Shruti Tripathi Chopra rang the London Stock Exchange closing bell during its Diwali celebration. The ceremony underscored South Asian representation and opportunity at the highest levels of global finance.

UK-based financial journalist Shruti Tripathi Chopra has become one of the first media professionals of Indian origin to ring the closing bell at the London Stock Exchange during a Diwali celebration, news agency Press Trust of India reported.Chopra, editor-in-chief of Financial News and Private Equity News at Dow Jones, led the ceremony marking the end of trading during the launch of the second edition of the ‘South Asian Power Brokers’ list this week.The annual list, published by Financial News, recognises influential leaders of South Asian heritage who are shaping finance and business globally.“Ringing the closing bell at the London Stock Exchange matters because it sends a powerful message about who belongs at the very top of global finance,” Chopra said. “We are not just celebrating extraordinary achievement. We are changing what the next generation believes is possible,” she added.“It was an immense honour to stand alongside some of the most influential figures in the industry and demonstrate that our South Asian heritage is not something we have to leave at the door to succeed.

It is part of our success,” Chopra told PTI. The gathering celebrated the achievements and influence of South Asian leaders in financial services, investment, law and business.

It also highlighted the importance of representation, mentorship and creating opportunities for future generations.The occasion held added significance for Chopra as it coincided with the festival of Karwa Chauth. Her in-laws, who were visiting from India, joined her at the Diwali festivities.“The South Asian leaders standing alongside me on the balcony of the London Stock Exchange collectively oversee billions of dollars.

Yet when I asked how many had imagined, at the start of their careers, that they would one day stand on that balcony being celebrated for their professional success and South Asian heritage, not a single hand went up,” Chopra said.London Stock Exchange chief executive Dame Julia Hoggett praised those who had “made space for others, opened doors and sent ladders down”.Krishna Omkar, the London Stock Exchange’s head of global sponsors and institutional investors, described the City of London’s South Asian community as a “family”.“One light on its own can’t do anything. Our culture teaches us to share the light with others, so that together we may all shine more brightly,” Omkar said.The closing-bell ceremony marked Chopra’s recognition alongside influential South Asian leaders and highlighted their contribution to global finance and business during the London Stock Exchange’s Diwali celebrations.With PTI Inputs- Ends