Indiaspora Forum 2026: A Gathering of Minds Shaping India’s Future
Prominent leaders from various sectors, including business, philanthropy, science, policy, and the arts, came together at the Indiaspora Forum 2026 held in Bengaluru. The event, covered exclusively by South Asian Herald, spotlighted the burgeoning influence of the Indian diaspora in both national and global contexts. With a commitment to collaboration and innovation, leaders articulated the importance of inclusive growth and giving back to their communities.
Sanjiv Bajaj: A Vision for Financial Growth
Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman and Managing Director of Bajaj Finserv Limited, shared insights on India’s long-term growth potential, particularly in the financial services sector. His session emphasized the role of the diaspora in bolstering India’s economic transformation. “Over the next 20 years, India can achieve annual growth rates of around 8 percent,” he noted. This growth can lift its 1.5 billion citizens into higher-income brackets, facilitated by innovation and cooperation with the global diaspora. Bajaj emphasized the importance of financial services, lending, and investment in fostering this growth, underscoring the strong public infrastructure laid down over the last decade and a half.
PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH
Vijay Amritraj: Lessons from the Diaspora
Former tennis player and founder of the Vijaya Amritraj Foundation, Vijay Amritraj, characterized the forum as a dynamic platform for learning and exchanging ideas. He praised the gathering for its rich diversity and quality, believing such interactions enhance understanding of global perspectives on India’s position. “These casual networking moments are invaluable,” he reflected, noting how participants learn from each other’s experiences, spanning continents from San Francisco to Sydney.
PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH
Lord Karan Bilimoria: Building Global Connections
Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer, hailed the success of the Indiaspora conference, which assembled over 35 million Indians from across the globe. With sessions covering diverse topics like philanthropy and technology, he noted the significance of fostering connections between diaspora members and their home country. “We serve as a living bridge between India and our countries of residence,” he explained, emphasizing the potential of forming deeper ties and facilitating meaningful engagements through Indiaspora.
PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH
Latha Rajinikanth: Fostering a Culture of Giving
Latha Rajinikanth, an educationist and founder of The Ashram Group of Institutions, underscored the need for global achievers to unite for a common purpose. She argued for more frequent gatherings that not only discuss higher ideals but also focus on grassroots engagement. “We must support local causes,” she advised, reflecting on her upbringing and nurturing a spirit of giving not out of abundance, but from an inherent desire to help others.
PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH
Rohini Nilekani: A Movement for Purpose
Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, emphasized the role of Indiaspora as a key movement for diaspora engagement. She observed how the platform has matured into a vital channel for reconnecting with India and contributing meaningfully to its progress. Her optimism about the forum’s impact reflected the growing desire within the diaspora to forge partnerships and continue meaningful contributions to society.
PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH
Radhika Bharat Ram: A Focus on Women’s Leadership
Radhika Bharat Ram, Joint Vice Chairperson of The Shri Ram Schools, highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration. She passionately argued for women’s leadership in shaping India’s future across health, education, and philanthropy. “Women’s participation is crucial,” she stressed, calling for greater investment in young female leaders to ensure they are involved in decision-making processes.
PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH
S. Somanath: The Future of India’s Space Ecosystem
S. Somanath, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization, discussed the strategic significance of developing India’s space capabilities. He raised essential questions about how India can establish a robust presence in global space ventures while remaining commercially viable. “Building high-fidelity earth observation capabilities is paramount,” he noted, emphasizing the need for both government and private sectors to collaborate and invest in future capabilities.
PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH
Sethuraman Panchanathan: Bridging Cultures Through Innovation
Sethuraman Panchanathan, University Professor of Technology and Innovation at Arizona State University, praised the forum for its potential to foster strong partnerships between India and its diaspora. He expressed his belief in leveraging collective strengths to tackle societal challenges. “The collaboration between the largest and oldest democracies holds tremendous potential,” he remarked, showcasing faith in the joint efforts towards impactful projects.
PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH
Chef K. N. Vinod: Emphasizing Empowerment and Social Impact
Chef K. N. Vinod reflected on the meaningful social impact discussions at the event, drawing from his experiences with charities like DC Central Kitchen. “This forum emphasizes that charity should focus on empowering the receiver,” he stated. By sharing insights from his culinary experiences alongside powerful narratives, Vinod highlighted the necessity of values-driven engagements that resonate beyond monetary contributions.
PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH
