The IAPACer - July 2010

The IAPACer
Your newsletter from
IAPAC Volume 1 Issue 1
July 2010 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
IAPAC Board MembersRamesh Anand, Vish Bhaskaran, Ramesh Cherivirala, Gitesh Desai, Preanka Desai, SujeethDraksharam, Jagat Kamdar, Pranav Kothari, G. V. Krishnan, Sam Merchant, ManishaMehta, Rick Pal, Hasu Patel, Sanjay Ram, Ashok Rao, Sanjay Rao, Rao Ratnala, RandhirSahni, Dinesh Shah, Karun Sreerama and Mini Timmaraju.
________________________________________________________________________________Welcome Welcome to the first issue of The IAPACer, the newsletter from IAPAC (Indo AmericanPolitical Action Committee of Greater Houston)Wish all of you a Great 4th of July!We hope to keep you informed on what is happening in IAPAC and the political arenain Houston and across the US.IAPAC, the Political Voice of Indo Americans of Greater Houston with a bang with a felicitation for over 45 elected officials of Greater Houston and IAPAC 2010being sworn in by Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. IAPAC 2010 has continued the traditionlaid down by the previous Presidents, Sanjay Ramabhadran & Gitesh Desai, by organisingvarious outreach initiatives. They have included luncheons for Indo American CommunityLeaders with Houston area Members of Congress, fund raisers for various candidatesrunning for office, inter PAC initiatives with PACs of other communities, encouragingIndo Americans to mail in their Census Forms, working with various cities in the interest of Indo Americans and more....

IAPAC congratulates Nikki Haley on winning 42 out of 46 counties to earn the Republicannomination for Governor of South Carolina.

IAPAC congratulates Mr. Thomas Abraham on being relected as Councilman for the Cityof Sugar Land and being appointed Mayor Pro Tempore for the City of Sugar Land & Ms. Sonal Buchar on being once again elected as the President of Fort Bend ISD. IAPAC congratulates Ken Mathew on once again being elected as Councilman for theCity of Stafford, TX.

IAPAC congratulates Sunny Sharma of Sugar Land on being elected as the Governorfor Rotary District 5890 on June 11- the first Indo American District Governor inTexas.

Indo Americans are running for office across the country. IAPAC is working without of state candidates through their champions in Greater Houston. Please readthe article below, written by IAPAC Director, Jagat Kamdar on that topic.

Your PAC has started a unique parallel initiative - Indo Americans for Rick Perry& Indo Americans for Bill White led by IAPAC Directors Vish Bhaskaran (EMail: vbhaskaran@sbcglobal.net[mailto:vbhaskaran@sbcglobal.net]) & Jagat Kamdar (EMail: jagatk@aol.com [mailto:jagatk@aol.com]) respectively. You can decide who you wish to support and participate in the electionfor the next Governor of Texas.

IAPAC is launching a Mentoring Program led by our Director, Sanjay Rao. The programwill expose individuals to various facets of successfully running for office. Thiswill include training in Public Speaking by the best in the world, interaction withelected officials and more. You or any of your friends dream of running for officein the near future - contact IAPAC - don't miss the golden opportunity. Sanjay Rao(EMail: SRao6165@aol.com [mailto:SRao6165@aol.com] ) Please read the article relatedto running for office written by IAPAC President-elect, Dinesh Shah.
IAPAC continues to interact with Indo American community members and their representativeorganisations and understand how it can be of better service to them. IAPAC has reached out to appropriate agencies to share issues and securing relief, where possible. If you have any issues, please contact us. These have been through individual interactionsand townhall meetings.IAPAC is a vibrant body always looking for new ideas for new initiatives and welcomesactive participation from the community. You and your friends want to know moreabout how you can be part of IAPAC - all you need to do is contact our Directors responsible for Outreach, Gitesh Desai or Sam Merchant. Have an article or somethinghumurous to share - email it to us and our editorial team can try and publish it in the next issue of The IAPACER.

Finally, please ensure you, your family members and friends, who are citizens of USA, register to vote. YOU make a difference and your vote really counts!!!RegardsRamesh AnandPresidentIAPACCell: 832-731-6133EMail: rhappy@gmail.com [mailto:rhappy@gmail.com]______________________________________________________________________________

HPD Reminds Motorists to Move Over or Slow Down
Starting Monday (June July 12) through Sunday (July 18), officers from the HoustonPolice Department's Traffic Enforcement Division will be actively educating motoristsabout Texas Transportation Code Section 545.157 "Passing Authorized Emergency Vehicle,"otherwise known as the "Move Over or Slow Down" law.
From Monday (July 19) through Sunday (July 25), HPD officers will be actively enforcingthe "Move Over or Slow Down" law and citations will be issued.
Under Texas law, motorists approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with its signals(emergency lights) on are required to either vacate the lane closest to the emergencyvehicle (if a lane is available) or slow to a speed no more than 20 miles per hourbelow the posted speed limit. When the posted speed limit is 25 miles per houror less, the driver must slow down to five miles per hour.
"Many motorists are unfamiliar with this law and we need to educate them," saidLieutenant Mike Hoesel of the HPD Traffic Enforcement Division. "It is imperativemotorists understand this law and what it means for officer safety," he added.
A violation of the "Passing Authorized Emergency Vehicle" law is considered a ClassC misdemeanor, punishable by a $1 to $200 fine or a Class B misdemeanor if someoneis injured.
_______________________________________________________________________________Indo American Student Shines

