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Nebraska Governor names two Indian Americans to state’s first Asian American Affairs Commission
The committee will enhance Asian American rights, addressing housing, education, welfare, and employment issues in Nebraska
Deepak Gangahar (R) (Image - Linkedin/ Deepak Gangahar) and Arunkumar (L) (Image - Nebraska Library commission) appointed to Nebraska’s first Asian-American commission /
Gov. Jim Pillen of Nebraska has announced the appointment of the inaugural members of the state's newly established Commission on Asian American Affairs.
The 13 members include two Indian Americans namely Dr. Deepak M. Gangahar and Arunkumar Pondicherry. Governor Pillen emphasized the importance of this commission in promoting the rights and welfare of Asian-Americans in the state. The final member of the 14-member commission will be appointed soon.
Gangahar, a thoracic surgeon based in Elkhorn , brings extensive medical experience to the commission. Affiliated with Lincoln Surgical Hospital and CHI Health Nebraska Heart, he earned his medical degree from a Government Medical College in Punjab, India and has practiced for over two decades. His appointment highlights the inclusion of distinguished professionals in the commission’s efforts to address issues within Nebraska’s Asian-American community.
Arunkumar Pondicherry, from Lincoln, serves as the president of the India Association of Nebraska Lincoln and member of the Nebraska Library Commission. He joins the commission with a focus on improving the communities needs.
The Commission on Asian American Affairs, created through the passage of LB1300, received unanimous approval from state lawmakers in April. The commission’s formation mirrors other state bodies, such as the commissions on Indian Affairs, Latino-Americans, and African American Affairs.
“The purpose of the commission is to join representatives of Asian Americans in Nebraska to do all things which the commission may determine to enhance the cause of Asian American rights and to develop solutions to problems common to all Asian Americans residing in Nebraska,” the law, approved in Legislative Bill 1300, states.
The commission, which will hold quarterly meetings, aims to coordinate programs and initiatives to support Nebraska’s Asian-American population. Members will serve four-year terms and receive a $50 per diem for their service, along with reimbursement for related expenses.
Other appointees include Maureen Brase, Weysan Dun, Maorong Jiang, Tram Kieu, Joanne Li, Yunwoo Nam, Rebecca Reinhardt, Vickie Sakurada Schaepler, Ryo Suzuki, Hiep Vu, and Carol Wang.
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