Shekar Krishnan, the first Indian-American elected to the New York City Council, took office on January 1, 2022, and was re-elected in November 2023. Representing District 25, which includes Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Woodside in Queens, he serves some of the most diverse immigrant communities globally. In an insightful conversation with Ishani Duttagupta from the Times of India, Krishnan reflected on his role as a former civil rights lawyer and community activist. He also addressed key issues affecting Indian Americans in his district and voiced concerns about the increasing hate speech and online bigotry targeting the community.
Krishnan expressed immense pride in representing a district known for its rich immigrant history, particularly Jackson Heights, where the Indian-American immigrant experience began. He shared how the local community’s support has been overwhelming, with many Indian voters expressing their pride in his success, linking it to the fulfillment of their own sacrifices in the U.S. Krishnan emphasized that while he is the first Indian-American elected to New York City’s government, he hopes to inspire future generations of Indian-Americans to step into similar roles.
Born to immigrant parents from South India, Krishnan identifies strongly with his constituents. Jackson Heights is home to immigrants from across Latin America, South Asia, and other regions, speaking over 167 languages. Krishnan explained that his work focuses on ensuring these communities receive essential resources, particularly in their native languages, and highlighted the shared experiences of immigrants striving for prosperity and integration into American society.
His parents’ journey, marked by immense sacrifice, shaped his path. Growing up, Krishnan was keenly aware of their struggles, particularly as his father faced workplace discrimination and his mother endured challenges due to her foreign education and skin color. These experiences fueled his passion for civil rights, driving him to fight for tenants’ rights and equal opportunities. His advocacy for affordable housing and his current role as chair of the parks committee in the city council are deeply rooted in his upbringing and desire to address longstanding inequalities.
