NEW YORK: A wide range of issues affecting young Indian Americans including identity politics and immigration were the subject of discussion at an event hosted by the Indian Consulate in New York and the Network of Indian Professionals (Net-IP) of New York on Nov 16.

The panel discussion on the progress of South Asians in the US and their political impact on the future, was headed by young Ohio State Representative Jay Goyal and Prof. Madhulika Varma and Consul General Neelam Deo.

As the first South Asian to be elected to serve the Ohio Legislature and that too at the age of 26, Goyal was perhaps the perfect example of the young Indian American success story in mainstream politics. In his freshman term at the Ohio House of Representatives, Goyal has been appointed to Ways and Means, Public Utilities, Health Care Access and Affordability, and the Financial Institutions, Real Estate and Securities Committees.

Prof. Khandelwal, Director of the Asian/American Center and Associate Professor in Urban Studies Department at Queens College, City University of New York, has taught Asian American Studies at a number of universities and has conducted research on contemporary Asian American communities. Her main interests include immigrants, women, South Asian Diaspora, Asian American communities, and multicultural issues in the United States.

The lively discussion was headlined by the successful campaign of newly-elected Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and what his success meant to Indian American politicians; among the other hot topic of discussion were the various domestic issues faced by young Indian Americans such as drugs, promiscuity, religion and immigration.

It was broadly felt that new Indian immigrants, especially the H1B professionals are "apolitical" and that they were only interested in their careers, sending money home, but not in community activism. Drawing a parallel, Goyal pointed out to the pro-activeness of Chinese immigrants in this regard.

In her remarks, Consul General Deo urged the young Indian Americans not to forget their less fortunate brethren back home, as they make their dollar dreams come true. She lauded the huge contribution being made by Indians in the field of arts and culture.

The Consulate's aim of attracting the younger under-35 Indian Americans for the interactive event proved successful with more than 150 people turning up for the event. The discussion was followed by rich cultural entertainment and sumptuous dinner.