US lawmakers have called on Indian-Americans to become more actively involved in politics and public service, emphasizing that greater representation is essential to addressing discrimination and ensuring the community’s voice is heard. The appeal was made during a Washington event commemorating the 250th anniversary of US independence.
Congressmen Shri Thanedar from Michigan and Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois highlighted the growing influence and contributions of Indian-Americans in the United States. Both leaders encouraged members of the diaspora to participate in elections across all levels of government, including local councils, state legislatures, the US Congress, and the Senate.
Thanedar, a Democrat, said America’s identity has been shaped by immigrants and stressed that hostility toward immigrant communities should not be accepted. He noted that immigrants have played an important role in building the nation and deserve recognition for their contributions. According to him, meaningful change can happen when more Indian-Americans choose public service and take leadership positions.
Krishnamoorthi also addressed concerns over anti-India and anti-Hindu sentiment in parts of the country. He said Indian-Americans are an integral part of American society and must stand united against hatred, prejudice, and discrimination. Reflecting on his own experiences, he mentioned facing demands for his deportation to India and emphasized the importance of challenging such attitudes.
The Illinois Congressman pointed out the community’s significant achievements, describing Indian-Americans as one of the most educated and economically successful groups in the country. He highlighted their strong presence in fields such as medicine, technology, and business while urging them not to remain absent from political decision-making.
The discussion reflects a broader effort to increase Indian-American representation in government. Despite the community’s rapid growth over several decades, political representation has remained limited compared with its population size. Indian-Americans have grown from approximately 12,000 immigrants in 1960 to nearly 5 million people today, becoming one of the largest Asian communities in the US.
The event, organized by the Indian American Committee, brought together community leaders and political voices to celebrate American independence while focusing on civic participation. Speakers stressed that increased involvement in politics could create more opportunities, strengthen democracy, and help combat discrimination through greater visibility and leadership.
