BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, October 11, 2024: A mosaic of recent arrivals and long-term residents, Atlanta is home to 130,000 Indian Americans. Sedimented in segregation amidst the Bible Belt, Georgia would not have featured at the top of the list of welcoming destinations for many of the Indian American pioneers who arrived here in the fifties. But they chose the path less traveled, and it has made all the difference for them then, and for us today. These individual stories of trials and triumphs serve as a beacon of hope and a guiding light for many aspirants.
In celebrating 20 years of service to the community, NRI Pulse meaningfully showcased the personal stories of seven Atlanta Indian Americans who shared their inspiring journeys with the community.
It was no wonder then that the Abhira Hall in Sankranti Restaurant, Johns Creek, filled up to capacity on September 22, 2024, with guests cheering as the stories unfolded. Consul General Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan and Johns Creek City Council member Dilip Tunki were among the invited guests.
The night opened aptly with the incredible story of NRI Pulse, narrated by its founder and Editor-in-chief, Veena Rao. Rao recounted that the idea to launch a newspaper had come from a journalist friend. “The idea took hold of me, consumed me. I was a journalist by profession, but I had no business background. I had no knowledge of how a newspaper is run. I had zero capital. What I had was enthusiasm and the willingness to work hard and learn,” Rao said.
Armed with enthusiasm and the willingness to work hard and learn, Rao said she went to the big Indian-owned businesses in Atlanta and told them about her idea. Five businesses agreed to advertise in the inaugural issue of NRI Pulse. As it turned out, AAPI held its annual convention in Atlanta that year. “They agreed to advertise in the centerfold. And that’s how NRI Pulse was born.”
With the help of a graphic designer friend, Rao said she put the first issue together. “I was dying to hold a copy of my baby. There was only one problem. The press was 30 miles away, and I had only recently received my driver’s license.” Rao had failed the driving test six times and had never driven on the interstate before. Her two-door Mitsubishi Lancer, which she had picked up from a pawn shop for $650, “had a mind of its own, refusing to go over 30 miles an hour.”
So, Rao went to her dear friend Frances West and asked if she could drive her to the press. “She said, ‘No way. I’ll accompany you and help you load the car, but you’ll have to drive there yourself.’ And so, I did. And when I finally held a copy of NRI Pulse, it was like I was waving it at the summit of Mount Everest. That’s how it felt.”
Running NRI Pulse meant braving many barriers. “There was a learning curve. There were financial barriers. I struggled to keep the publication afloat. Several people told me we would fold up in a year’s time. But after a very challenging but rewarding 20 years, we are still standing and growing every year. Today, NRIPulse.com is the go-to Indian American news source in the Southern U.S. and around the country. We are a small team of enthusiastic women, including Jyothsna Hegde and Namita Dogra, who have taken on the enormous responsibility of informing, educating, and fostering community engagement.”
Having been part of NRI Pulse for 17 years, this author can certainly relate to the upheavals overcome by the newspaper. I commend the drive, determination, and indomitable spirit of its founder. Take a bow, Veena!
Why NRI Stories? “The purpose of NRIStories is to create a lasting archive of personal stories from our community, preserving them for future generations. This inaugural event marks the beginning of that journey. In a few years, we aim to build a substantial collection, capturing the rich history and experiences of our community,” Rao said.
Humility personified, Dr. Jag Sheth is a true legend in the world of marketing and thought leadership. Dr. Jagdish N. Sheth, the Charles H. Kellstadt Professor of Business at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, has shaped the field of marketing for over six decades. A recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan Award in 2020, Dr. Sheth’s work has influenced scholars and business leaders alike. He has authored over 300 papers and several groundbreaking books, including his latest, India’s Road to Transformation: Why Leadership Matters. As the founder of the Sheth Family Foundation, he continues to support education and philanthropy worldwide. The making of this visionary is a story one craves to hear, yearns to learn from, and hopes to live by.
From Refugee to Healer, Indira Subedi, a registered nurse at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, unraveled her inspiring journey from a Bhutanese refugee to a leader in her community. Beyond her nursing career, Indira is the Executive Director and co-founder of the Pritam Adhikari Education Foundation, which empowers underprivileged children and immigrants through education.
From Village Roots to Urban Heights, Dr. Narasimhulu Neelagaru’s rise to the top of the American food chain is nothing short of miraculous. A renowned cardiologist, successful banker, and philanthropist, Dr. Neelagaru’s impact is felt across many fields. The founding Chairman of Atlanta’s Quantum National Bank, he was recently appointed by Governor Brian Kemp to the Georgia Student Finance Commission Board of Commissioners, where he will serve as the Fifth Congressional District Representative until 2029. Voted Best Physician of Jackson County in 2016 and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce in 2018, Dr. Neelagaru’s dedication to both medicine and community service is unmatched. An alumnus of Harvard Business School, he continues to serve Georgia with distinction. Would you believe that this man hailed from a village with no electricity and studied at a school where grades one through six had one single teacher who taught everyone under one roof?
