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US a land of opportunity: Thanedar on Samosa Caucus' historic oath
The largest cohort of Indian American members of the U.S. Congress in history was sworn into the 119th Congress on Jan.3.
Indian American lawmakers, including Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Suhas Subramanyam and Ami Bera, celebrated the growing representation of their community. / X/@RepBera
Representative Shri Thanedar, reflecting on his journey as an immigrant, described the U.S. as a "land of opportunity" that allowed him to fulfill his American Dream. "Like so many immigrants, I came to America with just $20 and a passion for hard work," Thanedar shared. "Today, I find myself in Congress, advocating for people with stories like mine."
Indian American lawmakers, including Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Suhas Subramanyam and Ami Bera, celebrated the growing representation of their community.
“When I first took office in 2013, I was the only Indian American Member of Congress and just the third in our nation’s history,” noted Representative Bera. “Since then, I’ve been committed to ensuring we grow our representation in Congress. I’m proud to be joined by incredible Indian American colleagues, and with the swearing-in of Representative Subramanyam, our cohort has grown to a record six members.”
Representative Jayapal, the first Indian American woman elected to the House, reflected on her personal journey from India to the U.S. at the age of 16. “My parents sacrificed so much to send me here, where they believed I would have the best opportunities. Now, I’m proud to be one of the six Indian Americans serving in Congress and the only Indian American woman ever elected to the House of Representatives,” she said.
Jayapal also welcomed Subramanyam’s historic win, emphasizing the importance of diverse representation. “I’m thrilled that we are growing our ‘Samosa Caucus’ with Representative Subramanyam and look forward to working closely with him and our colleagues to deliver for our constituents and the country’s Indian American communities.”
Representative Khanna, Co-Chair of the India Caucus, highlighted the importance of this growing representation, especially in strengthening U.S.-India relations. “I’m proud to serve in this diverse Congress alongside a record number of Indian Americans. I look forward to working with Representative Subramanyam and the rest of the 119th Congress to strengthen America’s strategic partnership with India.”
Krishnamoorthi, who coined the term “Samosa Caucus” to describe the collective of Indian American lawmakers, echoed the celebration. “Eight years ago, I coined the phrase ‘Samosa Caucus’ for our diverse and dedicated group of Indian American lawmakers. I’m proud to welcome Representative Subramanyam as its newest member. Our historic representation continues to grow, and we are committed to paving the way for future generations of Indian Americans in public service.”
Newly elected Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) said, “My story is one that could only happen in a place like America.”
Subramanyam, whose parents immigrated from India over 50 years ago, underscored the personal significance of his election. “This past Friday, my parents had the unique privilege of watching me be sworn in as the first Indian American to ever represent Virginia, and the entire East Coast, in Congress. While I may be the first, I am confident I will not be the last.”
The rise of Indian Americans in public office is part of a broader trend of increasing representation. Vice President Kamala Harris’s election to the U.S. Senate in 2016 and her historic rise to Vice President in 2020 have inspired a wave of Indian American political participation.
This milestone reflects the broader contributions of Indian Americans to American society, excelling in fields such as technology, science, medicine, and public service. With leaders like Satya Nadella (Microsoft), Sundar Pichai (Google), and Kamala Harris, the community continues to leave a profound impact on the nation.
With six Indian Americans now serving in the U.S. Congress, Representatives Bera, Jayapal, Khanna, Krishnamoorthi, Thanedar, and Subramanyam continue to pave the way for future generations, amplifying the voices of the Indian American community on a national stage.
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