Indiaspora Forum 2026 Opens in Bengaluru with Focus on Philanthropy, Community Impact, and Cultural Celebration

The Indiaspora Forum 2026 commenced with a welcome dinner on March 22 at the JW Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre in Bengaluru, bringing together global diaspora leaders to celebrate community engagement and philanthropy.

Speakers at the event underscored the importance of giving back, with a focus on supporting women, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups. They highlighted how even small acts of charity can create meaningful impact. The evening concluded with a cultural performance by legendary singer and Padma Bhushan awardee Usha Uthup, reinforcing a sense of Indian cultural pride and a festive atmosphere.

**Padma Bhushan awardee Vijay Amritraj speaking at the Indiaspora opening night at the JW Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre in Bengaluru, on March 22, 2026. PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH**

Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO of the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL), presented an overview of the league’s structure, emphasizing equal prize money for men and women, international events, a franchise-based model, and grassroots development initiatives. Ramakrishna Ganesh of the Indian Golf Alliance expressed appreciation for partners and sponsors, including HSBC and other local stakeholders, for supporting the event.

Padma Bhushan awardee, tennis star, and philanthropist Vijay Amritraj congratulated Indiaspora Founder M.R. Rangaswami, Executive Director Sanjeev Joshipura, and the broader team for organizing what he described as an “incredible” gathering. Reflecting on previous editions, he noted that last year’s summit in Abu Dhabi was spectacular and said this year’s event has been “very special.”

**Indiaspora Founder MR Rangaswami speaking at the Indiaspora opening night at the JW Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre in Bengaluru, on March 22, 2026. PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH**

“So it’s really a pleasure for me to be here amongst all of you,” said Amritraj. Referring to the forum’s theme, “Force for Good,” he emphasized that each delegate contributes in meaningful ways across different parts of the world, and such gatherings help strengthen that shared commitment to philanthropy.

Amritraj also spoke about his foundation in the United States. “I was very fortunate to serve the United Nations for seven years as a messenger of peace for Kofi Annan, alongside Muhammad Ali and and Michael Douglas and others,” he said.

He added that after completing his tenure at the United Nations, he established a foundation in the United States two decades ago.

**Delegates** **at the Indiaspora opening night at the JW Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre in Bengaluru, on March 22, 2026. PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH**

“This year, we celebrated our 20th anniversary, which I was delighted that MR Rangaswami was able to attend.” He noted that the foundation allocates 95 percent of its charitable proceeds to causes supporting women and children, while the remaining 5 percent supports elderly care and individuals with mental disabilities.

“I think the important thing here is we all feel sometimes that the things we do might be too small, but you’ll be amazed what a difference it makes to the families on the ground,” he added.

The evening also included recognition of participants and winners from the morning’s golf tournament, including celebrity and professional golfers, as well as sponsors and partners.

A winner in the golf tournament being presented with a trophy at the Indiaspora opening night at the JW Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre in Bengaluru, on March 22, 2026. PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH

Among the winners were Arjun Ranga for Longest Drive at Hole No. 4 with 290 yards, Anupama Vattal for Closest to the Pin at Hole No. 6 with 18 feet, and Ambarish Kenghe for Straightest Drive at Hole No. 13 with 2 feet. In the 19-plus handicap category, Suchit Suhas secured first place with 34 points, while Sandeep Singh was runner-up with 30 points. In the 13–18 handicap category, Anurag Chopra won with 44 points, followed by Vinod Podar with 39 points. In the 0–12 handicap category, Saif Mehkri and Devesh Lenka both scored 41 points, with Mehkri declared winner.

Nooraine Fazal was named Overall Ladies Winner with 40 points, Keerthana Rajeev Kumar won the Overall Gross category with a score of 70, and Anurag Chopra secured the Overall Net title with 44 points and a net score of 64.

Among those present at the dinner were U.S. Consul General in Chennai Mariana Neisuler and Olympic medalist boxer Vijender Singh, along with several other distinguished guests.

**Delegates enjoying the electrifying performance of Usha Uthup** **at the Indiaspora opening night at the JW Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre in Bengaluru, on March 22, 2026. PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH**

Earlier in the day, delegates visited Grover Zampa Vineyards in Nandi Hills, Sathya Sai Grama in Chikkaballapur, and participated in the IGPL Indiaspora Golf Masters tournament.

At Grover Zampa Vineyards, one of India’s earliest vineyards established in 1987, delegates explored the estate and learned about its cultivation of multiple grape varieties. Manuela Lo Conte, Senior Manager of Marketing and Export, welcomed attendees for an immersive tour and curated tasting experience.

“The gathering offered a unique opportunity for members of the Indian diaspora to reconnect with their heritage while discovering the evolution of India’s modern wine industry—an industry that is increasingly earning recognition on the global stage,” said Lo Conte.

**Delegates visiting the Grover Zampa Vineyards, in Nandi Hills on March 22, 2026. PHOTO: Indiaspora**

Delegates toured the vineyards, sampled grapes at peak ripeness, and engaged with the viticulture team to understand the complexities of wine production in India’s climate. The visit also included a walkthrough of the winery’s production process, from grape sorting to fermentation, aging, blending, and bottling.

The delegation also visited Sathya Sai Grama, a rural development initiative established by the Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Trust. The campus integrates healthcare, education, and community service through a model that provides high-quality services free of cost.

At the center of the initiative is the Sri Sathya Sai Sarla Memorial Hospital, which offers specialized cardiac care without charging patients. The campus also houses the Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, India’s first fully free medical college.

**Delegates visiting the Sathya Sai Grama in Chikkaballapur** **on March 22, 2026. PHOTO: Indiaspora**

During the visit, delegates heard directly from Sri Madhusudan Sai, whose “One World One Family” philosophy provided deeper insight into the humanitarian initiatives being carried out.

Delegates also observed a practice session by a children’s orchestral group from rural Karnataka, who are preparing to participate in a competition in Vienna. Their performance, featuring Western classical compositions, reflected both talent and opportunity.

“These kids who grew up in rural Karnataka taking to ‘Bach and Beethoven’ is a feel-good story,” said Indiaspora’s Executive Vice President and Chief Community Engagement Officer. “Our team also experienced this spirit of hospitality firsthand, treated to a nourishing lunch and tea served with a warmth that mirrored the organization’s selfless ethos.”