BOBBY THE BUILDER
INDIA EMPIRE has a habit of ferreting out gems in the Indian diaspora. Bobby Kumar is one such shining example. As the first Indian-American to be elected to the leadership of a national political organisation, Kumar not only embodies the American Dream, he is an outstanding role model for everyone, especially immigrants. Too often we have newly-arrived immigrants lamenting they face discrimination and all kinds of issues. Poeple like Kumar would rather be community-oriented and work for the betterment of the country they live in rather than try to fatten their wallets. The world needs more people like him.
Sanjeev Toora
Los Angeles
After Bobby Jindal’s exploits in becoming the first India-born governor of a US state, the Indian community has produced hero after stalwart. Which is why people expect a lot out of Kumar. Members of the Indian American community that he has served well over the years in the US expect him to work a miracle. They see in Kumar a man who can deliver on promises, and someone who can take the Reform Party to newer heights. However, Kamal Dandona’s statement Bobby will play a vital role in the next elections in deciding the next president of the United States seems a bit far-fetched. Yes Kumar definitely seems to be leader at the top rung, and he may even have the resources, but at this every moment there’s not much to show any brilliant manouevres on Kumar’s part that will catapult him to kingmaker or spoiler status. But I’m hoping I will be proved wrong.
Geeta Sethi
Mumbai
Bobby Kumar’s life is an amazing saga of success against all odds. Imagine, he reached America at the age of 21, not knowing a word of English but today he’s successful in the business of electronic voting machines, real estate, publishing, construction, environment and has even started and won an award for a micro brewery while remaining a teetotaler himself. That’s the stuff of Bollywood movies. The striking thing about Kumar is that success hasn’t gone to his head. He remains a level-headed person who is destined for higher things in life.
Shankar Mahadevan
New York
Bobby Kumar typifies the bold new face of Indians in America. Until recently they seemed to a politically listless lot, content to remain a community of over-achieving doctors, scientists and wealthy professionals. What was missing was the community angle, the desire to mix and stamp their presence on the patchwork quilt of ethnic America. Kumar represents the breed of Indians who say, Why not me? And Yes I can! Led by such excellent people, the Indian diaspora has no way to go but higher and further.
Soni Raghuvanshi
Delhi |
GROOM DOOM
It’s sad news NRI grooms are slipping on the Indian groom index! Much of it can be blamed on low-life who marry innocent girls and later dump them. We need a law that attaches the property of both parties in an NRI marriage gone wrong. Also, when will Indian parents stop looking at foreign shores when good men are available in India? It’s virtually impossible to do a character check on NRIs.
Hardev Gill
Chandigarh
PAYIL AHEAD
Your story on Senthil Gopal was brilliant. Thousands of charities exist in India but who knows what they are up to. It’s hard to believe they have even made a dent in rural backwardness. However, what’s commendable about Gopal’s Payir is it understands that without a holistic approach to progress, all economic growth exists in a vacuum. It aims to create an atmosphere where people can practice truth. Now that’s a unique approach. It’s happiness and truth—not wealth—that will combat misery in this world. And India is showing the way.
Sanjay Kapoor
Sydney
TAKE THE BUS
Delhi sees an influx of over 300 cars everyday on its streets. That’s a stupendous number and if unchecked will clog the city in a few years. Which is why the Delhi government’s plans to increase quality buses should be welcomed by all stakeholders—commuters, businesses and the political class.
Rashni Dorabjee
Mumbai
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