With this monthly column, we intend raising political awareness and become an inspiration for each of us to excel, reach greater heights. We Indian Americans are going through a transitional evolution in this country, as we get entrenched in doing some good; as entrepreneurs, high tech geeks, doctors, lawyers, imposing our goodwill upon this fantastic country. But as we all discover, our involvement can run deeper and wider to impact issues near and dear to our hearts. It starts with simple contribution and involvement in our local community. There are few who are already beginning or have made their mark – we want to highlight these SatyAgrahi souls as learning for all of us.
We invite success stories you have observed around you, provide us your insights on Indian Americans locally and nationally who made things happen. The ones who helped address a simple issue in the community to make life a bit better; perhaps got elected to the school board, appointed to the planning commission or library commission. The one common theme that you may discover, the experience is rewarding and transformative at the same time – there is value in being involved and being an engaged citizen. These perspectives will help construct roadmaps for our community to empower ourselves, to represent our local communities as leaders, and make this glorious country of America a better place. You can email your recommendations for this spotlight coverage to Rishi at Rishi@RishiKumar.com
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Delegate Kumar Barve, 56 is a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 17 in Montgomery County. He was the first Indian-American to be elected to a state legislature in the United States, and has served since 2002 as the Majority Leader of the House of Delegates. His legislative work has focused largely on healthcare and promotion of the high-tech industry in Maryland. He is running for Congress in 2016 in the 8th district.
Early in his career, Delegate Barve was a co-sponsor and primary architect in 1993 of Maryland’s landmark reform of health insurance. Appointed chairman of the Technology Subcommittee in 1996, Barve established himself as a leader in technology policy for Maryland. He was the sponsor of the Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) and Maryland’s technology tuition assistance program. In 2000, Barve was the prime architect of the landmark “e-commerce” Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (UCITA).
Kumar attended public school in Silver Spring, MD and received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Georgetown University. He lives in Montgomery County with his wife, Maureen Quinn. Kumar is the Chief Financial Officer of an environmental waste remediation company in Rockville, MD.
Kumar, you were a pioneer running for elections to the house of delegates in 1990 when Indian Americans as a community were still trying to establish ourselves in the country. What were some of the highlights from that run back then? What did you have to deal with?
In 1990 it was gratifying that so many non-Indian-Americans were so supportive. Unfortunately most Indian-Americans were very dismissive. Most Indian-Americans assumed I would lose and lose badly. Many didn’t even turn out to vote for me! Average Americans had absolutely no qualms about my candidacy or about supporting me. In fact, on election day a Republican precinct official congratulated me for being the first person of Indian origin elected to a state legislature. He said he was proud of me even if he didn’t vote for me!
What is the one incident (if any) that set the tone, that perhaps emboldened you onto this path?
I decided to run for office in the 10th grade. I worked on the (unsuccessful) campaign of a candidate for the House of Delegates. That’s what really got me interested. And, unlike most Indian-American parents, I got a lot of encouragement at home to pursue this. I got a degree in accounting from Georgetown University, so they knew I’d always make a good living. They saw politics as a great side interest that could turn into something big.
The road not traversed by many is never easy. What were some of the challenges along the way? How has it tempered your approach to politics and life – to making a difference in your community?
For me, there wasn’t anything out of the ordinary because of my background or religion. I was always upfront about being of Indian origin and being Hindu because those were the s on which I wanted to win. The problems I had in running for office were just the same as experienced by all other candidates.
Tell us about your 2016 run for Congress. What are some of your key priorities?
My top priority is work to “rebuild our middle class” through, increased national R&D investment, economic development, worker training and targeted tax cuts.
You have been a source of inspiration for Indian Americans in Maryland, with so many recently elected Indian Americans. Do you take credit for it? What else can we as a community do to seed leadership with the next generation?
My election in 1990 proved that a person with a name like Kumar Prabhakar Barve could win an election in a district with almost no Indian-American voters. This has been a source of pride and inspiration and has been the “green light” for candidates since then.
Religion and politics don’t intermix usually. There is a recent aversion by Indian American elected leaders to Hinduism – even claiming other affiliations. What is your take on it?
I have NEVER hidden the fact that I am Hindu. What is the point of running for high office if you have to run away from your identity in the process?
What roadmap do you have in mind with respect to our Indian American community – where do you see our community in 25 years?
As a state legislator I worked hard to have Indian-Americans run for state and local office. As a member of Congress I will work equally as hard to accomplish the same result at the federal level.
Rishi is Silicon Valley’s energizer bunny deeply engaged in local causes to make his community a better place. He is an elected city councilmember in Saratoga, CA who continues to follow his passion for community service and community building. Rishi’s day job is as a Silicon Valley hi-tech executive. Rishi Kumar is also the founder of the Bay Area Indian American Democratic Club whose charter is to further the interests and values of Indian Americans, work towards political empowerment and advance ethical standards in the political system. You can reach him via his website www.RishiKumar.com. He would love to get your recommendations for coverage of engaged Indian Americans who are demonstrating leadership in the community. Email your recommendations to him at Rishi@RishiKumar.com
RISHI KUMAR
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