TIME magazine has recently unveiled its 2021 TIME100 Next list, which spotlights 100 rising stars across various industries who are poised to shape the future. Released on February 17, this list is an extension of the renowned TIME100 franchise, which traditionally features the most influential people globally. Among those recognized are five Indian-origin individuals who have made significant impacts in their respective fields: UK’s finance minister Rishi Sunak, Twitter’s top lawyer Vijaya Gadde, nonprofit founders Rohan Pavuluri and Shikha Gupta, and tech entrepreneur Apoorva Mehta. Additionally, Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Aazad has been honored for his advocacy work.
Notable Indian-Origin Leaders on TIME100 Next
The 2021 TIME100 Next list includes a diverse group of individuals from around the world, with a notable presence of Indian-origin leaders. This section highlights their contributions and the reasons for their inclusion in this prestigious list.
Rishi Sunak’s Rise in UK Politics
Rishi Sunak, the UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, has been lauded as the benevolent face of the UK government’s economic response to the COVID-19 crisis. His swift actions and policies aimed at supporting businesses and workers during the pandemic have catapulted him into the limelight, earning him a spot on the TIME100 Next list.
Vijaya Gadde’s Influence at Twitter
Vijaya Gadde, serving as the legal, policy, and trust & safety lead at Twitter, is recognized as one of the platform’s most influential executives. Her role in steering Twitter through complex issues such as user safety, misinformation, and content moderation has established her as a key figure in the ongoing discourse on social media’s impact on society.
Rohan Pavuluri’s Nonprofit Initiatives
Rohan Pavuluri is the founder of Upsolve, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income Americans navigate bankruptcy. By providing free access to legal services, Pavuluri’s work with Upsolve has offered financial relief to numerous individuals, thus securing his place on the TIME100 Next list.
Shikha Gupta’s Healthcare Advocacy
Dr. Shikha Gupta, as the Executive Director of Get Us PPE, has been instrumental in addressing the personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages faced by healthcare workers during the pandemic. Her efforts in ensuring the distribution of PPE where it’s most needed have underscored the critical role of nonprofit organizations in times of crisis.
Apoorva Mehta’s Entrepreneurial Success
Apoorva Mehta, the founder and CEO of Instacart, has revolutionized the grocery delivery service industry, especially amid the pandemic. Instacart’s rapid growth and the convenience it offers to consumers have propelled Mehta onto the TIME100 Next list, highlighting the influence of innovation in the tech sector.
Chandra Shekhar Aazad’s Activism
Chandra Shekhar Aazad, the chief of the Bhim Army, has been recognized for his activism, particularly his campaign advocating for justice for the victim in UP’s Hathras rape case. His inclusion in the list underscores the importance of social and political activism in bringing about change.
About TIME Magazine
TIME magazine, established in 1923, is an American weekly news magazine known for its authoritative journalism and diverse special editions, including TIME’s Person of the Year and the TIME 100 list. The magazine’s coverage spans a wide range of topics, from global politics and economics to science and entertainment. The TIME100 Next list is one of its newer initiatives, aiming to identify and honor the next generation of influential leaders.
