As part of  Writers Who Vote,  a Harris For President  journalists and writers group, I wanted to share a great piece written on Indian American Seniors "Dear Uncle and Aunty " by Nishtha Goel.  Last election, I had organized and hosted a virtual event "Uncles and Aunties for Biden Harris" as I felt that our Elders needed a "seat at the table" too as valuable contributors to American society.  Please see below for the Open Letter.

I also wanted to share the powerful  " The Gilded Cage"  SAADA (South Asian American Digital Archive) video on an Indian American story going back a ways in US history. This video was shared by VP Kamala Harris on her instagram story in May 2020. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9ylgBRIFrg

As an ever so proud Indian American citizen of this great land for a little over  a quarter century (having come to America even before that) and a female former long time Silicon Valley California resident, it goes without saying this is a pivotal moment for our community in shaping our Indian American destiny's and that of America we call home with Vice President Kamala Harris as the first ever Indian American female to be the 47th President of the United States. So please make sure to vote on Nov. 5th and make your and our voice heard. 

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Dear Uncle and Aunty (Open letter):

Please turn off the WhatsApp messages on Modi politics, the Ambani wedding, Bollywood and kirtan.   Let's focus on what's at hand in the US and what will impact future generations.

It's time to register and vote. 

Every vote counts.  

There are layers of politicians, from local council members to the President: their choices and decisions impact your (and the future generation's) future.  Focusing on Indian politics is understandable, but it's time to shift gears and make a difference in the land we call home.   Even if you're not in a swing state, every vote counts, and our community's participation will increase our collective representation and numbers.   There are policies on the ballots which can shape our lives. Your future generation. We need your help in increasing our political clout and representation here in the U.S.

Your Influence Matters

Your impact on Indian politics is non-existent (you are simply an armchair, nostalgic Indian), but our influence in the US is immense. We've built our lives and families in this country, and now, we have the power to shape its future. We are over 5 million strong, we contribute significantly to the economy and job creation. Imagine the impact we could make if we channeled our energy into U.S. politics.   The leaders we elect will shape policies on immigration, healthcare, education, and more—issues that directly affect us and future generations. Isn't it worth our time and effort to ensure that our kids and grandkids inherit a bright future?

From Voting to Choosing Leadership

Voting is just the start. Our community has the talent and drive to lead.  Look at all the CEOs and entrepreneurs yielding power and influence.   We need greater South Asian representation in government.  We need desi leaders who advocate for policies that benefit our community.   We need you to vote for these types of leaders.

A Legacy for Future Generations

At US Indian Seniors, we're committed to empowering and educating our senior community members, from advocating for desi senior housing to securing benefits for our seniors.   Look around at what the Chinese and Jewish community leaders have built by working cohesively on getting government subsidized housing/community centers for their seniors.    

Your Call to Action

You made a choice to immigrate to the US and build a life here; now, make the choice to engage fully with the issues that matter. Let's turn off the WhatsApp updates about Indian politics and focus on the challenges here.

Support one another, vote with purpose, and advocate for policies that benefit us all. Together, we can make history.

If you haven't registered to vote, visit vote.gov and follow the instructions. Many states offer mail-in ballots, so it's easy to make your voice heard.

Let's make a difference.

Nishtha

Nishtha Raheja Goel, is an Ethnogeriatric Consultant who worked in the corporate jungle but now heads up a non-profit for Desi Seniors in the Los Angeles area. She's a community organizer and founder of a portal website for Desi Seniors who are settled outside of India. USIndianSeniors.com serves to empower, educate and create community for Indian Senior Citizens settled out of India. 

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