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Rep. Bera names Juhie Parikh winner of America 250th essay competition
Her winning essay reflected on unity, belonging and the immigrant experience in America.
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Malvika Choudhary - Tue, 07, Jul 2026
- 13:29 EDT
- 26
Juhie Parikh / X/ repbera
Congressman Ami Bera recognized an Indian American student on the House floor after she won his congressional essay contest marking America's 250th birthday.
The Inderkum High School senior Juhie Parikh won the contest for her essay "Depiction of unity: One diverse street in Natomas represents a nation," reflecting on community, belonging and unity.
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The contest invited high school students across California's 6th Congressional District to respond to the prompt, "What does America mean to you?" as part of nationwide celebrations marking the country's semiquincentennial.
Parikh's essay, titled, was selected for its personal reflection on growing up in a diverse Sacramento neighborhood and its message that America's strength lies in building community across differences.
In the essay, Parikh describes her suburban street as home to Chinese, Black, Mexican, White and Indian families, writing that it represents "not just a show of diversity, but unity." She recounts how everyday interactions among neighbors–from children playing together to families supporting one another during difficult times, including after the death of a beloved neighborhood dog–shaped her understanding of community and belonging.
Parikh also reflects on her parents' journey as Indian immigrants who came to the United States to build a future for their family, writing that many of her neighbors share similar stories of sacrifice and opportunity. She concludes that, despite its imperfections, America represents "possibility"--the chance for people from different backgrounds to build a shared community.
"You can learn a lot about our country by listening to the next generation," Bera said. "Juhie's essay reminds us that America's strength has always come from our ability to build community across our differences. Her story captures the optimism, compassion, and sense of belonging that continue to define our nation as we celebrate our nation's 250th birthday."
The winning essay will be displayed in the congressman's Washington, D.C., and Sacramento offices as part of the congressional recognition commemorating the United States' 250th anniversary.
It was also featured on KFBK News Radio and published as a guest opinion in The Sacramento Bee.
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