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Sumanth
Bollepalli
University of Rochester
Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY)
It was the summer of 1999 that I found my inspiration. I
realized first-hand, from my internship with Rep. Gary
Ackerman (D-NY), that it is our responsibility as a
community to take an active role in the governing processes
of America. Our future as Indian Americans relies on our
ability to demonstrate that we are concerned where our
nation is heading tommorrow.
The events I witnessed this summer were both shocking and
motivating. I began to see what the political world was all
about. Politicians are constantly balancing their own
self-interest with the good of the people. It is those
citizens who take the time make their opinions known that
officeholders take seriously.
There are three main factors that allow individuals to
gain influence in this country. The first factor is numbers;
invariably if you make up a significant portion of the
population, officials will listen to you. The second factor
is how active a role you play in creating change. Finally,
money helps to smooth the process in your favor.
As a community, Indian Americans do not represent a large
portion of the population. We can make up for this in other
ways, primarily through building coalitions with other
minority groups who have shared experiences and hardships.
While the community is improving, we still need to take a
more active role in government. Our participation needs be
at a quicker pace and to include the pursuit of public
office.
While our community is very wealthy, our money should be
used wisely in the political arena. It should not be an
avenue blindly supporting politicians, but rewarding those
officials who sincerely seek to further our interests.
The Indian- American community has not shown enough
concern for the issues facing both our nation and our group.
To be accepted as individuals of this nation we need to give
back to the nation that provided our community with the
opportunities to grow. We must ttake a greater role in the
development of this country lest we be portrayed as
foreigners who solely came here to exploit the
resources.
I realize how important it is we have IACPA to guide,
inspire, and motivate us to become future leaders. Together
we explored different ways of problem solving, putting
together projects, finding support for long-term
initiatives, and most importantly, how to make people listen
to you as a peer instead of a dictator.
I have developed a vision for myself. In understanding
myself better, I see what my role is in helping our
community progress and my duty as a citizen of this nation.
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Aaron
Chatterji
Cornell University
Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY)
My summer in Washington D.C. will be an experience I will
never forget. The Washington Leaderhip Program's exciting
combination of work experience, seminars, and leadership
training have changed the way I look at myself, my
community, and my country.
My experience on Capitol Hill shattered many
misconceptions I had about American politics and our elected
representatives. I found Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY) and
his staff to be efficient, hard working, and genuinely
concerned about our constituents. Although I performed many
administrative tasks, I also took on important
responsibilities.
Since I was an IACPA-sponsored congressional intern my
advantage was twofold: I was given more responsibility
because of the credibility of our program and I had the
support of a strong community.
Through my internship at Congressman Engel's office, I
was able to experience the American political process
firsthand. Observing Congressmen on their way to a vote,
working on important legislation, going to briefings and
press conferences, and even speaking to Hilary Clinton on
the phone were all experiences I could not have had anywhere
else.
The program introduced me to several important business
leaders, political power brokers, and activists which
complemented my internship in Congressman Eliot Engel's
(D-NY) office. When I begin my job search, I will already
have a long list of contacts in Washington, DC.
I now have a better understanding of the opportunities
available to me since I met professionals in many different
fields. Armed with this knowledge, I am reexamining my
strengths and weaknesses to find the career that suits me
best.
One of the central aims of IACPA's Washington Leadership
Program is to construct a network of Indian-American
leaders. Such a network would provide an invaluable resource
for information and support to the community in times of
need.
The value of this network was made clear when the 16
interns arrived in Washington, DC with little idea what to
expect from our new friends and jobs. During the program, we
developed a strong bond , as we discussed the pros and cons
of working on Capital Hill, life in Washington DC, and our
plans for the future.
My new friends were a resource for information and we
each supported each other during difficult times like a
community should. I am confident that as we enter the "real
world" we will seek each other out as important and useful
contacts. In this way, my experience in the Washington
Leadership Program was an introduction to what a true
community is like.
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Pia
Das
Bryn Mawr College
Rep. Joseph Hoeffel (D-PA)
'No, where are you really from?' It sounds like a
harmless question, however, the underlying insinuation is
that since I have Indian complexion and features, I am not
as fully 'American' as someone who appears to be
Anglo-Saxon.
It doesn't matter that I have spent my whole life here,
or that my entire family are American citizens. Because of
my Indian heritage I am considered less 'American' than
someone of European decent.
