Indian Americans are a "model population" says WH Drug Czar Rahul Gupta

Dr. Rahul Gupta. / New India Abroad

Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), described Indian Americans as a "model population" who exemplify the opportunities available in America and inspire others to achieve greatness in the "land of opportunity."

In an interview with New India Abroad, Gupta noted Indian Americans, though just one percent of the U.S. population, contribute significantly to the nation's progress, paying six percent of taxes and excelling in academia, professional fields, and public service. 

"The industriousness of the Indian American people is very much proof of the success that they see. I think it's a model population and it needs to maintain that model population status. It's very important," Gupta, who is the first Indian American to lead the ONDCP said.

Commenting on the unprecedented number of Indian Americans appointed in the Biden administration, with over 150 individuals serving in key roles, he added, "Every administration will find itself appointing an increasing number of Indian Americans. And it's not because they're Indian Americans. It's also because they're some of the most competent, hardest-working, and most educated people that you see on the planet, not only in the United States."

Discussing his own journey from Uttar Pradesh, India, to the White House, he expressed pride in the community's cultural values and drive to "make this country great," while encouraging future generations to follow this path of excellence and leadership.

Opioid Crisis

In addition to celebrating Indian American achievements, Gupta also shared insights into his work combating the drug crisis in the U.S. and fostering global partnerships, including collaborations with India.

On his time in the White House, which he decribed as a "privilege," Gupta remarked, "It has been a privilege not only to serve in the White House, answer to the President of the United States, but also been able to make a significant contribution as the first physician and the first immigrant to hold this position. It's been important to demonstrate and highlight the role that immigrants like myself play in furthering the country, saving more lives, and making sure that we're leaving the office as well as the White House better than we found it. "

Gupta further elaborated on his efforts to address the opioid epidemic in America, a crisis that continues to claim thousands of lives each year. He outlined the administration's multi-pronged approach, which includes increasing access to treatment, investing in prevention programs, and partnering with local and state governments to combat the issue.

'What we have today is not only a 17 percent decline in overall overdose deaths as of the mid of 2024 data, but a 22 percent decline in fentanyl overdose deaths. So if you think about it, that's over 50 percent turnaround in just a matter of few years. Why that's happened is we focus on putting over $167 billion into United States communities, states and others," he said.

U.S.-India relationship

Highlighting the significance of the U.S.-India partnership, Gupta remarked that the cooperation between the world’s two largest democracies has "crossed the point of no return," emphasizing its critical role in addressing global challenges.

"I think it's important for the world the safety and security and health of the world that these two nations, two great nations, maintain and accelerate their partnership, their cooperation in all areas. Because when we have a United States and an India that are looking forward together to solve the world's problems, it is the only way we're going to be able to solve the world's problem because this is really where East meets the West," he asserted.

Reflecting on the broader impact of Indian Americans in the U.S., Gupta expressed optimism for the future. He highlighted that the growing representation of Indian Americans in leadership roles across sectors, from technology and healthcare to politics and education is  encouraging young Indian Americans to embrace leadership opportunities and continue making meaningful contributions to society.

'As Indian Americans, we bring a sense of culture, a sense of wanting to do excellence, and making sure that we make this country great. And it's important that the Indian Americans find this number of people that have been working in the last four years, an increasing number in the years to come, as a mark of excellence and dedication, but also feel that they can also do that," he concluded.