India Currents
"A Magazine That Became a Meeting Place"
- Founded: 1987
- Founders: Vandana Kumar, Arvind Kumar, and Ashok Jethanandani
- Format: Print and Digital
Overview
India Currents, founded in 1987 in the Bay Area, is the oldest running South Asian magazine on the West Coast. Over 30+ years, it has documented South Asian arts, politics, identity, immigration, and community life. From early print editions to its digital transformation in 2018, the publication has amplified diaspora voices, nurtured cultural connections, and become an essential journalistic and historical record of South Asians in Silicon Valley and across the U.S.
Mission and Editorial Focus
India Currents’ mission is to highlight the diverse experiences of South Asians in America through journalism, storytelling, arts coverage, and civic dialogue.
Its editorial priorities include:
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Immigration and diaspora identity
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Classical and contemporary South Asian arts
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Social justice, civil rights, and political issues
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Gender, family, and generational change
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Food, travel, spirituality, lifestyle features
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Community services and announcements
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Essays, commentary, and literary work
History of India Currents
Founders and Leadership
Vandana Kumar is the publisher and longtime steward of India Currents, guiding the magazine from its early years in 1987 through its evolution into a nationally recognized digital publication. Under her leadership, the magazine expanded its editorial scope, deepened community engagement, and championed stories that reflect the diversity and complexity of the South Asian diaspora. Vandana has been central to sustaining the publication’s mission of cultural storytelling, advocacy, and representation, earning recognition for her role as a transformative figure in South Asian American media.
Arvind Kumar is the co-founder of India Currents, launching the magazine in 1987 with a vision to create a cultural and informational bridge for the Bay Area’s growing South Asian community. A writer, editor, and advocate for the arts, Arvind shaped the publication’s early emphasis on literature, classical music, film, and community storytelling. His editorial leadership helped establish India Currents as a trusted forum for immigrant voices and a cornerstone of South Asian American media on the West Coast.
Ashok Jethanandani served as a longtime editor and co-leader of India Currents, helping guide the magazine through significant periods of growth and transformation. With a strong editorial conviction and deep engagement with community issues, Ashok amplified diverse South Asian voices and broadened the magazine’s focus to include politics, identity, civic life, and cultural change. His leadership reinforced India Currents’ reputation for thoughtful, independent journalism and its role as a vital chronicle of the South Asian American experience.
Notable Issues and Covers
Cultural and Community Impact
India Currents has played a vital role in:
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Documenting immigration and identity stories
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Elevating South Asian performing arts in America
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Covering political and social issues affecting the diaspora
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Providing community resources through classifieds and announcements
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Serving as a bridge between generations and cultural traditions
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Promoting civic engagement and advocating for underrepresented voices
Its archive offers one of the most comprehensive reflections of South Asian life in Silicon Valley since the late 20th century.
India Currents – Events Calendar Pages (May 1987, Vol. 1, No. 2)
Events Calendar from India Currents (May 1987), showcasing early South Asian cultural life in the Bay Area, from classical music to community gatherings
