As an Indian American (Desi), your vote holds the power to shape the future of our community in the United States. Despite our significant population—estimated at nearly 5 million—our political influence remains limited due to low voter registration and turnout.
It’s time for us to follow the blueprint of the Jewish community, who have successfully leveraged their collective voting power to secure policy changes that benefit their community in the USA and foreign policies which impact Israel.
1. Political Representation Equals Power
Voting is a crucial tool in ensuring that our voices are heard at every level of government. Communities that vote in large numbers, like the Jewish American community, receive more attention from elected officials. This attention translates into policies that directly benefit those communities. For example, the Jewish community has been instrumental in influencing U.S. foreign policy towards Israel, as well as securing domestic policies that support Jewish schools, creating Holocaust museums, community centers, and senior citizen facilities.
By registering to vote (and voting), Indian Americans can begin to exert similar influence, advocating for policies that matter to us, such as immigration reform, women’s rights, healthcare, and education. Maybe, a Partition Museum – to ensure our future generations don’t forget the atrocities of the British Raj and how they divided India and its people?
2. Shaping Cultural Recognition and Holidays
The political clout of the Jewish and Black American communities has led to the recognition of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa as significant cultural holidays.
Imagine the possibility of having Diwali or Eid recognized as federal holidays—this can only happen if we become a strong voting bloc. By registering to vote (and, voting), you are taking the first step towards achieving this goal.
3. Economic and Business Support
Indian Americans are one of the most affluent ethnic groups in the U.S. but making money, living in mansions and driving fancy cars is simply not enough. Without political engagement, we risk losing out on favorable policies, grants, and low-interest loans that could support our small businesses and create housing for our senior citizens. We have senior citizen desis who are homeless.
4. Influence Beyond Swing States
Even if you live in a state that isn’t considered a swing state, your vote still matters. Politicians look at voter turnout to determine where to focus their campaigns and which issues to prioritize. The Jewish community, despite being a small percentage of the U.S. population, has been able to achieve significant influence because of their high voter turnout across the country. Indian Americans can achieve the same level of influence by registering to vote and participating in every election, ensuring that our needs and concerns are addressed.
5. Building a Strong, Unified Community
Voting is not just about individual benefit; it’s about building a strong, unified community that can advocate for its collective needs. Many ethnic blocs have built a network of community centers, healthcare facilities, and cultural institutions through a combination of private donations and government grants. These achievements were made possible because the community came together as a united entity, prioritized voter engagement and political participation.
By registering to vote (and voting), Indian Americans can strengthen our community and advocate to build an infrastructure that supports our unique needs, from housing for our aging population, mental health services and cultural preservation initiatives.
Let’s Unite Our Voice, Let’s Unite Our Vote
The future of the Indian American community in the U.S. depends on our collective action – not by dividing into Hindus/Muslims/Sikhs or breaking up into Gujaratis, Punjabis, South Indians, etc…. This divide and conquer ideology is what the British Raj used during their India occupancy. We need to be one desi united unit to achieve the strength needed of an effective, strong voting bloc. Let's be counted.
Communities that vote are more likely to receive support because politicians are incentivized to address the needs of active voters. Our Jewish brothers and sisters’ success is a prime example of how voting translates into tangible benefits. By registering to vote and participating in elections, we can ensure that our voices are heard, our interests are represented, and our community continues to prosper in future generations. There are many pollsters and number crunchers who are tallying up who is heading to the polls (they churn this data to get details on gender, ethnicity, etc.…). Let’s bolster our voting bloc so that we can make our voices heard and our votes count. At USIndianSeniors.com, we are committed to increasing our voting bloc - let's do it together.
Let’s not continue to waste time on in-fighting and politics in India. Stop listening to the shrill opinions of Arnav Goswami, he neither lives or works in the USA.
Let’s focus on our (and our children's) future.
Sources:
Nishtha Raheja Goel, is an Ethnogeriatric Consultant who worked in the corporate jungle but now heads up a non-profit for Desi Seniors in the Los Angeles area. She’s a community organizer and founder of a portal website for Desi Seniors who are settled outside of India. USIndianSeniors.com serves to empower, educate and create community for Indian Senior Citizens settled out of India.
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