WASHINGTON:  An Indian-American software executive, investor and philanthropist has been felicitated in the US with the inaugural Asians in America Award in recognition of his efforts to strengthen Indo-US ties.

Silicon Valley-based Madhavan Rangaswami and a Chinese-origin Philanthropist, shipping magnate Dr James S C Chao were honoured by the US China Education Trust yesterday for their efforts to strengthen ties between US-China-India trilateral relationship.

In his acceptance speech Rangaswami underlined on the need of “giving back” to the society, which he said is the most gratifying thing in life.

“Giving back is where I enjoy the most,” he said, adding that the other thing is to connect people without expecting anything back. The small but powerful Indian-American community can collectively achieve a lot.”

Founder of Indiaspora, Rangaswami had organised the first Indian-American presidential ball in January 2013 before the second swearing of the US President Barack Obama.

He and his team have started preparation for the second Indian-American ball for the next president which is set for January 18, 2017, said community leader and philanthropist Frank Islam in his introductory remarks.

In 1997, Rangaswami co-founded the Sand Hill Group based in Silicon Valley. Sand Hill was one of the earliest software “angel investing” firms.

Because of his success there, Forbes has recognised him on its “Midas” list of investors.

In 2007, he established a new venture called Corporate Eco-Forum a by-invitation only membership organisation for Global 500 companies that demonstrate a serious commitment to the environment as a business strategy.

Today, the Forum has 70 members.