NEW YORK (Diya TV) — Dr. Anantha P. Chandrakasan, a pioneering academic and global expert in low-power electronics, was honored on July 1 by the Indian American community in New England and the Consulate General of India in New York. The celebration followed his historic appointment as the first Indian American Provost of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The felicitation dinner took place at The Treasury – Indian and Greek Kitchen in New York City. It brought together a distinguished gathering of diplomats, faculty, business leaders, and community members. They celebrated Chandrakasan’s elevation to a top leadership role at one of the world’s premier academic institutions.
Chandrakasan currently serves as the Dean of MIT’s School of Engineering. He will now take on the role of Provost, making him one of the most influential figures in higher education today.
His appointment marks a milestone not just for MIT but also for the broader Indian American community in the United States. Attendees hailed the moment as a proud chapter in the ongoing contributions of Indian Americans to global innovation and education. Ambassador Binaya Pradhan, the Consul General of India in New York, delivered the keynote address. He praised Chandrakasan’s accomplishments in research and education.
“We are immensely proud of Dr. Chandrakasan’s journey,” said Pradhan. “His appointment as Provost not only reflects personal excellence but also the rising contributions of Indian Americans in global education and innovation. We look forward to deeper India-MIT collaborations in research, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies.”
Shruti Purushottam, the First Deputy Consul General of India in Boston, also attended the event. She offered her congratulations and emphasized the importance of academic and cultural partnerships between India and the United States. The Foundation of Indian Americans (FIA) in New England played a key role in organizing the event. Its president, Abhishek Singh, spoke about the broader impact of Chandrakasan’s leadership.
“This is a moment of immense pride,” said Singh. “Dr. Chandrakasan’s accomplishments will inspire countless young Indian Americans to dream bigger and lead boldly.”
A wide range of community leaders and professionals from across the country came to honor Chandrakasan. They included Sushil Tuli, Chairman of Leader Bank; Dilip Patel, Chairman of the Jamson Hotel Chain; and philanthropists Prashanth and Anuradha Palakurthi. Community advocates Sandeep Asija and Inder Kaul, along with Brij Bhushan Garg, a Bell Labs veteran, also attended. Sanjay Gokhale, Vice President of FIA, and podcast hosts Manju and Deepak Seth were among the other guests.
Several of Chandrakasan’s colleagues from MIT joined the evening’s celebration. Their presence highlighted his strong standing within the academic community. Notable guests included Prof. Iqbal Singh Dhaliwal, Prof. Sana Ayer, a South Asia historian, and Prof. Jenny Liu, Vice President of Development at Boston Children’s Hospital Trust.
Chandrakasan has led MIT’s School of Engineering since 2017. During his tenure, he launched major initiatives in artificial intelligence, computing, and innovation. He is widely respected for his work in low-power electronics and interdisciplinary research. In his remarks, Chandrakasan expressed deep gratitude for the honor and the support of the Indian American community.
“I am deeply grateful for this honor,” he said. “The support from this community has played an integral role in my journey. As Provost, I am committed to advancing excellence in research, innovation, and education. Together, we will shape a future defined by meaningful progress and global impact.”
Chandrakasan’s appointment as MIT Provost reflects a broader trend of Indian American excellence in science, technology, and higher education. His journey, marked by innovation and leadership, stands as an inspiration for young professionals and students across the country.
As the Indian American community celebrated in New York, the event also highlighted growing U.S.-India ties in research, technology, and academic leadership. Chandrakasan’s elevation marks a proud moment—not only for MIT but for an entire generation of global changemakers.
