Introducing: WFY People Of The Year 2025
By WFY Bureau | Special Feature | The WFY Magazine, December, 2025 edition
WFY People of the Year 2025
Every year, a few remarkable individuals stand out for their contributions to community life, global progress and the evolving identity of Indians abroad. These honourees represent the many stories of grit, achievement, creativity and service that shaped the global Indian journey in 2025.
This is WFY’s annual list of outstanding diaspora figures who defined excellence, leadership and impact across continents.
1. Leader of the Year
Harmit Kaur Dhillon (United States)
Harmit Kaur Dhillon has long been one of the most visible Indian-American figures in the fields of law, policy and community representation. In 2025, her work reached new levels of influence as she continued to participate actively in public-interest litigation, civic advocacy and community education across the United States. Known for her deep understanding of constitutional issues and her ability to navigate complex legal landscapes, she became an important voice in national conversations on civil liberties, representation and the balance between community identity and broader civic responsibility.
Dhillon’s leadership extends beyond the legal arena. She is widely recognised within the Indian-American community for mentoring young professionals, supporting diaspora-driven civic engagement and encouraging responsible participation in democratic processes. Her work in 2025 highlighted the role Indian-origin leaders now play in bridging complex discussions across communities, institutions and generational divides. Her example reflects the growing maturity and visibility of Indians in public life across the world.
2. Entrepreneur of the Year
Naveen Tewari (United States / India)
A pioneering figure in global technology entrepreneurship, Naveen Tewari continued to influence the digital business landscape in 2025. His ventures expanded their footprint across multiple continents, focusing on mobile-first solutions, digital ecosystems and next-generation consumer technology. Tewari’s strategic vision and understanding of emerging markets enabled his companies to scale in a year marked by shifting economic conditions and fast-changing technological expectations.
His impact extends well beyond business. Tewari has mentored dozens of young entrepreneurs, invested in early-stage innovation and advocated for more equitable access to technology in developing regions. His cross-border initiatives reflect the spirit of modern Indian entrepreneurship: confident, globally connected and determined to build products that serve diverse populations. In 2025, his leadership stood out as an example of how diaspora-led enterprises can act as bridges between economies, creating new opportunities for collaboration, employment and growth.
3. Change-maker of the Year
Dr Tara Narayan (United Kingdom)
A respected public health specialist, Dr Tara Narayan made a significant impact in 2025 through her clinical programmes and community initiatives across the United Kingdom. Her work focused on the health needs of migrant communities, particularly women and young adults navigating new healthcare systems. She led several research-based interventions addressing mental health awareness, early screening for chronic illnesses and culturally informed health education.
Dr Narayan’s work is rooted in empathy and evidence. She trained local volunteers, collaborated with community groups and created accessible health-toolkits that simplified complex medical information for migrant families. In a year when global attention to mental well-being increased, her contributions stood out for their clarity and relevance. Her commitment to inclusive healthcare demonstrated the power of diaspora professionals to shape public health outcomes in their adopted countries. Through her leadership, countless families found guidance, reassurance and support during the year.
4. Artist of the Year
Shaan Patel (Canada)
Shaan Patel emerged in 2025 as one of the most exciting Indian-origin creative voices in North America. A musician and producer, he blends elements of classical Indian melody with contemporary global beats, creating a distinctive sound that resonates across cultures. His work found audiences on major streaming platforms, while his live performances brought South Asian elements to mainstream concert venues in Toronto, Vancouver and beyond.
Patel’s creative approach reflects the lived experience of many diaspora youth. His music embraces identity without being confined by it, combining nostalgia, modernity and experimentation. In a year where cross-cultural artistic collaboration became more visible internationally, Patel stood out for his ability to bridge genres and traditions. His rise represents a new phase in diaspora creativity, where artists comfortably occupy both global and cultural spaces while contributing uniquely to both. His achievements in 2025 place him firmly among the most influential young artists shaping the future of Indian-origin global culture.
5. Young Achiever of the Year
Aarav Shah (Australia)
At just nineteen years old, Aarav Shah became one of the most promising young researchers in the field of sustainable materials. Based in Australia, he contributed to innovative research exploring biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics and environmentally responsible manufacturing methods. His early papers, co-authored with senior researchers, attracted international attention for their clarity and practical relevance in global sustainability debates.