IAPAC is very proud to recognize and congratulate the achievements of Master SushainCherivirala, who is a 7th Grade Student at Quail Valley GT Academy. Sushain is oneofthe top fifty 7th Graders in the nation who have earned a perfect score in one ofthe SAT or Act tests. SAT is usually taken by the High School Students at 11th and12th Grade to get a college admission. Sushain has taken SAT as part of the Duke University's Talent Identification Program (TIP) at 7th Grade. Duke Universityhas awarded Sushain William and Doroth Bevan Scholarship for getting a perfect scorein Mathematics section of SAT. Sushain has received a special recognition at the national recognition ceremony in Duke University Campus on May 24th and also at the State Recognition Ceremony at Texas A & M University on May 27th for his accomplishment.Sushain was also awarded full scholarship to attend Duke's Summer School Program.
Press release issued by Duke quotes that "Our Bevan Scholars are extraordinarily talented students," Martha Putallaz, Ph.D., Executive Director of Duke TIP, said."Fewer than 1% of college-bound high-school students have scored as well as theBevan Scholars. Duke TIP is honored to support them in this special achievementand in their academic development."IAPAC congratulates Sushain and his parents on this achievement and wish him the very best!!!
If you know of any Indo-American children, who have been great achievers - sendus their information.
In This Issue
MessageIndo Americans running for Congress - Jagat KamdarIndo Americans & Politics - Past, present & future - Dinesh ShahUpdate from our elected representatives
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Message from Mr. Sanjiv Arora, Hon. Consul General of India

I heartily congratulate Mr. Ramesh Anand, President of the Indo American PoliticalAction Committee (IAPAC) of Greater Houston and his team for starting a monthlyE-newsletter.Over the years, IAPAC has emerged as an active and important forum for meaningfuldialogue on a wide range of issues in the framework of the multi-faceted bonds offriendship and cooperation between the world's largest democracy, India and theoldest democracy, the United States. IAPAC has also been giving greater attentionto contemporary global challenges such as terrorism. IAPAC's regular interaction with elected officials, diplomats and other interlocutors is very useful for allconcerned.By launching an E-newsletter, IAPAC has taken another important step to achieveit's objectives. We, at the Consulate General of India in Houston, value our constructivedialogue with IAPAC on issues of mutual interest, and wish them all the best intheir future endeavors.SdSanjiv Arora
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INDO AMERICANS TAKE POLITICAL PARTICIPATION MANY NOTCHES HIGHER WITH RECORD NUMBERSRUNNING FOR CONGRESS THIS YEAR - Jagat Kamdar

