(Image source from: News18.com)

For the first time, the United States Capitol in succeeding week hosting Indian American elected officials, leaders, philanthropists and 80 community members running for elected offices in the November mid-term elections.

Senator Kamala Harris from California, the foremost Indian origin to be elected to the U.S. Senate, will be a keynote speaker to the one-of-its kind of gathering.

"We are thrilled to host the first-ever gathering of Indian American elected officials, candidates, philanthropists, community leaders, and political strategists," said Gautam Raghavan, a former Obama Administration White House official, told PTI.

The day-long meeting, organized by recently formed Indian American Impact Project on June 6 is anticipated to be attended by 200 India American officials, candidates, philanthropists, community leaders and political strategists across the country, Raghavan said.

He further said, "It will feature panel discussions about how we can build political power in the Indian American community. We are also honoured that Senators Harris and Cory Booker will join us and give keynote remarks. Senator Harris has been a source of great inspiration for the Indian-American community, and all immigrant communities and people of colour. Her leadership and commitment to public service are a testament to the talent and patriotism of the Indian American community."

The Indian-American Impact Project authorized numerous Indian American candidates running for offices, well-known among them are Sri Preston Kulkarni, Hiral Tipirneni, Aftab Pureval Aruna Miller, Ashwani Jain, Padma Kuppa, Samir Paul and Josh Kaul.

In this preceding election, a record number of 20 Indian Americans are running for the U.S. House of Representatives.

By Sowmya Sangam