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Indian Americans call for stronger outreach amid racism concerns
Community leaders stressed the need for stronger public engagement, digital outreach and integration efforts to counter growing anti-Indian stereotypes and racism in the United States.
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Lalit K Jha (IANS) - Sun, 10, May 2026
- 07:52 EDT
- 24
Glimpse of the event / New India Abroad
Prominent Indian American leaders in North Carolina called for deeper engagement with mainstream American society and stronger public outreach to counter rising racism and stereotypes targeting the community.
The issue dominated discussions at the first panel of the “India Abroad North Carolina Dialogue 2026” in Raleigh, supported by the Hindu Society of North Carolina and several community organisations.
Also Read: NC diaspora urged to shape India-US ties
Jay Chaudhuri warned that Indian Americans needed to play a more active role in shaping their own public narrative.
“Ultimately, for Indian Americans, we have to control our own narratives,” Chaudhuri said.
He voiced concern over “viral anti-Indian racism” and growing social polarisation in the United States.
“I am very concerned about the safety and security of our community,” he said.
Chaudhuri said greater outreach to mainstream Americans — especially in rural communities with limited exposure to Indian Americans — was critical.
“We need to educate mainstream North Carolinians that we are equal contributors to the state,” he said.
Business leader Vikas Karode urged Indian Americans to engage more openly with wider American society.
“We need to step up and mix with people,” Karode said. “A lot of racism comes from ignorance and people not knowing us.”
Madhu Sharma said Indian Americans must move beyond remaining within their own social circles.
“We need to be out there,” Sharma said. “Reach out one person at a time and become friends with them.”
She added that Indian Americans could remain proud of their heritage while fully integrating into American society.
“We can be proud Hindu, proud Indian and proud American at the same time,” she said.
HSNC chairperson Sajjan Agarwal said first-generation immigrants also needed to reflect on their role in integration.
“We do need to reflect on that and do more,” Agarwal said.
Entrepreneur Sandesh Sharda said Indian Americans were contributing far more to the US economy than widely recognised.
“We are not just taking jobs or sending dollars to India, but investing in businesses across America,” he said.
Several speakers, including Sathish Garimella, stressed the need for stronger digital outreach and better visibility of Indian American contributions through social media platforms.
North Carolina today has a rapidly growing Indian American community of more than 110,000 people, including nearly 42,000 in the Raleigh region, with Indian professionals playing a major role across technology, healthcare, academia, hospitality and entrepreneurship.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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