Indian Americans

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The Sikh Temple in Stockton, California, 1915

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Sanjay Gupta (cropped)

Indian Americans are citizens of the United States who are of Indian ancestry. This includes people who indicate their race(s) as "Asian Indian" or report entries such as "India" or "Indian American" on official censuses and surveys. As of the 2020 United States Census, Indian Americans are the second-largest Asian group in the United States, following Chinese Americans. The community has grown significantly in the last few decades due to immigration and the natural growth of the population, making it a vital part of the multicultural and diverse fabric of American society.

History

The history of Indian Americans dates back to the 19th century when the first immigrants from India arrived in the United States. These early immigrants primarily worked on farms, in lumber mills, and on the railroads. However, they faced significant discrimination and legal hurdles, including the Barred Zone Act of 1917 and the more general Immigration Act of 1924, which effectively banned all immigration from Asia.

Significant changes occurred in the mid-20th century, particularly with the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which abolished national-origin quotas and opened the door for high-skilled immigrants from India. This led to a significant increase in the number of Indian immigrants, many of whom were professionals in fields such as engineering, medicine, and academia.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, there are approximately 4.2 million Indian Americans, making up about 1.2% of the U.S. population. The community is highly diverse, with individuals tracing their heritage to different parts of India and representing various languages, religions, and cultural practices. The largest populations of Indian Americans are found in metropolitan areas such as the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, and Chicago.

Culture

Indian Americans contribute to the cultural diversity of the United States through their traditions, festivals, food, and languages. Major Indian festivals such as Diwali and Holi are celebrated widely across the country, often involving both Indian Americans and people of other backgrounds. Indian cuisine has also become increasingly popular in the United States, with a growing number of Indian restaurants found in many cities.

Economic Contributions

Indian Americans have made significant contributions to the American economy, particularly in the technology, healthcare, and finance sectors. Many Indian Americans have founded successful companies, including major tech firms. Additionally, Indian Americans are well-represented in academia, contributing to research and education in various fields.

Political Participation

The political engagement of Indian Americans has been growing, with more individuals running for public office and participating in political activism. Indian Americans serve at all levels of government, from local school boards to the United States Congress. The community tends to have diverse political views, but has shown increasing visibility and influence in American politics over the years.

Challenges

Despite their successes, Indian Americans face challenges, including discrimination and racial profiling. The community has been targeted in hate crimes and bias incidents, particularly in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Indian Americans also navigate issues related to immigration and identity, balancing their cultural heritage with their American identities.

Notable Indian Americans

The list of notable Indian Americans is long and includes individuals who have excelled in various fields such as business, politics, science, and the arts. Some prominent names include Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft; Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States; and Nobel Prize-winning economist Amartya Sen.

Business

Indian Americans in the business sector have risen to top positions in major multinational corporations, driving innovation and leadership:

• Satya Nadella – CEO of Microsoft, known for pivoting the company towards cloud computing and technology services.
• Sundar Pichai – CEO of Alphabet, the parent company of Google, pivotal in leading Google’s innovation in AI and cloud computing.
• Indra Nooyi – Former CEO of PepsiCo, recognized for her leadership and extensive efforts to redirect the company's offerings towards healthier alternatives.
• Ajay Banga – Executive Chairman of Mastercard, known for his role in promoting digital payment solutions globally.
• Shantanu Narayen – CEO of Adobe Systems, instrumental in transforming Adobe's software from local installation to a cloud-based subscription model.

Politics

Indian Americans have also become increasingly visible in American politics, with some attaining significant elected positions:

• Kamala Harris – Vice President of the United States, the highest office ever held by an Indian American in the history of the United States.
• Nikki Haley – Former Governor of South Carolina and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, known for her advocacy on international human rights and domestic economic reforms.
• Pramila Jayapal – U.S. Representative from Washington, a prominent advocate for progressive policies including healthcare reform and immigrant rights.
• Raja Krishnamoorthi – U.S. Representative from Illinois, focuses on economic growth and national security issues.
• Ro Khanna – U.S. Representative from California, known for his focus on the technology sector's impact on society and the economy.

Science and Technology

In the fields of science and technology, Indian Americans have been at the forefront of groundbreaking research and innovation:

• Amartya Sen – Nobel Prize-winning economist, known for his work on welfare economics and social choice theory.
• Subra Suresh – Scientist and former president of Carnegie Mellon University, renowned for his research in materials science and engineering.
• Venkatraman Ramakrishnan – Nobel laureate in Chemistry for his studies of the structure and function of the ribosome.
• Ashok Gadgil – Environmental engineer and inventor, known for his sustainable inventions to improve public health in developing countries.

Arts and Entertainment

Indian Americans have made notable contributions to the arts, enriching American culture with diverse perspectives:

• Mindy Kaling – Actress, writer, and producer, known for her work on The Office and creating the show The Mindy Project.
• Aziz Ansari – Actor and comedian, best known for his role on Parks and Recreation and his award-winning series Master of None.
• M. Night Shyamalan – Director and screenwriter, famed for his suspenseful and psychological films like The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable.
• Padma Lakshmi – Author, actress, model, and television host of the culinary show Top Chef.

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See Also

• Asian Americans
• Immigration to the United States
• Model minority