Indian American Politicians, Election Candidates to Discuss Community’s Role in U.S. Leadership

By Little India Desk | May 30, 2018

Indian American elected officials, leaders as well as around 80 community members who are running for elected offices in the mid-term elections in November, will gather for the first time on June 7 in Washington DC to discuss leadership building in the community.

The event, called Impact Summit 2018, has been organized by the Indian American Impact Project, a non-profit organization that focuses on leadership development and training.

The organization stated on the event’s website that for the first time, the Indian American Impact Project will convene such a gathering on how to build political power in the Indian American community and help talented and patriotic Indian Americans run, win, and lead.

It also took to the social media to announce the event.

“We are thrilled to host the first-ever gathering of Indian American elected officials, candidates, philanthropists, community leaders, and political strategists,” Gautam Raghavan, a former White House official during the Obama administration, was quoted as saying by PTI. The day-long meeting is expected to be attended by around 200 of them throughout the United States, the news agency reported.

The closing keynote address will be delivered by Senator Kamala Harris, who is the first person of Indian origin to be elected to the U.S. Senate. The opening keynote address will be delivered by U.S. Senator Cory Booker, who represents New Jersey — the state with the third largest Indian American population in the United States.

“We are also honored that Senators Harris and Booker will join us and give keynote remarks. Senator Harris has been a source of great inspiration for the Indian American community, and all immigrant communities and people of color. Her leadership and commitment to public service are a testament to the talent and patriotism of the Indian American community,” Raghavan added.

The event will also include panel discussions about building political power in the Indian American community. A panel discussion on political briefing, public service and the path less traveled is scheduled to feature Ravinder Bhalla, the mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey; and Aruna Miller, the Maryland state delegate and candidate for U.S. House, among others. Another panel discussion will be held on the topic, “The Future is Female: Desi Women Leading the Way.”

Closing remarks will be delivered by Raja Krishnamoorthi, the U.S. representative of Illinois’ 8th congressional district, and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal.

Many Indian American candidates, including Preston Kulkarni, Hiral Tipirneni, Aftab Pureval, Aruna Miller, Ashwani Jain, endorsed by the Indian American Impact Project, are running for important offices.

“I am particularly excited that we have over 30 Indian American candidates and elected officials attending the summit. Many of them are eager to connect with one another, to share stories from the campaign trail and lessons learned along the way,” Raghavan said, according to the report.