Quick Bytes
- Vice President Kamala Harris keynotes at the 2024 Desis Decide summit.
- Nearly 500 South Asian American leaders gather to discuss community impact and political engagement.
- Awards presented to outstanding public servants and advocates for civil rights and reproductive freedom.
- Indian American Impact emphasizes the growing political influence of South Asian Americans.
2024 Desis Decide Summit Highlights South Asian American Impact
The 2024 Desis Decide summit and gala, a significant event for the South Asian American community, was recently held in Washington, DC. The event was graced by the presence of Vice President Kamala Harris, who delivered the keynote address. The summit, which took place on May 15-16, attracted nearly 500 community leaders, policymakers, and activists, showcasing the community’s growing influence in American politics.
Notable Attendees and Speakers
Among the distinguished attendees were former Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden, and several US Representatives including Pramila Jayapal and Ro Khanna. The summit featured 97 speakers and 50 South Asian-led organizations, offering breakout sessions, trainings, and networking opportunities.
Healthcare and Political Discussions
Healthcare experts like Dr. Meena Seshamani and Dr. Ashwin Vasan provided insights during the opening plenaries, while a panel discussion included Indian American members of Congress and was moderated by ABC News Correspondent Zohreen Shah.
Gala Celebrations and Awards
The gala, a celebration of the community’s achievements, was emceed by Simi Shah and featured speakers such as Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Awards were presented to public servants like Maryland Lt Governor Aruna Miller and Mini Timmaraju, recognizing their dedication to civic engagement and civil rights.
Political Engagement and Future Prospects
Chintan Patel, Executive Director of Indian American Impact, highlighted the summit as a starting point for the community’s political action in the election year. The event underscored the South Asian American community’s potential to influence key races and possibly double their representation in Congress in 2024.
Concluding the summary, the Desis Decide summit was a testament to the South Asian American community’s rising prominence in shaping the nation’s political future.
