Indians, a rising force in US political system: Bera

Indian and South Asian Americans are increasingly becoming a force in the US political system, Congressman Ami Bera has said.

"Indian and South Asian Americans have become integral to the fabric of American life, and are becoming an increasing force in America's political system," Bera said addressing the teenage participants at South Asian Youth Action (SAYA!) in New York this weekend.

In his interaction Bera, the third ever and the only Indian-American lawmaker in the current Congress, talk to them about the American political process and the importance of public service.

"It's so important for our young people to know that they can dream big and make a difference in their own communities, and organizations like SAYA! help them do that. I may be the only Indian and South Asian American in Congress right now, but in the years to come I hope to see many more in all levels and branches of government," he said.

"As a first-generation Indian American born and raised in California, I got where I am largely because of the Indian Americans of my parent's generation who paved the way for me," Bera said.

SAYA! is the secular youth development organization dedicated to South Asian American youth. Their mission is to create opportunities for South Asian American youth to realize their fullest potential.