Danny moved to the United States in 1987 with his wife, Manisha, to pursue the American Dream. / Danny Gaekwad website.

Digvijay “Danny” Gaekwad, a first-generation American entrepreneur and community leader, has made a name for himself as a prominent hotelier in Florida. Born in Baroda, India, as the son of a judge and grandson of an Indian Army Colonel, Danny moved to the United States in 1987 with his wife, Manisha, to pursue the American Dream.

Over three decades later, he is widely recognized as a visionary leader, passionate about influencing industries, communities, and politics. In an exclusive interview with New India Abroad, Gaekwad shared his thoughts on the current state of American politics, the hotel industry, and issues that matter most to Indian Americans.

Reflecting on the state of the current presidential elections, Gaekwad emphasizes the reasons he believes Indian Americans should support Donald Trump. For Gaekwad, Trump’s record speaks for itself, particularly in terms of his strong friendship with India. He recalls Trump’s actions in 2020 when China made incursions into northern India. “Even when he was leaving office, Trump sent nuclear-capable jets to tell China to back off,” Gaekwad says, adding Trump consistently stood by India in times of crises.

Gaekwad also takes a critical stance against Vice President Kamala Harris, asserting that she has not identified with her Indian heritage during her political career. “I have never seen Kamala Harris identify as Indian American. She always identifies as a Black woman,” he states. Gaekwad finds it puzzling that some Indians have an “obsession” with calling her Indian American. He points out that Harris’s public record and statements do not align with this identity, stating, “She has never embraced it, so why are we pushing it?”

When asked about the issues Indian Americans should prioritize in the elections, Gaekwad highlights two key concerns: border security and the economy. He stresses that many Indian Americans, including himself, came to the United States legally, enduring long waits for visas and proper documentation. “We followed the rules. Some of my friends waited 15 years,” he says. In contrast, he criticizes the current administration’s approach to illegal immigration, arguing that it undermines the efforts of those who came legally. “I want legal immigration. Immigration builds the country. But I am totally opposed to illegal immigration,” Gaekwad declares.

On the economic front, Gaekwad expresses concern over Harris’s proposed tax policies, particularly her stance on capital gains taxes. He believes this would significantly harm Indian American business owners, who form a large percentage of entrepreneurs in various sectors. “She wants to charge 44 percent on capital gains, which is a death sentence for business, entrepreneurship, and success,” Gaekwad says. 

He contrasts this with Trump’s understanding of business, attributing his policies to fostering growth. “Trump brought down capital gains from 28 percent to 15 percent, and he understood this because he earned his money through hard work,” he adds.

As a hotelier, Gaekwad has specific hopes for the next president when it comes to the hospitality industry. He points out the outdated franchise laws, which he believes are skewed heavily in favor of franchisors, leaving franchisees at a disadvantage. “These franchise laws were written in the 1960s, and they are no longer relevant to today’s industry,” he explains. 

Gaekwad stresses the need for reform, particularly as franchise fees have increased from 5 percent to 14-15 percent over time, without adequate checks and balances. He urges the president to work with Congress and the Senate to create fair franchise laws that benefit both parties. “Right now, it’s all one way, and it’s hurting the community,” he asserts.

The challenges within the franchise industry extend beyond just legislation. Gaekwad is also concerned about the saturation of the market, particularly within the Indian community. “Indian hotel owners are building next to each other like madmen,” he says, warning that this practice could lead to the industry's downfall. 

He recounts his personal decision to never build a hotel next to another Indian-owned business, noting that franchises are engaging in the same “divide and rule” tactics once used by the British in India. “This is a national issue. Whether it’s a McDonald’s or a Marriott, the problem is the same,” he concludes, calling for a comprehensive reevaluation of franchise practices.