Thus when I came across the internship offered by IACPA,
it was the perfect chance to explore the multi-faceted,
political and social issues which affect me as an Indian
American.
Interning with Representative Joseph Hoeffel (D-PA) was a
unique and extraordinary experience. One of my first tasks
was to assist a legislative assistant in drafting
legislation about property taxes. I not only learned
valuable research skills, but also gained insight and
experience pertaining to my economics major.
Outside of Representative Hoeffel's office I was afforded
the opportunity to listen to many intriguing speakers. I
heard the ambassador from Israel and Palestine speak about
the peace process in the Middle East. I also visited the
home of the deputy chief-of-mission to the Indian
Embassy.
I istened to many influential Indian Americans including
Dinsesh D'Souza of the American Enterprise Institute; Jeet
Bindra, president of Chevron Pipeline Co.; and Delegate
Kumar Barve, Maryland House of Delegates.
This summer exceeded all of my expectations. I became a
more politically aware citizen. I am more cognizant and
sensitive to issues that affect Indian Americans as well as
other minority groups. I have also developed a firm
understanding of the political process; I now know the
proper steps to make my opinion count.
I strongly support the work of IACPA because it takes
action on issues which concern me as an Indian American. We
should take pride in our heritage, but we must also embrace
our identity as Americans.
As Americans we have a civic responsibility to take part
in the political process. This includes our duty to vote,
educate ourselves, and voice our opinions about issues that
affect our nation. When we do not take part in the decision
making process we force others to make decisions for us.
I hope to share this knowledge with my community. One of
my projects for the coming year is to inspire my community
to get involved in passing hate crimes legislation in my
home state Texas.
Another goal is to bring racial awareness to my community
so that no one will ever have to feel the bitterness of
self- loathing or isolation on account of his or her race or
religion. Hopefully, I will set an example for others so
that they can share in the vision of a strong, active,
cohesive community which supports each other so that we can
take a firm stance against racism and other injustices to
humanity.
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Safiya
Ghori
University of Arkansas
Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR)
I am amazed by the many paths I walked working in
Washington this past summer. One path was that of an intern
for Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), working on the issues
pertaining to the state of Arkansas. I also walked the path
of a student, trying to learn to become a better leader. A
third path was that of a teacher, channeling information
about myself and the Indian American community to people
around me. I also tried my best to walk the path of a good
friend to the other 14 interns this summer who shared my
experience in Washington. All of these paths were equally
important in making the summer a memorable one.
Walking the path of an intern was an integral part of my
summer. I was given tasks dealing with Foreign Relations due
to my interest in these issues. By researching issues I
learned first-hand how our government works and the
differences we can make by being active. I wrote memos to
the Senator recommending positions; I was creating policy.
This was my mission coming to Washington: to make a
difference.
Another important path I walked on was that of a student.
I not only learned first hand knowledge about our
government through interning, but also through the
Washington Leadership Program. The leadership training which
takes place the first and last weeks of the program not only
taught me the skills necessary to be an influential leader,
but gave me the confidence necessary to make a difference.
The program has taught me leadership skills necessary to be
more active on campus and in our community.
A third path I walked on this summer was that of a
teacher. As interns, we channeled the voice of the Indian
American community in each of our offices. We represented
the India Abroad Center for Political Awareness and
demonstrated that the Indian American community is an equal
and integral part of American society.
Finally, the last path I walked was that of a friend.
During my summer in Washington, I met amazing people like
Chelsea Clinton. The friendships which developed were the
highlight of my summer. I learned that everyone is unique in
their own special way, yet so similar. Our class was made up
of young Indian Americans devoted to making a difference and
being leaders in our community.
In conclusion, all the paths I walked on this summer have
made a significant difference in who I am today.
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Rohit
Goel
Harvard University
Rep. Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
The Washington Leadership Program (WLP) is a unique
experience that has indeed fulfilled its goal of creating
future leaders in the South Asian community. A program of
this caliber is bound to succeed.
The first week of the program was a relaxing introduction
to what would become a tough, fast-paced, and exciting six
weeks on Capitol Hill. For me, the most significant lesson
was learning to think outside of the box.
A combination of both discussions with my fellow WLP
classmates and drills and exercises led by Debasish Mishra,
IACPA's executive director, stressed the importance of
creativity. There is not a set formula to becoming a leader
because creativity and originality are so essential. This
understanding made my experience on Capitol Hill
unforgettable.
