Vandana Kumar

Name

Vandana Kumar

Profile

Vandana Kumar founded India Currents in 1987 from her living room, creating what would become one of the most influential South Asian publications in the Bay Area. What began as a “labor of love” to connect newly arrived immigrants quickly grew into a vital cultural resource, documenting community events, arts, politics, and the everyday experiences of Indian Americans.

Under her leadership, India Currents became known for its thoughtful storytelling and its role as a community connector, a place where families found music and dance teachers, local celebrations, small businesses, and the voices and perspectives missing from mainstream media. Vandana guided the magazine through its transition from print to digital, ensuring that its mission endured as the South Asian community evolved.

Today, she continues to steward India Currents as a platform for dialogue, identity, and community journalism, sustaining a legacy that spans nearly four decades.

Position

Founder and Publisher, India Currents

Subject

diaspora journalism

South Asian media

magazine journalism

women in journalism

ethnic media