The National Council of Asian Indian Associations (NCAIA) hosted its inaugural Asian Business Summit and Congressional Awards – 2025 on June 26 at the Rayburn House Office Building at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. The event celebrated “excellence, resilience, and innovation” across Asian businesses and communities.

In his address, Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-Michigan) emphasized the vital role of immigrants in the American fabric. “When we are politically active, we can fight for our rights,” he said, noting that the “greatness of America lies in its immigration.” He highlighted the significant contributions immigrants make across business, academia, science, medicine, and politics.

“Our future depends on our immigrants,” he continued. “I talk with CEOs of tech companies all over the United States, and there is a shortage of skilled people like engineers. Many of the tech companies are started by immigrants, and we need more.”

Rep. Thanedar also underscored the need for expanded access to skilled visas, such as J-1s for doctors, citing delays that have left about 100 physicians stranded in India. He reiterated his commitment to supporting small businesses, particularly in securing access to capital and federal contracts.

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-Virginia) praised NCAIA’s work and urged the community to engage actively with lawmakers. “Some of the best legislation comes from folks like you,” he said, encouraging ongoing civic participation. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening international business ties, particularly with countries like India, to ensure the success of U.S. enterprises.

“Conferences like these, awards like these do make a big difference. It does send a message,” he said, commending NCAIA for initiating the platform.

Congressman Benjamin Cline (R-Virginia) expressed gratitude to NCAIA for the opportunity to speak before an “inspiring group of leaders, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers.” 

“I’ve seen firsthand the transformative impact that small businesses have had on our community and how Asian American entrepreneurs are driving that impact, not only in Virginia, but across the country,” he added. 

Will Archer, campaign manager for Virginia gubernatorial candidate Winsome Sears, noting “Virginia is number one in business,” reaffirmed the commitment of LG Sears, Governor Glenn Youngkin and AG Jason Miyares to the welfare of the South Asian business community. Archer who represented Lieutenant Governor Sears at the event applauded the entrepreneurial spirit of young South Asian innovators. 

In a message to attendees, Governor Glenn Youngkin acknowledged the “enduring contribution of the Asian American business community” to both Virginia and the nation.

Anil Sharma, CEO of 22nd Century Technologies, highlighted the Indian American community’s pivotal role in shaping U.S. business and culture. “We are a model community. We are the innovators. We are the builders,” he said, noting that Indian Americans are excelling in sectors including politics, finance, technology, and medicine. Sharma’s company, which focuses on government contracting, operates in all 50 states and employs over 6,000 people.

In her opening remarks, NCAIA Coordinator Jayashri Telukuntla set the tone for the summit: “Today we gather not only to celebrate excellence, but to honor the enduring spirit of innovation, perseverance, and leadership that define the Asian American community.”

The summit also featured a pitch session where emerging entrepreneurs presented their business ideas in three-minute segments.

Sushma Krishnamurthy, founder of InzpireU, shared how her work helping startups led to the creation of a company “dedicated to creating a global mentorship hub where individuals from youth to professionals can find guidance, set meaningful goals, and achieve measurable growth.”

Jothsna Kethar, founder of Research for High School, left a corporate career to help students gain admissions into elite universities such as Stanford, UPenn, MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and Harvard. However, she emphasized her greatest fulfillment comes from helping students with challenges, from low GPAs to learning and mental health difficulties, succeed. Her students affectionately call her “Coach Jo.”

Nived Lakshman, an incoming freshman at the University of Michigan, described his advocacy in integrating suicide prevention into his school district’s health curriculum. He also initiated a national student-led suicide prevention symposium in collaboration with health professionals.

Divya Alamanda, founder of Tutorroars Education Services, recounted how she began her educational venture during the pandemic with a free summer camp for 500 students. “Right now, we are working all across the U.S. with a couple of counties and schools,” she said.

The Congressional Business Awards were presented to Anil Sharma along with:

• Nima Reddy, Founder and CEO, Bhog Caterers
• Bhasker Andhavarapu, CEO, Synergeia Health
• Anil Grandhi, CEO, AG Fin Tax
• Jayasri Gampa, Founder, Jayasri Sweets

Each honoree shared their entrepreneurial journey, offering insights and inspiration to attendees at the summit.

One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of a special award to Indian American entrepreneur and NCAIA Trustee-Chair, Sunil Singh for his achievements in business and community service. His son, Manish Singh, also a successful businessman, accepted the award on his behalf.

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