'Indian Americans sleeping giants in presidential election'

Indian-Americans are "sleeping giants" and can make a "significant difference" in helping first ever woman US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton break the ultimate glass ceiling, according to her Indian-origin supporters.
"Indian-Americans are the sleeping giants. Indian Americans in this campaign need to harness and galvanize the resources especially in the battle ground states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida and Virginia," said Indian-American Frank Islam, a major fund raiser for the Clinton Campaign.
"I personally believe and Hillary (Clinton) believes that they can make significant difference, if the people go out and vote," said Islam who was present at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia where Clinton was nominated.

He said if the Indian-Americans would go out and vote in these battle ground States they can play an "important role" and tip the ballots.
Islam, who was part of the delegation to travel to India with US President Barack Obama in January last year, exuded confidence that Clinton as president would take India-US relationship to the next height.
"She would be indispensable partner for India. She would advocate and embrace what President Obama has done so far," he said.

"I was so happy to be there at the historic moment when Hillary became our nominee. She has potential to lead the nation. What is important as an Indian American is that Hillary is focused on building bridges. She will go beyond all differences and unite people," said Palaniappan Andiappan, who was a member of the Credentials Committee.

Andiappan attended the Democratic National Convention, saying it was a "very energizing and electrifying experience."
"Hillary Clinton's nomination sends a powerful message that the America's major party is ready to give command of the most powerful nation to a woman. Her message of unity and holding each other resonates with majority of Americans," said Rajwant Singh, a Sikh community leader.
Noting that Clinton as the Democratic presidential candidate provides assurance to minorities especially the religious ones, Singh said Sikhs are pleased with nomination as she has been a long time friend of the community.
"She has stood by the Sikhs during the challenging times in the aftermath of 9/11. She has spoken emphatically that nobody should be made target of hate and this is exactly the kind of leadership is required to lead this nation," he said.

"We are equally thrilled with the nomination of Tim Kaine who is an ardent supporter of Sikhs to be admitted in the US Armed Forces without any restrictions," Rajwant said.
"I have known Tim Kaine for 10 years. His experience at every level - Local (City Councilman and Mayor), State (Lieutenant Governor and Governor), and Federal (US Senator) would absolutely make him a wonderful Vice President," said Anjan Chimaladinne, a delegate for Clinton from Virginia.
New York-based Indian-American attorney Ravi Batra said US President Barack Obama in his speech at the convention "recaptured America's election away from Trump's Terms of Fear and Hate and back to the Audacity of Hope for all of the people.