WASHINGTON, DC: In his delightfully witty address to the joint sitting of the United States Congress on a spectacular Thursday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi just had to bring up the famous “Samosa Caucus” in the House of Representatives. Oh yes, you heard correctly—the Samosa Caucus, a playful moniker for those Indian-origin Americans who have managed to conquer the halls of Congress. PM Modi’s speech was met with thunderous applause and countless grins from the Congress folks, clearly amused by the mention.
The New Indian gets exclusive access to witness PM Modi’s historic address to US lawmakers in a joint session
‘Modi, Modi’ chants resonate through Capitol Hill as Prime Minister Narendra Modi engages with Congressmen pic.twitter.com/KdD0QbGF2b
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) June 23, 2023
“The foundation of America was inspired by the vision of a nation of equal people. Throughout your history, you have embraced people from around the world. And, you have made them equal partners in the American dream. There are millions here, who have roots in India. Some of them sit proudly in this chamber,” the Prime Minister said.
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The absolute highlight of his speech was when he dramatically turned around and cast a gaze upon Kamala Harris, exclaiming, “There is one behind me, who has made history!” Modi said, referring to Vice President Kamala Harris. The remark caused quite a stir in the room.
He then said: “I am told that the Samosa Caucus is now the flavour of the House. I hope it grows and brings the full diversity of Indian cuisine here.”
Executive Editor Rohan Dua provides a glimpse of the euphoric atmosphere in Capitol Hill as PM Narendra Modi addresses Congressmen
“Bharat Mata Ki Jai” chants echoed, and PM Modi’s witty remarks on Samosa and aloo paratha left everyone in splits #ModiInUS #CongressAddress pic.twitter.com/bU1Wkz99Th
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) June 23, 2023
Modi reminded everyone that America’s foundation was all about equality and welcoming folks from all over the globe. He acknowledged the millions of Indians proudly rooted in the US, some of whom were right there in the chamber, including the history-making Vice President Kamala Harris, who was chilling right behind him. Modi then dropped the bombshell: “I’ve been told that the Samosa Caucus is the hottest thing in the House now. Let’s hope it grows and brings the full diversity of Indian cuisine to this place!”
“From dosa to aloo paratha, from shrikhand to sandesh, we enjoy all of it. We are home to all faiths in the world and we celebrate all of them,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the US Congress at Capitol Hill.
What is the Samosa Caucus?
Now, let’s get real. The term Samosa Caucus has been around since 2018, and it was supposedly coined by Raja Krishnamoorthy, a member of the US House of Representatives from Illinois’s 8th District. Samosas are like the unofficial symbol of Indian munchies, and even the internet’s cool slang dictionary is called Samosapedia.
So, who are these desi dynamos who form the samosa caucus? Well, there are currently five Indian-rooted US Representatives rocking the House. And get this, the sixth one, Vice President Harris, is the ultimate boss lady of the Senate. All of them belong to the Democratic party because they know how to party right!
Let’s meet the fab five Representatives – Shamal Thanedar, 68, representing Michigan’s 13th District. Then we’ve got the wise and wonderful Dr. Ami Bera, 58 years of wisdom, representing California’s 6th District. Next on the list is the uber-cool Ro Khanna, 46, representing California’s 17th District. And of course, we can’t forget the fierce Pramila Jayapal, taking names and representing Washington’s 7th District. And then there is Raja Krishnamoorthy himself, the mastermind behind the Samosa Caucus.
The Samosa Caucus is spicing up Congress and bringing a taste of India to the land of the stars and stripes. Long live the Samosa Caucus, and may they forever satisfy the hunger for diversity and deliciousness in American politics!
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Rohan Dua reports pic.twitter.com/Ch6VAlGJ4R
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) June 22, 2023
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