In a historic and symbolic occasion last Friday, Suhash Subramanyam took oath of office on the holy Hindu book Bhagavad Gita as the first Indian-American and South Asian to represent Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. He succeeded retiring Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton to serve the US Congress.
The unique moment was marked by the presence of Subramanyam’s mother, who immigrated through Dulles Airport to watch her son being sworn-in on the Gita.
In a statement, Subramanyam reflected on his journey stating, “If you told my mother when she landed in Dulles Airport that her son will be representing Virginia in the US Congress, she would not have believed you. But this story is the kind of promise that America holds. I am honoured to be the 1st, but not the last, as I represent Virginia’s 10th in Congress.”
The 43-year-old Hindu American Tulsi Gabbard elected to the US House of Representatives, was the first lawmaker to take oath on Gita even before Subramanyam on the 13th of January, 2013.
Who Is Suhash Subramanyam?
Suhash Subramanyam served as a policy advisor to former US president Barack Obama in the Virginia General Assembly after being elected in 2019 before joining Congress. He is the founder of the bipartisan “Commonwealth Caucus” which foster collaboration across party lines.
During his time in Richmond, Subramanyam passed impactful legislation aimed at lowering toll costs for commuters, refunding overcharged consumers, reducing gun violence, and ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education. He is committed to continuing this bipartisan approach in Congress, prioritising real, tangible results for his constituents.
Additionally, Subramanyam has a strong track record of service, having volunteered as a firefighter and EMT in Loudoun County. He resides in Ashburn, Virginia, with his wife, Miranda, and their two young daughters, Maya (4) and Nina (3).