National Indo-American Museum to induct Indra Nooyi into Hall of Fame on eve of National Portrait Gallery unveiling

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Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo is one of six honored in 2019 with a portrait to be displayed beginning November 15 at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C., according to the National Indo-American Museum, a rare and possibly the first such honor for Indian-Americans.

In addition, this November 10, Nooyi will be honored by the Chicago-based National Indo-American Museum, the only one of its kind in the country, which will induct her into its Hall of Fame at a Gala in Westin Chicago Lombard in Lombard, Illinois.

Nooyi, whose name featured consistently on listings of the world’s most powerful women for years, is credited with spearheading PepsiCo’s Performance with Purpose initiative, championing responsible water use, recyclable packaging, reduced sugar and trans fat content, among other things.

She was also instrumental in growing its net revenue of PepsiCo by more than 80% during her tenure.

The Museum’s Hall of Fame honors individuals whose achievements in their chosen fields exemplify the contributions Indian Americans make to the greater American story, a press release from NIAM said.

“NIAM is proud to recognize her as an example of how Indian Americans are shaping this nation even as they remain true to their roots and cultural heritage,” the press release said.

Others honored in NIAM’S Hall of Fame include Jazz pianist Vijay Iyer inducted in 2016.

The Nov. 10 Gala will feature Brown Sugar, the nation’s premiere South Asian co-ed a cappella group, with its refreshing mix of music ranging from Bollywood classics and Punjabi pop to American rock and R&B.

Organizers expect some 300 NIAM supporters, including Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, to attend the Gala.

The event aims to help raise funds to (1) support NIAM’s planned 2020 opening of its first brick and mortar space in Lombard, Illinois donated by Umang and Paragi Patel and (2) preserve and share the diverse spectrum of the Indian American experience through its exhibitions and programs. Tickets are available on line at https://NIAM2019GALA.EVENTCOMBO.COM..

The National Indo-American Museum says it works to preserve the history and promotes understanding of the diversity, contributions and culture of the four million-plus Indian Americans in the United States. Formerly known as the Indo-American Heritage Museum, NIAM was founded in 2008.