New York: Eight individuals of Indian descent, including Alia Bhatt, Ajay Banga, and Sakshi Malik, have been honoured in Time magazine's prestigious list of the 100 most influential people of 2024. The list features a diverse array of leaders from various sectors, including finance, entertainment, technology, activism, and academia.
Ajay Banga
Among the notable Indians on the list is Ajay Banga, the current President of the World Bank. Born in Pune, India, Banga graduated from St. Stephen's College in Delhi before becoming a US citizen in 2007. His transformative leadership at the World Bank has been commended for its vision to eradicate poverty and address climate change challenges.
Alia Bhatt
Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt, who holds British citizenship, was also recognised for her "formidable talent" and philanthropic endeavours. With over a decade of contributions to the Indian film industry, Bhatt's international debut in Netflix's "Heart of Stone" further solidified her global presence.
Satya Nadella
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella secured his place on the list for the third time. Nadella is lauded for his influential role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI). His commitment to ethical AI development has positioned him as a steward of technological progress.
Sakshi Malik
Sakshi Malik was honoured on the list as India's first and only female wrestler to win an Olympic medal. She was also recognised for her courageous advocacy against sexual harassment in sports. Malik's vocal stance against misconduct within the Wrestling Federation of India garnered widespread support and attention.
Dev Patel
British actor of Indian descent, Dev Patel, earned recognition for his impactful contributions to cinema, both as an actor and director. Patel's directorial debut in "Monkey Man" showcased his versatility and commitment to storytelling.
Priyamvada Natarajan
In the realm of academia, Priyamvada Natarajan, a professor at Yale University, was acknowledged for her groundbreaking research in astronomy, particularly in the study of dark matter and dark energy.
Asma Khan
Asma Khan, a British restaurateur of Indian origin, was celebrated for her culinary prowess and innovative approach to cuisine at her renowned London restaurant, Darjeeling Express. Khan's culinary journey is a celebration of culture, tradition, and innovation. Born and raised in Kolkata, India, Khan's culinary repertoire draws inspiration from her cultural heritage and upbringing.
Jigar Shah
Jigar Shah, Director of the US Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office, was recognised for his instrumental role in spearheading economic development initiatives on a global scale. Born in India and raised in the United States Shah leads one of the largest economic-development programs the world has ever seen.
