The University of Southern California (USC) recently played host to the inaugural IndiaCon, a groundbreaking conference aimed at delving into the burgeoning economic, technological, and cultural connections between India and the United States. Drawing over 250 attendees, the event featured engaging panel discussions and enlightening talks by prominent Indian-American figures from various sectors. Let’s dive into the highlights of this momentous gathering.
### The Discussions
One of the key highlights of IndiaCon was a riveting discussion between Consul General K. Srikar Reddy and author Gunjan Bagla on the theme of “India’s Leap Forward.” This insightful dialogue explored the exciting opportunities for collaboration between India and the United States. Additionally, Vik Thapar, Ray Mathoda, and Neil Badlani shed light on healthcare advancements in a session titled “Generics to Global Health,” highlighting the evolving healthcare models in both nations.
In a panel titled “Back Office to Innovation Hub,” Sumant Mandal and Kavitha Mariappan discussed India’s rapid transformation into a hub of innovation, noting the shifting attitudes towards entrepreneurship in the country. Mandal humorously recounted a tale of convincing a founder’s parents in India that pursuing entrepreneurship wouldn’t hinder their son’s marriage prospects, showcasing the changing cultural landscape.
### Diverse Perspectives
The conference also featured panels that delved into areas beyond politics and business. In “South Asian Women in Entertainment,” industry insiders Bhavani Rao, Diya Heble, Sujata Murthy, Shireen Razack, and Patricia Isaac shared insights on the challenges and opportunities for representation in Hollywood. Meanwhile, Nisarg Patel and Ravi Timbawala explored the promising future of American cricket in “Cricket’s American Innings,” emphasizing the need for victories to popularize the sport and pave the way for the upcoming international matches and the L.A. ’28 Olympics.
### A Glimpse into the Future
IndiaCon was a student-led initiative spearheaded by Tejaswa Gavankar, Raghav Mahajan, and a dedicated team from USC, with hopes of making it an annual affair. Mahajan stressed the importance of keeping an eye on India’s rapid growth, underscoring the need to stay connected with the country for business, career, and investment opportunities. The conference also introduced the IndiaCon Scholarship, recognizing individuals with a vision for impactful change in India.
This year’s scholarship recipient, Nikhil Chaudhari, shared his aspirations of becoming a professor and inspiring fellow South Asian students to pursue research, ultimately enhancing India’s strategic independence. Co-founder Tejaswa Gavankar expressed optimism about the future editions of IndiaCon, envisioning it as a pivotal platform for leaders shaping the India-US partnership.
As the curtain falls on IndiaCon 2025, session recordings will soon be available for those eager to catch up on the enriching discussions. For collaboration opportunities and further updates, interested individuals can reach out to the organizers at indiaconference@marshall.usc.edu. The journey towards bridging India and the United States continues, with IndiaCon poised to be a beacon of leadership and innovation in the years to come.
