Jenifer Rajkumar / New India Abroad

Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Asian-American assemblywoman in New York, begins each day with the recitation of the Gayatri Mantra. She has a deep appreciation for poetry and art and is a fan of Lady Gaga. Her passion for the color red is inspired by its significance in Hindu culture. 

In an exclusive interview at a civic Diwali celebration organized by the Hindus of DFW as part of her National Diwali Tour, New India Abroad correspondent inquired about Jenifer's perspective on her role as an Indian-American woman in politics. 

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Sharing her deep appreciation, Jenifer reflected on her mother's humble beginnings in a mud hut in India, noting that her parents came to this country with only $300. Today, she proudly holds the title of the “first Indian woman ever elected to New York State office,” expressing deep gratitude and affection for the country that has offered her countless opportunities. 

Commonly known as the “Lady in Red” for her frequent appearances in public, Jennifer explained that red is the color of “passion and purpose’, which she embodies every single day, and it opens her doors for many opportunities. She claims that red is beloved in all cultures, not just Hinduism. It is well-liked and respected in Latino cultures, and it provides her with leadership qualities. 

She emphasized that red is her signature color, and from time to time, she dons green for St. Patrick’s Day, a yellow lehenga for Indian weddings, and a variety of outfits for events hosted by Nepali, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani communities. She enjoys wearing traditional attire, reflecting her appreciation for her cultural roots, often changing her outfit multiple times a day, from a single dress to as many as four.

When questioned about the difficulties she faced as an Indian-American woman in a world dominated by men, she cited Shirley Chisholm as an inspiration, as she was the first Black woman to run for president of the United States. Jennifer quoted her when she said, "If they do not give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." This sums up her desire to live in the modern world and establish her own place "humbly yet with passion." 

About her transition from bring a lawyer to her political career, Jenifer Regarding her shift from practicing law to entering politics, Jenifer expressed her desire to assist the public as a public interest lawyer following her time at Stanford Law School, and she then pursued a career as a civil rights lawyer. Recalling the triumph of her initial case after graduating from law school, which advocated for women's rights, she emphasized the significance of acquiring "power" to impact people's lives, which led her to enter politics.

Among her many accomplishments, she ensured that all immigrants in New York had access to legal representation, outlawed the sale of illegal drugs to minors in smoke shops, accelerated the state's infrastructure development, and championed the rights of domestic workers, particularly women of color and immigrant women.

Discussing the importance of her National Diwali Tour, she expressed pride in stating that recognizing the Diwali festival as a school holiday in New York felt like turning the “impossible into possible.” Reflecting on that moment, she recalled how she gathered hundreds of Indian-Americans who chanted the slogan “Diwali, holiday,” raising awareness throughout the entire state of New York. 

Although she is proud to have been born in the United States and remembers the Bruce Springsteen song "Born in the USA," she also feels very close to her roots. Her parents are from Punjab, a northern state in India, and she treasures the memories she has of her early trips there. 

When asked how she planned to incorporate Indian traditions into Thanksgiving celebrations, the assemblywoman responded, "On this Thanksgiving, I will be doing a 'service thanksgiving.' My family and I will be serving the community in New York. And that’s what I truly love to do.” 

"One thing I am doing is serving turkeys to all of my constituents because not everyone can afford a turkey, and I believe everyone deserves a happy Thanksgiving and a happy meal. So, I am bringing resources to my district.” Jenifer emphasized that Sikhs and Hindus are generous people regardless of their socioeconomic status, religious affiliation, or family history.