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Kamala Harris: Shaping the future of American political power
Kamala’s leadership is grounded in her understanding of immigrant families, identity, and the need for inclusive policies.
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Kamala Harris with Ramesh Kapur and Rajendar Dichpally / US India Security Council Inc
Starting in 1986, I’ve actively contributed to the presidential elections of Mike Dukakis, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, John Kerry, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris. The 2024 election, however, is a defining moment, especially for the Indian American community, women of color and immigrants across the country.
This election is about more than politics; it’s about the future of America. At the heart of this transformation is Kamala Harris—a trailblazer, the first Black and Indian American woman on a major presidential ticket, representing progress and hope for all.
I first met Kamala Devi Harris in 2016 during her U.S. Senate run, where I hosted a fundraiser for her. From that moment, it was clear to me she was a leader destined to leave a lasting mark on American politics. I served in a top leadership role during her 2020 presidential run and I proudly supported her on the Biden-Harris ticket.
Her background, shaped by her immigrant parents—mother from India and father from Jamaica—gave her a strong sense of justice, perseverance, and the importance of community. Harris was born in Oakland, California, to Shyamala Gopalan, an Indian breast cancer researcher, and Donald Harris, a Jamaican economist.
This unique blend of heritage and culture moulded her into a person deeply aware of both the challenges and opportunities that come with being a person of color in the United States.
Her mother's influence was especially profound; Shyamala instilled in her daughters a strong sense of identity, pride, and duty to give back to society. Harris has often shared stories of how her mother would tell her, "You may be the first to do many things, but make sure you're not the last." These words became a guiding light for Harris throughout her career.
Kamala has consistently shattered glass ceilings—from being the first Black and Indian Attorney General of California to becoming the first woman Vice President of the United States. Supporting her from her Senate race to the Vice Presidency and now in 2024, I’ve witnessed firsthand her ability to inspire and unite diverse communities. Kamala’s rise symbolizes a new era for all Americans and especially Indian Americans, and her success encourages us to envision a future where we are fully represented at the highest levels of government.
Kamala’s leadership is grounded in her understanding of immigrant families, identity, and the need for inclusive policies. Her commitment to tackling criminal justice reform, healthcare, and immigration rights reflects the values we hold dear. She builds coalitions, working across racial, ethnic, and gender lines to drive real change.
Her journey is not just about personal achievement; it is a symbol of what’s possible for Indian Americans and all marginalized communities. It’s a testament to our potential to shape the future of this country. But her success is only the beginning. We must continue to push for greater representation and actively participate in the political process. Voting, mobilizing our communities, and encouraging young Indian Americans to pursue public service are crucial steps to ensure our voices are heard.
As we approach November 5, Kamala Harris's campaign for President offers us a unique opportunity to create history. Her story is our story, the story of perseverance, representation, and the American Dream. By supporting the Harris-Walz campaign and empowering the next generation of leaders, we can help build a future where all communities are represented and have a voice in shaping America. We have also launched a website focused on the diaspora, inviting our community to engage and participate in this transformative journey together. The website address is https://indianamericansforkamaladeviharris.com.
Let us come together in unity and create history by electing Kamala Devi Harris as the 47th President of the United States of America.
The author is President, US India Security Council Inc and Co-Chair Harris Victory Fund- National Finance Committee
(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad)ADVERTISEMENT
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