Telugu, Tamil banners make a mark in US Presidential campaigns

HYDERABAD: For the first time, Telugu and Tamil banners have started streaming on to streets of America during the presidential election campaigns which are currently gaining prominence. With attention being given to regional Indian languages such as Telugu and Tamil, banners while the US election frenzy is underway, shows that it is becoming stronger day by day.

In Dallas, the focal message in a Telugu banner - "Samskruti, Sanmargam - Deshanki Aadharam" (Culture, Righteousness-Pillars of the Nation)-has struck a chord. So have Tamil banners and more as banners that come in all the dialects undergird the universal message.

As more and more Telugu working professionals and students have moved to the US, the popularity of this community has been enhanced significantly. This is further augmented by their intense involvement in American society, including political concerns. Proof for these claims is the extent to which both the Republicans and the Democrats are now vying for the diaspora's vote in the current presidential elections.

Even on the Indian-origin candidates, it should be noted that they also are making quite an impact in American politics. The Democratic side has Kamala Harris, an Indian-origin candidate vying for the presidency. Conversely, the Republican side also has an Indian-American woman, Usha Chilukuri, married to one of its hopefuls, J.D. Vance-a man endorsed by former President Donald Trump as his vice-presidential candidate.

As Telugu and Tamil flags flutter in the political skyline, Indian diaspora is forming US politics. The two political parties are vigorously endeavoring to reach out to this segment which is becoming a crucial demographic in US elections.