America has a new administration. Like all other immigrant communities, Indian community, too, has certain concerns and issues. Over the years, we have seen Indians in America climbing the social, economic, professional and political ladder, and by now, the community has established itself as one of the main pillars of American politico-socio-economic structure. Obviously, with the contribution of Indians growing, the expectations also are on the rise. The Indian Panorama requested readers to weigh in on the expectations of the Indian American community of Biden-Harris Administration, and what issue/ issues they would like the Biden administration to prioritize? Given below are their views.
There seems to be high expectations for renewed and enhanced geo-strategic, geo-political, and geo-economic collaboration and cooperation between USA and India with the Biden-Harris administration taking immediate steps towards a more coherent foreign policy and US interests globally. This is due in large measure to known mutual benefits between the two largest democracies, as well as the resumption of stable US policymaking by experienced officials (including Kamala Harris of Indian origin) who place high value on India as a steadfast and reliable partner, a bulwark against an aggressive and rapidly expansive China. In addition to the India Caucus in the US congress as a viable lobby group with significant influence by a vocal Indian community in the USA, there is overwhelming Congressional support for a strong USA-India alliance beneficial to both countries. In my view, the primary issues which are priority for the Biden administration are both domestic and external: Addressing domestic and international terrorism, misinformation leading to misguided divisiveness, cyber security, social and legal justice, equitable access to medical care and education, opportunities for minorities and the under-represented, corporate social responsibility, strategic and trade alliances, human rights, advance planning and collaboration for future pandemic, intellectual property rights and gerrymandering of state and congressional seats.
(Ashook Ramsaran is President, Indian Diaspora Council Int’l., and a Former President, GOPIO) Int’l. He can be reached at AshookRamsaran@gmail.com)
I hope the Bidden-Harris administration realizes that with most of America’s traditional allies doing extensive trade with China, with China in many cases having now become their largest trading partner in place of the U.S, the only true ally the United States has today against China is India and treat the legitimate concerns of India on various front, including Pakistan, with the respect that they deserve. While as a strong free-marketer, I always applaud any effort by India to move towards a free market economy, the legitimate fear of the farmers that in a free-market economy profiteers will squeeze them down to poverty cannot be ignored. While I never want a slow movement towards market-based economy, this maybe one case where it is justified. A slow phased introduction of market-based reforms in the farm sector, with constant monitoring of whether the country and farmers are better off in the new system and constant readjustment of market-based reforms in the farm sector to create a win-win system for the farmers and the country, should be thoughtfully implemented.
(Rajiv Khanna is President, India-America Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at rajiv.khanna@bipc.com)
We should be proud of the inclusion of a vast number of South Asians in new administration of President Biden. We have made tremendous strides in education and scientific fields, but it is about time to participate in political process too. There are a lot of expectations from new administration to not only meet the racism heads on but also to deliver on the vaccination for COVID-19 to all. The latest data shows that minorities are not getting their fair share of vaccinations. That needs to be bridged. This should be taken on priority basis.
(H.S. Toor is a community activist, a politician, anda film actor. He can be reached at hstoor@gmail.com)
We have fought long and hard for this day, which has ushered in the new Biden-Harris administration. We have paid our dues in all areas of American life, as t
axpayers, voters, immigrants, US citizens, professionals, publishers, workers, laborers, day care, and diplomats-indeed, in every area of life. After all, we have collectively helped to build the American dream.
When I first ran for public office in 2005, I was the only person of IndoGuyanese-American heritage, and I knew then that my efforts would have been a pioneering effort and precedent that has been the forerunner for several Indian-Americans being elected today, which has now taken root, and gives us all voices in city, state and federal governments. Now, we have a Vice-President, Congress members, Governors, Mayors, State, Assembly and City Council members, Ambassadors, and other high profile office holders. Our journey, which began with small steps, have entrenched us all in American life, and must continue!
Firstly, there has been an unconscionable disparity in the COVID vaccine distribution, which has shortchanged many minority communities, many of which included Indian-American communities, like Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park and Ozone Park. This has caused disproportionate and systemic deaths, pain and suffering in our communities of color, and is reflective of the institutional barriers Indian-Americans and other minorities have been suppressed with.
This is a wake-up call for all of us. Our journey is far from complete, although many gains have been wrought. We must continue to fight for inclusion, empowerment, and respect from our fellow Americans, as we sacrifice and aspire to a common goal of making our nation more perfect, and tolerant, and much more inclusive. Consequently, much is expected of the new Biden-Harris Administration. Whereas many brilliant and deserving Indian-Americans have been installed in many functions and positions, we wish to see Cabinet positions, diplomatic positions, advisors and service workers being given to our many qualified brothers and/or sisters in every level of government. We are as good, and as deserving, as anybody else.
We also wish to see more positive changes and improvements, especially in the immigration, justice, civil rights and labor laws. Indian-Americans have distinguished ourselves in the sciences, technology, professions, indeed, in every walk of life. More professional work visas and green cards must be extended to Indian-Americans, by admitting the brightest people from around the world. Better wages, the right to unionize, especially our taxi drivers and other gig workers, freedom of religious worship, mutual respect for all cultures and religions, equitable enforcement of the laws, and the eradication of hate crimes, must be addressed, as we have a stake in this.
This is needed to make American great again, more tolerant and inclusive, and more competitive in the world economy.
(Al Baldeo is a community activist and a politician. He can be reached at albaldeo16@gmail.com)