Tech

Kanwal Rekhi Documentary Counters Anti-Immigrant Narratives

A new documentary by Ben Rekhi highlights his father Kanwal Rekhi's role in Silicon Valley, countering anti-immigrant narratives.

Tech desk
NRI HeraldJuly 2, 2026
3 min read
Two men in a room with early tech equipment, possibly from the tech industry.

A documentary directed by Ben Rekhi spotlights his father, Kanwal Rekhi, an Indian immigrant who became the first to take a Silicon Valley company public. That company, Excelan, commercialized networking technology that powers the modern internet.

The film frames Kanwal Rekhi's journey as a story of courage and belonging, set against efforts to marginalize immigrant contributions. It aims to counter anti-immigrant narratives by showcasing the achievements of immigrants in technology.

Kanwal Rekhi's success with Excelan marked a milestone for Indian immigrants in Silicon Valley. The documentary explores his path from immigrant to tech pioneer, emphasizing the broader impact of immigrant talent on American innovation.

Tech desk · July 2, 2026
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