It is indeed a paradigm shift on the canvas of the entire Indo American communityin America as far as the election is concerned. Over the years, we have seen few Indian Americans running for any elected offices in this country.
Dalip Singh Saund was the first Indian American who was elected to the congressin 1957 and served in the United States congress from January, 1957 to January 1963.He represented the 29th district of California. Until the early years of the 1990's,we did not see any more Indian American running for the United States Congress.
It was again in 1993 that couple of Indian Americans ran for Congress; Peter Mathewsfrom California and Neil Dhillon from Maryland. Moving forward, there were fewmore candidates in the decade of 1990's. Many more Indian Americans than ever beforeran for the state and local offices across the nation in the 2008 election year. Many were elected to the state and local offices in the year 2008. And now, unprecedentednumbers of Indian Americans are running for the United States Congress across thenation and many more are running for local and state offices, too, in 2010 elections.But the work to increase the political participation of the Indian American communityis far from done. There are still more opportunities for civic and political involvementfor Indian Americans across the nation. Now there is an awareness in the communityand understands that it is paramount for the community to be part of a democraticsystem through contesting the elections in the united States of America rather thansitting outside and just talking about it.
In this election year of 2010, there are at least nine Indian Americans runningfor the congress. The names of these individuals are as follows.
1. Ami Bera, MD, (D) is a democratic candidate for congress in California's 3rddistrict.2. Manan Trivedi, MD, (D) is a democratic candidate for congress in Pennsylvanis's6th district3. Peter Mathews (D) is democratic candidate for the congress in California's 37thdistrict.4. Pia Varma (R) is a candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania's 1st district.5. Raj Goyle (D) is a democratic candidate for congress in Kansas's 4th district6. Ravi Sangisetty (D) is a democratic candidate for the congress in the Louisiana3rd district.7. Reshma Saujani (D) is a democratic candidate for congress in New York's 14thdistrict.8. Surya Yalmanchili (D) is a candidate for the congress in Ohio's 2nd district.9. Vijay Kumar (R) is a candidate for Congress in Tennessee's 5th district.
1. Ami Bera, MD, (D) is a democratic candidate for congress in California's 3rddistrict. Dr. Bera is a first generation Americans born to Indian parents. Dr. Berais married to Janine, who also happens to be a doctor and both have a daughter,Sydra. He states that he has benefited from what the state of California and thiscountry had to offer - equality, opportunity and the promise that through hard workand education I could reach my potential and be part of the solutions for the challengesthis country is facing. Dr, Bera believes that things can be different. Together,we can change our course and begin to create a more compassionate, sensible andsustainable America. His web site is www.beraforcongress.com [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103547637890&s=0&e=001h5iXXIrUpMQRj07IID7QmK03OsRSvWTLvtLkEA_cd6A7yJtofq9e2cT679e_McjeB60Sx8k2Hst4zvAfMMlYEWrmZxObf8VAkZS3WaFRnRpzbtsOd5p5eTCLTLGSegdX]
The California 3rd congressional district covers most of Sacramento County and partof Solano County as well as all of Alpine, Amador and Calaveras counties. Since2005, the 3rd district has been represented by Republican, Dan Lungren, who defeatedDemocratic challenger Bill Durston 49 % to 44 % in 2008. In 2008, Presidential candidateBarack Obama won this district narrowly with 49.4 % compared to 48.8 % for Jon McCain,a republican candidate for President. The 3rd district of California has been arepublican majority district. But, it also is a swing district. Depending upon thecandidate, the district could go either way.
As far as the contribution to the candidate is concerned, Dr. Bera has a great advantageover the incumbent Dan Lungren. Dr. Bera had also visited Houston in the month ofApril and had a meeting with board of IAPAC. He was very articulate and very clearon the issues this country is facing. He is one of the seats that the national DemocraticParty feels could swing its way. Dr. Bera is planning another visit to Houston fora fund raising sometime in July. He deserves our support.
2. Manan Trivedi, MD, (D) is a democratic candidate for congress in Pennsylvanis's6th district. This district includes some of Philadelphia's suburbs and part ofReading, PA. The district demographics have changed and now is a leading democraticdistrict. The democratic candidate has the best chance of taking this district.The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has put this district as winnableto its list and helping Manan Trivedi in every way for him to win in the general election. In the presidential election of 2008, this district gave a resounding victory to Barack Obama with 58% of the vote. The non partisan Congressional QuarterlyPolitics has currently rated this district has democratic and the democratic candidatehas the best chance of winning in the general election.
A son of immigrant from India, Manan Trivedi was raised in Berks County. He is anIraq War Veteran. His battalion was deployed to Kuwait in 2003 and his team wasone of the first teams entered into Iraq. Manan has been married for more than fiveyears now to Surekha. They both met while in college. At the present time he ispracticing as physician in Reading, PA.
Manan recently defeated Journalist Doug Pike and Merion Commissioner Brian Gordonin the democratic primary on May 18th. Manan won his primary by 672 votes. The factthat he won against a well known and well funded candidate in Doug Pike speaks volumes.Doug Pike was on the editorial board of Philadelphia Inquirer for many years and his father was a known congressman, Otis Pike. Manan, now will go against incumbentcongressman, Jim Gerlach, who briefly flirted with a run for the governor of the state. His web site is www.trivediforcongress.com