I spent the next six weeks working in Rep. Sherrod
Brown's (D-OH) office. My tasks included advising the
Congressman on a letter to the Prime Minister of India,
writing a speech given to the Telegu Association of North
America, writing an editorial on the India Caucus, preparing
and circulating an anti-Burton Amendment letter to other
Representatives, and writing talking points on a myriad of
foreign policy and healthcare issues.
I worked closely with the Indian Embassy and established
a strong friendship and trust with the political secretary,
Mr. Taranjit Saundhu. Forming relationships of this kind
made the summer in Washington worthwhile.
The internship program concluded with a final week of
leadership training. The last week encompassed all of the
training we had received throughout the summer from
seminars, briefings, lectures, experiences, and
conversations.
The final project was to submit a plan for a project that
each of us would completed at our colleges. This was an
extremely challenging mental exercise. Creativity was
essential in accomplishing this exercise. After completing
the final proposal, I knew that I had learned a lot from the
internship program.
I recommend WLP to anybody, whether they are interested
in medicine, engineering, or political science. The program
not only highlights the ins and outs of Washington, but also
demonstrates how to be a leader in everyday life. The
Washington Leadership Program takes a large first step in
teaching students, in accord with Mahatma Gandhi's
philosophy, to become the change that they wish to see in
the world.
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Shruti
Haldea
Duke University
Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ)
My experience as an intern with IACPA has shaped my
vision for the Indian American community as active
participants in the American political process. Given our
growing numbers and the resources that Indians in America
wield, our community can be a much greater presence in the
political arena.
During my internship, I had the opportunity to interact
with various actors in the political scene, who influenced
and improved my perceptions of politics in America.
The legislative staff in the office of Congressman Rush
Holt (D-NJ) exhibited exemplary dedication to their work.
There was never a day when they left work at 5PM; many
stayed on till the wee hours of the morning daily. The staff
demonstrated great conviction for their ideals.
Within IACPA, I was deeply impressed by this young
organization's professionalism and their universal vision of
citizenship and leadership. The Executive Director, Debasish
Misra worked indefatiguably to raise awareness of current
legislative issues and promote activism within the Indian
American community.
Coming from a family of scientists, I have not found
mentorship or role models within the Indian American
community. The Washington Leadership Program allowed us to
meet influential Indian Americans.
I conversed with Kumar Barve, a preeminent member of the
Maryland State Legislature, Jeet Bindra, president of
Chevron Pipeline Company, T.P. Sreenivasan, the Deputy
Chief-of-Mission for the Indian Embassy and Dinesh D'Souza,
a former Reagan appointee and best-selling author.
Interacting with them helped me develop a clear vision of my
own future in economics and political science.
Prior to my internship I was under the impression that
the number of constituents in my own district was too large
for a single voice to have any sway. I was lax about writing
to my Congressman, and most of my peers had the same
attitude, bordering on cynicism and apathy, towards
contacting their respective Representatives.
While on the Hill, I was deeply impressed by the gravity
constituent mail received. It was a top priority of the
staff to ensure that each and every letter was read and
answered in a timely fashion. The Congressman paid keen
attention to the views of his constituents and took them
into consideration before taking any votes.
My Congressman, a member of the Congressional Caucus on
India and Indian Americans, received a lot of mail from
ethnic groups, but rarely from his Indian American
constituents.
I realize that the Indian American community is extremely
diverse; it is not realistic for ethnic community to rally
around set political goals covering all areas of
legislation. Our community does have a few common interests,
however, which it should support in unison: immigrant
rights, hate crime legislation etc. This summer itd my
eyes to the strengths of the Indian American community and
the potential it has in the American political arena.
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Naina
Kalavar
University of Virginia
Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-NV)
This summer I learned that politics is about
relationships. It is the art of introducing yourself to
people who will have a great deal of influence on your
future. Networking, discussing, listening and learning from
others are the ways of this field.
Through the IACPA Washington Leaders Program I spent an
incredible 6 weeks working on Capitol Hill, learning from
everyone I met. I found that the most casual chats can lead
to amazing discoveries. From the Congresswoman's Chief of
Staff to the Congresswoman's 17-year-old son, I walked away
from every conversation with new ideas and viewpoints.
Politics is truly about people and politicians are masters
of personal interaction.
The different levels of interaction in a congressional
office is intriguing. I had the pleasure of working in the
office of Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D) from Las Vegas,
Nevada.
