India is on the rise. With a GDP growth nearly three times that of the United States, the South Asian country is fast-becoming an economic hub for trade, tech, entertainment, and more.

On January 25, the Marshall South Asian Business Association (SABA) will host the inaugural USC India Conference (IndiaCon) at Town and Gown at USC, centering on the theme “Bridging Ideas, Innovation, and Leadership for a Better Tomorrow.” From macroeconomics to healthcare and even the emergence of cricket within the United States, the conference will explore the dynamic, rising industries within the country of over 1.4 billion.

“What we want people to take away from the conference is that they can look at India through whatever lens they have,” said Aanshit Agarwal MBA ’26, AVP of Marketing at SABA. “If somebody’s into entertainment, they can look at it through the entertainment lens and find the opportunity for themselves, find a space in which they want to work and grow, and how India can help them.”

Co-founded by Raghav Mahajan MBA ’25, the president of SABA, and Marshall alumnus Tejaswa Gavankar MBA ’24, the conference highlights the impact of the Indian diaspora across the United States.

“From educational achievement to leadership roles in major corporations, their impact is extraordinary,” Gavanker said “This forum is designed to celebrate that success while offering a platform for inspiration and collaboration.”

The one-day conference brings together industry experts, thought leaders, and professionals for panels on opportunities for Indians within the United States and opportunities within India for all people. According to the SABA members, it’s the first India conference to take place on the West Coast and couldn’t come at a better time.

“It’s not only prudent, it’s vital to see where India is heading,” said Mahajan. “India’s economy is growing. It’s one of the fastest growing economies in the world. I believe when you are a business student or whenever you’re starting something in any discipline, I believe it’s good to know where the world is heading to make a wise decision about moving a business into a certain direction.

The conference’s panels will feature multiple Indian luminaries, including K. Sikar Reddy, Consul General of India in San Francisco; Gunjan Bagla, Founder and CEO, Amritt Inc.; Kanwal Rekhi Managing Director, Inventus Capital Partners; Sujata Murthy, Executive Vice President, Universal Music; and players from the U.S. national cricket team.

The event will kick off with a traditional Indian lamplighting ceremony with USC President Carol Folt, offering a warm welcome to the audience. Panels will explore multiple fields such as U.S.-India relations, India’s integral place in the global healthcare industry, the potential for India’s development into the new Silicon Valley, the role of South Asian women in entertainment, how to build a successful career as an immigrant, and cricket’s future in the United States.

Mahajan and his fellow SABA members hope the entire USC community will come out. Regardless of school, nationality, or career aspirations, they believe there’s an opportunity for everyone at IndiaCon.

“It’s not only about building a community with Indians, it’s about building a community with like-minded individuals,” Mahajan said. “I see everyone coming together, sitting together, having meaningful conversations, and getting to know each other, which can lead to a new job opportunity. Or maybe they can come together and start a new business. They can even learn about all their investment opportunities within India.”

In addition to deepening awareness and investment in India, SABA is also sponsoring a $2,000 scholarship prize to be awarded to a student who possesses a passion for South Asia with a demonstrated contribution to the region’s development through their career and/or endeavors at USC.

“This year, we are starting small, but every year, we are expecting to make it bigger and bigger and give back to the Indian community so that we can create an impact on their daily lives when they are living in the U.S.,” Gavankar said.

To register for IndiaCon, follow this link.

For a complete rundown of the conference’s panels and events, please check out the IndiaCon agenda.