Two Indian Americans, Dr. Tausif Malik and Dr. Shabana Parvez, have established the Global Desi Republican Caucus (GDRC), a platform intended to represent the interests of the South Asian community within U.S. politics. The initiative aims to bridge the values of the South Asian diaspora with the Republican Party’s principles, including fiscal responsibility, family values, and a focus on “America First.”
With an estimated 5.4 million South Asians residing in the United States, the GDRC seeks to address critical issues impacting the community, such as double taxation, affordable healthcare and education, and economic empowerment. Highlighting the diaspora’s contribution, Dr. Malik remarked, “South Asians have contributed immensely to America’s social, economic, and cultural fabric. It’s time we channel our collective influence to shape policies that resonate with our core values: family, affordability, education, opportunity, and unity.”
Dr. Malik, the founder of the caucus and a former leader of the Muslim Democrats Abroad, stressed that the Republican Party’s emphasis on entrepreneurship and reducing government overreach aligns with the aspirations of South Asian Americans. He believes this alignment makes the GDRC a platform for meaningful representation and influence.
Co-founder Dr. Shabana Parvez, an experienced emergency physician, pointed out inefficiencies in the U.S. healthcare system, especially when compared to India. “My relatives in India have easy access to affordable primary and specialty care, while the U.S. healthcare system remains inefficient despite its high costs,” she observed. Drawing from her two decades of experience in emergency medicine, Dr. Parvez emphasized the need for more effective allocation of government healthcare funding and better primary care access to alleviate overcrowding in emergency departments.
Rooted in Indian Heritage
The vision of the GDRC is deeply influenced by the founders’ Indian heritage. Dr. Malik, originally from Pune, credits Maratha King Shivaji Maharaj’s philosophy of “people-first” leadership as a guiding inspiration. “His leadership inspires my vision to prioritize community welfare,” he stated.
Dr. Parvez, born in Hyderabad and raised in the West Indies, highlighted the importance of family values, women’s empowerment, and accessible healthcare. Reflecting on the broader contributions of the diaspora, she noted, “As South Asians, we bring a rich tapestry of values and innovation to the United States.”
Addressing Key Issues
The GDRC has identified several priorities to advance the interests of South Asians in America:
- Eliminating Double Taxation: The caucus aims to push for reforms that benefit non-resident Americans by reducing the financial burden of dual taxation.
- Affordable Healthcare: Proposals include introducing cost-efficient healthcare models to improve access and reduce inefficiencies.
- Economic Empowerment: The platform supports entrepreneurship and seeks to alleviate regulatory challenges that hinder business growth.
- Accessible Education: Tackling the student debt crisis and promoting affordable learning opportunities are central to the caucus’s mission.
- Family Values: Policies emphasizing unity and community support are also a focal point for the organization.
Dr. Malik also raised concerns about rising retail crime, referencing data from California that shows shoplifting incidents in 2023 reached their highest levels in two decades. He attributed the rise to measures like Proposition 47, which he criticized for undermining business security. “We need more robust policies to protect businesses,” he stated.
An Invitation to Collaborate
Encouraging community participation, Dr. Malik called on South Asians to join the GDRC. “Together, we can build a future that honors our values and strengthens America’s promise of prosperity for all,” he said. Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Parvez added, “Through the GDRC, we have an opportunity to shape policies that reflect our collective priorities while contributing to America’s growth. This is our moment to lead with purpose.”
The Global Desi Republican Caucus aspires to connect non-resident Americans with impactful policy changes and provide a platform to amplify their voices in shaping U.S. governance. By focusing on issues significant to the South Asian community, the GDRC seeks to foster greater representation and alignment with Republican ideals.
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