I was pleasantly surprised by the weight given to
constituent comments. It was great to see that a member of
the staff reads every letter and every phone call is
cheerfully received.
While the Congresswoman may not be swayed by a single
constituent opinion, she is responsive to the constituents
and notices when the calls and letter begin to add up. It
is comforting to know that a concerned citizen can reach the
ear of a caring person in his or her Representative's
office.
For example, when we received a worried phone call from a
Las Vegas resident about fraudulent phone charges, one of
the legislative assistants and I spent a great deal of time
making phone calls to resolve the problem. This interaction
reminds me of the original intent of government, to work for
the people.
Another fascinating aspect of politics is the way members
of Congress interact with each other. The Representatives
must depend on and solicit the support of their colleagues
in order to pass legislation that they favor.
Often the situations are complex and it takes a great
deal of convincing on the part of a Member and his or her
staff to sway opinions. This is where politicians exhibit
their skills of personal interaction. In order to work as a
group to pass effective legislation, Members of Congress
must meet on common ground and rally around shared values.
This is often difficult, which makes for the intricate ins
and outs of this nation's political system.
Overall, this internship has been a great lesson in
interaction and has put an interesting spin on my definition
of politics. I had the terrific opportunity this summer to
meet people whose advice and opinions will help me much in
the future.
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Vani
Krishnamurthy
University of Pennsylvania
Rep. Johnny Isakson (R-GA)
I never imagined that a 20-year-old Indian-American UPENN
junior from Roswell, Georgia, would have the chance to put
her two cents in the workings of American government,
despite the promises of our democracy. This past summer, I
realized that everyone has this opportunity, but few see the
value in doing so.
The office of Johnny Isakson (R-GA) found me eager for
tasks as simple as folding hundreds of constituent letters
to jobs as important as writing the letters themselves.
I was able to pursue my own interests in education and
American history. I researched architectural history to
facilitate my daily Capitol Hill tours, devised a Youth Page
for my Congressman's web site, and helped organize a school
safety hearing among high schools in his district. My
project required numerous personal discussions with the
Congressman himself.
While on Capitol Hill, I was able to hear such
influential and successful leaders as Colin Powell, Cokie
Roberts, Ted Koppel, and Ted Kennedy speak.
There is not a more perfect place to have a summer
internship than in Washington D.C., for the future and the
past are at arm's reach. Working on the Hill, I knew what
the newspaper would say before it was printed, by attending
press conferences on the latest bill and conversing with my
colleagues on the Congressman's staff.
While the weekdays were spent absorbing current and
future news, the weekends were spent exploring the past.
Visits to the National Gallery of Art, the other Smithsonian
museums, as well as the various memorials took me beyond
what I have learned in textbooks.
While Capitol Hill and Washington's culture framed my
summer, the highlight was interacting with the other
participants in the program. Our conversations were
stimulating and our ideas were as varied as our home states.
The 15 of us forged a common mission: to disperse the
knowledge and activist spirit we developed to the rest of
the Indian-American community.
Contemplating the summer experience, I realize how
thankful I am to participate in the program. I now feel that
my views and individual efforts do influence the future of
our nation. I wonder why more people in our community have
not taken the same initiative through internships or
activism.
While our community has focused almost exclusively on
careers, community service projects, or cultural and
religious organizations, it is time that we discover another
avenue to better our future standing: political awareness
and participation.
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Priya
Paranjpe
Cornell University
Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY)
I spent the last summer of this millennium walking the
corridors of power in Washington D.C. For eight weeks, I
was privy to the inner workings of the 106th Congress. It
was an unforgettable, exciting, and eye-ng
experience.
Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) and his staff quickly
accepted me part of the office. Within a few days, I no
longer felt like an awkward observer but was caught up in
the daily routine of a busy congressional office.
I had heard horror stories of interns spending long hours
stuffing envelopes and faxing letters. I did my share of
administrative chores, however, I also spent time talking to
constituents. At first this was nerve- wracking because the
phone system looked like a panel from the Starship
Enterprise. With practice and a few inadvertent disconnected
calls, I was able to navigate my way through this complex
device like a pro.
Calls from a concerned citizen in Brooklyn, a lobbyist, a
colonel from the Pentagon, or some other congressional
office made me feel as though I was directly in touch with
issues affecting all of us. This was further enhanced by
researching these topics and the legislation pertaining to
healthcare, education, and the environment.
