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Voter registration drives takes place at AIA’s IndiaFest
“Democracy is strong when people are engaged. It’s a privilege and responsibility of every citizen to participate in the electoral process,” said AIA president Gopal Khanna.
Established in 1967, the Association of Indians in America is the oldest national organization of Indian Americans, promoting the motto “Indian Heritage and American Commitment.” / Courtesy/AIA
High school students joined forces with the League of Women Voters of Edina (LWVE) and community leaders to promote voter registration during the Annual IndiaFest at the Minnesota State Capitol grounds.
This initiative, supported by the Association of Indians in America (AIA), focused on encouraging civic engagement among Minnesotans of all backgrounds.
Anoushka Jha, a senior at Edina High School, and her sister Aditi, a sophomore, were among the student volunteers helping to register voters. Both regularly participate in drives at naturalization ceremonies and community events. “I have been volunteering for a while and am excited to vote when I’m 18,” said Anoushka.
“While the nation’s focus is on the presidential election, I believe that local elections are equally important,” she said. Their parents, Vaishali and Gautam Jha, prominent community members, have been a source of inspiration for the sisters.
Aditi, who has aspirations to become a lawyer, emphasized the support they receive at home.“We talk about politics frequently and often have spirited discussions about current issues,” she said, adding that her parents “take time off from their busy schedules to support my passion for policy.”
Gopal Khanna, former national vice president of the AIA and current chair of the organization’s civic responsibility initiative, praised the students' involvement. “Democracy is strong when people are engaged. It’s a privilege and responsibility of every citizen to participate in the electoral process,” Khanna said. “I am heartened to see high schoolers taking the lead to work with LWVE and volunteering at the voter registration booth.”
This initiative, supported by the Association of Indians in America (AIA), focused on encouraging civic engagement among Minnesotans of all backgrounds. / Courtesy/AIAKhanna encouraged wider participation in the upcoming elections, urging citizens to sign up as polling judges. “There is no better way to experience first-hand the workings of our electoral process and to ensure its sanctity,” he said.
AIA national president Gobind Munjal echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to civic engagement. “AIA has a long-standing tradition of leading and supporting voter registration drives,” Munjal said, highlighting the importance of high voter participation.
High school students joined forces with the League of Women Voters of Edina (LWVE). / Courtesy/AIA
Minnesota is home to over 40,000 people of Indian origin, with the Indian-American community contributing significantly across various sectors, from medicine and technology to politics and policy. The event underscored the growing influence of this community and the critical role of civic engagement in shaping the state’s future.
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