Living the Authentic Life, Archith Seshadri is no stranger to the community. A global journalist and TV host, as Atlanta Bureau Chief and Anchor for Nexstar Media Group, he covers stories across the Southeast, from government and politics to health and crime. An engineer-turned-journalist, Archith’s dynamic career has taken him from newsrooms in Georgia and North Carolina to prime-time anchoring in New Delhi, India. With over a decade of experience, he’s interviewed Bollywood celebrities, reported on major global events, and even won ABC’s $100,000 Pyramid! When he’s not reporting, Archith thrives on stage as an improv performer, teaches yoga, and trains students in classical music. And yes, he is gay and embraces it, challenging anyone who chooses to discriminate. “We are not defined by our eye color or hair color. We are not defined by our height or weight. We are not defined by our religion or race. We are not defined by our food preferences or the beverages we drink. So why should we be defined by our sexual orientation? It is one element of our personality but should not and cannot define us.”
The Power of Perseverance shines brightly in the story of Judge Neera Bahl, a distinguished legal figure known for her remarkable career and dedication to justice. Her journey is particularly inspiring—she pursued law school at age 42 while balancing a full-time job and raising a family. With a career spanning 15 years in immigration law before her judicial appointments, she has championed the rights of workers and immigrants alike. Currently serving as an Appellate Judge and Director of the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, Judge Bahl continues to make significant contributions to legal reform and advocacy.
From Tragedy to Purpose, Dr. Gulshan Harjee’s story is a testament to compassion and resilience. Born in Tanzania and educated across Pakistan, Iran, and the U.S., she built a thriving medical practice in Decatur, Georgia, where she was named Atlanta’s Top Doctor. In 2013, she co-founded the Clarkston Community Health Center, providing care to underserved communities. Her journey, marked by survival through war, political turmoil, and personal loss, fueled her commitment to giving back. A 12-year cancer survivor, Dr. Harjee has been honored with numerous humanitarian awards for her work, including the prestigious L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Award. Having lost her husband to gun violence left a huge void in her life, but she chose to transform her pain into purpose in more ways than one.
Finding Wings in a Distant Land, Madhu Sheth is a trailblazer whose commitment to community and philanthropy spans continents. As co-founder of The Sheth Family Foundation alongside her husband, Professor Jagdish N. Sheth, Madhu has helped foster education, wellness, and sustainability initiatives in both the U.S. and India. Her leadership within the Jain community, including her time as President of the Jain Society of Greater Atlanta, has been transformative. A former teacher in Chennai, Mrs. Sheth continues to shape lives, now serving as Chair of both the Scholars and Construction Committees at JSGA. Her legacy of service is exemplary.
In his address, Consul General Lakshmanan spoke about the lasting legacy and contributions of Indian Americans in the region.
The evening paid tribute to NRI Pulse’s 20-year legacy with special recognition given to longtime contributors Mahadev Desai, known for his community reports, and Lakshmi Rao, who penned the beloved “What’s Cooking?” column. Both were honored for their dedication and lasting contributions to NRI Pulse’s mission of storytelling.
The evening’s entertainment added a vibrant cultural flair to the program. The students of Aparna’s Dance Academy delivered a stunning Kathak performance that captivated the audience with its grace and precision. The traditional Indian dance performance added a sense of artistic heritage to the evening. Singers Sripriya Srinivas and Jyotsna K. Nanu contributed with their melodious voices, serenading guests with soulful renditions that enriched the evening’s atmosphere.
Rao expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors, whose support brought NRIStories 2024 to life. “Of course, no event is possible without the support of sponsors. My heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors. Your support has made NRIStories 2024 a reality,” she said.
Rao then invited the event sponsors to the stage for recognition. The sponsors included:
- Platinum sponsor Moh Jewels: Ashish Doshi was acknowledged for his “unwavering support,” with Rao also thanking Bhoomika Shah for her collaboration.
- The Sheth Family Foundation: Dr. Jagdish Sheth and Mrs. Madhu Sheth were praised for their enduring commitment to the community.
- Sankranti Restaurant: Rao extended her gratitude to Srinivas Nimmagadda and Kavitha for supporting the inaugural NRIStories event.
- Home Trust Bank: A special mention was made for Dr. Narasimhulu Neelagaru, one of the evening’s storytellers, for also supporting the event as a sponsor.
- Method Hub: Rao thanked Mr. Aho Bilam for the company’s sponsorship.
- Apnewala: Ritesh Desai was recognized for standing by the event.
Rao also took a moment to thank the event’s lively emcee, Neha Negandhi, for guiding the evening with charm and energy. She further extended appreciation to Hemant Shah, Jasveer, and their family for handling photography, videography, and AV support, as well as Shailesh of Suman Event Photography for his videography work.
Rao gave special thanks to her hardworking team, Jyothsna Hegde and Namita Dogra Sudan, for their dedication behind the scenes.
Rao also extended her gratitude to the table sponsors GAPI, GAMA, Sankara Nethralaya, SoftPath Systems and Heartfulness and every single guest. “We owe this evening to you. Your presence, enthusiasm, and support mean the world to us,” she said.
“Tell me the facts, and I’ll learn. Tell me the truth, and I’ll believe. But tell me a story, and it will live in heart forever,” goes a Native American Proverb. We, at NRI Pulse truly hope that these stories are etched in your hearts and cherished fondly for years to come.
More guest footage is in the embedded video above.
Watch the complete event coverage video and the storytellers’ narratives on YouTube
