USA (Commonwealth Union)_ In the beginning of the year, a historic moment unfolded in the Town of Brighton as Vikram Vilkhu was sworn in as its inaugural Indian-American criminal judge. Vilkhu, a Democrat born to Indian immigrants in the United States, officially assumed the role of Justice in the Brighton Town Court, marking yet another milestone for the community. Notably, Vilkhu also stands as the first Sikh to be elected in the history of New York State, a distinction emphasized by the Sikh Coalition in a post on X.
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Indian American Senator Jeremy Cooney, who welcomed Vilkhu as a candidate in December 2023, expressed the significance of diversifying representation in local government, particularly as Asian Americans emerge as the fastest-growing minority in New York. He said, “Asian Americans are the fastest growing minority in New York. Expanding representation in local government is a significant step forward. Expanding cultural diversity in our elected officials is beneficial to our entire community, and we know it’s especially impactful for young people to see faces that look like theirs and to see their culture represented at all levels of government”.
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2 voteforvik.org
Vilkhu’s academic journey began at Emory University, where he pursued a double major in religion and anthropology for his undergraduate education. Following graduation, he played a pivotal role in establishing a national hotline for victims of racial profiling and hate crimes following the 9/11 attacks while contributing to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Vilkhu continued his education at Case Western Reserve University Law School, earning numerous accolades for academic and extracurricular achievements.
Post-law school, Vilkhu served as a civilian contractor with the United States Army, defending enlisted soldiers facing criminal accusations, both on deployment and on base. His legal career then led him to the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted misdemeanor crimes and traffic offenses. Vilkhu’s expertise extended to conducting trials across various towns in Monroe County, achieving verdicts in a diverse range of cases, from DWIs to sex abuse. Holding admissions to practice law in both New York and Vermont, Vilkhu possesses the capability to litigate cases in both state and federal courts. Overseeing a team of over 100 employees, he collaborates with ten local attorneys, showcasing the breadth of his legal practice.
During his swearing-in ceremony, Vilkhu shared a touching tribute to his father, reflecting on the remarkable journey from being unknown in a new country to witnessing his last name on front yards. The ceremony highlighted the significance of diversity and the opportunities that America offers for those who persevere. He stated, “When he came to America, people couldn’t even pronounce his name. My father, coming to this country where no one knew him and no one noticed him, sees his last name in front yards now. He’s sitting with two state senators, a county executive, etc. Say what you want about this country, but that is remarkable. That is absolutely remarkable.”
