Team Blitz India
US Vice- President Kamala Harris has urged Indian Americans to run for office in America. She emphasised that the number of Indian Americans in elected offices does not adequately reflect their growing population. She was speaking at Desis Decide, the annual summit organised by Indian American Impact, a Democratic Party think tank that supports and funds Indian Americans seeking elected office.
Kamala, who is of both Indian and African heritage, said, “Over the years, we’ve seen increased participation by Indian Americans in the electoral process. But the numbers still do not reflect the size of the growing population.” Currently, five Indian Americans serve in the US Congress- Dr Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, and Shri Thanedar. The Indian American Impact has predicted that this number could double to 10 by 2024.
As the presidential race draws near, Indian American voters, the secondlargest immigrant community and the fastest-growing demographic in many states, could hold significant sway in pivotal elections. Kamala praised the work of Indian American Impact, stating, “You must know that you are not alone. There is much work to be done, and our efforts are rooted in the promise of America. I am empirical evidence of that promise.”
Kamala, while reflecting on the upcoming election, urged the audience to consider the kind of world and country they want to live in and said, “And one of the ways that we answer that question is to seek office and to participate in elections knowing that the outcome of those elections matter in fundamental ways.”
She also spoke about her mother Shyamala Gopalan coming to the US from India at the age of 19 and marching for Civil Rights in Berkeley. She said growing up, she would visit India every two years and her grandfather would take her on morning walks. “And I remember as a young girl… hearing them discuss the importance of standing for what is right and fairness,” she said.