If there is any candidate from Indian Americans running for Congress, Manan hasthe best chance of winning the election and definitely deserves our financial support.Manan is in touch with few of us and he is thinking of visiting Houston in the nearfuture.
3. Peter Mathews (D) is democratic candidate for the congress in California's 37thdistrict. This district encompasses Long Beach and Compton and many other municipalities.The district is highly diverse ethically with almost half of its residents havingHispanic ancestry, a quarter being African American and the rest, a mix of Caucasian,Asian American and other ethnic groups. It has one of the largest Cambodian populationsoutside Cambodia. At the present time, the district is represented by Democrat,Laura Richardson, who won a special election on August 21, 2007, easily defeatingmany other candidates. She is in the primary of the Democratic Party along withmany other candidates, including Peter Mathews, who is the son of immigrant parentsfrom India. Though, he came with his parents from India when he was very young.Peter is no stranger to politics. He has been running for congress since 1993 andhas not won so far. He has visited Houston few times during 1990's when he had muchmore support from many of the big cities in this country, including Houston.
Peter Mathews has spent 30 years as a college and University professor educating people. His father was a university professor and his mother, a teacher. At anearly age, Peter learned the value of human dignity and to cherish education. PeterMathews is a professor of Political Science at Cypress College, has taught at CaliforniaState University, Fullerton and served as a political analyst on KNBC - TV, CNNradio, KPFK radio as a commentator on KNX radio. His web site is: www.mathewsforcongress.org.The democratic primary for the general election will be on Tuesday, June 8th. At the time of this printing, the primary would have been over.
In the general and presidential election of 2008, Barak Obama won this districtby 79.6% to 18.7% for John McCain. All the leading political publications includingThe Cook Partisan Voting Index put this district as safe for democratic candidate.
4. Pia Varma (R) is a candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania's 1st district. Pennsylvania'sfirst congressional district includes primarily central and South Philadelphia,the City of Chester, the Philadelphia International Airport and other small sectionof Delaware County. The district currently has an overwhelming Democratic majority.This district is highly diverse ethnically with 46% population of African Americans,37% White, 5% Asian and 15% Hispanic.
At the present time, the district is represented by Bob Brady, Chairman of the PhiladelphiaDemocratic Party. He was first elected in 1998.
Pia Varma is not your typical candidate. A political outsider, Pia Varma is only 27 year old first generation Indian American woman and entrepreneur whose parentsemigrated from India before she was born. As a leader in the movement opposing biggovernment which is gaining momentum, Pia Varma is committed to restoring the principleson which the America was founded in 1776. She is an exceptionally gifted young woman.She writes for Mises Institute and Fusion Magazine of Glenn Beck, who has become quite known through his one our T.V. program on Fox News Channel. Pia Varma willbe the first serious candidate to challenge the current congressman, Robert (Bob)Brady since he took office in 1998.
Pia became intimately acquainted with big government policies in Philadelphia twoyears ago when the Commerce Department shut down her and business partner's green-buildingproposal to revitalize vacant land in the Kensington. Taxpayer funded program by the government - The Industrial Empowerment Zone - stood in her way. It is just another example of how the big government impedes progress and hurts ordinary Americans.Her web site is www.piavarma.com.
Please visit her web site and it will give you an inside of how and why she hasbecome a defender of small government.
This experience was the motivation for her to seek the office. She believes that a political outsider will have the advantage in the November election. She says,"I am not running on a resume. You do not need a resume or permission to try and prevent our country and our city from failing."
In the general and presidential election of 2008, Barak Obama won this districtwith sizable votes. All the leading political publications including The Cook PartisanVoting Index have put this district as safe for democratic candidate. It will be very difficult for a republican candidate to win in this district.
5. Raj Goyle (D) is a democratic candidate for congress in Kansas's 4th district which is being vacated by republican Todd Tiahrt who is running for the open U.S.Senate seat. This congressional district 4th is currently rated as "likely Republican"by the non-partisan CQ Politics. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has put 4th district to its list of Red to Blue where Raj Goyle has a better chanceof winning in republican held seat. 4th district encompasses south central Kansasincluding Wichita. This district was won by John McCain by a wide margin of 58%to Barack Obama's 42%.
Raj Goyle is a first generation American born to an Indian parent. At present, RajGoyle is a state representative for the 87th district of Kansas and has been electedto represent his state district since 2007. He is an attorney and a lecturer atWichita State University. Raj attended Duke University and from there he went to Harvard Law School. He is married to Monica Arora and has a daughter. His web siteis www.rajforcongress.com According to his web site his priorities are no free lunchesfrom lobbyists, educating our children, reducing health care coast, real solutionson energy, fighting for immigration reform and helping small businesses. Accordingto state ethics officials, Raj has not received any attention from lobbyists.
Raj Goyle has raised a significant amount for his campaign to win in the general election. According to his web site he has raised more than a million dollars.None of his republican opponents have been able to raise the amount that Raj has raised so far. There are more than five candidates who is trying to win in thein the Republican primary in August.

