Harbir Kaur Bhatia, CEO at the Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview that Indian Americans lead companies like Google, YouTube, and Microsoft at the CEO or CXO level and called them contributors to innovation in the sector of American technology.
Bhatia mentioned the pivotal role Indians have played in propelling innovation within the globally renowned Silicon Valley. “Indians are one of the largest leaders of innovation in Silicon Valley. At one point, the data showed that 40 per cent of Silicon Valley CEOs or founders were from South Asia or India. That is so huge,” she stated.
She also belongs to the same tribe and has Indian roots. In the statistics,
VIDEO | Here’s what the head of Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce Harbir Kaur Bhatia said hailing contributions of Indians in the Silicon Valley, USA.
“India is one of the largest leaders of innovation at Silicon Valley. 40 per cent of CEO or Founders are from South… pic.twitter.com/zD0lqxVrdQ
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 5, 2024
She related Indian strong work ethics of Indians with Indian culture. Bhatia noted, “If you get a 98 per cent in school, your mom and papa will always tell you, but why didn’t you get a hundred per cent? That’s our culture. That’s who we are. It’s never enough, and that craving and that aspiration is what separates us.”
The Chamber CEO also lauded the resourceful “jugaad” approach that Indian professionals bring to problem-solving, remarking, “If there’s a problem, put a desi on it, you’ll find a solution.”
“The tech industry can thrive in the United States because they can do the three-to-one model, which is the one employee in America costs three employees in India,” she explained.
“Who’s running all the operations? Who’s keeping all the lights on? It is our forces, our community that is in part and parcel and bread and butter of every tech company in some way. They cannot survive without us,” Bhatia asserted.
Acknowledging the efforts to limit visas for Indian professionals, she attributed it to their exceptional capabilities, stating, “There’s a reason why they keep trying to cap the visas because they know we’re so well that they just have to put a limit. Otherwise, we could take up all the jobs.”
Harbir’s life is driven by the principles of Sikhi, focusing on improving lives and creating value for all. As a civic entrepreneur, she has garnered numerous accolades for her impactful contributions.
With a background spanning leadership, technology, marketing, community organizing, and production across defense, software/hardware, services, and nonprofit sectors, she brings a wealth of experience to her endeavors.
Harbir’s achievements include being honored as the 2022 Women’s History Month Honoree, receiving Santa Clara County Supervisor Medals of Honor for COVID Relief initiatives, and being recognized with awards such as “The Community Hero Award” and “Leadership in Business.”
