Ravi Kumar, CEO of Cognizant Technologies, has emphasized the transformative influence of the 35-million-strong Indian diaspora in various fields, highlighting their role in promoting Indian culture as a “global differentiator,” in arts and culture.

Kumar was among 27 diaspora members honored with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the highest award for overseas Indians, presented by President of India, Droupadi Murmu on January 10, 2025, during the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in Odisha, India.

In her address, President Murmu described the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman as a tribute to the exceptional contributions of the diaspora. She said their success stories are a source of pride for India and inspire millions worldwide to strive for excellence. 

The awardees, representing 24 countries, were recognized for their contributions to fields such as community service, education, arts, business, medicine, technology, public affairs, and politics.

Speaking at the event, Kumar remarked, “The Indian diaspora is 35 million strong and has a profound global influence, from economic impact to technology, culture, talent impact, and a diverse set of disciplines and professions spanning across a large number of countries across the world.”

Kumar, who was accompanied by his mother, described receiving the award as both “humbling and inspiring,” adding, “It’s a special moment for me as I am collecting this award in my home state of Odisha, where I was born and brought up. My mother, who lives in Odisha, has accompanied me here, so it’s a very proud moment for me.”

Highlighting the diaspora’s global achievements, Kumar noted:

• 10 per cent of Fortune 500 companies are led by Indian-origin leaders.
• 72 of 648 unicorn startups have Indian-origin founders.
• 60 per cent of U.S. hotels are owned by Indian Americans.
• 22,000 Indian-origin faculty members are teaching in U.S. universities.

He emphasized that Indian culture has become a global differentiator, popularizing practices like yoga, festivals such as Diwali, and fostering arts, music, and literature.

Kumar also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in strengthening India’s global position, stating, over the last 10-plus years, India has emerged as a significant economic and geopolitical power, while strongly connecting the Indian diaspora to its roots.

He praised this year’s PBD Convention theme, “Diaspora’s Contribution to Viksit Bharat”, calling it fitting as Indians abroad join PM Modi’s vision of transforming India into a developed nation by its 100th Independence anniversary in 2047.

“The diaspora can make a huge difference in achieving this goal by focusing on areas such as technology, manufacturing, infrastructure, skilling, innovation and R&D,” he added. 

He also lauded the Indian government’s efforts to increase per capita income in eastern regions, including Odisha, and urged diaspora members to support key initiatives, such as infrastructure development and creating economic partnerships for balanced growth.

“I have personally seen Odisha’s transformation for many decades primarily from an agrarian state to a leader in steel, minerals, mining, power, and IT Services,” he said adding that he has been in discussions with India’s Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, who has a “vision to make Bhubaneswar as a knowledge hub for education, innovation, and technology.”

Kumar concluded by urging the diaspora to strengthen ties between India and the world, emphasizing the importance of “creating opportunities and pathways,” to shape India’s growth story while staying connected to their roots.

Along with Kumar, two other diaspora members from the United States, Dr. Sharad Lakhanpal from Texas, and Sharmila Ford from Michigan also received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman from President Murmu. 

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