5th Annual “Indiana - India" Gala”

The Indiana India Business Council will recognize Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard this year with the prestigious “Indiana Ratna” (Jewel of Indiana) award. The 5th annual “Indiana India Gala” event is set for Wednesday, August 9th, 2023, 5:30PM at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis announced Raju Chinthala, Founder & President of the Indiana India Business Council.

“Mayor Jim Brainard has had an extraordinary tenure, redefining and reimagining the city of Carmel, Indiana,” said Chinthala. “He has contributed significantly towards strengthening cultural, educational, political, social and economic ties and has helped make a profound impact in both Indiana and India during his seven terms as Carmel’s mayor.” Brainard visited India in October/November of 2015 and shared Carmel’s success story with mayors from cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Kolkata and Guwahati. Mayor Brainard is also establishing a sister city in India in 2023. We are proud to recognize Jim’s career with the 2023 “Indiana Ratna Award.”

“I am honored to receive this prestigious award from an organization that works hard to bring together the business and cultural relationships between India, Carmel and the state of Indiana,” said Mayor Brainard. “It is important that in a time of polarization across the globe, we continue to work together to strengthen our economic ties that benefit all.”

Sponsorship opportunities are available, as well as the opportunity to purchase a table. To learn more about the 5th annual “Indiana India Gala” or ways to become involved, please contact Raju Chinthala at rajuchinthala@gmail.com

About “Indiana Ratna Award” : “Indiana Ratna” is the highest award bestowed by the board members of IIBC to individuals who have contributed significantly towards strengthening cultural, educational, political, social, and economic ties and have helped in making a profound impact in both Indiana and India. Christel House International Founder Christel DeHaan was the first "Indiana Ratna" award recipient in 2018 and Former Mayor of Indianapolis Gregory A. Ballard was the second "Indiana Ratna" award recipient in 2019. In 2021, Governor Eric Holcomb and Infosys were honored with the “Indiana Ratna” Award, and Jim Schellinger and Sudhakar Gande were recognized in 2022.

About Indiana India Business Council: Founded by Raju Chinthala, the IIBC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2016 that contributes to strengthening Indiana - India relations by generating economic and social growth. The IIBC is responsible for bringing several partnerships to life, one that transcends borders and builds relations, creating strong international ties that lead to a vibrant economy. One of the major functions of IIBC is to collaborate with India based companies that want to operate in Indiana, Indiana based companies that want to expand in India, and businesses owned by Indian Americans living in Indiana. Indiana India Business Council is a membership-based business advocacy group that provides services to its members and leadership in strengthening economic ties between Indiana and India.

Our vision is to build a positive bi-lateral environment between Indiana and India that supports a spirit of economic partnership and to be a "trusted advisor" in promoting trade and business collaboration. For more information, please visit www.ININbc.org.