September 10, 2024

Letter to the Editor:

Harris inspires civic engagement

Kamala Harris

John Bazemore / AP

Vice President Kamala Harris waves during a campaign rally, July 30, 2024, in Atlanta.

I am an Indian American whose parents migrated to the United States in the early 1980s in search of a better life. Inspired by their hard work, I committed my life to public service.

After graduating in 2010, I moved to the rural Arkansas Delta with Teach For America to teach in an underserved school. In 2018, I ran for Congress in Arkansas’ First District.

Though I did not win, the experience taught me the importance of listening and meeting people where they are.

I am excited about Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to Las Vegas on Saturday. As a South Asian, seeing someone who looks like me in such a high-profile role is inspiring. Nevada, a diverse battleground state, reflects the broader American landscape and highlights the need for inclusive representation.

I have organized the Nevada chapter of They See Blue to mobilize South Asians to support Democratic candidates. My call to action is for more South Asians to engage in the political process.

Our participation is crucial to ensuring our values and interests are represented. This is a historic moment, and we must seize it.