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“You are our ambassadors” Rahul Gandhi calls Indian diaspora to bridge gap between India-US
The Congress leader also lauded the diaspora for their contributions to both their adopted country and their homeland.
Rahul Gandhi addressing the Indian diaspora in Dallas. / Whatsapp Channel /RahulGandhi
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Indian Parliament urged the Indian diaspora, whom he dubbed as “ambassadors” for India to act as a vital bridge between the country and the U.S.
Addressing the diaspora in Dallas, Texas, on Sep. 8, Gandhi emphasized the crucial role of the diaspora in forming stronger ties between the two democracies, highlighting several shared values of respect, humility, and love.
"Inside your heart is respect, is love, humility, and you are our ambassadors in one way. You are the bridge between these two unions- the United States of America and the Union of States (India), which is written in our constitution," Gandhi said, stressing the significant role that the diaspora plays in forming mutual understanding and collaboration between India and the U.S.
Gandhi, who was welcomed at Dallas International Airport on Sep.8, began his speech by extending greetings for Onam and Ganesh Chaturthi. He reflected on the values of love, respect, and humility, which he believes are essential in Indian politics. "My role is broader and bigger than just opposing the government. It is about injecting these values into our political system," he said, outlining his vision for a more inclusive and compassionate India.
He drew parallels between the Indian and American constitutions, both of which, he pointed out, are built on the idea of a union of states where no state, religion, or language is superior to another. "We share another very important fact: that we are both unions of states. The United States, whose National Anthem we also played, and in our constitution, it’s clearly stated, India that is Bharat is a union of states," Gandhi stated, highlighting the fundamental principles of equality and unity.
Gandhi's speech also took a critical tone as he discussed the current political climate in India, where he accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of undermining the constitution. He claimed that the BJP’s actions are an attack on India's diverse traditions, languages, and histories. "The RSS believes that India is one idea, and we believe that India is a multiplicity of ideas," he said, referring to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological parent of the BJP.
The Congress leader also lauded the diaspora for their contributions to both their adopted country and their homeland. "You did not come with arrogance; you came with humility, love, and affection," he told the audience, encouraging them to continue spreading these values within the Indian community and among Americans.
In closing, Gandhi expressed his commitment to visiting Dallas as part of his itinerary, despite a shortened trip that originally included other major U.S. cities like New York, Washington, and Chicago. "I think it was a very good idea because Dallas is thriving, Texas is thriving," he remarked, acknowledging the significant role the city plays in the technology sector and the contributions of the Indian community there.
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