The discussions, debates, forums, and lectures arranged
by IACPA gave us a broader and clearer understanding of the
issues affecting Indian- Americans. We learned about
leadership skills, coalition-building, and the many ways in
which we can contribute to the betterment of our society.
Having grown-up in upstate New York with its small Indian
community, I never expected to feel optimistic about the
future of Indians in American society. I no longer feel
alone or helpless. I learned that a committed cadre of
people with a well defined mission can accomplish anything.
My fellow interns represent a foundation for a dynamic and
responsible Indian - American community. This was a very
pleasant and empowering realization for me.
My summer in Washington has changed me forever. This
internship has balanced my Indian and American identities,
and I feel more comfortable and confident as a result.
Washington to me now is more than just the monuments. My
experience created a host of memories that I will always
treasure.
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Roona
Ray
Harvard University
Rep. Marty Meehan (D-MA)
I flew to Washington D.C. at the beginning of summer,
excited about living in an international city and working in
Congress. As a feminist activist, I had worked with student
groups and non-governmental organizations, but I had never
worked directly with policy makers. I decided to come
because I wanted to see what it was like to "work on the
inside," i.e. on the policy side of activism. I looked
forward to learning the system, gaining insight on where I
fit into the greater picture of social justice as a South
Asian American woman, and deciding how to direct my future
efforts, both professionally and personally.
By mid-summer, I had established myself, both within my
office and without: I was handling administrative tasks with
my eyes closed for Congressman Marty Meehan's (D-MA) office
and had picked up a night job scooping ice cream at a local
Ben and Jerry's store. While free ice cream certainly
brought some sweetness to my life, I still asked myself if
my strengthened understanding of American government would
lead me to to the field of policy making and whether this
would be the most effective way to change the world.
Government did not drain me of my idealism. On the
contrary, it made me realize that there is a place and
purpose for each kind of activism: the policy-making
activists have their fight, and the consciousness-raising,
grassroots activists theirs. Both groups are flip sides of
the same coin; each carries the same set of ideals but works
with different populations and uses different methods.
The most important thing I realized this summer was that
both fields of activism have a desperate need for South
Asian representation. South Asian voices are missing from
the tables of American activism and policy-making where they
should have a strong voice.
While I would like to work as a policy-maker for my
community nationally, I find myself leaning towards
grassroots, issues-based activism . So will I find myself in
Washington D.C. in ten years? Well, perhaps as a community
activist running a Ben & Jerry's store on the side, but
probably not as a Congresswoman.
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Prashansa
Sai
University of Texas - Austin
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
I still remember Mr. Boozer's 8th grade U.S History
class. That class was a 'blow-off.' What I remember most
about that class were the multiple choice tests: In which
one of the following U.S cities is our nation's capital?:
(a) New York City (b) Philadelphia (c) Washington D.C (d)
Ft. Lauderdale or (e) None of the above.
Public education stinks, so what else is new? This
summer, I learned that the quality of public education is
still a prevalent problem debated in Washington, along with
a variety of other issues: insurance coverage for women's
contraceptives, expansion of hate crime protection, needs to
be passed, farmers need more money, the Kashmiri Pundits
need salvation, etc.
Washington is where the action is, and I was in the thick
of it. This country is made of millions of people, they all
have needs to be met, and this is where they come to
complain about it. The 535 men and women in Congress are
building and breaking our nation, and I got to see it all
happen. Front row seats.
I have to admit, unlike my friends who are considering
related fields, I have absolutely no desire to get involved
in politics. I've seen enough arguments, some in my own
home, which led me to believe that politics in this country
is just one, big, nasty can of worms. Instead, I want to be
a psychologist working with children of immigrants.
Before I started work, I had heard at least a dozen
stories of how ill-treated the interns were on Capitol Hill.
Those were just stories, because neither my fellow interns
nor I experienced anything like that.
Though Id mail daily, I also answered mail,
researched issues, answered phone calls (sometimes from
angry constituents), delivered mail and packages, solicited
signatures from other Members, attended meetings and press
conferences, gave Capitol tours, and also my most favorite
thing to do: watch my man Frank Pallone (D-NJ) in action.
Mr. Pallone is a genuine politician. Really. Maybe I'm
biased because he supports Indian and Indian-American issues
so much, not to mention women's issues and environmental
issues) but I found every thing he stood for to be
fascinating, and true.
And then it started to happen.
