The University of Southern California (USC) honoured three distinguished leaders at the inaugural USC India Awards held in Mumbai on December 15, recognising individuals whose leadership and innovation have shaped industries and strengthened long-standing ties between USC and India. The ceremony, hosted at the Taj Mahal Palace, marked the introduction of the USC–Ratan Tata Award.
With the Tata Group as the title sponsor, the awards were presented by the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. USC Interim President Beong-Soo Kim honoured N.R. Narayana Murthy, founder and former CEO of Infosys, with the USC–Ratan Tata Award. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, founder and chairperson of Biocon Group, received the USC Business Management Award, while Sandeep Tandon, founder and chairman of Syrma SGS Technology and founder and director of Infinx, was presented with the USC Distinguished Alumni Award.
“Created in recognition of the longstanding relationship between USC and India, these awards honor Narayana Murthy, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Sandeep Tandon for their transformational leadership,” USC Interim President Beong-Soo Kim said. “Much like former USC Trustee Ratan Tata, these three global leaders have driven innovation, elevated communities and inspired other generations of leaders.”
The event highlighted USC’s enduring relationship with the Tata Group. The distinguished hosting committee included Tata Group Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran, along with Bollywood icon and Padma Shri awardee Madhuri Dixit and her husband, health tech innovator and founder-investor Dr. Shriram Nene, who are parents of students at USC Viterbi.
The ceremony also drew prominent figures from the Indian film industry, including Hrithik Roshan, Farah Khan, Ritesh Sidhwani and Kabir Khan, underscoring the cross-sectoral presence at the event.
Reacting to the recognition, Salil Parekh, CEO and MD of Infosys, said “It is wonderful to see the University of Southern California honor Mr. Narayana Murthy with the USC Ratan Tata Award at their inaugural awards for India. The late Mr. Tata was an extraordinary leader whose vision, integrity, and humility set him apart. Mr. Murthy embodies these very values, carrying that same spirit forward with equal grace. I would also like to congratulate Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Sandeep Tandon on this well-deserved recognition.”
Television host and actor Mini Mathur served as the emcee for the evening. In addition to the Tata Group, the event was supported by several sponsors, including The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, platinum sponsors Apeejay Surrendra and Pure Home + Living, and gold sponsor Infinx.
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