Although a fast growing segment of the Indiana population, the level of political participation by Asian Americans does not correspondingly match their rise in prominence. Indian American Raju Chinthala first became aware of this problem this year, after seeing despairingly low numbers of Asian American registered voters.
According to the Indianapolis Business Journal, Chinthala has founded the Asian American Indiana PAC, an organization which is dedicated to representing the interests of Asian American voters.
“There’s more to it[the political process] than elections,” Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard said. “There’s [serving on] boards and commissions and [the] feeling that your voice matters.”
Asian Americans make up 9 percent of Carmel’s population and 2 percent in the state.
Chinthala, who unsuccessfully ran for the Indiana State House, could raise considerable money for his PAC if he’s able tap into the Asian American business community. He talks about some of the challenges he faces in the Indianapolis Business Journal.