As the weeks went by, I realized I was becoming more
thorough in my research, answering constituents' mail with
more concern, explaining the highlights of the Capitol to
tourists with more conviction, answering the phone with more
pride and most of all, I realized the fascination slowly
turning to determination. Determined that I too could make
a difference, whether it be lobbying or researching or
running for office, I can contribute to the welfare of this
nation as well.
Uhh..about that part where I said I have absolutely no
desire to get involved with politics or any branch of it? I
take it back.
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Marie
Sankaran
Brown University
Rep. Robert Weygand (D-RI)
When I first came to Washington D.C. for the Washington
Leadership Program,I initially underestimated its
possibilities. I thought I would meet some new people, make
a few friends and hopefully learn some new things. After
the first week, I realized that this would be a summer to
remember. The program, sponsored by IACPA, offered new
long-term goals, a formula for achievement and a first hand
look at the amazing world of politics.
I had the opportunity to work for Congressman Robert A.
Weygand (D) of Rhode Island. Through this experience, I met
concerned constituents, lobbyists, and other Members of
Congress and their staff. I researched and attended
congressional briefings on various topics that concerned
Congressman Weygand such as Medicare and juvenile violence.
Through my work on Capitol Hill, I realized the enormous
responsibility that the decision makers of our country
endure every day. I, too, have a great responsibility as a
concerned citizen of the United States. I must take an
active role in the political system of our nation. I know
my voice will be heard, not only as a United States citizen,
but as a student and as an Asian American.
The Washington Leadership Program also afforded me an
opportunity to view the political system from an Indian
American perspective. I learned is that coalition building
is essential. If we unite, we can effect change that helps
not only our community, but other minority communities as
well. By making our voice greater in the political arena,
there is no way our needs can be ignored or silenced.
This program enabled me to meet other students like
myself, who are interested in creating changes that will
make the United States a better place for the Indian
American community. We became more aware of the major
issues affecting our community by debating such issues as
immigration, hate crimes and affirmative action. Since we
shared long-term goals, everlasting bonds have been formed
within the group. Together, we will aspire to become the
decision makers of tomorrow and make this world better for
all.
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Anant
Shah
University of North Carolina
Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA)
Growing up in a family that enjoys politics had a
dramatic impact in developing my own passion for policy and
government affairs. An environment that included intense
debates and "This Week with David Brinkley," drove me to
question our government's actions - what determines national
priorities, how are tax dollars really spent and what causes
government to make war instead of peace?
My passion for politics and my growing led me to the
IACPA Washington Leadership Program. While I should have
been profoundly excited to participate in the program, the
truth I was equally nervous and skeptical. Would the program
encourage isolation from the rest of the American community?
Would I get along with the other interns? After the program
has finished, all I can say is that I wish that it could go
on forever.
From the first day, my skepticism quickly disappeared. As
we sat around the table, eating pizza, I remember feeling
excited and enthusiastic about the coming weeks. Meeting the
other interns and listening to Debasish Mishra, one of the
most inspiring, dedicated and genuine leaders I have met,
inspired me to make the most of the following eight
weeks.
Reflecting on my summer, each event, workshop, and
conversation was an educational and motivational experience.
From listening to Mr. Kumar Barve to developing our
leadership projects to cooking Sunday dinner for homeless
men in DC with my housemates, I flew home a better leader,
an inspired citizen, and a more complete person.
From my internship with Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA), I learned
that our democratic process should not be taken for granted
and no single party is to blame for the problems our country
faces - a collective effort is needed involving both our
officials and more important, ourselves!
The program does an excellent job teaching us how we as
Indian Americans are one piece of a large dynamic puzzle.
Instead of isolating ourselves, we must take pro-active
measures to demonstrate we are a part of American society.
Indian Americans must play their role in influencing quality
policies that lead to safer and healthier communities
everywhere.
From the chills running down my back when we met for the
first time on the steps of the Capitol to the tears rolling
down my cheeks on the last day on the steps of our Lincoln
Memorial, this summer was simply the experience of a
lifetime.
The Washington Leadership Program helped rekindle my
passion for politics. I now have a greater appreciation for
public service and the power we have as citizens.
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Sejal
Shah
New York University
Rep. Carolyn Maloney
This past summer I was given an amazing opportunity; I
was one of fifteen students selected to participate in the
1999 IACPA internship program. I was excited to begin my
internship in congressional office, but I had no idea how
much the IACPA program was going to affect me.
