On Wednesday, the 46th president of the United States, Joe Biden took his oath, and with that unveiling his new cabinet. His new cabinet boast diversity and inclusivity, featuring African-American, Asian-American, Hispanics, and Native Americans. Also worthy of note, half the nominees are women- the most ever nominated for office. Let’s take a look at the Indian Americans that are part of the Biden administration.
1. Kamala Harris
Kamala Devi Harris, a name familiar to all, is the first-ever Vice President of the US, and the highest-ranking elected official in the country. She is the first African-American and Asian-American person to hold this post. Many people agree that Harris further cements US-India relations.
2. Dr. Vivek Murthy
Dr. Vivek Murthy has been nominated to be the 21st US Surgeon General, after being the 19th under Obama’s administration. He is also the co-chairperson of the Coronavirus Task Force formed by Biden in December 2020.
3. Vanita Gupta
Vanita Gupta has been nominated to be the associate attorney general. She is the first woman of color to serve in this role. A reputed and respected civil rights attorney, she has served as the country’s former chief civil rights prosecutor.
4. Uzra Zeya
Uzra Zeya has been nominated as the undersecretary of the state for civilian rights, democracy and human rights. Zeya had quit her state department job as a protest against the Trump Administration’s alleged racist and sexist bias. She has previously served in the US Foreign Services and helped in the US response to the Arab Spring.
5. Vinay Reddy
US President-elect Joe Biden has appointed his long-time associate Vinay Reddy as his director of speechwriting. He was the speechwriter for the Biden-Harris transition, as well as their campaigns. He previously served as a speechwriter for the Obama-Biden administration as well.
6. Mala Adiga
Mala Adiga is nominated as policy director to the First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden. Adiga specializes in education policy. Mala has previously contributed to the academic programs from the bureau of educational and cultural from the Obama administration.
7. Tarun Chabbra
Tarun Chabbra has been nominated as Senior director of technology and national security. Chabbra has previously served on the Obama administration, handling human rights and national security issues.
