Elsiha Pulivarti/Washington DC
Spectacular victory of Aruna Miller as Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, US, is a shining moment for us all Indian Americans. Aruna who migrated to the US at the age of 7 years with her parents in 1972 is a symbol of how Indians have contributed their services to America. At the same time, she is also a symbol of how American society has accepted and acknowledged the contributions of immigrants. Three cheers to Aruna Miller and her family.
Aruna’s father Katragadda Venkata Rama Rao and her mother Hemalatha came to the US on a professional assignment five decades ago. They made the US as their home and mingled with American society. Aruna married to a Jewish American David Miller and they have three children. Aruna has been an active member of Democrats for the last two decades. She served as Democratic delegate twice.
Being a transport engineer, Aruna is known for her professionalism and dedication to the tasks she takes up. Because of her integrity and popularity, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris too campaigned for her in the current elections. Her victory is celebrated by all Indian Americans. For me personally this is a double delight – Arunas’ origins are from my native Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.
Aruna is Maryland’s first Indian American, Asian American and Colored Lt Governor. She has many more firsts to her credit. It is good that people of her native village – Ventrapragada – celebrated her victory. This shows the solidarity of Telugu speaking people across the globe. This also shows how American society equally embraces and accepts hardworking, talented and dedicated people from all religions, races. Matter of Interfaith. India too should learn from this.
Midterm outcome: No impact on India
Wes Moore, another Democrat has been elected as Governor of Maryland, too is our friend. He along with Aruna, his second in command, will surely worked for the growth and development of Maryland.
Republicans seem to be gaining control over the 435 member House of Representatives in the current midterm elections. Finale results will be available by November 11, Friday. In 100 member Senate (elections were held for 35 seats), it may be 50-50, with VP Harris holding her casting vote in favour of Democrats. It is a matter of happiness that many Indian Americans have won as Representatives, Senators and Governors from both Republican and Democrats.
Whoever, gains upper hand in the House and Senate, it is unlikely to affect US India relations. It is a thing of pride for us all that the ever growing bonds between America and India will further move ahead and consolidate in the coming days. The pro-Indian outlook of American policy makers have bipartisan support.