6. Ravi Sangisetty (D) is a democratic candidate for the congress in the Louisiana3rd district. The3rd Louisiana Congressional District surrounds the southern tierof the Greater New Orleans area. The district contains large portions of southeastand south central Louisiana and contains the cities of Chalmette, Gonzales, Houma,Thibodaux and New Iberia and few more. Redistricting in the 1990s pushed the districtout of the fast growing suburbs of Metairie and the city of Kenner.
This is an Open seat as the incumbent is running for the senate. There is no primaryon the democratic side while in the republican primary there are going to be morethan 4 candidates. Whoever wins will go against Ravi Sangisetty (D) Ravi Sangisettyis driven to solve the problems that most affect the future of South Louisiana.He is committed to fighting for Louisiana coast, spurring the growth of coastalindustries, and improving education and health care in the region. As a Louisiananative, Ravi holds these issues close to heart. His web site is www.raviforcongress.com
Ravi graduated from Princeton University in political science. While at Princeton,Ravi developed a strong devotion to public policy, especially in the area of coastalrestoration. Ravi returned to Louisiana and earned his law degree from Louisiana State University. His legal training centered on diverse areas of public law, including,for example, health care law. As part of his studies, he proposed cost-effective Methods of providing medical treatment to underserved communities. Also while atLSU Law, he was selected by his peers to chair its Ethics Committee. Ravi is marriedto Sarah, a graduate of Tulane University. The couple lives in Houma, where Ravi'sparents, both immigrants from India, still reside and maintain thriving medicalpractices. Ravi now works in Houma as a business attorney at the law firm of Duval,Funderburk, Sundbery, Lovell and Watkins. The CQ Politics currently rates the 3rddistrict as republican leaning and many other political publications also classify3rd district as republican leaning. As per the Cook Partisan Index, the district is R+12 which means that it would be very difficult for any democratic candidateto win the 3rd district in the general election. John McCain won a decisive victoryin the 3rd congressional district by 61% of the votes in 2008.
7. Reshma Saujani (D) is a democratic candidate for congress in New York's 14thdistrict. The 14th district of New York includes most of the East Side of Manhattan,all of Roosevelt Island and the neighborhoods of Astoria, Long Island City and Sunnysidein Queens. All of Central Park and the united Nations Headquarters are located withinthis district.
Reshma is a dedicated democrat, a community activist, a Yale University legal scholarand an attorney in New York City. But first and foremost, she is the daughter of political refuges whose story embodies the promise of life in America. Her parents,originally of Indian origin, barely escaped the brutal regime of Idi Amin in Uganda.But amnesty in America gave them a chance to rebuild.
Student loans gave her the opportunity to pursue a college education. Her undergraduatedegree is from University of Illinois. She was the graduation speaker and the recipientof the highest academic honor. Her graduate studies were done at Harvard's KennedySchool of government and a law degree from Yale University.
Over the years, she became increasingly frustrated by the short sighted policies of the government and the financial services industry that left thousands of peopleunemployed. That is why she resigned her job and decided to run for congress. Herweb site is www.reshma2010.com
Reshma is in the democratic primary and she will go against Carolyn B. Maloney whohas been elected to congress since 1993. It is going to be difficult for her toovercome the power of incumbency, but as they say in politics that anything is possibleon the day of the election. Tuesday, September 14, 2010 is the date for primaryelection in New York State.
The CQ Politics currently rates the 14th congressional district as democratic leaningand many other political publications also classify this district as democraticleaning. In the election of 2008, Barack Obama won a decisive victory in this districtby 78% to 21% for John McCain.
8. Surya Yalmanchili (D) is a candidate for the congress in Ohio's 2nd district.
The district stretches along the Ohio River from Cincinnati east to Scioto County.Please click on Ohio's 2nd congressional district: which will give you an idea howthe district is spread from east of Cincinnati.
Surya Yalmanchili, son of immigrant parents from India, was born in PA to a blue collar family. The work ethics of the immigrant parents took form as he shoveleddriveways to earn money while in the middle school. Surya Started his first business,an internet company, when he was in high school and worked full time while graduatingwith honors from Rutgers University. He worked with Proctor and Gamble Company inCincinnati as a brand manager. He also appeared on the show "The Apprentice". As someone who has benefited greatly from his parents' hard work, he is deeply concernedthe people who lost their jobs in the last couple of years. It is this concern,among others, that spurred him to put aside a successful carrier and run for the congress.
Surya narrowly won the primary and now he is in the general election in November.He will face a republican congresswoman, Jean Schmidt, in the general election.Congresswoman, Jean Schmidt, also won the republican primary with 61% of the vote.2nd Ohio district is presently represented by a republican congresswoman, Jean Schmidt,since 2005. The last democrat to win a full term in this district was 1964 and hasbeen in Republican hands for all these years.
In the general and presidential election of 2008, John McCain easily won this districtby 59% to 41% for Barack Obama. All the leading political publications including The Cook Partisan Voting Index, put this district as safe for republican candidateand the Congresswoman, Jean Schmidt, would retain the seat.

