It is estimated that nearly 25 million people of Indian origin live outside India. Of these one of the largest groups of Indian diaspora numbering about 2.5 millions live in USA. Indian Americans are the most well off community amongst all ethnic immigrants in US. The median income of this group is 1.5 times that of the average Americans. These Professionals of Indian Origin in US (PIOUS) have made their mark in almost all the key sectors be it academia, research, industry, finance, science and technology, health care, hospitality, management and governance to name a few. About 67% of all persons of Indian origin have a bachelor’s or higher degree compared to a national average of 28% and nearly 40% have a master’s, doctorate or other professional degree, which is nearly four times the US national average.

The Diaspora is very special to India. Residing in distant lands, its members have succeeded spectacularly in their chosen professions by dint of their single-minded dedication and hard work. What is more, they have retained their emotional, cultural and spiritual links with the country of their origin. This strikes a reciprocal chord in the hearts of people of India. It is to nurture this symbiotic relationship to mutual advantage that the Government of India has initiated many programs including PIOUS network.

Many professionals of Indian origin want to partner in Indo-US cooperation and render their services for the development of India. A number of PIOs have already made significant contributions in augmenting India’s technological capability and many more want to see a strong partnership between the oldest and the largest democracies of the world.

Indo-US Cooperation

Indo-US  S&T cooperation began about 50 years ago with establishment of NCERT, IIT Kanpur, agriculture universities and television based SITE program. The scientists of both the countries collaborated in areas of basic sciences, health, disease control, vaccine development, atmospheric Sciences, nuclear safety, cyber security, biotechnology, hydrogen economy, environmental science, HIV/AIDS, material sciences and nanotechnology to name a few.

During the last few years, we have witnessed a remarkable progress in Indo-US cooperation. Some landmark events such as signing of Indo-US S&T Umbrella Agreement, creation of a “Bi-National S&T Commission” and an Endowment Fund, Knowledge Initiative in Agriculture and High Technology Cooperation Group, pursuance of Energy Dialogue and Civil Nuclear Cooperation, have enhanced collaborations between professionals of both India and US. In addition to these new arrangements, the activities under Indo-US S&T Forum and some Ministries of the Government of India have enhanced cooperation in many diverse areas.

Genesis of PIOUS Network

In order to strengthen this rapidly growing Indo-US partnership and bring efficacy in achieving desired goals, a need was felt by the Government of India to create a database and connect individuals, institutions and industries in US and in India.

Honourable Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister for Science and Technology, and Earth Sciences, Government of India initiated the idea for establishment of a database of PIOs to connect large number of professionals in the USA and India. In September 2006, a concept paper on developing a database utilizing interactive social network concept to link Professionals of Indian Origin in US (PIOUS) prepared by Rosemary Fernandes to Dr Kamal Dwivedi (Counselor of Science & Technology) was approved by the Department of Science and Technology. Ms. Rosemary Fernandes, President and CEO of Phoenix Rose, LLC developed the preliminary design and structure of PIOUS network and compiled a concise database. Susequently, the PIOUS network has been developed by Phoenix Rose with special features for social networking environment, outreach and communication.