ADVERTISEMENTs
.png)
Really tragic: Neera Tanden on racism against Indians in US
But Neera Tanden also praised the strength of the US-India relationship, underscoring the role of the Indian diaspora in fostering bilateral ties.
-1.jpg)
Neera Tanden. / Wikipedia
Neera Tanden, director of the U.S. Domestic Policy Council and former senior advisor to President Joe Biden, passionately addressed the increasing vitriol aimed at Indian Americans in the current political climate. Reflecting on recent attacks on Indian-American figures, Tanden reacted strongly to the growing wave of hostility. "I think it's really tragic," she told New India Abroad.
"I just really react negatively to anyone attacking Indian Americans as not really American." She emphasized the importance of standing up against these attacks and encouraged Indian Americans to engage in political debates. "We have to fight back against those who see us not as full Americans," she urged.
She further expressed her pride in the Indian-American community's growing involvement in public service and advocacy, noting that more Indian Americans are running for office than ever before. "The most important thing is holding our leaders accountable for ensuring that all of us have a voice in the administration and policies," Tanden added, stressing the need for equal representation across all levels of government.
Reflecting on her own journey, she noted the impact of being part of the first generation of Indian Americans working in public policy. "The fact that I work at the White House within one generation of my parents coming from India is what makes this country great," she said. "This happens here and really almost nowhere else…Even in the raging immigration debate, it's really important for all of us to remember that we are a nation of immigrants," Tanden said, highlighting the broad support for expanding legal immigration.
Tanden, who previously served as the president of the Center for American Progress, shared her work on a wide array of issues, from healthcare reform and the Affordable Care Act to veterans' rights and criminal justice. She also touched upon her pride in the Biden administration's efforts to lower drug costs through Medicare negotiations, a long-awaited achievement in U.S. policy.
As an immigrant herself, Tanden pointed out the challenges and importance of representation in shaping policies. "If you're not at the table, you're on the menu," she said, reinforcing the significance of diverse voices in decision-making processes, especially in areas such as healthcare, education, and immigration.
Tanden also reflected on the strengthening ties between the U.S. and India, emphasizing the role of the Indian-American diaspora in fostering people-to-people connections. "The Indian-American community has played a crucial role in the relationship between the U.S. and India," she said, pointing to the entrepreneurial spirit and deep innovation across multiple sectors, including biotech and biopharma. She was especially proud of the significant presence of Indian-American CEOs, many of whom come from India's IIT system.
As a key architect of Biden's domestic policies, Tanden looked back on her career with gratitude. "I've had the great privilege to work on so many issues," she said, acknowledging the difficult but rewarding nature of the work at the White House. She concluded by expressing her unwavering belief in the strength of the American democratic system, urging Indian Americans to continue pushing for equality, recognition, and representation in the political landscape.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login