Indian American Leaders Urge Deeper Political Engagement at Detroit Dialogue Panel

Detroit: Indian American community leaders on Saturday called for deeper political participation, stronger advocacy and a unified civic voice during the inaugural *India Abroad Dialogue*, asserting that the community’s economic success must translate into sustained political influence.

“Indian Americans are among the richest in this country. We contribute a lot in taxes. We are law-abiding citizens. We follow every rule,” said Sunny Reddy, recently elected Vice Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party and the highest-ranking Indian American in the GOP’s state leadership.

Emphasising the need for greater representation, Reddy described political participation as essential rather than optional. “Leadership is not an option. We can achieve. We can be there,” he said, addressing younger Indian Americans. “And when Sunny Uncle can do it, why not me?”

Several panelists echoed the view that while Indian Americans have achieved notable success in business and professional fields, civic and political engagement has not kept pace.

Avinash Rajmal, Chairman and CEO of Lakeshore Global Corporation, highlighted the significance of Reddy’s victory, noting the scale and competitiveness of the race. Recounting his own journey after arriving in the US as a student and founding his company in 1994, Rajmal spoke about the challenges faced by early Indian American entrepreneurs. “There were so many difficulties and troubles. I did not know where to go, how to seek financing, where the registration, what to do,” he said, adding that such struggles led to the creation of support structures like the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce USA.

Immigration emerged as a central theme during the discussion. Panelists highlighted issues such as prolonged green card backlogs, H-1B visa uncertainty and country-based quotas, describing their human and economic costs.

Anu Gopalakrishnan, founder of MintDfuel, argued that legal, high-skilled immigration should be viewed as an asset rather than a concession. “Skilled immigration… it’s not charity, it’s competitive advantage,” she said. “India has talent, Michigan needs the talent, and we don’t want any barriers.”

She also warned against exclusionary narratives. “We have to create a sense of belonging,” she said. “‘You’re good enough to work here, but you’re not good enough to belong here.’ That rhetoric will not work.”

Community leader and businessman Ashok Baddi stressed unity and collective advocacy, urging Indian Americans to speak with one voice. “I now hope that this is the time for all of us to come together and say that we are successful people, we are honest people, we are non-violent people,” he said, adding that he plans to run for state-level elected office.

Highlighting stress and health challenges faced by H-1B visa holders, community leader Hema Rachmale spoke about behind-the-scenes efforts to assist families dealing with visa-related emergencies.

Dr. Ajith Kadakol framed immigration policy in moral and ethical terms, stating, “From a moral and ethical standpoint, illegal immigration is wrong,” while adding that the US should allow immigration that benefits the country and restrict what harms it.

Despite differing political affiliations, panelists repeatedly underscored the importance of civic engagement. “You are either sitting at the table, or you become the menu,” one speaker remarked, drawing agreement across the panel.

Indian Americans are among the fastest-growing ethnic communities in the United States and among its most socio-economically successful, with high levels of education and income. However, voter participation and political representation continue to lag, a gap panelists said must be addressed.

The *India Abroad Dialogue* series, launched in Detroit, aims to foster newsroom-style conversations within the community, focusing on policy, civic participation and diaspora concerns. Organisers said similar dialogues are planned in other major US cities as part of a broader national engagement effort.

— With inputs from IANS