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Greenbelt, MD -- India is an emerging force in today’s global economy, and Maryland is poised for a strong partnership with its community both locally and abroad. The 4^th Annual Maryland-Indian Business Roundtable Gala on November 20 honored members of the local business and political community amidst a backdrop of saris, Indian cuisine, and echoes of trying economic times.

“We’re in a wintry season, economically,” said Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, the event’s keynote speaker. “(Indians) are one of the most skilled, talented, creative ethnic groups in our mosaic of a state. With 25,000 people in the state employed by Indian-owned businesses, we’re all in this together.”

India is the 12^th largest economy in the world, with a 2008 GDP of approximately $1 trillion. It recorded a GDP growth rate of 9.1 percent for the fiscal year 2007–2008, making its growth one of the fastest of the emerging economies in the world -- second only to China, according to the Central Statistical Organisation in New Delhi. The world also has taken note of its increasing affluence, which is breaking norms and creating fresh opportunities for the country’s younger generation.

MIBRT – along with its annual recognition of key players in the community -- is part of this growth and cultural shift.

“Thirty years ago, Indians were doctors or academics. We didn’t think going into business was a viable option,” said Venkat Subramanian, president and CEO of Angarai International, Inc. and winner of the MIBRT Young Professional of the Year Award. “We have four boys in my family and we are all in business. You wouldn’t have seen that in the previous generation. MIBRT is a part of that change.”

MIBRT is committed to creating “a new voice for Maryland businesses.” Its programs and services assist state businesses in finding the right opportunities and partners in India, conduct research, support technology development, and more. It has facilitated 14 partnerships between colleges, businesses, and government in Maryland and India. Most recently, the organization has launched a new chapter in Baltimore.

The 22 honorees included Chief of Staff to Prince George’s County Executive Michael D. Herman, who received the “Leadership of the Year” award for spearheading the county’s support of MIBRT and its initiatives. The county was instrumental in providing office space, funding, and relationship-building tools.

Maryland General Assembly Delegate Kris Valderrama was honored with the “Emerging Leadership” award, as was Chung S. Pak -- a U.S. Patent Judge -- for his work as an “Asian Pacific Community Advocate.”

“This award means a great deal to me because it recognizes the importance of bringing people together for the benefit of all communities,” Chung said. “It recognizes the importance of insuring that the interests of the Asian American community are protected.”

Asian Fortune’s founder and publisher Jay Chen also was recognized with the “Best Journalism of the Year” award.

During the event, O’Malley highlighted the common goals between India and Maryland in the biotechnology and life sciences field.

“There is tremendous opportunity to exercise moral leadership in this world,” he said. “This world’s future is going to depend on thoughtful scientific minds, here and in India, for a more sustainable future.”

Accordingly, Dr. Savithiry Natarajan, a lead scientist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, was honored for her work in developing innovative technologies testing the bio-safety of genetically engineered crops.

Event speakers and attendees also included Maryland State Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler; Maryland State Senator Brian Frosh, also president of MIBRT; and Natwar Gandhi, chief financial officer of the D.C. Government.

O’Malley summed up the importance of MIBRT’s work and the evening’s events with a nod to the global economy.

“As the world grows smaller, it is pertinent for state leaders to look beyond our borders,” O’Malley said. “Global competition is going to happen whether we want it to or not. The question is, ‘Are we going to compete or let it pass us by?’ Maryland – with its diversity, commitment to education and entrepreneurial spirit -- will compete.”