IndiaCon, a student-led initiative hosted at the University of Southern California (USC) on January 25, 2025, brought together over 250 attendees, including entrepreneurs, investors, policy experts, professionals, and students. The central theme revolved around enhancing the economic, technological, and cultural connections between India and the United States. Spearheaded by USC students Tejaswa Gavankar and Raghav Mahajan, the event aimed to spark interdisciplinary conversations and spotlight India’s rising global influence.
Throughout the day, a vibrant mix of panels and discussions showcased India’s growth across various sectors. The opening session, “India’s Leap Forward,” featured India’s Consul General in San Francisco, Dr. Srikar Reddy, and business expert Gunjan Bagla, who explored strategic collaborations between the two nations.
Following this, “Generics to Global Health” addressed comparative healthcare models, where Ray Mathoda emphasized that American healthcare could benefit from India’s holistic and preventative practices.
A standout session, “Back Office to Innovation Hub,” illustrated India’s evolution from an outsourcing destination to a global startup powerhouse. Investors Sumant Mandal and Kavitha Mariappan spoke on the cultural shifts propelling entrepreneurship.
The panel “Visa Hurdles to Career Triumphs” shared personal immigrant journeys and reflected on the challenges posed by U.S. visa policies. Attorney Navneet Chugh’s humorous anecdotes underscored the complexities and ironies of immigration law.
Entertainment and sports also found their spotlight. “South Asian Women in Entertainment” brought together industry professionals who discussed South Asian representation in Hollywood, while “Cricket’s American Innings” highlighted efforts to popularize cricket in the U.S. Nisarg Patel stressed the importance of player commitment and professional opportunities to build momentum for the sport.
A major milestone of the event was the launch of the IndiaCon Scholarship — a $2,000 award honoring South Asian students demonstrating excellence and community impact. The inaugural recipient, USC PhD student Nikhil Chaudhari, was celebrated for his achievements in biomedical engineering and commitment to the diaspora.
In closing remarks, co-founder Mahajan highlighted India’s rapid development, encouraging the audience to view the country as a vital focus for future opportunities. With IndiaCon positioned to become an annual event, the organizers vowed to continue fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration between India and the U.S.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
