First Indian-American Named Provost at MIT Celebrated in New York
In a heartwarming evening filled with pride and celebration, the Indian Consulate in New York and members of the Indian-American community in New England came together to honor Dr. Anantha P. Chandrakasan, following his groundbreaking appointment as Provost of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This makes him the first Indian-American ever to hold this prestigious position in the university’s long history.
The felicitation event took place on July 1, 2025, at The Treasury – Indian and Greek Kitchen in New York. It brought together diplomats, academics, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and supporters to recognize and celebrate Dr. Chandrakasan’s incredible journey and contributions.
A Proud Moment for the Indian-American Community
Dr. Chandrakasan’s new role as Provost marks a major milestone, not only for MIT but also for the wider Indian-American community. His appointment is a symbol of hard work, talent, and dedication, and it shines a light on the growing impact of Indian Americans in global education, research, and innovation.
During the celebration, Ambassador Binaya S. Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, delivered a powerful keynote speech, expressing deep pride in Dr. Chandrakasan’s achievements.
“We are immensely proud of Dr. Chandrakasan’s journey,” said Ambassador Pradhan. “His appointment reflects not just personal success but the increasing contributions of Indian Americans in education and technology. We are excited about future collaborations between India and MIT in research, entrepreneurship, and innovation.”
Warm Wishes from the Diplomatic Community
Ms. Shruti Purushottam, First Deputy Consul General of India in Boston, also attended the event. She extended her congratulations and shared how the Boston diplomatic team is eager to help build even stronger academic and cultural ties between India and the U.S.
The event highlighted the power of community and unity, showing how much can be achieved when people come together to support and uplift one another.
FIA and Community Leaders Applaud a Trailblazer
Abhishek Singh, President of the Foundation of Indian Americans (FIA), one of the event’s organizing groups, spoke about the importance of Dr. Chandrakasan’s leadership in shaping the future for young Indian-Americans.
“This is a proud and inspiring moment,” Singh said. “Dr. Chandrakasan’s success will motivate the next generation to dream big and lead with confidence.”
Many other respected community members and leaders were also present to pay tribute. Among them were:
- Sushil Tuli, Chairman of Leader Bank
- Dilip Patel, Chairman of the Jamson Hotel Chain
- Prashanth and Anuradha Palakurthi, philanthropists and music enthusiasts
- Sandeep Asija and Inder Kaul, active community figures
- Brij Bhushan Garg, chip design researcher and Bell Labs veteran
- Sanjay Gokhale, Vice President of FIA
- Manju and Deepak Seth, podcast hosts and founders of Dev Patel Hospitality
Their presence added warmth and a strong sense of community to the evening.
Honoring a Visionary Academic Leader
Dr. Chandrakasan is widely recognized for his groundbreaking work in low-power electronics and his exceptional leadership in academia. Currently, he is the Dean of MIT’s School of Engineering, where he has led major initiatives in artificial intelligence, computing, and innovation.
His appointment as Provost, the university’s second-highest academic position, places him among the most influential academic leaders in the world. It is a role that involves guiding MIT’s academic strategy, research priorities, and overall educational direction.
MIT Faculty Join in Celebration
A number of Dr. Chandrakasan’s colleagues from MIT also attended to show their support and admiration. Among them were:
- Prof. Iqbal Singh Dhaliwal
- Prof. Sana Ayer, a historian who focuses on South Asia
- Prof. Jenny Liu, Vice President of Development at Boston Children’s Hospital Trust
- Ms. Tia, a respected academic leader
Their presence reflected the deep respect Dr. Chandrakasan commands within MIT and the broader academic world.
A Grateful Message from Dr. Chandrakasan
In his speech, Dr. Chandrakasan expressed sincere thanks for the honor and the overwhelming support he received from the community.
“I am deeply grateful for this recognition,” he said. “The encouragement and support of this community have been a key part of my journey. As Provost, I’m committed to promoting excellence in research, education, and innovation. Together, we can build a future that brings meaningful change and global impact.”
Jay Kumar Sends Heartfelt Congratulations to Dr. Anantha Chandrakasan
Jay Kumar, CEO of Jay-Ho.com and host of Jay-Ho! The Jay Kumar Show, extended his warm congratulations to Dr. Anantha Chandrakasan on his historic appointment as Provost of MIT. Celebrating this proud moment for the Indian-American community, Jay Kumar praised Dr. Chandrakasan’s inspiring journey and commitment to innovation and education. “Dr. Chandrakasan’s achievement is not only a personal milestone but a shining example for the entire community. His leadership at MIT will undoubtedly spark new ideas and open doors for future generations,” said Jay Kumar.
More Than Just a Celebration
This event was not just about honoring one man’s incredible achievement. It was also a powerful reminder of how far the Indian-American community has come—and how much potential lies ahead. The evening was filled with joy, cultural pride, and a shared sense of purpose.
Dr. Chandrakasan’s success story is a source of inspiration for many, especially young Indian-Americans dreaming of making their mark in the world. His journey shows that with hard work, vision, and community support, anything is possible.
The celebration in New York was a memorable and emotional tribute to a leader who continues to inspire. Dr. Anantha Chandrakasan’s appointment as MIT Provost marks a new chapter—not just in his career, but in the story of Indian-Americans in higher education. It was a night of honor, hope, and looking forward to a future where diversity and excellence go hand in hand.