9. Vijay Kumar (R) is a candidate for Congress in Tennessee's 5th district. The5th Congressional district of Tennessee is a congressional district in the MiddleTennessee. Nearly two thirds of the district's voting population lives in the statecapital, Nashville. The district is majority white with 70% while African Americansconstitute 23.6%, Asians are at 4.2% and Hispanic population is only 0.3% and remainingare Native Americans.
The 5th district is a very safe seat for the Democratic Party due almost entirelyto the influence of heavily Democratic Nashville. Demographics are a major factorbehind the near absolute dominance of the political scene. The district is largelyinhabited by liberal oriented constituencies such as students and alumni of theNashville area's several colleges and universities, music industry professionals and white collar professionals. The clout of African Americans in Nashville has grown steadily in recent years as well.
Vijay Kumar is a first generation Indian American who emigrated to the United Statesof America in 1979. He was born in India Hyderabad in 1954 and graduated in Indiawith political science and philosophy. In 1983, Vijay married Robin Minix and havebeen married for 27 years. For two decade, he was employed in the insurance industryin administration and sales and marketing. He also ran his own insurance business.At the present time, he is working for a leading telecommunications company. Hehas very active in politics, volunteering in key positions in several successful political campaigns. His interests, first and foremost, is American politics andvery much interested in Indian sub-continent and the Middle East. He is runningon issues like, First Amendment rights, Second Amendment Rights, Economy and energyPolicy, Education, foreign Policy - Israel and India, National Security, Taxes,Health Care and Medicare, War on Terror, must oppose Sharia Law (Islamic) and Englishas the official language of the United States of America. His web site is www.kumarforforcongress.com.
The most crowded primary is the Tennessee's 5th Congressional Primary where 14 Republicans,including Vijay Kumar, have filed the nomination to run against the incumbent DemocraticRepresentative, Jim Cooper. He also has two opponents in the Democratic primaryand eight independent candidates are also running to oppose him in the November. The primary is set for Thursday, August 5, 2010.
The Cook Partisan Voting Index has given Democratic Party an advantage in the generalelection.
There are many more candidates who are running for various other positions throughoutthe United States of America. Just to name a few, Nikki Haley (R), a RepublicanState Representative in South Carolina, is running for the governor of the State.Though she received the maximum number of votes, she still is going in the runoffand will win in the runoff. She is likely to be the next Governor of South Carolina.
On the other hand, Kamala Harris (D) from San Francisco has just won her primary in the Democratic Party to become the Attorney General of California. She willgo against the Republican opponent in the general election. She is the daughterof an Indian mother and a Jamaican father.
The Indo American Community should be extremely proud of the fact that so many IndoAmericans are running for political office in this country and more will run inthe future. More Indo Americans are appointed at various positions at the WhiteHouse and it's administration. President Barack Obama has appointed the maximumnumber of Indo Americans in his administration. So have the State Department and many other agencies of the government.
Way to go Indo Americans! You make us all proud!!
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INDO AMERICANS AND POLITICS - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE -
By Dinesh Shah, MBA, PE, TAS, PTC, President - elect IAPAC

