Chandrika Tandon is a Chennai-born Indian-American businesswoman, philanthropist, and musician.
She began her career in business, becoming the first Indian-American woman partner at McKinsey & Company. Later, she founded Tandon Capital Associates.
Beyond business, Tandon is deeply involved in philanthropy, supporting education and the arts.
She has served as a trustee for New York University and NYU Langone Health. Her foundation donated $100 million to NYU's engineering school, now named the NYU Tandon School of Engineering.
In addition to her business and philanthropic endeavours, Tandon is an accomplished musician. She has released several albums blending Indian classical music with other genres.
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Who is Chandrika Tandon? A Look at Her Life and Career
Source: NYU Tandon School of Engineering
Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon was born in 1954 in Chennai, India, into a conservative Tamil Brahmin family. She is the eldest of three siblings, including her sister Indra Nooyi, who later became the CEO of PepsiCo.
Music played a significant role in her upbringing, influenced by her mother, a musician, and the teachings of the Samaveda that permeated their household.
Tandon's early education was marked by determination; she famously went on a hunger strike to persuade her mother to allow her to attend Madras Christian College, where she eventually excelled academically.
Education
Tandon pursued higher education at Madras Christian College before earning a master's degree from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, where she was one of only eight women in her class.
Initially aspiring to attend law school, she shifted her focus to business after encouragement from one of her professors.
Professional Career
Chandrika Tandon began her career at Citibank in Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War. In 1979, she joined McKinsey & Company in New York City and became the first Indian-American woman to be elected partner at the firm.
Following her tenure at McKinsey, she founded Tandon Capital Associates in 1992, advising major financial institutions globally.
Musical Career
Tandon's musical journey intertwines with her professional life. She is a trained vocalist and composer in Hindustani, Carnatic, and Western music traditions.
Her debut studio album, Soul Call, released in 2009, received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary World Music Album in 2011.
Her latest album, Triveni, released in 2024, won her the Grammy for Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album at the 67th Grammy Awards.
Philanthropy
Chandrika Tandon is also known for her philanthropic efforts. In 2015, she and her husband donated $100 million to NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering, now named NYU Tandon School of Engineering.
This was the largest donation by an Indian American in U.S. history. She has served on various boards and foundations focused on community building and the arts.
Personal Life
Chandrika Tandon continues to live in New York City and remains actively involved in both music and philanthropy. Her journey reflects a commitment to cultural heritage while achieving significant milestones as an artist and business leader.
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Why Was Chandrika Tandon’s 'Triveni' Nominated for a Grammy?
Chandrika Tandon has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career, reflecting her contributions to business, music, and philanthropy. Here are some notable honours:
Awards and Honors
1. Grammy Awards:
- Nominated for Best Contemporary World Music Album for Soul Call (2011).
- Won Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album for Triveni at the 67th Grammy Awards (2025).
2. Recent Recognitions:
- Ban Ki-moon Award for Women’s Empowerment (2024).
- Woman of the Year at Diwali at Times Square (2024).
- Area of Celebrations and Fulfillment from Maharishi International University (2024).
3. Cultural and Community Awards:
- Friend of the Arts from The Town Hall (2023).
- Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the Ellis Island Honors Society (2023).
- Horatio Alger Award from the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans (2019).
- BCA Leadership Award from Americans for the Arts (2018).
- Lifetime of Service Award from the David Lynch Foundation (2018).
- Lotus Award from Children’s Hope India (2017).
4. Academic Distinctions:
- Gallatin Medal, NYU's highest honor (2016).
- Polytechnic Medal, NYU Tandon School of Engineering (2016).
- Inaugural Distinguished Alumnus Award, Madras Christian College (2013).
- Inaugural Distinguished Alumnus Award, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (2011).
- Sterling Fellow, Yale University (2010)
Chandrika Tandon’s Musical Journey: From Chennai to the Grammy Stage
Chandrika Tandon's musical journey is marked by her recent achievement of winning a Grammy Award for her album Triveni, which took place at the 67th Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025. This milestone not only highlights her talent as a musician but also signifies her impact on the global music scene.
1. Early Musical Influences
Born in Chennai, India, Tandon grew up in a household rich in musical tradition, influenced by Vedic chants and classical Indian music.
Her upbringing in a middle-class family that valued education and culture laid the foundation for her artistic pursuits.
Alongside her sister, Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, Tandon was immersed in music from an early age, which would later shape her career.
2. Academic and Professional Background
Tandon's academic journey began at Madras Christian College, followed by a master's degree from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad.
Her professional career flourished as she became the first Indian-American woman partner at McKinsey & Company, showcasing her business acumen before fully dedicating herself to music.
3. Musical Training and Debut Album
Despite her corporate success, Tandon's passion for music remained strong. She trained in Hindustani and Carnatic classical music under esteemed artists such as Shubhra Guha and Girish Wazalwar.
In 2009, she released her debut album Soul Call, which earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary World Music Album in 2011, establishing her presence in the international music arena.
4. Triveni: A Milestone Album
Released on August 30, 2024, Triveni represents a significant evolution in Tandon's musical career.
The album features collaborations with South African flautist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto, blending ancient Vedic chants with contemporary world music.
This fusion creates a meditative experience aimed at promoting healing and spirituality. The seven tracks of Triveni, including "Pathway to Light" and "Seeking Shakti," reflect Tandon's belief that "music is love," aiming to ignite joy and light within listeners.
The album's success culminated in its recognition at the Grammys, where Tandon expressed gratitude during her acceptance speech, emphasising the uplifting power of music.
5. Recognition and Impact
Winning the Grammy for Triveni not only marks Tandon's first win but also highlights the increasing visibility of Indian artists in global music circles.
Competing against notable musicians like Anoushka Shankar and Ricky Kej further underscores the significance of this achievement. Tandon's victory serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists and reflects a broader appreciation for diverse musical traditions.
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