2024 American Presidential Elections – A Madras Connection : How Madras (Chennai) Shapes Up America : Is it Time a Madras-origin is Rewarded? By Dr. Rao V. L. Papineni

As I reflect on my journey to New Haven nearly two decades ago to work at Kodak, nestled in the shadow of the prestigious Yale University, I am struck by the profound influence of this esteemed institution on America’s growth. Yale’s corridors have nurtured generations of leaders, lawmakers, politicians, academicians, and inventors who have shaped the country’s trajectory.

But what fascinates me even more is the lesser-known connection between Yale and my hometown, Madras (now Chennai). The university’s founding is inextricably linked to Elihu Yale, a British merchant who amassed his wealth during the East India Company’s rule in India, specifically in Madras. In colloquial terms, a Madrasi can proudly say that “Enga Sotthu” (our ancestral money) played a part in building this iconic American institution.

Elihu Yale  Madras

This revelation highlights the significant, yet often overlooked, contribution of Madras to America’s development. As I ponder this connection, I wonder: is it time for a Madrasi to be rewarded for their role in shaping America’s history?

On a related note, as a scientist and academician, I refrain from taking sides or endorsing political figures. However, a sheer sentimental feeling prompts me to comment on the remarkable credentials of Vice President Kamala Harris, who is poised to potentially become the first female American President. What adds an intriguing layer to her story is her maternal roots in Madras, which evoke a sense of pride and connection for many from the city.

Vice President Kamala Harris

About Dr. Rao V. L. Papineni

Dr. Rao V. L. Papineni is a distinguished scientist-entrepreneur and an Adjunct Faculty Member at the University of Kansas Medical Center, USA. He holds a doctoral degree in Biochemistry from the University of Hong Kong, under British Territorial jurisdiction. Dr. Papineni pursued his early education at the University of Madras, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s Degrees. During his tenure at Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Papineni made pioneering contributions to the field of Ion Channel structural studies, laying the foundation for groundbreaking research in molecular biophysics.  Later in his career, he made seminal contributions to Molecular Imaging and Cancer Nanotechnology, exemplifying his versatility in diverse scientific domains. Dr. Papineni’s innovative spirit has led to several notable inventions and has positioned him as a prominent figure in the international scientific community. He has chaired scientific sessions in esteemed International Biomedical Meetings and serves as a valuable NIH Grant Reviewer. Additionally, Dr. Papineni holds positions on the editorial boards of reputable journals such as Nanotech and Experimental Pharmacology, contributing significantly to the advancement of scientific knowledge. His services to his birthplace were recently posted here.

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