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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline OCTOBER 21, 2022 | The Indian Eye 24

Indian American Caucus Hosts Political Forum

in Preparation for Midterm Elections in IL

OUR BUREAU
Chicago, IL
ndian Americans are coming of
age in the United States and are
Ibeginning to exert influence in the
public sphere. They epitomize how
new waves of immigrants have been
renewing and shaping the United
States. ‘Indian Americans taking over
the country’ highlights the contribu-
tions of Indian immigrants to the US
economy and acknowledges the stel-
lar role played by the community in
fields such as healthcare, education,
technology and entrepreneurship.
Recognizing this trajectory of
growth, and the coming of age of
the fast-growing Indian-American
community, particularly in the state
of Illinois, the Indian American
Caucus (IAC), a non-partisan plat-
form formed with the objective of
educating and encouraging the civic
engagement of the Indian-American
community, hosted a political forum
on Thursday, Oct 13th, 2022 at the
Mall of India in Naperville, IL.
Attended by a record number
of 43 candidates running for offices
to several local, district and state-
wide elections, representing both
the Democrat and the Republican
parties, the event provided the In-
dian American community with a
platform to learn of the local and na-
tional issues that impact our lives on
a day-to-day basis. The first of a kind
event held three weeks ahead of the
midterm elections scheduled for No-
vember 8th, attracted local residents,
visitors, and the media.
Describing the objectives of the
Caucus, Dr. Anuja Gupta, President
of IAC commented, “Indian-Amer-
icans are realizing their influence in
the elections. The Indian American
Caucus was established to provide
a platform for our community to ish Kapur, a Naperville community retail, restaurants, and hosting sev- re-election in November 2022.
get to know the candidates of both leader from the Indian Communi- eral public events. Dr. Suresh Reddy, past Pres-
parties and make a more informed ty Outreach organization and Ms The wide range of candidates ident of American Association of
decision.” Ghousia Wajid, a prominent person who participated at the event shared Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI)
Members of the organizing for civic engagement in the South with the audience their perspectives and a current Trustee of the Village
committee included Ms Shree Gu- Asian community. and the objectives/goals they want to of Oak Brook, and a candidate for
ruswamy, a local community leader The organizers are active mem- accomplish by contesting the elec- the Mayor of Oak Brook attended
and delegate of the Democratic par- bers of the Indian American com- tion. The forum offered a unique the event and shared his perspec-
ty, Mr Vinoz Chanamolu, the pro- munity of Chicagoland and serve in opportunity for the Indian Ameri- tives on the importance and need
prietor of the Mall of India property leading roles in many local organi- can community toi hear from their for the Indian American communi-
and the VP of the American Indian zations. The Mall of India is unique candidates, some of them are elect- ty’s active role in the political life of
Engineer’s Organization, Mr Gir- property development with Indian ed representatives, who are seeking the United States.

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