Meeting with Ashwin Madia

I have been following US presidential elections keenly for last 12 months. The D Day (Nov 4) is just 3 

days away; Radio and TV are full of all sorts of Ads.

It was surprising to know that elections in US for all the public offices happen on a same day unlike in 

India, where elections happen almost every day for numerous public offices from Gram Panchayat to Central 

Parliament. This practice of regular elections is time consuming and resource intensive. It keeps politicians and  

bureaucrats busy all the time in contesting and conducting elections. Development takes a back seat 

and vote bank politics keeps all the executive and legislative constituents occupied with elections.

Former President APJ Abdul Kalam made a great suggestion for amending the Constitution and making 

all the elections happen on same day. This would be huge boost for progressive and stable 

governments. I am not sure why Indian media and intellectuals don't push for this idea.

What makes me write today was a surprise meeting with Ashwin Madia. He is a Democratic candidate 

running for 3rd district in US Congress. He is another story of successes that American Indians had in 

US. Indians went gaga after Bobby Jindal won elections for Governor of Katrina State of Louisiana.

It looks like it is Ashwin Madia's turn this time. With anti Bush sentiments giving strong lead to Obama, 

Ashwin Madia is not far behind. Ashwin is young, highly educated and aa experienced Marines officer. However, His 

opponent, Erik Paulsen is strong and experienced leader, which makes this fight tough for Madia.

Last week, my colleagues and I went to Culvers for lunch. While we were busy with lunch and usual office talks,

a man comes from behind and stood infront of our table.He said, "I am Ashwin Madia". I am 

following him since he started his first Ad but never expected that I would meet him in person. 

See his Ad:

As a natural Indian response, I stood up and greeted him while my colleagues were still sitting. I was 

surprised and answered, Ya I have seen you on TV. My colleagues could not even recognize him. He 

asked, Do you have any questions?, and I said, No, which ended our conversation. We shook hands 

and he moved to other tables to meet other hungry voters.

I can never imagine that a politician comes and you don't stand to greet him in India. It was a 

complete culture shock for me to see the response from my colleagues and lack of any such 

expectation from Madia. Politicians don’t have a special status in US unlike in India where our 

jansevaks and netas (public servants and politicians) consider themselves above the people.

This election is all about change; Can we ever have a change in India?