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www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know 10 SPECIAL REPORT October 10, 2025 Study Shows Indian Americans Have Invested $3 Billion In American Universities F rom students to benefactors, Indian Americans have invested some $3 billion in American universities, according to a new study done by the San Francisco-based non-profit organization Indiaspora. “From landmark donations to local colleges, a tradition of giving is unlock- ing innovation, strengthening research, and expanding access nationwide,” the organization said in a press release October 2, 2025. Over the years, Indiaspora has looked at the impact of Indian Americans in the United States, most recently highlighted in the 2024 Impact Report produced in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group. Building on that work, Indiaspora has taken a closer look at the role Indian American philanthropy plays in strength- ening higher education across the United States. “New research conducted by Indias- pora, reveals a powerful pattern: Indian Americans, many of whom credit their un- dergraduate and graduate experiences at U.S. universities as the foundation of their professional success, are giving back in transformative ways,” the study showed. • Notable findings of the report in- clude: • 78% of Indian Americans hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—far ex- ceeding the national average. • Approximately 270,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in American universities. • Indian students contribute nearly $10 billion annually to the U.S. economy, supporting an estimated 93,000 American jobs. “By investing in universities, Indian American donors who value education are “putting their money where their mouth is. They are also demonstrating a larger commitment to America, sup- porting Americans of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds to thrive,” Founder & Chairman of Indiaspora MR Rangaswami, is quoted saying in the press release. Since 2008, Indian Americans have donated more than $3 billion to U.S. universities, “creating a powerful “flywheel effect” that strengthens the U.S. educa- tional ecosystem while reinforcing profes- sional and cultural ties between India and America,” Indiaspora said. “Through philanthropic donations to US-based educational institutions, Indian Americans are not only transforming lives today—they are building a meaningful legacy in and for this country and the world: one that multiplies across genera- tions and ensures that American universi- ties will continue to shape future leaders, foster innovation, and advance knowledge for the benefit of all,” said Executive Di- rector of Indiaspora Sanjeev Joshipura. Beyond the major universities, Indian Americans are quietly supporting com- munity colleges, state schools, and city universities, demonstrating a deep com- mitment to broadening access to educa- tion nationwide, the study shows. It also revealed that the vast major- ity of publicly known donations have gone towards Medical & Health Sciences, Engineering and Business Education. In addition to professional fields, $140 million has been directed toward cultural programming. This includes a substantial donation by Sumir Chadha to Princeton University, which established the Chadha Center for Global India. Endowments display a commitment to Indian culture and heritage with monies going for South Asian, Hindu, and Indian studies. The level of support indicates the In- dian American community’s “deep belief in the power of education to inspire inno- vation and uplift communities” according to Indiaspora. Major donors across the Midwest and South include Monte Ahuja, who has championed Ohio universities, and Satish &Yasmin Gupta, who have ben- efited institutions throughout Texas. Dr. Kiran and Pallavi Patel are leading philanthropists in Florida, in the field of medical education. In the North- east, Chandrika and Ranjan Tan- don’s historic $100 million donation to New York Univer- sity’s School of Engineering represents a milestone in higher education philan- thropy. Indian American entrepreneur and philanthropist Desh Deshpande established an early benchmark in 2002 with his $20 million gift to MIT, creating the Center for Technological Innovation. More recently, Indra Nooyi’s landmark $50 million contribution to the Yale School of Management stands as one of the largest business school donations in history. Indiaspora members have made sub- stantial contributions as well, the orga- nization said, naming Deepak Raj, Niraj Shah, Raj Gupta, and Venky Harinarayan. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:PROVIDED BY INDIASPORA Desh Deshpande Kiran and Pallavi Patel Chandrika Tandon Sumir Chadha Monte Ahuja Satish and Yasmin Gupta Desi Talk Chicago 6th Annual Diwali Mela Cancelled Due To Unforeseen Circumstances -Chicago, IL —October 6, 2025 D esi Talk Chicago regretfully an- nounces the cancellation of its much-anticipated 6th Annual Diwali Mela – Festival of Lights 2025, originally scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the National India Hub, located at 930 National Parkway, Scha- umburg, IL. Due to unavoidable and unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, the organizing committee has made the dif- ficult decision to cancel this year’s event in the interest of the safety, convenience, and overall experience of our community members, sponsors, and partners. The Desi Talk Diwali Mela has long been one of the Midwest’s premier South Asian cultural celebrations — bringing together thousands of attendees each year to experience the colors, lights, music, dance, food, and spirit of Diwali. Since its inception, the event has symbol- ized unity, diversity, and cultural pride, while showcasing the immense talent and entrepreneurial spirit of our com- munity. “We share the disappointment of everyone who was eagerly looking forward to this year’s Diwali Mela,” said a spokesperson for Desi Talk Chicago. “Our team explored every possible option to move forward, but certain logistical and operational factors made it impossible to deliver the high-quality, safe, and joy- ful experience our community deserves. We remain deeply grateful for the continued love and support from our sponsors, vendors, and attendees.” All partners, vendors, and ticket hold- ers will be contacted individually with details regarding next steps and any applicable refunds or rollovers for future events. Desi Talk Chicago remains committed to celebrating and uplifting the South Asian community through cultural pro- gramming, media initiatives, and future events. Plans are already underway to bring back the Diwali Mela – Festival of Lights in an even bigger and brighter way in 2026. For updates and official announce- ments, please visit www.desitalkchicago. com or follow @DesiTalkChicago on social media. By Bhailal M. Patel CITY VIEWS