An Indian-origin software executive, investor and philanthropist has been awarded in the US with the inaugural Asians in America Award for his efforts to strengthen Indo-US ties.

The US China Education Trust has honoured Silicon Valley-based Madhavan Rangaswami and a Chinese-origin Philanthropist, shipping magnate Dr James S C Chao on Thursday, for their efforts to strengthen ties between US-China-India trilateral relationship.

In his acceptance speech Rangaswami underlined on the need of "giving back" to the society in his acceptance speech. He said it is the most gratifying thing in life.

He said that, "giving back is where I enjoy the most, and the other thing is to connect people without expecting anything back. The small but powerful Indian-American community can collectively achieve a lot."

Rangaswam founded the Indiaspora. He had organized the first Indian-American presidential ball during January 2013 before the second swearing of the US President Barack Obama.

Community leader and philanthropist, Frank Islam, said that, he and his team have begun preparations for the second Indian-American ball for the next president, which is set for January 18, 2017.

Rangaswami co-founded the Sand Hill Group in 1997. It is based in Silicon Valley. Sand Hill was one of the earliest software "angel investing" firms. Forbes has recognized him on its "Midas" list of investor because of his success there.

Nandini