Zohran Kwame Mamdani, the 33-year-old state assemblyman from Queens, New York is poised to make history. As he sets his sights on the 2025 mayoral race in NYC, Mamdani could become the first Muslim and Indian-American to serve as mayor of New York City. But for those who have followed his swift and striking political ascent, his candidacy is less about identity and more about a sweeping vision of progressive reform that challenges the status quo of America's largest city.

For decades, the name “Patel” has been synonymous with the American motel industry. In cities and along highways across the United States, from modest roadside inns to mid-tier hotels, a striking number of establishments are owned and operated by members of a single Indian community.

While the surname may appear to many as just another name on a signboard, it tells a larger story — one of migration, resilience, and enterprise.

A Journey Begins

An Indian PhD graduate has won a landmark legal battle to stay in the United States after facing deportation in a case that stirred widespread debate about immigration policy, academic freedom, and the rights of international scholars.

The appointment of Indian-origin leaders to key positions in Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s newly-formed cabinet is fueling cautious optimism in diplomatic circles, both in Ottawa and New Delhi. The change in government, following a period of deep strain in India-Canada ties, is being closely watched as a possible opportunity for bilateral reset.

A legislative proposal currently under consideration in the United States Congress has sparked alarm among members of the South Asian diaspora, amid fears that a proposed tax on remittances could burden immigrant families and impact economies across the subcontinent.

Nestled in the heart of New York City—a place more known for Broadway than Bollywood—Dr. Sonia Sharma is quietly redefining the way the Hindi language is taught outside of India. With over two decades of experience and a résumé that spans institutions like Columbia, Stanford, and UC Berkeley, Dr. Sharma is more than a teacher; she’s a cultural ambassador for the global Hindi-speaking world.

The 22nd edition of the Harvard India Conference (ICH 2025), held on February 15-16, 2025, at the Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, concluded with resounding success, bringing together over 1,000 attendees, 90+ speakers, and 30+ panels to discuss India’s growing influence on the global stage.

In South Asian societies, skin color bias has long been a deeply ingrained issue, shaping beauty standards, marriage prospects, and even career opportunities. The preference for lighter skin—reinforced by media, advertising, and cultural traditions—creates an unequal playing field, affecting self-esteem and social mobility. From childhood, many individuals are subjected to subconscious biases that equate fairness with desirability and darker skin with inferiority. This enduring prejudice is precisely what author Mallika Thoppay seeks to challenge in her work.

As the Indian Conference at Harvard (ICH) enters its 22nd edition in February 2025, it continues to serve as a premier platform for dialogue, innovation, and cultural exchange. This year, ICH is proud to introduce Launchpad@ICH, an initiative designed to celebrate and support entrepreneurial visionaries, tech-driven problem solvers, and groundbreaking artists.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the United States on February 12-13, 2025, comes at a pivotal moment in global geopolitics. Against the backdrop of a shifting U.S.-China relationship, the visit seeks to reaffirm India’s strategic partnership with Washington while addressing key trade, defense, and technological issues. This marks Modi’s first official meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump since his re-election, offering an opportunity to recalibrate bilateral relations in light of new global challenges.

Key Agenda Items