Indian-American Community News

08/06/2026

Massachusetts Democratic Governor Maura Healey has officially proclaimed August 15, 2026, as ‘India Day’ across the Commonwealth, recognizing the Indian-American community’s significant contributions to the state’s social, economic and civic life ahead of India’s 80th Independence Day.

https://indianamericancommunitynews.com/2026/08/06/massachusetts-governor-declares-august-15-as-india-day/

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has proclaimed August 15, 2026, as India Day, honoring the 80th anniversary of India's independence and recognizing the Indian-American community's contributions to the Commonwealth.

08/05/2026

Fourteen years ago today, on August 5, 2012, the Sikh community in America was forever changed when a white supremacist opened fire at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek during Sunday morning services.

https://indianamericancommunitynews.com/2016/11/12/make-attacks-on-sikhs-a-hate-crime-victims-son-pleads-with-us-senators/

The attack claimed the lives of six worshippers that day, while a seventh victim later succumbed to injuries sustained in the shooting, making it the deadliest attack on Sikhs in U.S. history and one of the deadliest attacks on a house of worship in the United States.

As communities across the nation mark the anniversary, they remember not only those whose lives were lost but also the survivors, first responders, and families whose lives were forever altered by an act of hate. The tragedy sparked renewed conversations about hate crimes, religious freedom, and greater awareness of the Sikh faith in America.

Fourteen years later, Oak Creek remains a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of hatred—and of the resilience, compassion, and unwavering spirit of the Sikh community.

Today, we remember the victims, honor their legacy, and reaffirm the commitment to stand against hate in all its forms.

08/01/2026

Indian-American teen Arika Kundu is developing a timely solution to improve food safety as concerns grow over foodborne illnesses and parasitic infections linked to fresh produce. The 13-year-old Minnesota student has created LIGNEX, an innovative method that uses discarded peanut shells to remove pesticide residues from fruits and vegetables, combining sustainability with a practical approach to safer food.

Kundu has been named one of just 10 national finalists in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge and is now working with a 3M scientist mentor ahead of the national finals in October. She will compete for the $25,000 grand prize and the title of America's Top Young Scientist.

Read more here:
https://indianamericancommunitynews.com/2026/07/30/five-indian-american-girls-among-10-finalists-in-2026-3m-young-scientist-challenge/

Photo credit: 3M

07/31/2026

Indian-American students continue to make their mark in science and innovation, with five girls of Indian descent earning places among the ten national finalists in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, one of America’s premier middle school STEM competitions.

The Indian-American finalists are Aaisha Asif, Raji Doshi, Arika Kundu, Sharvi Mahajan, and Naboshree Santra, all selected for their innovative projects addressing real-world challenges ranging from environmental sustainability and agriculture to food systems, public health and transportation safety.

https://indianamericancommunitynews.com/2026/07/30/five-indian-american-girls-among-10-finalists-in-2026-3m-young-scientist-challenge/

Indian-American students continue to excel in STEM, with five girls named among the 10 national finalists in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge for groundbreaking innovations with real-world impact.

07/28/2026

Once the only woman in her engineering class at BITS Pilani, Indian-American business leader and Flex CEO Revathi Advaithi is giving back with a $1 million endowment to empower future generations of women through education and opportunity.

https://indianamericancommunitynews.com/2026/07/26/indian-american-ceo-revathi-advaithi-pledges-1-million-for-womens-scholarships-at-bits-pilani/

https://americanbazaaronline.com/2026/07/27/ceo-revathi-advaithi-pledges-1m-for-womens-scholarships-485259/

07/28/2026

Indian-American business leader Revathi Advaithi has pledged $1 million to establish a permanent scholarship endowment for economically disadvantaged women students at her alma mater, the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani.

Established jointly by Advaithi and her husband, manufacturing technology leader and investor Jeevan Mulgund, the $1 million gift will fund the Visalam Swamy and Sucheta Mulgund Scholarship, named in honor of their mothers. The institute said the scholarship is intended to ensure that “financial circumstances do not prevent a talented young woman from receiving a BITS Pilani education.”

