News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know South Asian Americans Gather In D.C. To Counter Hate, Affirm Message: We Belong I ndian American Impact, an advo- cacy organization that advocates for expanding the community’s political footprint, hosted its annual Summit, Gala, and South Asian Hill Day, April 21 and 22, 2026, bringing together more than 300 South Asian American lead- ers, organizers, elected officials, artists, students, and advocates from across the country under this year’s theme: We Belong. The event coincided with the 10th anniversary of the founding of Impact. Organizers said the convening came “at a pivotal moment for South Asian com- munities amid rising anti-immigrant rhetoric, growing political attacks, and renewed questions of belonging.” Over two days, attendees discussed how to build the community, advance policy solutions, and demonstrate the growing civic power of Indian and South Asian Americans, an April 28 press re- lease from Impact said. Highlights of the event included: South Asian Hill Day Joined by 21 partner organizations serving the South Asian diaspora, advo- cates held meetings with more than 70 House and Senate offices, highlighting priorities on immigrant rights, voting rights, and combating hate violence, “and making clear that South Asian Americans belong at every decision- making table.” Summit & Gala: From Care to Action Anchored by the themeWe Belong, the Summit opened with former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy in conversation on community care, loneli- ness, and what it means to show up for one another in difficult times. Policy issues were discussed in depth, ranging from the effect of artificial intel- ligence and immigrant rights to next-gen- eration political leadership. ‘Action Labs’ included opportunities for participants to phonebank South Asian Virginia voters ahead of a key referendum election in which AAPI voters proved deci- sive, alongside trainings in media advo- cacy and writing letters to the editor. The Gala concluded the event where attendees celebrated a decade of building political power and honored trailblazers. Honorees included Pennsylvania State Senator Nikil Saval and former senior advisor to President Biden, Neera Tanden. Former Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta delivered a talk about how momen- tous a time it was and what is at stake in this moment. Other high-profile attendees included Virginia Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi; U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Suhas Subramanyam, and Raja Krishnamoorthi; Executive Di- rector of the ACLU of Minnesota Deepin- der Mayell; Manjusha Kulkarni, co-found- er of Stop AAPI Hate; as well as dozens of organizers, policymakers, journalists, and emerging South Asian elected officials, the press release noted. Executive Director of Indian American Impact Chintan Patel said, “At a moment when our communities are being targeted and our loyalty questioned, we came to Washington not to ask for belonging, but to assert it. We met with Congress, orga- nized across generations, and made clear that South Asian Americans are not on the sidelines of this democracy; we are help- ing shape its future. In the face of hate, our answer is not silence. It is solidarity, action, and power.” By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:CATCH MOTION STUDIO COURTESY IMPACT South Asian Day on the Hill: Advocates held more than 70 direct meetings with Members of Congress and staff on April 21, 2026. Top right: U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal spoke about immigrant rights at the Impact Summit. U.S. Representative Ro Khanna spoke about how to shape AI as a force for good. Above: U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi. Virginia Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi spoke to attendees about immigrant rights U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam spoke about the importance of elevating youth leaders at the Impact Summit: Leading healthcare experts, including the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy, speak to attendees at the Impact Summit: We Belong hosted by Indian American Impact on April 20, 2026 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. GOPIO, In Letter To President Trump, Condemns Attack At White House Correspondents Dinner T he Global Organization of People of Indian Origin, a non-partisan community organization, sent a letter to theWhite House following the shooting at theWhite House Correspondents’ Dinner held at theWashington Hilton April 25, 2026. “On behalf of the Global Organization of People of In- dian Origin (GOPIO), we write to unequivocally condemn any act of violence or terrorism directed against you or any elected official of the United States,” the letter said. It expressed deep concern and relief that the person who perpetrated the attack, Cole Thomas Allen, was appre- hended and hoped justice would be carried out. “Such acts have no place in a democratic society and must be firmly rejected by all,” it added, going on to emphasize GOPIO’s commitment to principles of democracy, rule of law, and peaceful civic engagement. “Violence or intimidation against public leaders not only threatens individual safety but also undermines the institutions that uphold democratic governance,” said GOPIO, wishing the Preside3nt “continued strength and success.” GOPIO also sent a letter at the same time to theWhite House “exressing strong concern and protest regarding rhetoric endorsed on April 23, 2026. The communica- tion addresses the promotion of remarks attributed to Michael Savage, which characterized India and China in derogatory terms and questioned the legitimacy of legal and birthright citizenship for Asian Americans.” The organization maintained that the “economic reality stands in stark contrast to such narratives,” and went on to praise the Indian American community’s achievements and success in the US, as well as those of the Chinese American community. The letter was signed by GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham and President Prakash Shah. By a StaffWriter US Affairs News India Times (May 2, 2026 - May 8, 2026) May 8, 2026 5