Vinai Thummalapally’s journey from a Hyderabad-born engineering student and Barack Obama’s college roommate to the first Indian American U.S. ambassador exemplifies the evolving narrative of immigrant success in America.
On the inaugural episode of “Inside Indian America,” host Aziz Haniffa shares the remarkable story of Vinai Thummalapally, who transitioned from being a college roommate of Barack Obama to becoming the first Indian American U.S. ambassador. Thummalapally’s journey reflects the broader narrative of Indian American success and the changing face of American representation.
Thummalapally recounted a poignant moment during his tenure as ambassador to Belize, where a young man rushed to greet him, exclaiming, “Sir, Ambassador — welcome to my country. This is the closest I’ll ever get to President Obama, my hero.” This encounter underscored the significance of his role and the impact of his story.
Born and raised in Hyderabad, India, Thummalapally arrived in the United States at the age of 19 to pursue an engineering degree. He transferred from RV College of Engineering in Bangalore to California State University, Northridge, in 1974, embarking on a journey that would see him navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system during the 1970s.
Thummalapally’s academic pursuits were complemented by a growing interest in management, leading him to earn a Master’s in Business Administration. By the early 1980s, he had entered the private sector, working in the manufacturing of compact discs. His career trajectory included significant roles at Warner Brothers and a Japanese firm in Colorado, where he oversaw U.S. operations and data recording processes.
Despite his success in the private sector, Thummalapally maintained a close friendship with Obama, who he met while both were pursuing their studies in Los Angeles. The two shared a home with other roommates, and Thummalapally fondly recalled Obama as a thoughtful and dedicated student. Their friendship endured as Obama transitioned into politics, with Thummalapally and his wife supporting him throughout his early campaigns.
Thummalapally’s life took a pivotal turn in early 2009 when he received a call from President Obama, who asked him to serve as ambassador. Without hesitation, Thummalapally accepted the honor, making history as the first Indian American appointed to such a position. He was confirmed unanimously by the Senate and began his role in Belize in September 2009.
During his time in Belize, Thummalapally focused on strengthening U.S.-Belize trade relations, promoting democratic governance, and fostering connections between the two nations. He recognized the symbolic weight of his position, understanding that his role represented hope for young immigrants and children of immigrants watching his journey.
After nearly four years in Belize, Thummalapally returned to Washington, D.C., to lead SelectUSA, a program aimed at attracting foreign direct investment into the United States. Under his leadership, SelectUSA generated over $23 billion in investments from approximately 70 countries, earning him recognition as the “Chief Marketing Officer for the United States” by Forbes.
Thummalapally continued his public service under President Biden, serving as deputy director and chief operating officer of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. His work focused on connecting American technology and business expertise to emerging markets, further solidifying his commitment to public service.
Today, Thummalapally channels his experiences into nonprofit work, funding workforce training programs in economically challenged communities through Rural Empowerment. He is also a founding board member of the South Asian Impact Foundation, which supports South Asian Americans in pursuing public office. The number of South Asians in elected positions has grown significantly since 2017, reflecting the changing landscape of American politics.
As Thummalapally reflects on his friendship with Obama, he notes that they remain in touch, albeit infrequently. After the passing of Thummalapally’s father earlier this year, Obama reached out personally to offer his condolences, demonstrating the enduring bond they share.
Thummalapally’s story is not merely about being the first Indian American ambassador; it embodies the possibilities available to immigrants in America. It highlights the power of friendship, the importance of service, and the evolving definition of what it means to represent the United States on the global stage.
As the podcast concludes, Haniffa emphasizes the importance of capturing stories like Thummalapally’s, which illuminate individual achievements while reflecting the broader transformation of a community and a nation. This narrative serves as a reminder of the hope and potential that continues to inspire future generations of immigrants.
For more insights into Thummalapally’s journey and the stories of other Indian Americans, listen to the full episode of “Inside Indian America” on Spotify.
According to Aziz Haniffa.