The list titled 'Ten people who could change the world', compiled by current affairs publication New Statesman and Society, also includes Regina Papa, a social activist from India.

"We offer a strongly political list of leaders of varying ethnicity and continent, people who will or who already are making changes in the US, Britain, South Africa and Iran, whether it be bringing the prospect of hope for genuine multiparty democracy to a new nation or the chance for better dialogue in the Middle East, or forcing governments to keep their promises on the environment," the New Statesman said.

"Ten people who could change the world sounds like a bold claim," it said adding at a time of unprecedented financial turmoil and when the tectonic plates of geopolitics are shifting uncertainly, new leadership is what we need most.

The New Statesman also said that Jindal offers impressive presentations as the first Indian-American governor and he is the best prospect for revitalising the Republican party.

"His rush of words is likely linked to the rush of his ambition at 37, just two years above the minimum to be president - appears beyond restraint," it said.

Regina Papa, who set up India's first department of women's studies at Alagappa University, Tamil Nadu in 1988, also prominently figures in the list.

The last time the New Statesman compiled such a list, in 2005, it had foresighted Barack Obama and India's tennis sensation Sania Mirza among other personalities, who could bring changes in the world.

The other influential names in the list include – Chuka Umunna (30) British lawyer and prospective parliamentary candidate for Streatham, Xian Zhang (35) Chinese music conductor, Joshua Foer (25) writer and US 'memory champion', Athene Donald, professor of experimental physics at Cambridge University.