Cover of Siliconeer magazine, January 2007 issue (Volume VIII, Issue 1). The cover story, “Off to Space,” celebrates astronaut Sunita Williams, who became the first woman of Indian descent to make a successful trip into space. The issue also features articles on India’s economic boom, Bollywood, technology, and global South Asian community news.
Cover of Siliconeer magazine, January 2007 issue (Volume VIII, Issue 1). The cover story, “Off to Space,” celebrates astronaut Sunita Williams, who became the first woman of Indian descent to make a successful trip into space. The issue also features articles on India’s economic boom, Bollywood, technology, and global South Asian community news.
The Sitar is a string instrument and is one of the most well-known Indian instruments in the world. The sitar was likely inspired by the Iranian setar, and is used in both classical and modern music. The sitar player Ravi Shankar helped introduce the instrument to Western audiences starting in the 1950s and 60s.
Suno 87.7 FM is a Bay Area–based South Asian radio station broadcasting Bollywood, Tollywood, and multicultural South Asian music. The station offers a mix of Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and English programming, featuring celebrity interviews, entertainment updates, and local community news.
Operating on 87.7 FM and online streaming platforms, Suno serves as a hub for South Asian listeners across Silicon Valley and Northern California. Its tagline, “Apni Dhun, Apni Baat” (“Our music, our voice”), reflects its focus on uniting diverse South Asian audiences through shared culture, language, and music.
Since its launch in the late 2010s, Suno 87.7 FM has collaborated with local organizations, artists, and businesses, providing an inclusive media space that connects new immigrants, students, and long-established diaspora communities.
Tabla are a pair of hand drums played in multiple countries, including Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan. The higher-pitched right-hand drum is also known as the daya, while the left-handed drum, also called the baya, is lower-pitched. Tabla are a foundational instrument in Indian classical music.
Thavil/Tavil is a traditional instrument from Tamil Nadu in south-eastern India. It is a percussion instrument that is barrel-shaped and commonly made from jackfruit wood and animal skins. It is also popular in Sri Lanka.
Carrying Forward a Legacy of South Asian Media
Vansh Gupta is the Managing Editor of Siliconeer, one of the longest-running South Asian magazines in the Bay Area. Founded by his family during the Y2K tech boom, Siliconeer, short for Silicon Valley Engineer, was created to serve the growing community of Indian and South Asian professionals working in technology, business, and innovation.
Under Vansh Gupta’s leadership, Siliconeer has evolved from a niche print publication into a dynamic multimedia platform that bridges generations. His vision emphasizes quality journalism, diverse voices, and meaningful community dialogue. Gupta has helped expand the magazine’s reach to include younger readers, encouraging high school and college students to contribute stories and perspectives on identity, culture, and technology.
Through a blend of traditional storytelling and modern digital engagement, he has revitalized Siliconeer’s role as a cornerstone of South Asian media in Silicon Valley. His commitment to mentorship and authenticity has inspired a new generation of writers and readers to see journalism as a vital connector between culture, community, and innovation.
