Dev Pragad on Indian-Origin Success and India’s Global Rise
Dev Pragad, the CEO of the prestigious American news magazine Newsweek, has become a beacon of inspiration for the Indian diaspora. Known for his admiration of the hardworking and resilient nature of Indian-origin individuals, Pragad believes these qualities are vital to their success in the West. During a recent visit to India, he was honored as the Guest of Honour at the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Odisha, celebrating the achievements of the Indian diaspora.
In an exclusive interview with WION's Sidhant Sibal, Dev Pragad shared his views on the challenges faced by Indian Americans, the transformation of the media landscape, and India's pivotal role in shaping global narratives.
The Success of Indian-Origin Professionals
Born in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, and raised in the UK, Dev Pragad has firsthand experience of the perseverance and innovation that define the Indian diaspora. Reflecting on the evolving landscape for Indian-Americans, he noted, “20 years ago, it was far harder for Indian-Americans to gain recognition. Today, through sheer talent, hard work, and innovation, they’ve changed the narrative.”
Pragad highlighted the role of early pioneers in industries like technology and business, who paved the way for successive generations. According to him, growing up in India's unique environment—a blend of order and chaos—equipped individuals with the ability to navigate complex and uncertain situations, a crucial skill for leadership.
Pragad also emphasized the natural aptitude of Indian-origin leaders in people management. Their focus on execution and results, rather than self-promotion, has significantly contributed to their prominence in the West.
Challenges Faced by Indian-Americans
Despite significant progress, Dev Pragad acknowledged that challenges persist. While the Indian-American community has achieved remarkable success in industries like technology, their representation in sectors such as media remains limited. Pragad noted, “The media industry has few Indian-American leaders, particularly in decision-making roles, which can sometimes skew narratives about India.”
This underrepresentation, he believes, underscores the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in leadership roles across industries.
India's Growing Global Influence
Dev Pragad celebrated India’s increasing influence on the global stage. He pointed out that Indian-origin professionals, whether CEOs, scientists, or doctors, have made substantial contributions to global progress. “We often highlight CEOs, but let’s not forget the immense contributions of scientists, doctors, and academics from India,” he said.
Pragad emphasized that India’s democratic values and economic growth are pivotal to its success. Comparing India to the United States, he noted their shared commitment to democracy and their roles as stabilizing forces in global geopolitics.
The Media Landscape and Trust in Journalism
As the CEO of Newsweek, Dev Pragad is deeply engaged with the challenges posed by the rapidly evolving media landscape. He highlighted the rise of AI-generated content and the growing threat of misinformation. However, he affirmed Newsweek’s commitment to delivering transparent and fact-checked journalism. “We aim to be trustworthy, more than just trusted,” Pragad explained.
Under his leadership, Newsweek has embraced diversity and broadened its appeal by engaging readers across the political spectrum. With millions of daily readers and an expanding global reach through platforms like Apple News, the magazine remains committed to credible and unbiased reporting.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Dev Pragad's journey from Coimbatore to leading one of the world’s most respected media brands exemplifies resilience, intelligence, and dedication. His reflections on the Indian diaspora's success and India’s rise as a global leader offer inspiration to young Indians worldwide.
Through his leadership, Pragad continues to shape global narratives, champion diversity, and highlight the contributions of Indian-origin professionals. His recognition at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas underscores the growing significance of India's diaspora and its role in building a brighter future for the world.