For Indian Americans there is nothing beyond reach | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

For Indian Americans there is nothing beyond reach

PTI | ByAshish Kumar Sen
Jan 07, 2005 04:20 PM IST

The desire to give back to India is prominent among many Indian Americans. Prof. Mullainathan plans to use the grant money to do "something good," perhaps through an NGO in India.

Coming from a poor family in a non-descript north Indian village, Vinod Gupta, "Vin" to his friends, is now the multimillionaire CEO of infoUSA, a leading provider of business and consumer databases and sales and marketing solutions headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. He counts former president Bill Clinton and more than a handful of influential US Congressmen and Senators among his close friends and golfing buddies.

HT Image
HT Image

He also holds the distinction of being the only Indian American to have slept over at the White House. Reminiscing about that night, Mr Gupta says, "Mrs Clinton said, 'why don't you stay here? And who wouldn't want to stay at the White House?" One night in the Lincoln Bedroom was enough to dampen his enthusiasm. "I wouldn't want to stay there ever again… Everybody is watching you. One night is enough."

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

In more ways than one, Mr Gupta has come a long way. His story is one of many that inspire Indians living the American dream.

According to the latest US census figures, there are close to 1.8 million people of Indian origin living in the United States. This steadily growing pool is reflective of India's multiethnic, multi-religious and multilingual society. And, like in India, the community here is involved in everything from medicine, law, finance and engineering to managing grocery stores and driving cabs.

Soon after he had won the prestigious $500,000 MacArthur Fellowship, Sendhil Mullainathan celebrated by treating himself to a new pair of $49.95 Alan Iverson basketball sneakers. Prof. Mullainathan is among 24 persons who have been awarded the Fellowship - commonly referred to in academic circles as the "genius grant." "I'm not really a splurging type of guy," says the soft-spoken 29-year-old Associate Professor of economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Expecting to shell out more than $100 for the shoes, he adds, "I was pleased to get a bargain."

The desire to give back to India is prominent among many Indian Americans. Prof. Mullainathan plans to use the grant money to do "something good," perhaps through a nonprofit organization in India.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On