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Priyankka Deo says diaspora can help shift US views of India
In a video posted on X, Deo said the findings should prompt the Indian American community to consider how it can help shape a more informed perception of India, particularly among younger Americans.
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Staff Reporter - Thu, 20, Aug 2026
- 04:47 EDT
- 67
Priyankka Deo / Priyankka Deo
Indian Americans can play a key role in changing how India is perceived in the United States by integrating into American society while preserving their cultural identity and confidently sharing their heritage, Priyankka Deo, an Indian American media professional and alumna of the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), said.
Referring to a new Pew Research Center survey showing that 50% of Americans view India unfavorably, compared with 45% who hold a favorable view, Deo said the rating was among the lowest recorded since Pew began asking the question in 2008.
ALSO READ: Priyankka Deo addresses immigrant anxiety over jobs and visas in U.S.
In a video posted on X, Deo said the findings should prompt the Indian American community to consider how it can help shape a more informed perception of India, particularly among younger Americans.
“What do we do about it? Well, for the Indian diaspora in the U.S., I think the answer starts right where we live,” she said.
The first thing she suggested is to assimilate into American society.
“...but with that being said, do not disappear. Be American, participate, vote, volunteer, know your neighbors, build friendships outside of the Indian community, become a part of the civic and cultural fabric of this country,” she said.
But at the same time, be proud of who you are, she said.
She asked Indian Americans to talk about India and share its food, language, festivals, history and culture.
She asked them to talk about India’s achievements and its complexities, and let people encounter India through the actual lenses of Indians rather than only through headlines and social media, because assimilation in the U.S. shouldn’t mean abandoning your identity altogether.
She said Indian Americans are the most powerful ambassadors for India.
“My challenge to all NRIs and Indian Americans — integrate deeply, participate visibly, and represent confidently,” she said.
She also asked her followers to answer what is driving America’s changing perception of India, especially among the youth.
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