About

The Center was created by a generous gift from Gurpreet "Sunny" Singh, founder of Edifecs and Roundglass and a philanthropist whose work is transforming lives across India

Founding Director Sital Kalantry, an expert on comparative law and human rights, has studied and written about two of the world’s largest democracies—India and the United States—for over 20 years.

The idea for the Center was born out of conversations between Sunny and Sital about the urgent need for accurate, nuanced knowledge about India in the United States and for greater civic and philanthropic engagement among Indian Americans.

As a Center based in one of the largest private universities in the Pacific Northwest, we are uniquely positioned to train the next generation of leaders about India and to bring rigorous, evidence-based research into public dialogue about India.

The Center's original podcast, Desi Roots & Routes, has been honored with a 2025 Bronze Signal Award in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion category.

Hosted by Professor Sital Kalantry, Desi Roots & Routes explores the journeys, identities, and contributions of Indians and Indian Americans shaping today’s world. Each episode features thought-provoking conversations with leaders across sectors—from law, politics, and business to the arts and public health—revealing how personal stories intersect with broader questions of migration, belonging, justice, and cultural exchange.

This national recognition celebrates podcasts that elevate diverse voices and perspectives across race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, neurological differences, and socioeconomic background. 

In 2024, Seattle University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion recognized Roundglass India Center with an Inclusive Excellence Innovation Award. This award honors a team that has brought an exceptional innovative and creative approach to inclusive excellence work.  

Vice President Natasha Martin noted that the Roundglass India Center is "one of the most exciting and enriching academic initiatives on campus that has brought enriching scholarly engagement and educational programs bridging the university and the region to a global community across the Indian diaspora."