Sunday Feature/Celebrating Diversity—
By Mike Moen, producer, Maryland News Connection, a bureau of Public Service.
Celebrations continue this summer in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Professionals from the Washington, D.C., area who trace their heritage back to India hope people see their dedication to democracy amid anti-immigrant backlash.
A recent survey from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace found Indian Americans report discrimination issues, with 38% saying they have experienced it when applying for jobs.
Alok Srivatsa, a healthcare technology professional in the Washington, D.C., region, said like all other immigrant populations, Indian Americans care deeply about making the nation’s workforce stronger.
“Immigrants are a part of the American success story. They contribute to the economic prosperities of the country,” Srivatsa emphasized.
Outside of work, Srivatsa pointed out Indian Americans play an active role in philanthropy and like to volunteer their time by serving on civic boards and academic committees within higher education.
On July 25, a bipartisan gathering in Washington, D.C., highlighted achievements of this population and their gratitude for the American dream.
Nar Koppula, an information technology professional, also from the D.C. area, said people like him have called America home for several decades and stressed it is important to remember India does not allow dual citizenship, and Indian Americans are truly committed to the ideals on which the U.S. was founded. Koppula added they have a tolerant mindset.
“The basic DNA of Indians is to see the whole world as one family,” Koppula explained.
On the heels of the celebration in the nation’s capital, attendees hope Indian Americans take part in similar state-level events in the coming weeks and hope others spread the messages in public-centric places over time as a way to counter stereotypes.
