Celebrating Indian American Excellence Among 2025 Carnegie Honorees
Every year, the United States pauses to shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of immigrants who have shaped the nation’s story. One of the most prestigious recognitions in this sphere is the “Pride of America Award,” an honor bestowed upon distinguished naturalized citizens who have made extraordinary contributions to American society.
Organized by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, this annual tradition—now in its nineteenth year—celebrates the enduring power and promise of immigration. During a solemn ceremony, this esteemed accolade was conferred upon 20 exceptional individuals hailing from 16 different countries. The award spotlights individuals whose work uplifts and advances equity, inclusion, and visibility across sectors.
Two stellar representatives of the Indian American community, Manjusha P. Kulkarni and Priyamvada Natarajan, were named to the “Great Immigrants, Great Americans” list, a testament to their dedication, leadership, and transformative impact.
Manjusha P. Kulkarni: Champion of Justice and Equity
Born in India and raised in the United States, Manjusha P. Kulkarni has emerged as a formidable advocate for social justice, equity, and civil rights. As the Executive Director of the AAPI Equity Alliance, Kulkarni leads one of the most influential organizations representing the interests of 1.6 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Los Angeles County. In this role, she has been a relentless voice for marginalized communities, working to advance policies and programs that dismantle systemic barriers and foster inclusion.
Kulkarni’s commitment to justice extends far beyond organizational leadership. She is a co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, the largest reporting center in the United States dedicated to addressing hate incidents targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Under her guidance, Stop AAPI Hate has played a critical role in documenting, analyzing, and responding to the alarming surge of anti-AAPI sentiment and violence in recent years. Her tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed: in addition to being named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, Kulkarni received the highly regarded James Irvine Leadership Award in 2024, recognizing her visionary leadership and steadfast advocacy.
Priyamvada Natarajan: Trailblazer in Astrophysics
Priyamvada Natarajan’s journey from Tamil Nadu, India, to the upper echelons of American academia is a story of intellectual brilliance and scientific discovery. After moving to the United States to pursue higher education, Natarajan established herself as one of the world’s leading astrophysicists. She is currently a professor of astronomy and physics at Yale University, where her groundbreaking research explores the most profound mysteries of the universe: dark matter, dark energy, and black holes.
Natarajan’s pioneering work has significantly advanced our understanding of the cosmos, earning her numerous accolades and fellowships. Among her many honors are the Emeline Bigelow Conland Fellowship, the respected Guggenheim Fellowship, and the coveted 2025 Dannie Heineman Prize. In 2024, she joined the ranks of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people, a fitting recognition for a scientist whose curiosity and expertise continue to expand the horizons of human knowledge.
A Moment of Pride for the Indian American Community
The recognition of Manjusha P. Kulkarni and Priyamvada Natarajan by the Carnegie Corporation of New York is a source of immense pride for the nearly five million people of Indian origin living in the United States. Their induction into the elite circle of “Great Immigrants, Great Americans” will take place on July 4th, coinciding with America’s Independence Day—a symbolic reminder of the ideals of freedom, opportunity, and pluralism that define the nation’s character.
Their stories, rooted in perseverance and the pursuit of excellence, are a beacon for aspiring immigrants across the world. By honoring these two exceptional women, America not only acknowledges their individual achievements but also reaffirms its enduring belief in the transformative power of diversity and inclusion. As their names join the historic roster of honorees, Kulkarni and Natarajan stand as living testaments to the promise of the American dream.
Honoring the Legacy of Indian American Achievement
The inclusion of Kulkarni and Natarajan in the 2025 cohort continues a proud tradition of Indian-origin individuals receiving this distinguished honor. In 2024, the award celebrated four such luminaries: Nobel laureate and economist Abhijit Banerjee; Dr. Ashish Kumar Jha, a leader in public health; Premal Shah, a visionary in social entrepreneurship; and Eboo Patel, a prominent interfaith advocate. These trailblazers joined an illustrious group of previous honorees, including Gita Gopinath, the former chief economist of the International Monetary Fund; Kamlesh Lulla, a renowned NASA scientist; Dr. Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General; Pulitzer Prize-winning author Siddhartha Mukherjee; Santanu Narayen, CEO of Adobe; and Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet. Their stories embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and community service that has long defined the immigrant experience.