Ajay Banga’s nomination as the head of the World Bank by President Biden is a testament to the growing influence and representation of Indian Americans in positions of power and leadership.

AJAYPAL SINGH BANGA the former Mastercard CEO is all set to become the president of the World Bank as per the announcement of World Bank Group’s executive board which said it will consider only one nominee, Ajay Banga, to be the next president of the institution, as no other candidates were nominated.

On Wednesday, March 29, the date for submitting nominations for the post of the next President of the World Bank Group expired. On February 23, US President Joseph Biden had announced his nomination of Ajay Banga. Banga was recently slated to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EAM S Jaishankar but failed to meet as he tested positive for Covid. He will be the first Indian American to lead the World Bank.

It was an addition of historic chapter in American history when Kamala Harris became the first Indian American and Black woman to be elected as Vice President of the United States in 2020.

President Biden’s appointment of Mr. Ajaypal Singh Banga to head the World Bank is another remarkable achievement and contributions of Indian Americans in USA. His nomination is a proud moment for all Indian Americas in particular and Indian in general.

Ajaypal Singh Banga is an American corporate executive who was born in India. On February 23, 2023, he received Joe Biden’s nomination for the position of World Bank president.

Banga was executive chairman of Mastercard, after having previously served as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the company from July 2010 until December 31, 2020. He retired from this position on December 31, 2021, to join General Atlantic.

He is also the chairman of Netherlands-based investment holding company Exor and chairman of the public-private Partnership for Central America with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.

Very recently, US President Joe Biden appointed 130 Indian-Americans to key positions in his administration so far. US President Joe Biden on 10 March named two Indian-Americans — Revathi Advaithi, CEO of Flex, and Manish Bapna, CEO of the Natural Resources Defence Council — to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations.

On the success story of Indian Americans, Dr. Frank Islam, an entrepreneur, a thinker, a philanthropist, a civic leader, who is also a member of the Presidential Commission on Scholars said, “It is America that provided them and all of us Indian Americans ladders of opportunities to succeed. We are encouraged to participate. To engage. It is America’s inclusiveness and openness that has made it the best nation on Earth. These strengths and qualities of America we can proudly and truly embrace. We believe in diversity, we respect human rights and freedom of press and we strive to bring out the best in people for the greater good of society. Overall, the role of Indian Americans in the United States continues to grow and expand, with their contributions being recognized and celebrated in various fields.”

Syed Ali Rizvi, President, SPS Alfachem, Co-Founder – Sir Syed Education Society of North America and Ex-Director-Indian Association of Greater Boston said, “Indian Americans have made significant contributions to the United States in various fields such as business, technology, academia, and politics. Ajay Banga’s nomination as the head of the World Bank by President Biden is a testament to the growing influence and representation of Indian Americans in positions of power and leadership.”

Rizvi added, “The Indian American community is one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the United States, with a population of over 4 million people. We have a strong presence in the corporate world. YouTube, Fedex, Google, Microsoft, Ogilvy, Palo Alto, Google Cloud, Star bucks, Mastercard, Vimeo, Sigma Aldrich, Adobe, are a small fraction of companies that have been led by Indians.”

“We Indian Americans have also made significant contributions to the political landscape of the United States. In recent years, Indian Americans have been elected to Congress, with Kamala Harris becoming the first Indian American and Black woman to be elected Vice President of the United States in 2020. There are political candidates that are now contesting for the highest position in the USA- that of the President. Nicki Hailey and Vivek Ramaswamy as of today. There are hundreds of elected Indian Americans from serving in Town councils to becoming state representatives and senators. And this will continue to grow. There are many who are presidents/chancellors of universities,” said Rizvi.

“What a joy it is to see the Indian diaspora in America has established themselves as Nations servers and have earned respect. On the grassroots level, about 40,000 doctors serve the nation, including one Indian doctor for every 20 doctors. About 20,000 Indian Nurses make up 15% of all Nurses in America. No matter what freeway you drive and stop for rest, you will see an Indian Hotel owner.

In the upper management, the list of Indian CEOs of global corporations is growing; to top it off, the Biden administration is filling up judicial and administrative posts with Indians”, said Mike Ghouse, President, Center for Pluralism and Director of World Muslim Congress.

“President Biden’s appointment of Ajaypal Singh Banga to head the World Bank is another feather in our cap. Then we have five members in the lower house, which we call Congress here. We have earned respect as intelligent and thoughtful people. All Indians benefit from it and we have bright future in America. We are exemplary citizens,” said Ghouse.

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