USA (Commonwealth Union)_ The Indian-American communities across the United States welcomed the swearing-in of Indian descent Rishi Sunak as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, calling it a momentous occasion for the overseas Indian community. According to M R Rangaswami, an entrepreneur from Silicon Valley and the founder of Indiaspora, Sunak’s victory was an important Diwali gift for the diaspora. Rishi was already on the list of Indiaspora government leaders and the community wished him luck as he assumed office.
This year is a memorable Diwali since the United Kingdom saw its first Prime Minister of Indian descent. Gita Gopinath, the first deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund and Dr. Sampat Shivangi, the chairman of the Mississippi State Board of Mental Health, lauded Sunak for writing history. M R Rangaswami stated that 75 years ago, the British ruled colonial India and now it was a moment of pride for every Indian to witness Rishi occupying the highest seat of authority.
Dr. Shivangi stated that he is close to Rishi and his family for many years, since their ancestors were native of Athani, Karnataka. He noted that the father of Sudha Murthy (Sunak’s mother-in-law) was his professor in medical school. “I look forward to a successful transformation of the UK economy in the coming days. I wish Sunak that he brings glory and tremendous credibility to his nation, the Indian diaspora, and to his ancestral land,” Dr. Shivangi added.
Al Mason, a New York-based real estate magnate, praised Sunak for becoming the first British prime minister of South Asian descent, the first Hindu to hold the position, and the youngest to do so. Canadian lawmaker Chandra Arya released a statement congratulating Sunak on becoming the first Hindu Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He stated that his accomplishment would inspire a new generation of Canadians to become more interested in public service.
