Raja Krishnamoorthi, Suhas Subramanyam, and Shri Thanedar urge Indian Americans to enter politics

• Lawmakers urged Indian-Americans to run for public office.
• Concerns were raised over rising anti-Hindu and anti-India hate.
• Representatives stressed the importance of political participation.
• Several lawmakers pledged support on immigration-related issues.
• The Indian-American population reached an estimated 5.2 million in 2023.

Indian-American lawmakers have encouraged members of the community to take a more active role in politics and public life as concerns grow over incidents of anti-India and anti-Hindu sentiment in parts of the United States.

The appeal was made during an event at Capitol Hill organized by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS). Several members of Congress addressed the gathering and discussed challenges facing the Indian-American community.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said that Indian-Americans, despite being one of the most educated and economically successful communities in the country, are facing new difficulties.

“There is the rise of anti-Hindu, anti-Indian, anti-Desi hate,” he said.

Krishnamoorthi urged members of the community to become more involved in the political process and ensure that their concerns are heard by elected leaders.

“It's time to get more involved than you've ever been. You have to raise your voice. You have to speak up. You have to show up. You have to make sure that your voices are heard everywhere,” the Illinois Democrat said.

He also encouraged Indian-Americans to seek elected office regardless of their political affiliation.

“I want you to think about running for office, whether it's city council. I don't care if you're a Republican, Democrat, or Independent. I don't care who you are.

“There's an old saying in Washington DC, if you don't have a seat at the table, you're on the menu. And none of you can afford to be on the menu, nor can our families, nor can our interests,” he said.

Krishnamoorthi further added, “I want you to consider running for city council. I want you to consider running for state house or state senate or for the US Congress, although not in my congressional district. But consider running for office and making sure your voice is heard.”

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam shared a similar message. He said that one of the most effective ways to address issues affecting the community is to ensure representation in institutions where decisions are made.

Congressman Shri Thanedar also addressed the gathering. He said that hostility toward immigrants has been increasing in parts of the country and emphasized the need for unity within the diaspora while responding to such challenges.

US Senator Roger Marshall, a Republican from Kansas, highlighted the growing strategic and economic partnership between India and the United States. He said that a bilateral trade agreement would benefit both countries and could create new opportunities, especially for farmers in Kansas.

Several other lawmakers also expressed support for the Indian-American community. These included Sanford Bishop, James Walkinshaw, Brad Sherman, and Bill Huizenga. They assured attendees that they would continue working on issues affecting the community, including immigration concerns and the backlog of permanent residency applications.

Indian-American organizations have repeatedly raised concerns about incidents of Hinduphobia and anti-India rhetoric in recent years. Reported incidents have included vandalism at Hindu temples, anti-Hindu graffiti, disruptions of religious events, and campaigns opposing Indian representation in corporate leadership positions.

According to the US Census Bureau, the Indian-American population was estimated at 5.2 million in 2023. The community is one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the United States and continues to expand its influence across business, education, technology, healthcare, and public service.