Influential Indian business leaders and tech icons gather at state dinner for Modi
The event not only celebrated the diplomatic ties between the two nations but also showcased the remarkable achievements of Indians on the global stage
More than 380 guests were invited to the state dinner President Biden hosted for Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India on Thursday night (22), a list that included government officials, business leaders, star athletes, a renowned violinist, a Hollywood director, the son of a civil rights icon, fashion designers and prominent Indian Americans.
The state dinner was made even more illustrious by the presence of notable Indian business leaders and prominent figures from the technology world.
CEO of Alphabet, Sundar Pichai and his wife Anjali Pichai attend the state dinner in honour of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the White House in Washington, DC, on June 22, 2023. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images)
Among the esteemed guests were Anand Mahindra, a renowned Indian business leader, Mukesh Ambani, the billionaire industrialist and visionary, Sunder Pichai, the CEO of Google, Satya Nadella CEO of Microsoft, Shantanu Narayen, CEO of Adobe, and the distinguished Indra Nooyi.
Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and Reliance Foundation chairperson, Nita Ambani along with Sunder Pichai with his wife Anjali at the state dinner (ANI Photo)
The event not only celebrated the diplomatic ties between the two nations but also showcased the remarkable achievements of Indians on the global stage.
Mukesh Ambani, the eminent industrialist and Chairman of Reliance Industries Limited, brought his unparalleled business acumen to the gathering. As one of the world's wealthiest individuals, Ambani's innovative endeavours and strategic vision have transformed industries and inspired generations.
Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani and his wife Nita Ambani attend the state dinner (ANI Photo)
Anand Mahindra, a respected figure in the Indian business landscape, Mahindra's visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to innovation have propelled the Mahindra Group to new heights.
Indian businessman Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, at the state dinner (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
Sunder Pichai, the CEO of Google, epitomised the close ties between technology and diplomacy. Leading one of the world's most prominent tech companies, Pichai has been at the forefront of innovation, driving the evolution of the digital landscape.
The state dinner also welcomed the esteemed Indra Nooyi, a trailblazer, and former CEO of PepsiCo. Nooyi's remarkable journey from India to the pinnacles of corporate success has been an inspiration to aspiring business leaders worldwide.
As the evening unfolded, the guests were captivated by the fusion of cultures.
Many Indian and non-Indian attendees, including some of the business leaders, chose to don elegant traditional attire, such as saris, infusing the event with the vibrancy of Indian traditions.
US Representative Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and his wife Marie Meeks (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
The exquisite colours and intricate designs of the saris showcased the rich cultural heritage of India, creating a visual spectacle that added to the ambience of the occasion.
Conductor Sameer Patel (left) and Shannon Patel arrive (Photo by Stefani Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images)
The state dinner provided a platform for fruitful discussions, fostering closer collaboration between Indian and American business leaders.
The state dinner in honour of Modi marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations, highlighting the contributions of Indian business leaders and technology icons.
It served as a reminder of the immense talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and cultural richness that India brings to the world stage.
Vanita Gupta, US associate general and her husband Rajiv Gupta (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
The event laid the foundation for enhanced cooperation, collaboration, and shared success between India and the US for years to come.
Adding to the distinguished gathering was vice president Kamala Harris, who holds a special place as the first Indian American vice President.
Indian American lawmakers including Pramila Jayapal, Shri Thanedar, Ro Khanna, Ami Bera, and Raja Krishnamoorthi graced the occasion with their presence at the state dinner.
US Rep Ro Khanna and his wife Ritu Khanna (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
Their inclusion in the guest list highlighted the significant role played by Indian Americans in the political landscape of the US.
US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and his wife Alice Chen (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
The event also welcomed prominent Indian officials, including India's national security advisor Ajit Doval and external affairs minister S Jaishankar, reinforcing the importance of diplomacy and bilateral cooperation in strengthening the relationship between India and the US.
During the state dinner, Modi delivered a speech and raised a toast to express his gratitude towards his esteemed hosts. He extended his well wishes for good health, prosperity, and the pursuit of happiness.
