Zohran Kwame Mamdani, the newly elected Mayor of New York, has sparked mixed reactions among NRIs.
Many label him “anti-Indian” because of his strong leftist ideology. But before jumping to conclusions, they must recognize one important fact.
Unlike global Indian figures such as Kamala Harris, Satya Nadella or Sundar Pichai, who rarely speak about their Indian roots, leaders, or culture, Mamdani has proudly carried his heritage onto the world stage.
He introduced his mother to the world dressed in traditional Indian attire, complete with a bindi on her forehead, symbolizing deep respect for Indian customs.
In his speech, he drew inspiration from India’s journey from colonial rule to independence, quoting Jawaharlal Nehru’s words as a message of hope for New York.
Adding a creative touch, he even concluded his address with the popular Bollywood song “Dhoom Machale.”
Mamdani presented Indian identity and values with unmatched pride and authenticity. He stands as a true symbol of secularism, someone who embraces diversity while celebrating his roots.
These days, anything that appears pro-Islam, pro-secularism, or pro-left ideology is often seen as anti-Hindu, largely due to the BJP government being in power for the past 11 years.
The mood of a large section of the nation also seems to resonate with this sentiment.
Vijay Kumar D