Advaithi is the Chief Executive Officer of Flex, a Fortune 500 advanced manufacturing and supply chain solutions company, where she has led a global workforce across 30 countries since 2019.

https://indianamericancommunitynews.com/2026/07/26/indian-american-ceo-revathi-advaithi-pledges-1-million-for-womens-scholarships-at-bits-pilani/

Indian-American business leader Revathi Advaithi has pledged $1 million to establish a permanent scholarship endowment for economically disadvantaged women students at her alma mater, the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani.

07/26/2026

Coming up today in the Washington area.....
The Punjabi Women's Cultural Association (PWCA) is inviting the community to celebrate Punjabi culture, heritage and tradition at its 14th Annual Mela Teeyan Teej, taking place on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the GN Event Center, 7217 Centreville Road, Manassas, Virginia.

The annual all-female cultural festival will feature an exciting lineup of activities, including Giddha and Bhangra performances, cultural entertainment, shopping, awards and the popular Miss Punjaban Kids competition for girls under 18.

A highlight of this year's event is the Punjaban DC Pageant 2026, with registrations now open for participants ages 5 to 18. Organizers say the pageant aims to encourage young girls to connect with their Punjabi roots, celebrate their heritage and build confidence while showcasing their talents.

The event is being organized by Moni Gill and Rupinder Chahal. Punjabi singer Narinder Maavi will be a featured performer, while Riya Bhrot will serve as the emcee.

Admission and parking are free, making the event accessible to families across the Washington metropolitan area.

For more information, contact Moni Gill at 540-935-3624 or email [email protected]

Related news:
https://indianamericancommunitynews.com/2016/08/23/fifth-annual-mela-teeyan-teej-draws-over-800-women-and-girls-in-washington-area/

https://www.asianfortunenews.com/2016/08/fifth-annual-mela-teeyan-teej-draws-over-800-women-and-girls-in-washington-area/

Presenting the story of Indian-Americans -- their dreams, their accomplishments, their challenges !! Featuring Indian-American community events, articles on India-US ties, and news from India ~

07/25/2026

Coming up today in Washington, DC -- Thousands of Indian-Americans from across the United States will gather in the nation’s capital for one of the largest celebrations recognizing the community’s contributions to America, as part of the country’s 250th anniversary commemoration.

The Indian American Commemorative Celebration will be held at the iconic DAR Constitution Hall and is expected to draw nearly 3,000 elected officials, business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, physicians, faith leaders, diplomats and community representatives for an evening honoring America’s 250-year legacy of freedom, democracy and opportunity.

The bipartisan event will celebrate both the nation’s semiquincentennial and the pivotal role the Indian-American community has played in shaping American society. The event is being billed as a landmark national celebration recognizing the civic, cultural and economic contributions of the Indian diaspora to the American story.

https://indianamericancommunitynews.com/2026/07/22/indian-americans-to-celebrate-americas-250th-anniversary-at-landmark-gathering-in-washington/

Indian-Americans from across the country will gather in Washington, DC, for a landmark celebration of America's 250th anniversary, honoring their contributions to the nation's past, present and future.

07/23/2026

The America 250 Indian American Commemorative Celebration on Saturday, July 25, in Washington will feature two of India's most influential global spiritual figures as distinguished speakers – humanitarian and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, and visionary spiritual seer Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, founder of the Isha Foundation. Their participation underscores the event's emphasis on values of peace, service, leadership, and human unity as Indian Americans join the nation in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Organizers say the landmark gathering at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington will celebrate the community's contributions to America's growth while inspiring future generations to strengthen civic engagement and national unity.

https://indianamericancommunitynews.com/2026/07/22/indian-americans-to-celebrate-americas-250th-anniversary-at-landmark-gathering-in-washington/

https://americanbazaaronline.com/2026/07/22/indian-americans-america-250-anniversary-washington-celebration-485082/

07/23/2026

The bipartisan event will celebrate both the nation’s semiquincentennial and the pivotal role the Indian American community has played in shaping American society.

The celebration comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of immigration-related issues affecting the Indian American community, including the implementation of the Duration of Status visa rule, the viral backlash surrounding an Indian Harvard Law student’s visa delay, and ongoing investigations into alleged Optional Practical Training (OPT) fraud.

https://americanbazaaronline.com/2026/07/22/indian-americans-america-250-anniversary-washington-celebration-485082/

Thousands of Indian Americans will meet in Washington on July 25 to celebrate America's 250th anniversary and the community's contributions.