Race, religion and residency as criteria for becoming "American" were reinforced as early as 1917, when immigration policy extended unfairness to almost all "Orientals"as they were known during that time. People of Indian origin were first permittedto become US citizens in 1946, after Chinese in 1943, but before Japanese and otherAsians in 1952. In early 1960's Indo-Americans suffered from social withdrawal andexperienced economic bias by mainstream and other minority Americans. Their strugglewas often unobserved by governmental agencies responsible for providing services to all Americans. There were many barriers to political involvement for Indo-Americans.Their rights were ignored by discriminatory laws which denied citizenship to Asianimmigrants and rendered them ineligible to vote.
During the Civil Rights movement in early 1960's, the persistent problem of racismwas exposed in USA and issues were raised about the democratic system in the nation.Simultaneously, various Asian ethnic groups decided to band together to react politically.As a result, the Asian American Political Movement was born. During the movement several acts were passed and the movement encouraged Asian immigrant citizens toconsider their identity and culture as being an Asian American.
In 1965, the legislation was changed and provided for more active political participationto the growing minority. The Immigration Act abolished the national origins quotasystem, removing restrictions for Asian immigrants, including people from India, and the Voting Rights Act prohibited unfairness in voting, education, employment,and public facilities.
In 1988 the Census Bureau wanted to eliminate various sub-groups under the group "Asian" on the 1990 Census form. A bill was introduced in the U.S. Congress, proposingelimination of the nine check-off boxes, Asian Indian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and a few other Asians. Leaders of the Asian community were united in opposingthe bill and were eventually successful in that effort.
During his Presidency from 1992 to 2000, Bill Clinton recognized the contributionof Indo-Americans and put India at the forefront of political engagement. He createdgoodwill and excitement among Indo-Americans by becoming the first U.S. presidentto visit India in more than two decades. His visit was followed by a State Visit of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to the US. The development of US-India relationscontinued and former President George W. Bush also invited Prime Minister ManmohanSingh at the Capitol. During his time, the Civil Nuclear Agreement became a historicallandmark of growing ties between the oldest and the largest democracies.
In the past two decades, India rose on the world economic scene with resources,knowledge and know-how. India also become known for outsourcing and was accusedof hijacking jobs from Buffalo to Bangalore. But in the last five years, more than60,000 jobs were created by more than 372 Indian companies in the US with investmentof $26.6 billion. Indians have excelled not only in USA, but also worldwide. Theycan excel anywhere because they are talented and they work hard. President Obama no longer sees India in the context of other 'Asian Countries', but values Indiain the context of the 'Global Economy'.
Today, prior to the latest 2010 Census numbers, more than 2.3 million Americansof Indian origin are making a big splash in politics and other walks of life. We have heard from many Indo-Americans that "When I first came, there were so fewIndians that when we saw an Indian, we would stop our car just to say 'Hello.' Buttoday, even in the corner of the smallest city in USA we have Indo-Americans."
While they are on the rise politically, the community leaders are making a concertedeffort to become a strong political force. Nationwide, several measures have beentaken up various community organizations to create awareness and encourage politicalactivity. The Indo-American Political Action Committee of Greater Houston knownas IAPAC, the Chamber of Commerce and hundreds of other organizations countrywideare providing political linkage between the Indo-Americans and the mainstream community.With Indo-Americans now the nation's fastest growing community with highest disposableincome, both political parties are targeting them as never before. The highly educatedand affluent Indo-Americans are helping to raise significant contributions and inreturn they are getting access and recognition. It helps the community at largein USA and also their original homeland, India.
The Indo-American community, not only doing an "A plus" job professionally and economically,but is also progressing politically. They are on the political map and are strategicallypositioned and interested in shaping American politics. Indo-Americans have a considerableadvantage over other immigrants from Asia because of their experience with democracy,exposure to the West and proficiency in English language. Unlike many East Asian political savvy who shy away from the news media, Indian Americans are at easewith reporters and seem to relish encounters with them. Indo-Americans feel readyfor political involvement, but not to the extent we expect.
The Politics of Diversity has unleashed an important political force that will continueto grow in the coming decades. The politicians or their consultants review the majorsocial events that led to the community's political participation and activism today.The Indo-Americans explore not only the local issues but also the community's publicpolicy needs, which are important and unique to them, such as education, immigration,housing, health care, employment, and US-India ties. Undoubtedly, the interestsof Indo-Americans as a diverse and bi-partisan political group cannot be easilypigeonholed. Indo-Americans are valued as diligent, disciplined, having strong familyvalues, and having respect for authority and for education. They are more concernedwith maintaining economic stability and focused on "getting ahead" in America. Sotheir political participation is not perceived as important as making money. Theyare too busy getting ahead and making money to worry about politics thus echoing the old trope of Indo-Americans as an "apolitical". Recently in May, US lawmakersPhil Gingrey, a Republican from Georgia, and Christoper Van Hollen, Jr, a Democratfrom Maryland, showered lavish praise on the Indian American community as an invaluablebridge in deepening US-India ties at the Capitol Hill reception hosted by the NationalFederation of Indian American Associations. As a community they stand unbiased onthe political spectrum by participating and supporting Republicans and Democrats.Now the Republicans and Democrats across the nation run ads in local Indian newspapersand radio, as the strength of Indo-American vote can now make the difference betweenwinning and losing an election.
Getting advancements in the political community are a good indication that Indo-Americanpolitical involvement is continuing to grow. The second generation is catching onand they are much more in tune as participants. It is worth to note, as not many people know about it, but in 1956 Dalip Singh Saund, a Sikh, was California's firstAsian American congressman. He was elected to the House and served three terms.He was a mathematician with a PhD who went into farming because he could not finda university that would hire an Asian instructor. In last several years, many youngIndo-Americans have been elected for various positions at County, City, State or National level. At present, just In Greater Houston area, there are six elected officials - Thomas Abraham, Mayor ProTem, City of Sugar Land; Sonal Bhuchar, Presidentof FBISD Trustee Board; Neeta Sane, Vice Chair and Board of Trustee, Houston CommunityCollege, Judge Ravi Sandill, Ken Mathew, former Mayor ProTem and Councilman forCity of Stafford, Elackatt, Councilman of City of Missouri City. In many other States,the community has leaders like Kumar Barve, Majority Leader of Maryland House of Delegate, Dr. Kamala Edwards, Commissioner, Maryland Governor's Commission on AsianPacific American Affairs and President, Indian American Leadership Council (IALC),Rajan Zed, President, Universal Society of Hinduism and Ohio House of RepresentativeMajority Whip, Jay Goyal from the Indian American community participated in theAsian Heritage Month Celebrations, Bobby Jindal, the current Louisiana Governor, and recently Nikki Hayle won the Republican Party nomination for the first femaleGovernor of South Carolina.
These leaders are the inspiration to the future generation leaders, and they are the pride of the Indo-American community.
So for the future generation of next century, Indo-Americans must and focus on buildingcommunity confidence or self esteem, which is known as empowerment. It is the abilityto invest one's strength to gaining power. It is the capacity in which one exerciseshis or her fundamental constitutional rights. But what can be done for the politicalempowerment? The political empowerment for Indo-Americans can only be fostered throughawareness and involvement. There are three vital actions that must be taken forincreased political involvement in the Indo-American community: (1) more voter registration,(2) reaching out to the Indo-American population for promoting awareness, and (3)fostering community involvement by volunteering for local, state and national campaigns.The leaders of all Indo-American organizations, national or local, religious orsocial, political or professional, should band together to increase awareness aboutthe political party, election or candidate and work towards full participation ofIndo-Americans. They need to create knowledge and highlight the benefits for the community. The strength brings the power and voice; without the voice in the politicalarena, the community goes without notice of power.
The Indo-American community's political strength has yet to be fully realized. TheIndo-American religious organizations can play very important role for political awareness within the guideline of their 501(c) (3) status. Many of those rulespertain to political activity such as: A religious organization is allowed to holdgeneral voter education or registration activities as long as the organization doesnot show a preference to an individual candidate and/or political party. A religiousorganization is prohibited from campaigning in any way for or against an individualcandidate or political party. A religious organization is prohibited from donatingfunds to a candidate or political party. But Priests, Pastors or other religious leaders can endorse a candidate or political party as an individual but not asa representative of their religious entity. Endorsements cannot be made at an officialgathering or organizational publication.
In summary, the Indo-American community members need to know the first paragraph in the US Constitution: We the People of the United States, means our governmentand our country was founded on the principles of We the People uniting for the sakeof benefiting everyone. To succeed in the future from the past and present history,they should get involved and united. The involvement will demonstrate the concernof the community and the unity will develop the strength.
Last but not the least is to remember the paraphrased quote of John F. Kennedy
Do not ask what leaders can do for you, but ask what you can do for the community,city, county or country. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Update from some of our elected representatives

