Event Recap: 'Bollywood to Boardrooms' Examines Hindi's Influence on Global Commerce and Culture

Bollywood to Boardrooms: Hindi’s Rise as a Global Language

February 11, 2025
Consulate General of India in Atlanta

Hindi is spoken by more than 600 million people in India and around the world, and an influential diaspora of heritage speakers in the U.S. has made a profound impact on American culture in areas from entrepreneurship to entertainment.

So why does it take a back seat to others when it comes to language instruction in the United States?

That was the central question animating Bollywood to Boardrooms, a forum hosted by the Consulate General of India in Atlanta on Feb. 11 to examine Hindi’s influence on global commerce and culture.

Global Atlanta organized the event on behalf of the Atlanta Global Studies Center, which aims to boost Hindi as a strategic language in Georgia. Georgia Tech, one of two institutions comprising the AGSC along with Georgia State University, has introduced a “Global Bollywood” course on its way to developing Hindi courses for heritage speakers and, perhaps in the future, a full-fledged Hindi program. This year’s Atlanta Global Studies Symposium April 4, meanwhile, will kick off with a keynote lecture on “Bollywood Dance, Hindi Language, and the Cultures of India.”

A packed audience with guests from across academia and industry got a chance to hear Hindi spoken through poetry, performance and presentation, as Consul General Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan’s remarks (in English) were followed by a video in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke (in Hindi) to students about how to combat stress around exam season.

A poignant panel discussion saw experts in film, technology, education and cross-cultural training discuss how language and culture can unlock human connection and drive greater efficiency in business engagements.

The event closed with presentations of the Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu scripture, to speakers, performers and moderators.

Presented by:

Organized By:

Hosted By:

Speakers and Panelists:

Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, Consul General of India in Atlanta

Stuart Minson,
Associate Director, Atlanta Global Studies Center

Ashish Bisaria,
President/COO,
Trajector

Irene Soteres,
Coordinator,
Heritage Language & Language Club, Atlanta International School

Vicki Flier Hudson,
Chief Collaboration Officer, Executive Coach, Speaker, Mediator
High Road Global Services

Vicki Flier Hudson is the Chief Collaboration Officer of Highroad Global Services,
Inc., a company that exists to release the power of diverse teams. She is also partner and executive coach for the People First Elevation Team where she helps clients transform company-wide events into meaningful, inclusive, values-centered experiences.

Vicki has a strong track record of helping leaders create an inclusive workplace and grow their business. She has brought India-focused training and consulting to companies like Procter & Gamble, General Mills, IHG, UPS, The Home Depot, The Coca Cola Company, NASA, Martin Marietta, and many more.

She is the author of the book Zen and the Art of Offshoring: How to Build a Collaborative and Profitable Team with Your Partners in India, and a recipient of Kennesaw State
University’s Instructor of the Year award for International Programs.

She has traveled in several countries, but India is her primary passion. Since 1997 she has traveled to many regions including Rajasthan, West Bengal, Karnataka, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and many more. She has a strong track record in building collaborative, cohesive teams between India and the West.

She served on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce and TAG’s International Business Society. In her spare time, Vicki sings lead vocals in a Rush tribute band, The Spirit of Rush.