INDIANAPOLIS: The Indiana India Business Council will recognize two honorees this year with the prestigious “Indiana Ratna” (Jewel of Indiana) award – James A. Schellinger, former Indiana Commerce Secretary and current Ambassador of Global Relations at Butler University and Sudhakar Gande, Founder and Chairman, U.S. India SME Council, and Chairman, FICCI Committee on Aerospace and Defense.
The 4th annual “Indiana India Gala” event is set for Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Downtown Indianapolis, announced Raju Chinthala, Founder and President of the Indiana India Business Council.
“Jim Schellinger was a world traveler on behalf of Indiana’s interests, ” said Raju Chinthala. “During his time as Indiana’s Secretary of Commerce he made 61 international economic development missions to 29 countries including India. Prior to his tenure as Secretary of Commerce, he helmed the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, with record-breaking job commitments and strong capital investment. We are proud to recognize Jim’s career with the 2022 “Indiana Ratna Award.”
“Mr. Gande is a big sponsor from the corporate world of the US-India relation through his involvement as Chairman of US India SME Council Inc & Chairman FICCI Committee on Aerospace & Defence. He is a good friend of Indiana with his initiative to establish a presence in the State of Indiana for AXISCADES and has hosted the Governor & Secretary during their India trip a few years back. Mr. Gande is a technology entrepreneur having built successful businesses across financial services, technology, media and infrastructure. It is our privilege to Sudhakar career with the 2022 “Indiana Ratna Award.”
“Indiana Ratna” is the highest award bestowed by the board members of IIBC to individuals who have contributed significantly towards strengthening cultural, educational, political, social, and economic ties and have helped in making a profound impact in both Indiana and India.
Christel House International Founder Christel DeHaan was the first "Indiana Ratna" award recipient in 2018 and Former Mayor of Indianapolis Gregory A. Ballard was the second "Indiana Ratna" award recipient in 2019. In 2021, Governor Eric Holcomb and Infosys were honored with the “Indiana Ratna” Award.
Founded by Raju Chinthala, the IIBC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2016 that contributes to strengthening Indiana - India relations by generating economic and social growth. The IIBC is responsible for bringing several partnerships to life, one that transcends borders and builds relations, creating strong international ties that lead to a vibrant economy. One of the major functions of IIBC is to collaborate with India based companies that want to operate in Indiana, Indiana based companies that want to expand in India, and businesses owned by Indian Americans living in Indiana.
Mission: Indiana India Business Council is a membership-based business advocacy group that provides services to its members and leadership in strengthening economic ties between Indiana and India.
Vision: Our vision is to build a positive bi-lateral environment between Indiana and India that supports a spirit of economic partnership and to be a "trusted advisor" in promoting trade and business collaboration.