More than 500 Indian Americans gathered at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale, New York, to demonstrate their support for Congressman Tom Suozzi’s re-election campaign, highlighting his longstanding relationship with the community and his advocacy for stronger India-U.S. relations.
The gathering brought together community leaders and representatives from Punjabi, Gujarati, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi and other regional communities. Hindu, Sikh and Christian Americans, along with women’s organisations and civic and cultural groups, participated in the event, reflecting the diversity of the Indian-American diaspora.
The evening featured musical performances, the singing of the American and Indian national anthems, and remarks from prominent community representatives, including Naveen Shah, Girish Patel, Dr. Purna Atluri, Gary Sikka, Satnam Prahar, Koshy Thomas, Dilip Nath and Dr. Neeta Jain.
Varinder Bhalla, chairman of the Indian American Voters Forum, served as master of ceremonies and drew comparisons between Suozzi and the late Congressman Stephen J. Solarz, a prominent advocate of closer India-U.S. relations.
Bhalla recalled Solarz’s nine terms in Congress and his numerous visits to India, which earned him the affectionate nickname “Congressman from Bombay” among those familiar with his commitment to the country and its people. Despite his distinguished career and strong engagement with India, Solarz lost his Democratic primary in 1992.
“It took us 24 years to find another Congressman who shared Steve Solarz’s passion for India and the Indian American community,” Bhalla said, referring to Suozzi’s election to Congress in 2016.
The comparison drew enthusiastic applause from the audience, prompting Suozzi to stand and acknowledge the gathering.
Bhalla also highlighted the importance of electoral participation, citing historical examples of congressional contests decided by narrow margins, including a U.S. House race in Indiana in 1984 that was reportedly decided by just four votes. He urged community members not to take the electoral process for granted and stressed the importance of every vote ahead of the November 3 election.
Speakers at the gathering praised Suozzi’s relationship with Indian Americans, which they said spans more than three decades. They highlighted his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and his engagement with issues affecting Indian-American families and professionals.
Community leader Girish Patel commended Suozzi for bringing people together and helping amplify the community’s voice in American politics. He described the congressman as a strong advocate and bridgebuilder who recognises the influence communities can exercise when they work collectively.
As vice chair of the Congressional India Caucus, Suozzi has supported closer diplomatic, economic and cultural engagement between India and the United States. Participants also highlighted his interactions with Indian-American communities, support for Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras, and efforts to assist religious workers facing immigration-related challenges.
His advocacy on issues affecting physicians and technology professionals was also cited as an important aspect of his engagement with the community.
Gary Sikka, president of the American Punjabi Society, highlighted Suozzi’s longstanding support for Sikh Americans. He recalled the congressman’s role in helping establish a Sikh gurdwara in Glen Cove and his willingness to speak out against discrimination targeting the Sikh community.
Another speaker, Shaker Nelanuthala, praised Suozzi’s personal approach to public service, emphasising his accessibility, responsiveness and willingness to engage directly with constituents.
Addressing the gathering, Suozzi thanked community members for their friendship and support. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening India-U.S. relations and addressing concerns important to Indian Americans.
The event concluded with supporters gathering around the congressman for photographs and personal greetings, underscoring the close relationship he has developed with sections of the Indian-American community over the years.
The gathering reflected the growing role of Indian Americans in the American political process and their increasing engagement in electoral campaigns. By bringing together people from different linguistic, regional and religious backgrounds, the event also demonstrated how shared civic interests can unite a diverse diaspora.
As the November election approaches, the community’s mobilisation highlights the importance of Indian-American voters in local and national political contests, as well as the continuing significance of India-U.S. relations in American public life.
