"There are no Indian Americans in Congress, but Ami Bera hopes to change that.
Bera, a 44-year-old physician from suburban Sacramento, is one of six Indian Americans who are running for Congress this year, a record high. Hauling in half of his contributions from Indian Americans, Bera has raised $871,000, even more than Republican Rep. Dan Lungren, the eight-term incumbent he's trying to replace in California's 3rd Congressional District.
Though Bera's parents and many other Indian Americans of their generation focused mainly on getting good jobs and a good education for their children, today's generation is working its way into politics and public service.
“Politics is the natural transition,” Bera said. “We actually have a chance to give back to the country that benefited us.”
Their efforts are paying off.
President Obama has appointed 20 Indian Americans to his administration, another all-time high. His first state dinner in November honored Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Obama also was the first president to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in the White House."
Bera, a 44-year-old physician from suburban Sacramento, is one of six Indian Americans who are running for Congress this year, a record high. Hauling in half of his contributions from Indian Americans, Bera has raised $871,000, even more than Republican Rep. Dan Lungren, the eight-term incumbent he's trying to replace in California's 3rd Congressional District.
Though Bera's parents and many other Indian Americans of their generation focused mainly on getting good jobs and a good education for their children, today's generation is working its way into politics and public service.
“Politics is the natural transition,” Bera said. “We actually have a chance to give back to the country that benefited us.”
Their efforts are paying off.
President Obama has appointed 20 Indian Americans to his administration, another all-time high. His first state dinner in November honored Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Obama also was the first president to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in the White House."