Hundreds of South Asian Americans gathered in Westland, Michigan, for the ‘Light Up the Vote’ Diwali rally, an event aimed at encouraging greater political participation among South Asian voters ahead of the US elections. Organised by The Impact Fund and SAATH Fund, the gathering brought together prominent political leaders, community representatives, activists and families to celebrate Diwali while highlighting the growing electoral influence of the South Asian community.
The rally featured Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Democratic nominee for the US Senate, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Democratic nominee for Governor, and Michigan House Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri. Other prominent attendees included Ann Arbor City Council Member Ayesha Ghazi Edwin and Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval. Songwriter, actress and activist Ari Afsar hosted the programme.
The event combined cultural celebrations with a strong message about civic engagement and voter participation. Community members welcomed the elected leaders on stage with traditional garlands, followed by the ceremonial lighting of a diya, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness. The celebrations also featured a performance by the University of Michigan Wolveraas, a South Asian vendor market and a dedicated children’s corner.
Organisers emphasised the importance of South Asian voters in determining Michigan’s political future. The state’s previous US Senate race was decided by approximately 19,000 votes, while nearly 30,000 registered South Asian voters did not participate in the 2022 midterm elections. With an estimated 190,000 South Asian residents across Michigan, community leaders believe increased voter turnout could significantly influence the outcomes of key electoral contests.
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed urged community members to translate the spirit of Diwali into meaningful civic participation. Drawing a connection between the festival’s message of light and the democratic process, he encouraged voters to raise their voices and work towards a future that benefits children and families across communities.
El-Sayed also expressed gratitude for the community’s welcome, highlighting the importance of solidarity and collective action across cultural and religious backgrounds.
Jocelyn Benson highlighted the economic and social priorities at stake in the elections, including better-paying jobs, stronger household incomes and accountable leadership. She described the upcoming election as an opportunity for citizens to strengthen democratic participation and elect representatives committed to serving their communities.
Michigan House Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri used the symbolism of Diwali to underline the responsibility of individual voters. Comparing the lighting of a diya to the act of casting a ballot, Puri said that meaningful change requires people to take the initiative. He stressed that the US Senate seat, the governor’s office and control of the Michigan House were all important electoral contests in which South Asian voters could play a decisive role.
Chintan Patel, Executive Director of Impact, highlighted the importance of building political solidarity across religious and ethnic communities. Speaking about his identity as a Hindu American and Indian immigrant, Patel expressed support for Muslim American candidate Abdul El-Sayed, whose parents are Egyptian immigrants. He emphasised that families across communities share common aspirations, including affordable healthcare, financial security, fair political representation and the freedom to practise their faith safely.
Rohan Soni, founder of SAATH, described the gathering as a celebration of Diwali and a reminder of the enduring struggle of good over evil. He encouraged South Asian voters to recognise their collective influence and participate actively in shaping the country’s political future.
The rally received support from several community organisations, including Hindus for Abdul, Umeed, Emgage MI, The Michigan College Democrats, 99 Coalition, AAPI Victory Fund, Hindus for Human Rights Action, Democratic Bangladeshi Caucus, Go Grow Playrooms and People’s Coalition. Their participation reflected a broad network of civic and community groups working to increase political engagement among South Asian Americans.
Founded in 2016, The Impact Fund, the affiliated political action committee of Indian American Impact, has supported more than 200 candidates across the United States. Through political investments, grassroots organising, voter mobilisation and policy advocacy, the organisation has directed more than $20 million towards strengthening South Asian American political representation and participation.
SAATH, founded in 2024, is a student-led South Asian youth civic organisation focused on educating, empowering and electing the next generation of South Asian changemakers. Its initiatives include digital outreach, a fellowship programme with more than 75 graduates and civic engagement events involving candidates at different levels of government.
The Light Up the Vote rally demonstrated how cultural celebrations such as Diwali can provide an important platform for community engagement and democratic participation. By connecting the festival’s message of hope, unity and the triumph of light with the responsibility of voting, organisers sought to encourage South Asian Americans to become a more influential voice in Michigan’s political landscape.
