The Indiana India Business Council (IIBC) will recognize Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard this year with the prestigious Indiana Ratna (Jewel of Indiana) award.
The fifth annual Indiana India Gala event is set for Wednesday, Aug. 9 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis, according to IIBC Founder & President Raju Chinthala.
Chinthala
“Mayor Jim Brainard has had an extraordinary tenure, redefining and reimagining the city of Carmel, Indiana,” Chinthala said. “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. We are proud to recognize Jim’s career with the 2023 Indiana Ratna Award.”
Brainard visited India in October and November of 2015 and shared Carmel’s success story with mayors from cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Kolkata, and Guwahati. He is also establishing a sister city in India in 2023.
“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,” Mayor Brainard said. “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 fifth 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.
IIBC is a membership-based business advocacy group that provides services to its members and leadership in strengthening economic ties between Indiana and India. The organization’s vision is to build a positive bilateral 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 ININbc.org.