Sumithra Sen: Building diaspora bridge with South Indian food

(May 26, 2025) While living in the U.S., Sumithra longed for the comfort of home-cooked vegetarian meals, the kind her mother prepared with devotion and simplicity. “I’ve seen firsthand the challenges Indian immigrants face — the pressure to fit in, the isolation, and the desire to hold on to the culture they grew up with. Food plays a huge role in that connection,” she shares with Global Indian. This deep emotional need inspired the entrepreneur, who now divides her time between the U.S. and India, to build a business venture that not only found success but also meaningfully addressed a gap for the diaspora.

Her food brand Rusingo designed to evoke the comfort of home-cooked food offers premium, ready-to-eat dishes made with wholesome, natural ingredients, free from artificial preservatives and additives. Sumithra now caters to health-conscious consumers and Indian diasporas in the U.S., Canada, and Germany.

The legacy of a mother, the vision of a daughter

Behind the success of Rusingo is a profound mother-daughter partnership. The “R” in Rusingo stands for Sumitra’s mother, Radha. While the “S” for Sumithra. Late Dr. Radha Ramakrishnan, a trailblazer in her own right, was a scholar and a senior officer in Indian Railways. She juggled motherhood and career with remarkable grace, often returning home to prepare meals despite long hours of travel. A community legend for her spice blends, vadams, and pickles, Radha’s culinary finesse became the backbone of Rusingo.

“She was the first South Indian woman posted as Head of the Hindi Department in Delhi. With a doctorate in Hindi, the charismatic temple-goer loved everything Indian and believed in the philosophy that ‘You are what you eat.’ Her values guide us to this day,” Sumithra remarks.

Radha passed away during the devastating Delta wave in June 2021. Until her demise she was highly involved with the business venture as a co-founder and Chief Taste Officer. After her mother’s passing away, Sumithra kept on working and increasing the scale of the venture. “More than anything, Rusingo is a tribute to the countless sacrifices she made as a successful career woman raising her children independently with strength, dignity, and unmatched grace,” the entrepreneur mentions adding, “She remains my inspiration every single day.”

Sumithra Sen with her mother Radha Ramkrishnan

Rooted in culture, engineered for the world

Armed with a BE in Computer Science from VIT and an MBA from Babson’s F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business, Sumithra was well on her way up the corporate ladder. She spent over a decade in the U.S., working with American Power Conversion, which was later acquired by Schneider Electric.

Yet, it was her personal experience as an immigrant, wife, and mother that sparked something greater. “Rusingo isn’t just about food, it’s about belonging, identity, and joy,” she explains.

The name ‘Rusingo’ itself is steeped in Tamil culture. “‘Rusi’ means taste. ‘Rusingo’ — like ‘Vaango’ (please come) or ‘Pongo’ (please go) is a respectful invitation that signifies,’“Please taste and enjoy.” It’s culturally rich and emotionally warm,” she says with pride.

A diaspora brand with heart

Operating out of Bangalore and the U.S., Rusingo was born to serve those striving to preserve culinary traditions in faraway lands. “Indians overseas are often more emotionally connected to home. Food becomes the unifying thread,” says Sumithra. Her brand resonates with NRIs raising children abroad, helping them maintain ties to Indian roots.

Rusingo’s recipes Sumithra says are 100 percent natural, 100 percent preservative-free, and created by women, often mothers “who we believe are the best chefs in the world.” It’s a mission rooted in both authenticity and empowerment. “One of our core missions is empowering women by offering them dignified employment opportunities,” she affirms.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rusingo (@rusingo_soulfully_indian)

The brand’s offerings reflect the diversity and richness of South Indian culinary heritage. From traditional varieties of idli like Guntur Podi Idli, Kanchipuram Idli with chutney, and oats idli with chutney, to comforting family packs of Medu Vada, Mirchi Bajji, and Corn Vada, Rusingo caters to every craving. Contemporary favorites like Keema Samosa and plant-based Butter Chicken Momos serve modern palates while staying true to Indian roots.

A staple in Indian homes, Rusingo’s ready-to-cook range includes fresh Idli-Dosa batter, grated coconut, and Indian breads like Kerala Paratha, Aloo Paratha, and Tandoori Naan. For those who love rich, home-style flavors, the fresh cooking sauces — Alleppey Curry, Kothu Paratha Gravy, Malabari Gravy, and Biryani Masala deliver restaurant-like taste in minutes. Their chutneys — Andhra-Peanut, Coconut, and Madras Tomato, complete any meal with regional authenticity. Even their snacks, like special millet mixtures, classic murukkus, and tapioca chips, capture the nostalgia of Indian evenings with family.

Challenges, triumphs, and a Costco milestone

Rusingo’s commitment to clean-label food is both its strength and its challenge. In a crowded market of shortcuts and compromise, staying true to quality requires grit. “Every product we create tells a story, rooted in tradition, yet relevant to today’s health-conscious lifestyles,” mentions Sumithra.

Breaking into mainstream distribution hasn’t been easy either. “Securing the right partnerships overseas is tough. But our acceptance in Costco ( third-largest retailer in the world) has been encouraging. It’s proof that our message is resonating,” says the entrepreneur who frequently makes effort to get customer feedback as well as feedback of salespeople at the retail stores to understand how consumers are connecting with Rusingo’s offerings.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rusingo (@rusingo_soulfully_indian)

A mother, a wife, and a builder of dreams

At home, Sumithra is a wife and mother first. Her husband Arindam Sen, a Bengali from Kolkata whom she met at VIT, is her silent strength. “He is my cheerleader. He gives me the courage to keep going.” Their son, Amartya, 11, is the center of her world. “He’s curious and imaginative. We nurture that spark in him every day.”

Sumithra straddles continents, managing business operations while being an active parent and community contributor. She supports causes ranging from child welfare to animal rescue, making sure that Rusingo is a brand with not just taste, but heart.

A global vision inspired by Indian ideals

Inspired by Ratan Tata, Sumithra envisions a future where Rusingo stands as a trusted, ethical brand. “The Tata story isn’t just about business, it’s about social impact and trust. That’s the ethos we hope to embody,” tells the entrepreneur.

She dreams of building a world-class food production facility which is “not just a factory, but a space that reflects our honesty and purpose.” Plans are also underway to launch QSR outlets across America and Canada, making healthy South Indian food more accessible than ever.

Rusingo team

Soulfully Indian, globally loved

In every Rusingo product lies a story of heritage and love. From temple kitchens to Costco shelves, it’s a journey that celebrates South Indian culture while enriching global communities. “We’re not just building a food brand. We’re building a bridge between the homes we left behind and the homes we’re making now,” Sumithra says.

For her Rusingo is more than just a business. It’s a tribute, a mission, and a mother’s legacy, carried forward with grace, integrity, and soul.