By Keerthi Ramesh
Indian diaspora business leaders from across the world shared stories of resilience, innovation and global influence during a virtual webinar that highlighted how immigrants from India have helped shape international commerce and entrepreneurship.
Hosted by the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), the webinar titled “Diaspora Indians, Trailblazers in Global Business Success,” on Jan. 10 marked the Jan. 9 Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, recognizing Indians living abroad and their contributions to both host countries and India.
The event brought together professionals, entrepreneurs and community members from the United States, the United Kingdom, Africa and India, creating a space to reflect on the evolving role of the Indian diaspora in global business.
Speakers discussed how immigrants have overcome early barriers, built enterprises from the ground up and maintained strong ties to their cultural roots while navigating international markets, according to a media release.
GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham opened the session by emphasizing the collective achievements of Indians abroad, describing the diaspora as a powerful force in global economic growth.
He noted that Indian professionals have consistently demonstrated adaptability, discipline and innovation, allowing them to thrive in competitive business environments while contributing meaningfully to their adopted countries.
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Founded in New York in 1989, GOPIO operates through more than 100 chapters in over 36 countries and focuses on fostering economic cooperation, civic engagement and cultural connection among people of Indian origin worldwide.
The webinar was moderated by Anil Bansal, president of First National Realty Management, who reflected on his own entrepreneurial journey.
Bansal shared how his career evolved from launching a technology firm to co-founding Indus American Bank in New Jersey before transitioning into real estate investment, underscoring the diverse paths Indian immigrants have taken to success.
Keynote speaker Dr. Bhuvan Lall, a biographer and filmmaker, highlighted several iconic figures who exemplify diaspora achievement, including Amar Gopal Bose, founder of Bose Corporation, and Lord Rami Ranger, a prominent British Indian entrepreneur and member of the U.K. House of Lords.
Lall emphasized that many of these leaders combined cultural values inherited from India with global ambition, creating businesses that left a lasting impact.
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He noted that the Indian diaspora’s strength lies not only in financial success but also in its ability to bridge cultures and inspire future generations. According to Lall, preserving identity while embracing global perspectives has allowed Indian entrepreneurs to stand out in international markets.
Dr. Kali Pradip Chaudhuri, founder and chairman of KPC Group, urged diaspora members to focus on the future rather than rely solely on past accomplishments.
He pointed to India’s growing economy and stressed that sustained success will depend on continued investment in education, innovation and knowledge-driven industries.
Lord Ranger shared his personal story of rising from humble beginnings to building a multimillion-pound enterprise in the United Kingdom.
He spoke about the importance of long-term vision, public service and political participation, noting that economic success is closely linked to civic engagement. Ranger also discussed opportunities for stronger trade and defence cooperation between India and the UK.
Attorney Navneet Chugh provided insights into Indian immigration trends in the United States, noting that more than 5.2 million Indians have entered the country since 1965.
He said Indian Americans have emerged as one of the most educated and economically successful communities in the U.S., playing a significant role in technology, healthcare and finance.
The webinar concluded with an interactive discussion on cultural identity, the importance of passing on language and heritage to younger generations, and the growing influence of diaspora professionals in global policy and healthcare.