RAJA CHARI: Mars and Beyond!

Lt Col Raja Chari was one of the 12 astronauts chosen amongst 18,000 applicants to prep for the new mission to Mars by NASA.  He will start his two-year training as an associate astronaut starting August 2017.

LEO VARADKAR: The New Irish Prime Minister

Leo Varadkar, son of Indian father and Irish mother, was elected as the new prime minister (Taoiseach) of Ireland at the age of 38(youngest ever to hold the office) following the retirement of Enda Kenny.  

KRIPA VARANASI: Inventor of LiquiGlide

Kripa Varanasi, a professor at MIT, along with one of his former students created a solution to help reduce leftovers at the bottom of containers such as paint, toothpaste, & ketchup.  

SAMIR LAKHANI: From Soap Bank to CNN Heroes

Samir Lakhani, a recipient of CNN Heroes Award, founded a soap bank in Cambodia in order to increase hygiene awareness and prevent the spread of diseases.  He came up with his idea while on a humanitarian mission in Cambodia, known for its famous Angkor Wat temple.

PRAVIN GORDHAN: Former Finance Minister of South Africa

Pravin Gordhan, former Finance Minister of South Africa, says contrary to popular belief, he doesn’t want his job back.

SUUCHI RAMESH: Creating Manufacturing Jobs in America

Suuchi Ramesh, the founder of Suuchi Inc, is creating jobs in America by creating “Made in America” women’s clothing, bags, and home goods. 

VIVEK MURTHY: Obama’s Surgeon General Of The USA

Vivek Murthy was the Surgeon General of the USA during Obama’s term.  He recently stepped down from the post for a smooth transition following Trumps’ Presidential win but will continue to be a member of the Commissioned Corps.

RO KHANNA: Beating Out An 8 Term Incumbent

Ro Khanna beat out Congressman Mike Honda, an 8 term incumbent, to become a US Congressman from the famous 17th congressional district of California (Silicon Valley where Apple is based) in the 2016 general election.  He is only one of the six members of Congress who doesn’t take campaign contributions from Political Actions Committees (PACs).

AMI BERA: Doctor Turned Congressman

Ami Bera has been a successful US congressman from the 7th congressional district of California since 2013.  As a member of the Democratic Party, he was re-elected in 2014 and again in 2016.  Seen here is a plug from former US President Barack Obama for his 2016 campaign. 

MIKI AGRAWAL: Queen Of Periods

Miki Agrawal is the CEO and Founder of Thinx, an underwear company marketed to “women with a period.”  Currently, Thinx has 3 products in the market: a feminine hygiene underwear, another super soaker for urinary incontinence, and an attachment to turn any toilet into a Bidet.