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Indian-Americans launch Global Desi Republican Caucus
The GDRC aims to tackle key challenges facing the South Asian community through focused political engagement and reform advocacy.
GDRC founders. / Courtesy Photo
Two Indian Americans, Dr Tausif Malik and Dr Shabana Parvez, have launched the Global Desi Republican Caucus (GDRC), a platform aimed at representing South Asians in US politics.
The initiative seeks to align the diaspora's values with Republican principles of fiscal responsibility, family unity, and an “America First” approach.
With an estimated 5.4 million South Asians living in the United States, the Caucus seeks to address pressing issues like double taxation, affordable healthcare and education, and economic empowerment.
“South Asians have contributed immensely to America’s social, economic, and cultural fabric,” said Dr. Malik, the founder of GDRC and a former leader of the Muslim Democrats Abroad. “It’s time we channel our collective influence to shape policies that resonate with our core values: family, affordability, education, opportunity, and unity.”
Logo. / Courtesy PhotoDr. Malik emphasized that the Republican Party’s focus on entrepreneurship and reducing government overreach aligns with the aspirations of South Asian Americans.
Dr. Shabana Parvez, co-founder of GDRC and a board-certified emergency physician, highlighted the inefficiencies in the American healthcare system. Drawing comparisons to healthcare in India, she noted, “My relatives in India have easy access to affordable primary and specialty care, while the U.S. healthcare system remains inefficient despite its high costs.”
Dr. Parvez, who has over two decades of experience in emergency medicine, added, “There has to be a more efficient use of government dollars allocated to healthcare.” She also underscored the need for accessible primary care to reduce overcrowding in emergency departments.
Inspired by Indian heritage
Both founders credit their Indian roots for shaping their vision. Dr. Malik, born in Pune, draws inspiration from Maratha King Shivaji Maharaj’s “people-first” philosophy. “His leadership inspires my vision to prioritize community welfare,” he said.
Dr. Parvez, originally from Hyderabad and raised in the West Indies, champions family values, women’s empowerment, and accessible healthcare. “As South Asians, we bring a rich tapestry of values and innovation to the United States,” she said.
Key Issues
The GDRC has outlined several priorities, including:
- Eliminating Double Taxation: Advocating for reforms to benefit non-resident Americans.
- Affordable Healthcare: Proposing cost-efficient healthcare models.
- Economic Empowerment: Supporting entrepreneurship and reducing regulatory burdens.
- Accessible Education: Addressing student debt and promoting affordable learning opportunities.
- Family Values: Strengthening policies that emphasize community and unity.
The Caucus also highlighted the impact of rising retail crime, citing data from California indicating that shoplifting incidents in 2023 reached a two-decade high. Dr. Malik criticized measures like Proposition 47 for exacerbating the issue and stressed the need for more robust policies to protect businesses.
Dr. Malik invited members of the South Asian community to join the GDRC. “Together, we can build a future that honors our values and strengthens America’s promise of prosperity for all,” he said.
Dr. Parvez added, “Through the GDRC, we have an opportunity to shape policies that reflect our collective priorities while contributing to America’s growth. This is our moment to lead with purpose.”
The Global Desi Republican Caucus aims to connect non-resident Americans with meaningful policy changes, offering a platform to amplify their voices and influence U.S. governance.
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