More than 100 guests gathered at the Raj Hotel on Tuesday for the official launch of the Young Indian Professionals Network (YIPN), where lively conversations, handshakes, and introductions filled the room.

On Tuesday, the Consulate General of India in Cape Town celebrated the launch of a dynamic new network aimed at connecting young professionals of Indian origin and Indian nationals aged 20 to 40 living in the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces. The initiative provides a platform for networking, discussion, and structured mentorship opportunities for early- to mid-career professionals.

The idea for the network took shape after around 200 people signed up via a registration link circulated last November, indicating strong interest in such a forum.

Ruby Jaspreet, Consul General of India in Cape Town, said the network has an ambitious calendar of events planned for the year. She explained that the consulate has reached out to senior business and community leaders, including CEOs and sector specialists, who have agreed to host mentorship sessions and offer guidance to members throughout the year.

“These sessions will bring experience and insight from established leaders right to our young professionals,” she said, underlining the value of these interactions.

Jaspreet explained that the people who are of Indian origin know the challenges, local culture, and have experience. “It helps when you move to a new country and find people who have similar backgrounds and similar experiences which can assist you.”

The advantage of this network is that it provides a platform for people to come together.

The YIPN already includes members working in a range of sectors, including banking, finance, health, and information technology. Organisers said they aim to bring in experts from these fields to help young professionals answer questions, share insights, and foster collaboration.

“South Africa is particularly important in our global engagement,” said a representative of the Indian High Commission in Pretoria. “When our prime minister visited for the G20 last November, we announced that the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) facility has been extended to the 6th and 7th generation diaspora as well. The idea is to bring younger people closer to India, and this network supports those efforts,” said Jaspreet.

Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, spoke warmly of the province’s relationship with India, calling India “the strongest business partner” for the Western Cape.

“We mark 30 years of the Indian consulate’s presence here in 2026, a testament to our long-standing and fruitful relationship,” Dr Meyer said.

“When I think about the relationship between Western Cape and India, I think beyond economics. I think of the young doctor from Mumbai saving lives at Tygerberg Hospital, and the family-run spice businesses that have been part of our community for generations.”

He continued: “India is making an impact where it matters. You, the young Indian and Indian-origin professionals here, are part of the very fabric of this province.”

“It’s a call to action,” Meyer added. “Each of you is a bridge between two great nations with vibrant democracies. Use this network to deepen partnerships.”

The Indian diaspora in South Africa numbers about 1.7 million people, forming a significant part of the nation’s cultural and economic landscape.

“Through this platform, we intend to provide mentorship sessions, test new ideas, and encourage meaningful collaboration,” said High Commissioner Shri Prabhat Kumar, expressing gratitude for the “immense support” from local government and affirming confidence that the network would help both countries work together in areas where each excels.

Among those attending was Akhil Boddu, a young entrepreneur, business owner, and member of the YIPN.

Speaking with enthusiasm about his experience, Boddu said the network offers valuable opportunities to connect across sectors, connections that could spark collaborations, stimulate job creation, and support new ventures.

Boddu is co-founder and COO of the Zaio Institute of Technology, South Africa’s first AI coding school, which he launched with three partners who shared his vision. He spoke about how networking played a key role in their success so far.

“The Indian heritage creates a sense of relatability that we can hopefully turn into access,” he said.

“It’s powerful when people come together, not just benefitting Indian professionals but every individual in our broader community.”

Jaspreet reinforced that the Government of India is actively reaching out to the diaspora, offering support not only to Indian passport holders but also to people of Indian origin. She encouraged more young professionals to join the network and take full advantage of what it offers.

lilita.gcwabe@inl.co.za

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