Desi get together’s need good Food, lots to Drink and Celebs

January 7, 2017

When Indians are thrown into a mingling situation, their behavior patterns are generally predictable whether in India, the US or Timbuktu. There is always a focus on hierarchy, a desire to get a good deal, enjoy the occasion, especially at someone else’s expense and hobnob with the rich and the famous.

A successful desi get together needs good food, lots to drink and a sprinkling of celebs inciting a clamour for photo ops. Throw in some Bollywood music and the party embarks on a steep trajectory of bopping and grinding. This recipe never fails. Its fool proof no matter what part of the world you inhabit.

At a recent Indian American celebration, this theory was blatantly evident. Indiaspora, a not for profit organization serving as a catalyst for change for Indian Americans, held a gala in Washington DC to celebrate Indian American success during the recent US elections. The elections may have thrown a curve ball for Democrats but at least five Indian Americans came out smiling after having won their campaigns on a democratic ticket, despite the ‘anti-democratic’ wave. The timing of the gala was significant since it was held on the day representatives were sworn in as members of the 115th US Congress.

Joining Representative Ami Bera, three-time winner of California’s 7th congressional district are three first time Indian Americans; Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi from the 8th Congressional district of Illinois, Representative Ro Khanna for California’s 17th Congressional District and the first Indian American woman, Representative Pramila Jayapal for Washinton’s 7th Congressional district.

Though the other winner and the only Indian American Senator, Kamala Harris from California, did not attend the event, there were a plethora of other politicians who came to woo, endorse and praise Indian American support. Among them were Representative Joe Crowley of New York’s 14th Congressional district, Nancy Pelosi, minority leader of the House of Representatives from California’s 12th Congressional district, Hillary Clinton’s running mate, Junior Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia as well as Mark Warner, the current co-chair of the Senate India Caucus and Senior Senator from Virginia. Also in attendance was the only non-Indian Hindu Representative, Tulsi Gabbard from Hawai’s 2nd Congressional district.

She is one to look out for as a possible candidate for Potus one day. US circuit judge for the Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit and a contender who lost out for Supreme Court Justice to replace Scalia, Sri Srinivasan, as well as current US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, Arun Kumar and Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Nisha Desai Biswal were among some of the other celebrated Indian Americans present.

It was a show of strength and support from the politicians and bureaucrats on Capitol Hill and shows an increasing rise in the clout of Indian Americans. Hopefully, this victory will lead to more Indian Americans getting into the fray and possibly reaching a stage where they can influence policy. Indian Americans have the potential to become as significant as the Jewish community. But a few fundamental changes are necessary before this shift can transpire.

Indians love to feel important. It is obvious from the way people interact and behave with each other. Just a few examples indicate typical behavior. Indulge in conversation, but keep an eye out for someone more important. Belong to an elite circle? Watch people hover around you like fleas. Alternately, as part of a coterie of a prominent politician/ businessman/ filmstar, behave more important than your boss. And nothing like getting a freebie. If a single complimentary ticket is given, either hustle for another one or leave the spouse at home! If a ticket costs $xxx immediately try and negotiate to pay $xx.

There are Indian Americans involved in commendable work but they face a lack of inclination from the community at large. On the one hand Indian Americans aspire to be like the Jewish community but apart from catching up in terms of material wealth, there is a lacuna in philanthropic or political activity. Most Indians do not support the arts, build hospitals, endow scholarships or fund political parties; an important step to becoming relevant. Until they engage in more concrete ways, Indian Americans will be a successful community that remains at the fringes. In fact, young Indian Americans in the arts are increasingly frustrated because of the lack of community support. While they are incredibly talented and applauded by the community there are no takers for funding initiatives such as ambitious projects like Broadway shows or operas.

Imagine the grandiose spectacle of an Indian Broadway show or an opera using Indian music, dance and costumes. It has the potential of being a super hit. But someone needs to take a chance on young, untested talent. Until purse strings are not opened, dreams will not be realized. While talking to people, I have always mused about why Indians do not find it in them to do charity. The most plausible explanation seems to be cultural; charity is restricted to God. In this direct co-relation, the ones who benefit the most are temples, Godmen and religious institutions. If only charity could rise from the religious oeuvre and enter arts, sports, academia and social enterprise. Only a handful of Indians in India and globally, are involved in this effort. If more would join the fray, our community would benefit and make a name for itself in fields other than medicine, business, law and science.

Until we look outwards, we will be a community focused solely on personal benefit.
We have begun this journey. It will take a while but if we continue down this path, the sky is the limit.