also lowers stress for compliance teams. Kobalt Labs has already raised $13 million and serves notable clients, gaining Ramadurgam recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
Local Stories, Global Appeal
At Netflix, Bela Bajaria is redefining what it means to create global content. Rather than forcing local stories to fit a Western mold, she encourages authentic storytelling that resonates with viewers worldwide. Under her leadership, shows like Squid Game and Delhi Crime have gained international acclaim.
Bajaria’s approach underscores a powerful trend: authentic, localized content can attract a broader audience. By embracing specific cultural narratives, she has positioned India as a creative powerhouse in global streaming.
Final Thoughts
These individuals highlight the diverse ways Indian-origin voices are shaping discussions and industries far beyond their roots. Their contributions challenge existing norms and invite us to rethink how we define identity and community on a global scale.
For more insights into these stories, you can check out the original sources: The New York Times for Ramaswamy’s comments, and Forbes for updates on Kobalt Labs and Ramadurgam’s achievements.
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India blog, World blog, TOI Bharat blog, TOI Bharat Abroad blog
