USA (Commonwealth Union)_ Eight individuals of Indian origin have secured spots on Time magazine’s esteemed ‘100 most influential people of 2024′ list, underscoring the diverse impact made by Indians and those with Indian heritage across various fields. Accordingly, notable figures such as actress Alia Bhatt and wrestler Sakshi Malik feature prominently among the honorees, alongside the broad spectrum of achievers recognized for their contributions to society. The list spans categories encompassing artists, icons, movie stars, athletes, scientists, politicians, and business leaders, showcasing the global reach and influence of individuals from different walks of life. Here are the distinguished individuals who have earned their place on Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people of 2024.
Alia Bhatt
According to British film director Tom Harper, Alia Bhatt emerges as a formidable talent. Notably, he highlighted her significant impact within the Hindi film industry and beyond. Bhatt, who holds British citizenship, boasts accolades including a National Film Award and stands as one of India’s highest-paid actresses. Her international debut in Netflix’s “Heart of Stone” further solidifies her stature as a versatile performer.
Dev Patel
Dev Patel, the Indian-origin British actor, garnered widespread acclaim following his breakout role in “Slumdog Millionaire”, which propelled him to global recognition in 2008. Notably, Patel’s directorial debut with “Monkey Man” marks a new milestone in his multifaceted career, showcasing his evolution as a creative force in the entertainment industry.
Sakshi Malik
Sakshi Malik, India’s first and lone female wrestler to clinch an Olympic medal, transcends the realm of sports by becoming a symbol of resilience and advocacy. Her courageous stand against sexual harassment within the Wrestling Federation of India amplifies her influence beyond the wrestling arena, championing the voices of marginalized women across India.
Satya Nadella
Satya Nadella, the executive chairman and CEO of Microsoft, earns his place on Time’s influential list for the third time, underscoring his enduring impact on the global tech landscape. With strategic investments in cutting-edge technologies like AI through collaborations with entities like OpenAI and Mistral AI, Nadella continues to shape the future of computing worldwide.
Ajay Banga
Ajay Banga, hailing from Pune, rose to the presidency of the World Bank, a testament to his visionary leadership and transformative initiatives. Recognized by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen for his prowess in steering essential institutions towards progress, Banga’s journey from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, to the helm of the World Bank exemplifies the power of determination and excellence.
Jigar Shah
Jigar Shah, director of the US Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office, commands attention for spearheading monumental economic development endeavors on a global scale. Born in India and raised in the United States, Shah’s leadership is lauded by figures like Richard Branson, highlighting his pivotal role in driving sustainable growth and innovation.
Asma Khan
Asma Khan, an Indian-born British restaurateur and cookbook author, distinguishes herself through her pioneering culinary venture, Darjeeling Express, renowned for its innovative approach and all-female kitchen. Praised for her culinary prowess by figures like Padma Lakshmi, Khan’s journey from India to the heart of London’s culinary scene serves as a testament to her passion and creativity.
Priyamvada Natarajan
Priyamvada Natarajan, a distinguished professor at Yale University specializing in astronomy and physics, garners recognition for her groundbreaking research in mapping dark matter and dark energy. Born in Tamil Nadu and educated at Delhi Public School, RK Puram, Natarajan embodies excellence in scientific inquiry, contributing significantly to our understanding of the universe’s fundamental mysteries.
