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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 6 CITY VIEWS January 10, 2025 Suhas Subramanyam Sworn Into US Congress As First Indian-American To Represent Virginia, Joins 5 Others S uhas Subramanyam was sworn into the 119th Con- gress earlier on Friday, January 3, 2025, marking a historic moment as the first Indian-American and South Asian to represent Virginia’s 10th Congres- sional District. He joins five other Indian Americans in the lower house. Subramanyam, who succeeds retiring Congresswom- an JenniferWexton, now represents a district that spans Loudoun, Rappahannock, Fauquier, and parts of Prince William and Fairfax Counties. This achievement not only sets a precedent for Virginia but also for the East Coast, where Subramanyam becomes the first individual of South Asian descent to serve in the US Congress. Subramanyam’s rise to Congress is deeply personal. His mother, who immigrated through Dulles Airport within District 10, was present to witness her son’s swearing-in. As he placed his hand on the Bhagavad Gita and took the oath of office, Subramanyam reflected on his family’s journey. “Today my parents got to see me sworn in as the first Indian American and South Asian Congressman from Virginia. If you had told my mother when she landed in Dulles Airport from India that her son would go on to represent Virginia in the United States Congress, she might have not believed you, but my story is the kind of promise that America holds. I am honored to be the first, but not the last, as I represent Virginia’s 10th in Congress.” Ackowledging Subramanyam’s election Congressman Ami Bera, D-California, said he welcomed more Indian Americans to Congress. “When I was first sworn in twelve years ago, I was the sole Indian American Member of Congress and only the third in U.S. history. Now, our coalition is six strong! I am excited to welcome even more Indian Americans to the halls of Congress in the years to come,” Bera posted on X. Before joining Congress, Subramanyam served as a Policy Advisor to President Barack Obama. He was elected to the Virginia General Assembly in 2019, where he founded the bipartisan “Commonwealth Caucus” to foster collaboration across party lines. During his time in Richmond, Subramanyam passed impactful legislation aimed at lowering toll costs for commuters, re- funding overcharged consumers, reducing gun violence, and ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education. He is committed to continuing this bipartisan approach in Congress, prioritising real, tangible results for his constituents. Additionally, Subramanyam has a strong track record of service, having volunteered as a firefighter and EMT in Loudoun County. He resides in Ashburn, Virginia, with his wife, Miranda, and their two young daughters, Maya (4) and Nina (3) By ANI PHOTO: X @SuhasforVA PHOTO:X @SuhasforVA Plack naming the new Indian American member of US House of Representatives Suhas Subramanyam sworn in Jan. 3, 2025. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam. Vijah Ramjattan Appointed Director Of NYC Hate Crimes Prevention N ewYork City Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointment of Vijah Ramjattan as the executive director of the NewYork City Mayor’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC). As executive director, Ramjattan will oversee the office’s interagency efforts to combat hate crimes using community-based programs and provide support to victims of hate and bias crimes, a Jan. 3, 2025 press release from the Mayor’s office said. Joining Ramjattan at OPHC are deputy executive director EricaWare and senior project manager Jelissa Thomas. “NewYork City is the greatest city in the world because of our extensive diversity, and to stamp out hate wher- ever it rears its ugly head, we need a leader that (sic) will help ensure that NewYorkers have the tools needed to be part of the solution,” Mayor Adams is quoted saying in the press release. “While hate crimes are down in our city, year over year, Vijah’s decade worth experience in community engage- ment, advocacy in marginalized communities, and mental health counseling makes him uniquely qualified to hit the ground running and combat hate crimes across the five boroughs,” the Mayor added. “I’m thrilled to join this administration to implement Mayor Adams’ vision of a city free of hate and bias. OPHC and its partners are a vital part of our city’s defense against the kinds of hate and bias that can undermine our public safety,” Ramjattan said. “Hate and bias have no place in NewYork City and I’m proud to join the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice under Director Logan’s leadership. I look forward to leading the OPHC team in supporting safe and hate-free communities.” Earlier this year, OPHC announced the release of “Teaching About Hate Crimes and Their Impacts,” a series of lessons designed to teach students in NewYork City public schools about hate crimes and bias incidents, as well as their impact on individuals and communities. Before being appointed to this role, Rajrattan served as a senior clinical research program administrator for the NewYork State Psychiatric Institute-Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene. He previously served as counselor and grievance coordinator on Rikers Island for the NewYork City Department of Correction. Earlier in his career, Ramjattan served as president of the Council District 28 Community Education Council, as well as a founder and member of faith-based and community -based organizations, including the New York City Public Schools Interfaith Advisory Council, the United American Hindu Leadership Council, the United Madrassi Association, and multiple mayoral advisory councils. He has also served as an interfaith chaplain for NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens. Ramjattan has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Comparative Religion fromThe City University of New York’s Hunter College. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:Facebook @Vijah Ramjattan Community Vijah Ramjattan.