During the 250th anniversary celebrations of US Independence organised by the Indian American Committee, US lawmakers Shri Thanedar and Raja Krishnamoorthi called on the Indian-American community to combat anti-India hatred by actively participating in public life. The event, held on July 25, 2026, in Washington, served as a platform to address rising xenophobia and encourage diaspora involvement in politics.
Thanedar condemns anti-immigrant sentiment
Congressman Shri Thanedar, a Democrat from Michigan, emphasised that hatred against immigrants must not be tolerated. 'The hate that we have seen across America against immigrants must not be tolerated. We must demand that immigrants and their culture and their contribution to this great country be honoured and respected every day,' he said. Thanedar urged more Indian Americans to enter public service, stating, 'The only way we can change is when many of us come into public service, serve our country with the vigour and the knowledge that we can do. We need to see more Indian Americans in our political arena serving at various levels – local levels, state levels, and national levels.'
Krishnamoorthi vows to fight prejudice
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, also a Democrat from Illinois, recounted facing calls for his deportation and vowed to resist anti-India and anti-Hindu hatred. 'We are here to stay. We are part of the fabric of this country. And on America's 250th birthday, we are going to fight back,' he declared. He committed to fighting 'anti-Indian hatred, anti-Hindu hatred, and all forms of prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination toward anybody.' Krishnamoorthi highlighted the community's achievements: Indian Americans are the best-educated and most prosperous community in the US, constituting 10% of all doctors and owning 60% of hotels and motels nationwide.
Call for political representation
Krishnamoorthi urged Indian Americans to run for office at every level, regardless of party affiliation. 'I don't care if you're a Republican, I don't care if you're independent, I don't care if you're a Democrat. It's time to run. Why? Because the stakes could not be higher. Because we are being tested,' he said. The event was organised by the Indian American Committee led by Narasimha Koppula, Ramesh Kapur, Deepak Raj, Shekhar Tiwari, and Harsh Sethi, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
