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Clinging to his `desi' roots

Americans of Indian origin are among the most influential in the U.S., Sudhir M. Parikh of the Federation of Indian Association tells K. Satyamurty

Helping build Hindu temples in the U.S. and lobbying for India with the George W. Bush administration are just some of this physician's activities. Sudhir M. Parikh, a leading consulting allergist in that country, is anxious to see that second and third generation Americans of Indian origin do not lose touch with their rich cultural heritage.

Visiting India to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Dr. Parikh made a stopover in Bangalore to catch up with what is happening in the city.

He is impressed by the city's growth and the vibrant information technology industry.

He is a regular visitor. A year ago, he rushed with emergency aid contributed by the Indian community to see that help reached victims of the tsunami on the Tamil Nadu coast.

During the then U.S. President Bill Clinton's visit to earthquake-affected areas in Gujarat, Dr. Parikh was part of the high-level delegation accompanying the President. "People of Indian origin, though not yet very large in number, are among the most influential because of their high educational level, high income and presence in medical and other important professions.

Increasingly, we are being involved in local, State and federal governments and a second generation Indian is now a Congressman," he said.

He is active with the Indian American Republican Council, a powerful partisan lobby, and has been persuading the Bush administration to share nuclear technology for peaceful purposes with India.

Working closely with the powers in Washington and New Delhi, Dr. Parikh has often initiated dialogues between the two on matters of mutual concern and sometimes helped clear misconceptions.

One of his noteworthy diplomatic triumphs involved the successful stalling of the delivery of F16 fighter planes to Pakistan on the grounds that it will only heighten tensions between the two neighbours at a time when a thaw in their relationship had developed. Dr. Parikh was in the forefront during the construction of the Vraj and Vaishnavante temples in the U.S.

The second is one of the largest Hindu temples in North America. "In the U.S., temples are more than just places for worship. They help second or third generation Indian Americans get closer to their roots and for the community to get together during festivals," he said.

He is also closely associated with the Nargis Dutt Cancer Foundation.

Currently serving as President of the Federation of Indian Association (FIA), Dr. Parikh has frequently been a sponsor of the annual Indian Independence Day parade, a massive community event that has been held in New York for the past 20 years. "Last August 15 saw the biggest parade held so far," he said.

A tireless advocate for the community's interests and global interests of India, Dr. Parikh is known as an ally to the Indian diaspora across the world.

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