From renaming MacDonald to Church in Brooklyn as ‘Little Bangladesh’ to declaring August 15th as Indian American Day in Dallas, the US is slowly but surely appreciating the influence of South Asians.
Even though many still target immigrants, we South Asians have made a special place for ourselves.
In a recent event, Bangladeshi activist Zahid F. Sarder Saddi publicly voiced appreciation for Representatives Gregory Meeks, Hakeem Jeffries, Yvette Clarke, and Grace Meng for their support and passion for providing care to the Bangladeshi community.
The New York City Council approved the bill, honoring the Bangladeshi community which has been instrumental in shaping New York City. Support of New York House Representatives from the 5th, 6th, 8th, and 9th districts proved indisposable in the drive needed to accomplish the win.
According to a recent study, 40% of New York City taxi drivers hail from South Asia, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Prior to the pandemic, Asians in New York City owned 23% of all businesses. Bangladeshi New Yorkers, by these accounts, make a significant contribution to the city economically.
In another event of appreciation, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson declared 15 August as Indian American Day, showcasing his plan for a global city and economy, as reported by CBS News.
There are about 220,000 Indian Americans in the Dallas-Fort Worth area which is about two and a half percent. Still, the Indian American community owns about five and a half percent of the business. That brings direct revenue of 10 billion dollars to the city.
In honor of the announcement, the Reunion Tour Ball was illuminated orange, green, and white, the colors of the Indian flag.
It predicted that by 2065, Asian Americans will be the largest immigrant population in the US, driven largely by the South Asian population in that “grew at a staggering 40 percent in seven years — from 3.5 million in 2010 to 5.4 million in 2017. With the rise in population also came our contribution to the economy and culture.
About time we are appreciated for who we are and not targetted for our differences.
Editor-In-Chief/Co-Founder — DissDash
Not competent enough to sit idle and stare as the world goes by, Pallavi is optimistic to a fault and believes in building her world on her own rather than depending on others to make things right.