I was placed in the congressional office of Congresswomen
Carolyn B. Maloney (D) of New York. In her office, I
learned about the inner workings of the U.S. government and
politics. While this summer has been exciting in the
international arena with the eruption of fighting in Kargil
and the reintroduction of the Burton Amendment, much of the
inspiration and motivation I gained this summer came from
outside my congressional internship.
IACPA provided speakers and workshops to educate us on
domestic problems such as hate crimes, bringing balance to
our Capitol Hill experience. These domestic problems are as
important and require the attention that the Indian-American
community has given to US-India relations.
As I return to New York University and assume
responsibility as president of our South Asian Students
Association (SHRUTI), I have a vision of a more politically
active and united South Asian community. I envision a
community, which is not ignorant of the issues affecting it
today.
The Washington Leadership program has given me the skills
and motivation to make this vision happen, but the vision
does not end in Washington. I intend to bring it to my
local community and wherever my life leads.
This article does not do justice in explaining how this
summer has affected me, in terms of inspiration, motivation
and enlightenment that the program has created in me. I am
even more committed to the Indian-American community and its
empowerment.
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Sunita
Thakkar
Penn State University
India Abroad Center for Political Awareness
It is 2:34 am and I just got up from bed for the third
time because I can't sleep. So many thoughts are racing
through my mind. This week I will attend a hate crimes
coaltion meeting, finish writing a manual instructing young
people on how to become better citizens, and write two
articles for the IACPA monthly newsletter.
I am too excited to sleep. This is how it's been all
summer, since my first day interning for Debasish Mishra,
executive director of the India Abroad Center for Political
Awareness.
I have not had a good night's sleep since I arrived in
Washington. I lie awake each night thinking about how
fortunate I am to have this opportunity.
I am in the nation's capitol, working to ensure the civil
rights of Indian Americans. I assist in planning workshops
for Indian American students concerning activism and
political participation. Weekly, I attend meetings to pass
legislation that would benefit Indian Americans.
I have learned more this summer than I have ever learned
in one semester of college. I walked into my first day of
work without having taken a single political science class,
completely unfamiliar with the public policy process.
Now, with hands-on experience this summer I have learned
how bills are passed, what lobbying is, how to respond to
discrimination proactively and how to effectively work in a
coaltion.
I also gained skills that will be transferable to any job
that I have through the work I have done. I now know the
value of paying attention to detail, being timely,
organized, and efficient.
As I prepare to enter the corportate world, not only do I
feel confident about the skills I have gained interning at
the India Abroad Center for Political Awareness but also I
feel lucky to have had the opportunity.
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Kush
Tyagi
Carnegie Mellon University
Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK)
Click-clack, click-clack; as I walked through the halls
of the Senate Russell building for the first time, the sound
of my shoes kissing the ground echoed in my head. I was
going to be working with Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) and
rarely had I been more nervous in my life. It would have
been different had I been placed with someone more liberal,
or with someone more vocal about Indian-American issues, but
the only similarity I had with the Senator was that we were
both from Oklahoma. Fortunately, that's all it took to
promise me a unique, educational experience in the political
arena.
I was initially overwhelmed by the legislative process
and it took some time to understand the language politicians
use. It was the small things that the staffers took for
granted that gave me the most insight into the political
process. Attending hearings, conducting cost-benefit
analysis of legislation, and listening to constituent
opinions shaped my understanding of the core issues facing
Oklahoma and the nation.
Everyday, I started by examining ssues on the front
burner of American society agenda: broadbandaccess,
gasoline emissions, Y2K action plans. In the evening, my
attention focused on issues that affect our community;
issues that I had never been exposed to.
IACPA presented materials to us that made us reflect on
the current situation of Indian-Americans. Are we unjustly
portrayed in the media? Do we face glass ceiling
discrimination? How important is the upcoming census to us?
These issues provided a perfect complement to the daily
activities of government business.
Before the summer, I had no interest in politics and I
knew nothing about our community's issues. Eight weeks on
the Hill associating with dynamic individuals has planted
within me the seeds of desire to keep up with issues facing
not only Indian-Americans, but the nation as a whole.
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The India Abroad Center
for Political Awareness
1275 K Street, NW / Suite 810
Washington, DC 20005
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fax
email: iacfpa
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©1999, India Abroad Center for
Political Awareness. All rights reserved.
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