India Post News Service

FREMONT: The Indo-Americans are having their presence felt very strongly and effectively in all major aspects of the US economic and political arena. This helps to voice the need of the hour in terms of drafting and implementing policies which benefit the county to sustain its growth and development. Ashu Kalra is one of the candidates for San Jose District 2.

As the front-runner for the race for San Jose City Council District 2, Ashu Kalra has kept a strong focus on technology in considering how the city can boost revenue while creating a business friendly environment. In addition to the historic nature of the race as Ashu attempts to be the first ever Indo-American on the San Jose Council, Ashu has routinely referred to his interest in aggressively seeking opportunities to partner with the technology sector.

Ashu Kalra's life is deeply rooted in his upbringing as an Indian raised in the United States. His father, Satya, was born in Lahore and moved to Lucknow as a small child. His mother, Kusum, was raised in Bangalore. Ashu fondly remembers his childhood, learning about his culture and Indian spirituality. That foundation played a critical role in developing Ashu into an adult who has committed his life to public service. Ashu's service to the Indian community starts as a mentor and advisor.

He has counseled dozens of students throughout the years and has given legal advice to many Indo-Americans without charge. Ashu has actively participated in the India Community Center Lawyers in the Library program, offering free legal advice to Indo-Americans on a variety of legal issues. Ashu has also served two separate terms on the Board of Directors of South Asian Bar Association of Northern California.

While serving for SABA-NC, he helped to fundraise for victims of the Tsunami, helped to mentor and encourage many law students, and hosted networking events to bring South Asian lawyers together. Also, on the recommendation of the Board of Directors, Ashu received the San Francisco Bar Association's Unity Award for his contribution to the legal community.

In March of 2008, Ashu was recognized at the Annual SABA-NC Gala as a Charter Life Member. Ashu plans on being extremely aggressive in seeking out companies who look to headquarter or expand in South San Jose by offering incentives.

One of Ashu's plans includes taking a delegation to a San Jose sister city, Pune, India. Ashu believes that a trip to Pune, as well as other key technology and business centers in India, can help San Jose to build relationships with a country that has emerged as one of the world's great technology superpowers.

Ashu also looks forward to working with existing companies in the technology park to help facilitate their growth. Additionally, Ashu hopes to bring companies to North Coyote Valley, which is currently a wide expanse and is zoned for industrial use.

By focusing on the technology sector, Ashu believes we can create long-term job and revenue growth to help turn the tide in San Jose's ongoing budget deficit. If Ashu is elected to the San Jose City Council, his agenda will certainly engage and support the Indian community throughout San Jose and the Bay Area. He would be honored to serve as the first Indian-American ever in the history of the San Jose City Council.

Therefore, he plans on having India's Independence Day celebrated at City Hall for the first time with the hopes of eventually creating a festival and parade to recognize the contributions of Indians to Silicon Valley and the appreciation Indians have for this country. Ashu understands the importance of creating a business friendly environment for the multitude of Indian companies throughout the Valley.

Some of the strategies he proposes include expedited permitting, increased city grants for infrastructure improvements and marketing businesses in the city to attract outside investment. He requested the support of his community in order to make history and making Indians proud.