IIT Madras recently announced the recipients of its prestigious 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Awards, recognizing ten exceptional alumni for their global impact, with five honorees being Indian-Americans. These individuals, hailing from diverse fields, exemplify the institution’s legacy of excellence and innovation.
Among them is Jaishree Deshpande, co-founder of the Deshpande Foundation, who has significantly advanced innovation ecosystems globally, including spearheading a tech innovation center at MIT. Ramesh Sitaraman, a computer scientist, was pivotal in developing Akamai, the world’s first major content delivery network that revolutionized internet infrastructure.
In the field of artificial intelligence and hardware systems, Vijay Narayanan, an IBM Fellow, has contributed groundbreaking work in AI-driven solutions and materials science. Similarly, Sandhya Dwarkadas, a computer science professor, has driven research in parallel computing, focusing on energy-efficient technologies that optimize system performance.
Ramesh Srinivasan, a senior partner at McKinsey, has impacted global education initiatives and leadership programs, advocating for opportunities in underserved communities. His work exemplifies the blending of corporate strategy with social responsibility.
These five distinguished Indian-Americans reflect the power of IIT Madras’s educational foundation, showcasing how its alumni continue to lead in innovation, technology, and societal development worldwide. The awards highlight the influence of the Indian diaspora in shaping industries and fostering positive change.