As the world welcomed the New Year with fireworks, a historic political transition was taking place beneath the streets of New York City. Filmmaker Mira Nair watched with pride as her son, Zohran Mamdani, was sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City, a moment she admitted she never imagined would come.
A Ceremony Steeped in Symbolism
The inauguration was anything but conventional. The 34-year-old socialist democrat took the oath of office on a Quran in a ceremony held in the long-abandoned Old City Hall subway station beneath City Hall Park. State Attorney General Letitia James administered the oath, with Mamdani's wife, artist Rama Duwaji, standing supportively by his side.
"This is truly the honor and the privilege of a lifetime," Mamdani stated after completing the formalities, which included paying the required $9 filing fee in cash. Addressing New Yorkers, he wished those "both inside this tunnel and above" a happy New Year and expressed eagerness to begin work, saying, "I cannot wait to see everyone tomorrow as we begin our term."
From Immigrant Roots to City Hall
Mamdani's worldview was shaped by his upbringing in New York City, surrounded by immigrant communities and everyday social struggles, as his mother Mira Nair has noted. His father, the respected academic Mahmood Mamdani, also profoundly influenced his thinking on history, politics, and global justice.
His political platform was bold and progressive. Key promises that powered his campaign included universal child care, taxing the wealthy, establishing city-run grocery stores, implementing free bus services, enforcing a rent freeze, and reallocating funds from the police department.
A Victory Against the Odds
Mamdani's path to victory was not easy. In a high-stakes election in November last year, he defeated independent candidate Andrew Cuomo. His win was significant as he overcame rivals who received endorsements from high-profile figures like former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.
However, his inauguration also drew criticism from some quarters. MAGA hardliners expressed displeasure at the new mayor taking his oath on the Quran. Anti-Islam hard-right activist Laura Loomer called the act "100% an homage to Hamas and the Globalize the intifada movement" in a post on social media platform X.
Despite the polarized reactions, the moment marked a new chapter for New York City, led by a mayor whose background and promises signal a distinct shift in the city's political direction.