US president Joe Biden and India's prime minister Narendra Modi toast during an official state dinner (Photo by Stefani Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images)
Modi toasted to the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity, highlighting their significance in fostering strong bilateral relations between India and the US. He emphasised the enduring bonds of friendship that exist between the two nations and expressed his desire for their everlasting growth and prosperity.
UK music industry continue to face systemic barriers that hinder progress, visibility, and career growth – despite decades of contribution and cultural influence, a new report has revealed.
The study, South Asian Soundcheck, published last Tuesday (7), surveyed 349 artists and professionals and found that while many are skilled and ambitious, structural obstacles are still holding them back.
Prepared by Lila, a charity focused on empowering south Asian artists and music professionals, the survey showed that nearly three-quarters of respondents earn some income from music, but only 28 per cent rely on it full time.
More than half struggle to access opportunities or funding, and many said they lack industry networks or knowledge about contracts and rights.
Beyond structural issues, almost half said they face stereotypes about the kind of music they should make; two in five encounter family doubts about music as a career, and one in three has experienced racial discrimination.
Although 69 per cent said there was progress in visibility, but 68 per cent still feel invisible within the industry.
Respondents sought urgent action, including mentorship and networking opportunities, stronger south Asian representation in key industry roles and fairer access to funding.
Veteran musician and composer Viram Jasani, who chaired the Asian Music Circuit and led a national enquiry into south Asian music in 1985, told Eastern Eye the findings were “disheartening”.
“I read the report and my heart sank – it feels as though nothing has changed,” he said.
“Back in 1985, we had already identified the same problems and made clear recommendations for better representation, employment and long-term support. Four decades later, we are still talking about the same issues.”
Jasani, a sitar, tabla and tambura expert, said the report focused mainly on modern genres and overlooked traditional south Asian music, which he believes is central to cultural identity.
“Since colonial times, British attitudes have not changed much,” he said. “If they can erase Indian traditional culture and create a community that lives entirely within an English cultural bubble, then they will have succeeded.”
He added that young south Asian artists were often drawn to Western contemporary music, while neglecting their own heritage.
“We are brilliant in Western genres, but that should come after we are grounded in our traditional shashtriya sangeet (classical music),” he said. “Without that foundation, we lose our sense of identity.”
Jasani also warned a lack of unity within the south Asian community continues to weaken its cultural progress.
He said, “People compete with each other while the world watches. For too long, massaging egos has taken priority over producing the best of our culture.”
According to the survey, one in three has experienced direct racial discrimination. One respondent said, “There are virtually no visible and successful south Asian artists in the mainstream – people simply do not know where to place us.”
Another added: “I want south Asian artists to be part of the collective mainstream industry, not just put on south Asian-specific stages or events.”
While the visibility of south Asian artists has improved, with more names appearing on festival line-ups and in the media, the study revealed this progress remains “surface level”.
Lila’s founder, Vikram Gudi, said the findings show progress has not yet been translated into structural inclusion.
“The data exposes what we call the progress paradox. Seventy-three per cent of the people we surveyed earn some money from music, but only 27 per cent earn enough to rely on it as a sustainable career,” he said.
“The Soundcheck gives us the evidence to enact real change and identifies three essential needs – mentorship, representation, and investment.”
Three-quarters of participants said mentorship from experienced professionals would make the biggest difference to their careers. Many stressed the importance of being guided by people who “understand how the industry works and can connect them to decision-makers”.
Nearly the same proportion called for greater south Asian representation across the music industry – not just on stage, but within executive, programming and production roles at festivals, venues, record labels and streaming services.
Dedicated funding also emerged as a priority, with many describing the current grant systems as inaccessible or ill-suited to the diverse and cross-genre work that defines south Asian creativity today.
Two in five respondents reported that family or community resistance remains a challenge, often due to the perceived instability of a music career. The report argued this scepticism is “economically logical”, when there are so few visible south Asian success stories in the mainstream.
Responding to the report, Indy Vidyalankara, member of the UK Music Diversity Taskforce and BPI Equity & Justice Advisory Group, said: “South Asian music is rich, vibrant, and hugely influential. We need south Asian representation at every level of the ecosystem, plus support and investment to match that influence.”
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