The University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles is gearing up to host a groundbreaking event on January 25—the inaugural USC India Conference, themed “India Rising.” This conference will bring together more than 300 attendees for a day of stimulating panel discussions and keynote lectures led by experts in tech, healthcare, immigration, and public policy.
### The Genesis:
The idea for this conference was born out of the remarkable success that the Indian diaspora has achieved in the United States. According to co-founder Tejaswa Gavankar, the Indian diaspora in the US stands out as one of the most prosperous communities globally, with incomes double the national average and an impressive 80% holding a bachelor’s degree. This success story inspired Gavankar and his co-founder, Raghav Mahajan, to create a platform that not only motivates individuals to aim higher but also provides a supportive network to help them achieve their goals.
### The Lineup:
The event boasts an impressive roster of speakers, including representatives from the Indian government, venture capitalists, industry leaders, attorneys, and more. Discussions will revolve around key growth sectors in India such as tech and healthcare, offering valuable insights on how the diaspora can capitalize on these opportunities.
### Key Highlights:
– **India’s Leap Forward:** A discussion on US-India relations featuring Dr. K. Srikar Reddy and Gunjan Bagla.
– **India’s Role in Global Healthcare:** Insights from Vik Thapar of Emcure Pharmaceuticals and Ray Mathoda of Anchor Loans on India’s position in the global healthcare landscape.
– **The Indian Diaspora:** A fireside chat with Silicon Valley titan Kanwal Rekhi on the evolution of South Asians in entrepreneurship.
– **Tech Talent:** A panel discussion exploring whether India has the potential to become the next Silicon Valley.
### The Future Vision:
Gavankar and Mahajan envision the USC India Conference as the first of many to come. They have even established a scholarship fund to support exceptional individuals dedicated to advancing the South Asian community while excelling academically and professionally. This initiative has received overwhelming support from industry veterans, fueling the founders’ drive to create a lasting impact for the community.
As Gavankar aptly puts it, “This is just the beginning.” The duo looks forward to witnessing future student leaders carry forward this vision and mold their versions of the conference in the years ahead. To secure your spot at the USC India Conference and delve deeper into this transformative event, click here.