From Ms. Sonal Bhuchar, President, Board of Trusteesof Fort Bend ISD
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Fort Bend ISD, I bring you greetings and congratulationsas we celebrated another successful year at FBISD and graduated over 5000 studentsat 10 high schools. It was indeed a proud moment to see the achievements of ourstudents, including the Indo American students highlighted as Valedictorians, Salutatorians,Magna Cum Laudes and Cum Laudes.
As we head into a summer break, we pause to reflect on the many achievements thatthe district has accomplished in the past year and take this opportunity to thankthe leadership and staff of FBISD on a job exceptionally well done. We continueto increase the number of Exemplary and Recognized schools, our TAKS scores have shown significant gains in all subjects and we have received many state and nationallevel recognitions in academics, athletics and fine arts and we are delighted to make so many different opportunities for learning, growing and competing available.
This Fall we will open our 11th high school, Ridge Point, in the Sienna neighborhood.This school was commissioned in the 2007 bond, based on the growth projections forenrollment in that area. We also start up the Math and Science Academy at DullesHighSchool, the Gaming and Design Academy at Willowridge High School and the new Engineeringacademy at Elkins High School this fall. These are in addition to the already existingand successful academies at our other schools - the International Baccalaureateand Engineering Academy at Marshall High School, the Global Language at Clements High School and the International Business and Marketing at Bush High School andthe Engineering, the , Medical Technology, Media and Digital Graphics and Technologyat HHS. Any of our high school students are eligible to apply for admission into these Career Academies to get a basic understanding and first hand knowledge aboutthe career paths that they hope to follow.
While it has been a difficult year in terms of budget issues at the school district,in the wake of an inadequate funding formula established by our State Legislature,we have worked hard to establish a balanced budget for the coming year. The processof a reduction in force was a difficult and painful one, but it is very hearteningto say that many have been in rehired as positions have come open and the processwill continue into June, because that is the commitment made by the Board and administrationto our employees.
As I take over the coming year as Board President, it is my goal to pursue an aggressiveLegislativeadvocacy agenda to support public education and funding for the same. This was a project I had helped establish in my previous Presidency year and we will continueto reach out to our legislators and civic officials to explain and testify aboutthe urgent need to fund education, for that is the only thing that will define ourtomorrow.I also hope to continue proactive outreach efforts to the community at large and to our students and staff in particular. FBISD's High School Leadership establishedtwo years was a pet project I had wished to start and with the support of the Boardand administration has grown into a full fledged program, giving students from everyhigh school campus an opportunity to learn and grow in so many different walks oflife.
I ask for your support in helping me make these programs a success, by calling onyour state Legislators when I send you an update . Remember, emails, faxes and phonecalls from constituents are very very effective. Also, you can help by letting meknow when you have an opportunity where you would like a school district presentationlike your HOA meetings, realtor group or organization meetings. We would love to come out and visit and share information. I hope to serve this year, by making a positive impact on the lives and learning of our 70000 students in Fort Bendand its 10000 employees, and thus on the community of Fort Bend. FBISD continues to attract growth and new families, based on its excellent school district andwe look forward to its continued success.
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From Ms. Neeta Sane, Trustee, Houston Community College -District VII

Community colleges have become a vital component of our higher education system, serving 12 million people each year, almost half the undergraduate students inthe U.S. There is no better time for Houston Community College to be essential inthe life of our community than now. The current economic environment has compelledmany in the greater Houston area to turn to HCC for the education and training theyneed for the 21st century job market. HCC recently passed an enrollment milestonewhen our enrollment reached over 70,000, the largest in the history of HCC.
As your representative on the HCC Board, I continue to work for you via my TrusteeInitiatives to improve student success and workforce trainingat Houston CommunityCollege. Making sure that HCC produces skilled and well-trained workforce is myon-going goal, since such a local workforce is a building block for the economic growth of this region.
At HCC, as we represent and serve the community, we ensure that the education thatis vital to the Greater Houston area's economic success is accessible and affordablefor all.
I have special thanks to IAPAC as I continue to devote myself for the communityin service to you all.
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Contact InformationEMail: info@iapacgh.org [mailto:info@iapacgh.org]
Phone: 832-886-5191
URL: www.iapacgh.org