Four Indian Americans among 2025 Truman Scholars 

Dhruvak Mirani, Ojas Sanghi, Rishi Shah and Harshman Sihra are among winners of the premier graduate scholarship for aspiring public service leaders

By Arun Kumar

Four Indian-American students — Dhruvak Mirani, Ojas Sanghi, Rishi Shah and Harshman Sihra —are among 54 2025 Truman Scholars, recognized for their outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to public service.

Established by Congress in 1975 as the living memorial to President Harry S. Truman and a national monument to public service, the Truman Scholarship is considered the premier graduate scholarship for aspiring public service leaders in the United States, according to a media release.

READ: Seven Indian Americans among 2025 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellows (April 11th, 2025) 

“Resourceful, patriotic leaders, today’s Truman Scholars would make President Truman proud,” says Dr. Terry Babcock-Lumish, the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation’s Executive Secretary and a 1996 Truman Scholar from Pennsylvania. “Rising to meet their moments in this century as he did his in the 20th century, they are dedicated public servants who do not shy from challenge.”

Dhruvak Mirani, a University of Maryland College Park student majoring in Computer Science, Government and Politics – International Relations plans for a career in Cybersecurity. Mirani has made significant contributions both on campus and in the community, including serving as a student regent for the University System of Maryland Board of Regents and as president-elect of the Student Government Association.

Ojas Sanghi, a  Computer Science student at University of Arizona plans  to earn a  PhD in Environmental Policy. He was recognized  for his leadership in climate and clean energy initiatives and his work on AI in energy systems and climate policy, including the adoption of Tucson Unified School District’s climate action resolution.

Rishi Shah, a Yale University student majoring in Applied Mathematics, Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry plans to earn an MD/MPP in Public Health. He was recognized for his commitment to advancing public health, particularly in the areas of healthy aging and bridging the digital divide.

Harshman Sihra, a Liberal Arts student at University of Cincinnati plans to earn an MD in Public Health. He was recognized for his dedication to reproductive health advocacy and research on pregnancy barriers, efforts to reduce local infant mortality, and commitment to public service.

Truman Scholars demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit sector, and academic excellence, according to the release. Each Truman Scholar receives funding for graduate studies, leadership training, career counseling, and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government.

The 54 new Truman Scholars were selected from 743 candidates nominated by 288 colleges and universities. They join a community of 3,618 Truman Scholars named since the first awards in 1977.