Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 10 CITY VIEWS February 27, 2026 An attendee holds U.S. and India’s flags as they gather on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, U.S., June 22, 2023. New Carnegie Survey Of Indian Americans Examines Shifting Vote Preferences, Growing Political Ambivalence, And Rising Concerns About Discrimination O ne year into President Donald Trump’s sec- ond term, Indian Americans are confronting a convergence of cross-pressures that has recast their position in America’s social and political landscape, a new survey released February 19, 2026, by the Carnegie Endowment says. Till recently, this cohort of some 5.2 million people of Indian origin, which was the highest earning demo- graphic, with rising political status, and expanding social influence, is now facing antagonism from segments of the general population. Community members have even faced the popular racist trope to “go back home”, with commentators observing a notable rise in online hate speech and discrimination against Indian Americans. In addition, some of President Trump’s actions had roiled U.S.-India relations bringing into question the once “defining partnership of the twenty-first century,” the study authors point out. All this despite the fact that there was a “meaningful increase” in the Indian diaspora’s support for Trump in the 2024 presidential election, the Carnegie report notes, though not enough to overturn the community’s long- standing embrace of the Democratic Party. Authors of the report say that “at a moment of un- usual political flux” it was a challenge to understand how Indian Americans are navigating the changes that include debates over identity and belonging in the United States. To address this challenge, the authors conducted the 2026 Indian American Attitudes Survey (IAAS) in partner- REUTERS/KEVIN LAMARQUE/FILE PHOTO By a StaffWriter - Continued On Page 12 NATIONAL AFFAIRS Desi Society Of NYDOC Celebrates Excellence In Public Service At A Special Gala T he Desi Society of the NewYork City Department of Correction (NYC- DOC) recognized and honored exceptional contribution and dedi- cated public service of South Asian and Indo-Caribbean office holders in the department at a special gala last week at Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck, NY. The gala with the theme of “Night of Maharajas and Maharanis” celebrated South Asian and Indo-Caribbean heri- tage, professional excellence, and com- munity unity within NewYork City’s law enforcement department. It honored excellence in the broader corrections and law enforcement departments of the city, with special awards for those who hold and have held various positions in the department providing outstanding public service. Desi Society provides a supportive network for South Asian and Indo-Carib- bean Correction Officers and Civilians through recognizing their contributions, fostering leadership, bridging communi- ties, enhancing cultural fellowship and providing community support, advocacy and solutions. LiveOnNY, an organ and tissue dona- tion non-profit organization which has been working within the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean community, and a fre- quent partner of Desi Society, was a grand sponsor at the gala. The honorees who were recognized at the event were Assistant Chief of Security Charlton Lemon; Acting Assistant Chief of Facility Operations Joseph Caputo; retired ADWMoore; retired Captain Dannie Lomas, ADWHope (WF); Captain Rich- ardson (NIC/WF); Captain Brown (Bronx Courts); Correction Officers Thomas, Samlal, Ganaishlal, Oliver (Ceremonial) and Cumberbatch (COBA Executive Board); Supervisor Monica Thapur (HQ); John Ramkasoon; and Gavin-pandS Uni- form Store. NewYork City and State officials presented citations to the honorees for their dedicated service and their efforts to foster cultural inclusivity. Congratulating the honorees, Trustee of Desi Society, Dr. Mariam Singh, said, “We are proud that capable individuals from the Sikh community and the broader South Asian Diaspora have been appoint- ed to high positions within the new city government,” referring to recent appoint- ment of Jagpreet Singh at the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement. President Munish Chopra of the Desi Society spoke about the importance of en- couraging through recognition. “We want to ensure that those who play a positive role in the community are encouraged and celebrated,” Chopra said. Assembly member Ed Braunstein, First Deputy Commisioner Jagpreet Singh from the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement, other Assembly members and Council members reiterated the need to recognize excellence in public service and cul- tural heritage and promote diversity and inclusion. High-ranking law enforcement officers and families from the South Asian and Ino-Caribbean Diaspora were among other guests. Special guests included South Asian Liaison Dunesh Kaur from LiveOnNY, Se- nior Manager of Community Affairs Karen Cummings, Community Affairs team members Raida Hossain, Thomas Ryer and Charis Li and volunteer Aaron Battles also from LiveOnNY. Kaur told Desi Talk both LiveOnNY and Desi Society of NYCDDOC have been working together to honor cultural values and promote awareness and educate the community about the importance of organ donation. “We are proud to partner with Desi Society to engage and support the South Asian community,” Kaur said. She said LiveOnNY has been supporting Desi Society through community outreach and through working with various South Asian partners. The venue for the “Night of Mahara- jas and Maharanis” gala was decorated to resemble grand aesthetics of South Asian royalty, representing tradition and culture. The evening’s program began with the American anthem accompanied by a formal salute and a march from the department’s ceremonial unit contingent. Cultural performances included rendition of a bhajan, classical dance performances, drum playing and Bhangra dance. Guests also enjoyed an exciting raffle draw. The evening ended with an exciting raffle draw and a vote of thanks by Dr. Mariam Singh. By Archana Adalja PROVIDED BY MARIAM SINGH Trustee Dr. Mariam Singh, receives a citation for Desi Society from Assembly member Ed Braunstein. Special guests at the gala organized by NYCDOC Desi Society last week.