What sets Aarav apart is not only his intelligence but his disciplined work ethic and community orientation. He has engaged actively with student organisations, taught young learners about environmental responsibility and participated in international science forums. His achievements symbolise the growing influence of second-generation diaspora youth, who combine global awareness with cultural grounding. Aarav’s accomplishments in 2025 illustrated how the next generation of global Indians is not waiting to make an impact. They are already shaping the future.
6. Community Hero of the Year
Revathi Menon (United Arab Emirates)
Revathi Menon has been a pillar of the Indian community in the UAE for more than a decade, but 2025 was the year her work received broader recognition. She organised multilingual support circles for migrant workers, coordinated emergency assistance for families in distress and introduced cultural mentoring programmes for second-generation youth. Her ability to address everyday challenges with compassion made her one of the most trusted community figures in the region.
Menon also worked closely with welfare organisations to improve access to information about labour rights, health services and safe financial practices. Her leadership emphasised dignity, cultural belonging and practical support for those adapting to life far from home. In a fast-moving country like the UAE, where migrant experiences can vary widely, her initiatives provided stability and reassurance. Her work in 2025 stands as an example of community service rooted in empathy, respect and a deep understanding of diaspora life.
7. Innovator of the Year
Dr Neel Arora (Germany)
A leading figure in green engineering, Dr Neel Arora made notable progress in 2025 through his research on energy-efficient urban infrastructure. Working in a European research institute, he focused on designing low-emission building systems that could be implemented affordably in both developed and developing countries. His work addressed one of the most urgent issues of the decade: building cities that can withstand environmental pressures without worsening them.
Dr Arora’s contributions included collaborative projects with universities across Europe and South Asia. His research translated into pilot programmes in public buildings, community centres and low-cost housing solutions. As climate change remains a defining challenge for the world, Innovators like Arora demonstrate the ability of diaspora scientists to create solutions that extend far beyond borders. His recognition as Innovator of the Year reflects how Indian-origin researchers continue to drive global advancements in sustainability and environmental resilience.
8. Cultural Ambassador of the Year
Meera Subramanian (Singapore)
As a curator and cultural educator, Meera Subramanian spent 2025 promoting Indian arts and heritage across Southeast Asia. She organised exhibitions, storytelling festivals, music recitals and heritage lectures that introduced diverse audiences to regional Indian traditions. Her work especially resonated with young diaspora families seeking meaningful ways to keep their cultural roots alive.
Subramanian’s initiatives went beyond event planning. She created digital guides to Indian folk traditions, collaborated with museums and community groups, and supported artists seeking platforms abroad. Her ability to communicate complex cultural ideas in accessible, engaging ways made her one of the most recognisable Indian cultural ambassadors in the region. In a year marked by growing demand for authentic cultural expression, her work helped deepen appreciation for India’s artistic diversity and reinforced the importance of culture as a global connector.
9. Philanthropist of the Year
Rajiv Kapoor (United Kingdom)
Rajiv Kapoor’s philanthropic efforts expanded significantly in 2025. A successful financial professional, he dedicated substantial resources to education and healthcare programmes in India and to community-building efforts in the UK. His contributions supported scholarships for underprivileged students, digital literacy initiatives for migrant workers and research grants for innovations in low-cost healthcare.
What distinguishes Kapoor’s work is his commitment to long-term, sustainable giving. Rather than one-time donations, he built partnerships with trusted organisations and community institutions to ensure that resources reached those who needed them most. His philanthropy reflects a growing trend among diaspora professionals who seek to give back thoughtfully and strategically. In 2025, Kapoor’s work stood out for its integrity, impact and global reach.
10. Sports Personality of the Year
Kanak Jha (United States)
Kanak Jha’s rise in world table tennis continued into 2025, establishing him as one of the most dynamic Indian-origin athletes of his generation. Already a three-time Olympian, he strengthened his international ranking and delivered strong performances in leading tournaments in Europe and Asia. His versatility, disciplined playing style and global training background contributed to his growing international reputation.
What makes Jha particularly noteworthy is the unusual nature of his journey. Representing the United States, trained in Europe and rooted in Indian family values, he embodies a truly global sporting identity. His achievements this year inspired young athletes across the diaspora, especially those pursuing excellence in sports outside traditional South Asian categories. Kanak Jha’s success story is not only about sporting strength but also about resilience, cultural balance and a modern sense of belonging.
