NYC Mayor Eric Adams hosts round table with Indian Americans

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Mayor Eric Adams met Indian Community Leaders at a roundtable Thursday, March 20, 2025, to engage in a conversation with him and his senior administration staff.

Also present at the roundtable were representatives from New York City’s Community Affairs Unit, Department of Buildings, Department of Small Business Services, New York City Police Department, Mayor’s Office of Food Policy, Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services, Mayor’s Office of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises, and the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs.

The main agenda at the meeting was discussion of issues affecting the community who had been voicing their concerns and dissatisfaction with the way current administration.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Speaking to the group of more than 50 representatives of Indian American organizations, Adams acknowledged the contribution to the city made by more than 220,000 Indians in various areas.

Adams assured the leaders that his administration would make all efforts to accommodate their requests and concerns. “Our administration is laser-focused on not only listening to your concerns on issues like public safety and inclusive food options, but making concrete steps to address them,” Adams said.

Community Affairs Unit Commissioner Fred Kreizman introduced city administration leaders and key stakeholders. Mayor’s Office of International Affairs Deputy Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Innovation, Dilip Chauhan, assured the leaders of Adams’ commitment to the Indian American community.

Welcoming all, Adams referred to the continued support of the Indian community and turned over the meeting to Chauhan. A participating community leader, wanting to remain unnamed, said they were allowed to ask questions and put forth their concerns, but the one-hour duration did not give everyone a chance to put forth their concerns. A majority of the concerns expressed were about space for their organizations and for parking. Other issues including vegetarian meals in hospitals were also discussed.

Concerns were also expressed about community space, expanding the mayor’s ‘Breaking Bread, Building Bonds’ program, shoplifting and theft in small businesses, recidivism and its effect on citywide crime, mental health support, inclusion and religious harmony and increasing cultural competency.

Community leaders acknowledged Adams’ efforts to make the city safe and thanked him for making Diwali a public school holiday, supporting plant-based meal programs, and promoting Indian culture.

Speaking to the leaders, Adams assured them of his and his administration’s commitment to work with partners to find spaces for the Indian community, encouraging cultural awareness of Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism, and promoting critical faith-based events.

“We heard from Indian small business owners, nonprofit founders, and cultural leaders, all of whom work each day to improve our city and strengthen our communities. We are committed to working with them to ensure New York City is the best place to raise a family and thrive,” Adams said.

Representatives from the Mayor’s administration spoke about ongoing efforts to provide religiously inclusive, plant-based meals at New York City hospitals and to expand support for minority- and women-owned businesses. Adams assigned each task on the list of concerns to the senior members of his administration.

Related posts:

NYC Mayor encourages political participation from business at Indian Consulate event “Diwali is more than just a holiday,” NYC Mayor Eric Adams at Gracie Mansion celebration Pran Prathishta of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya “gives Hindus a reason to celebrate”: NYC Mayor Eric Adams Making History: Indian American Meera Joshi appointed Deputy Mayor of Big Apple!