Indian awareness foundation has hosted a debate on Know Your American Presidential candidate for the 2016 elections at Olli Emory University, 6 executive Park, Atlanta. The President of Indian Awareness Foundation, Mr. Dhiru Shah, said that, for the American democracy to succeed, it is the paramount responsibility of all the citizens to cast their vote in the forthcoming Presidential election irrespective of their party affiliations.
While speaking at the event Mr. Shah has advised the attendees not to depend on the main media reports because most of them are twisted and spun according to the media house’s own self-centered agenda. He pointed out that we have an Indian American identity and are treated and NRIs, even though we are loyal American citizens. Most of the Indian Americans have deep roots in India and follow the traditions and culture of the motherland and as NRIs, would obviously prefer a Presidential candidate who will be able to develop a close friendly relationship with India, keeping the long-term interest of America in mind.
Mr. Manhar Valand of Chinmaya Mission stated that, “Pros and Cons of both candidates were presented well. Information on Internet press releases express sound bites or views which are often devoid of facts. For all Indian Americans this is not a normal American Presidential election. Selection based on our inner-thinking requires clear analysis. Before we vote, we should hear from all sides. Discussion that followed was well received.”
An active debater Mr. Narayan Swamy said, “Thanks to you and IAF for your efforts in putting on this event. It was an eye opener for me. Glad we got educated on the pros and cons of both candidates. I was immensity benefited from your insights. Discussion on this issue gave me a basis to think clearly about which candidate I need to support. I realized the domestic and International fallout, in case a wrong person is chosen as the president of the USA. Let us continue this conversation and hope to hear more viewpoints and come to a right decision before the Election Day.”
Mr. Narender Reddy made a clarion call to Indian Americans to vote for the Republican candidate. “Actually, the Republican Party has a lot more in common with the core principles that we Indian Americans stand for. We believe in family values, freedom to practice our faith, fiscal conservativeness, education as a tool for success, entrepreneurship, less government and less taxes. All the above are core principles of the Republican Party as well. But unfortunately, 80% of the Indian-American community votes against its own interests by voting for Democrats time and again.”
“Bill Clinton imposed sanctions because of India’s nuclear experiment. Currently our national debt is at $19.4 trillion compared to $10.6 trillion when Obama’s presidency was inaugurated. Obama added $9 trillion to our national debt in just about 8 years. The Jewish population is 2% and Indian-American population is 1%. But, currently, the former has 28 Congressmen and 9 US Senators and 4 Supreme Court Judges. Compared to that Indian-Americans have just one Congressman. We need to have our community more politically active.”
Another participant, Ms. Shobha Swamy said, “Mr. Shah has presented the pros and cons about both Presidential candidates with an Indian-American perspective. It was a very informative session with a detailed description of the pros and cons of both candidates. A very good discussion ensued that brought out several details that we were not aware of, on the whole it was a very eye opening session and we now know more details and can make an informed decision. It was attended by those who are truly interested in knowing the details from an Indian-American perspective.”
Mrs. Sneha Mehta, a leading Atlanta Hindu leader, conveyed her choice of the Presidential candidate without mincing words. “Thank you for arranging the discussion “Know your US Presidential Election Candidate”. It is important for us as Hindu Americans to know what this election represents. It is not just one political party V/s another party. In this election you have one candidate who openly snubs and humiliates people of Indian origin and Hindu faith and another who recognizes the contributions of Hindus to America and is willing to work with all the citizens to make America a better country again. I did learn some facts about candidate Hillary Clinton that I was not aware of and also learned some truths about Trump that are purposely hidden and twisted by main American media to create a negative impression. I have voted for a Democrat in the past, but this election, I am voting for a Republican candidate.”
Mrs. Shashi Siddhye was very vocal about how the media distorts facts. “Mr. Trump is criticized as racist and begot but if you check, similar statements have been made by none other than former President Clinton. E.g. in 1992, “make America great again” and in 1995 ” illegal immigrants should be deported as they are a burden on our economy.”
The heated debate was informative and live with an array of agreements and disagreements on every ones favourite candidate. “Know your Candidate” debate was an eye opener for many from the Indian community to know their choice and helped them to choose their candidate.
By Premji
