Queens to Rourkela: The story of Zohran Mamdani's transcontinental roots
Okay, so here's the low-down in a casual vibe: Zohran Mamdani—he's the guy you keep hearing about as the radical young candidate in New York's mayoral race. But what does he have to do with Odisha?
Born in Kampala, Uganda in 1991, Zohran is the son of Mira Nair (the celebrated Indian-American filmmaker originally from Rourkela, Odisha) and Mahmood Mamdani, a Ugandan-Indian academic heavyweight based at Columbia University.
So yes, Odisha is the starting point for this whole story: Mira grew up in Rourkela and Bhubaneswar—her father Amrit Lal Nair was a key figure in helping set up the Rourkela Steel Plant, and Odisha has landmarks like Nair Stadium and Nair Chowk named after her family.
Life for young Zohran was pretty global—first Uganda, then Cape Town at age five, and moving to NYC at seven. His upbringing mixes East Africa, South Asia, and the west—he speaks Hindi, has Bollywood vibes, and is deeply into social justice.
Zohran jumps into NYC's 2025 mayoral race with radical platforms—free bus rides, universal childcare, rent freeze, city-owned grocery stores, and tax hikes on the wealthy. His campaign is peppered with Bollywood references, Hindi lines and earthy charisma: 'Aaj uske paas building hai... aapke paas – aap ho' (You have yourself)
Back in Odisha, people are geeking out. They're proud that Mira's son could become NYC's first Indian-American Muslim mayor.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
เทรดทองCFDsกับโบรกเกอร์ที่เชื่อถือได้| เปิดบัญชีวันนี้
IC Markets
สมัคร
Undo
Rourkela nostalgia, pride in the diaspora—social media feeds are buzzing. Some fans in Bhubaneswar are even pitching cultural exchanges—imagine a Bali Jatra fest in Queens! . That's how strong the emotional link is.
Why Odisha matters
Roots, not just bloodlines: His mom, Mira, grew up in Odisha. That connection makes Zohran's candidacy feel personal to locals.
Diaspora pride: Seeing someone with Odisha roots rise globally—especially in politics—is huge for state pride.
Cultural bridge: He's turning that link into action—campaign videos in Hindi, cultural nods, and the imagination of Indo‑NYC cultural exchanges.
Odisha people are hyped—not just because he's their girl's kid—but because his success feels like theirs, and he bridges worlds: Uganda, South Africa, NYC, and Odisha. He's using that hybrid energy in a campaign that's loud, edgy, and full of heart—calling himself a socialist underdog with Bollywood flair, cooking skills, and a global justice mission.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
24 minutes ago
- Mint
Watch: Burj Khalifa glows with Indian Tricolour in honour of 79th Independence Day
Dubai's iconic Burj Khalifa was illuminated in the colours of the Indian flag on Monday, August 15, as part of the celebrations marking the 79th anniversary of India's Independence. At precisely 7:50pm, the tricolour lit up the world's tallest building, drawing large crowds who gathered to witness the patriotic display. A video capturing the moment showed the Indian flag cascading down the length of the skyscraper's facade, a sight that drew cheers from the crowd. The annual tradition of projecting the Indian tricolour onto the Burj Khalifa has become a symbolic gesture of friendship between India and the United Arab Emirates. This year's display was no exception, serving as a poignant reminder of India's journey since gaining independence in 1947. Earlier in the day, a flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Indian Consulate in Dubai. During the event, the Consul General praised India's progress across key sectors. He highlighted significant strides in governance, the development of robust digital public infrastructure, and advancements in space exploration. The Consul General also acknowledged the increasing empowerment of women across the country and India's growing self-reliance in the defence sector, noting these achievements as central to the nation's vision for the future. India's Independence Day celebrations are observed with pride by millions of Indians around the globe. The Burj Khalifa tribute stands as a powerful visual representation of India's enduring spirit and its rising presence on the world stage.
Indian Express
24 minutes ago
- Indian Express
‘Comply with immigration laws, or we are coming after you,' Pam Bondi tells sanctuary jurisdictions
US Attorney General Pam Bondi has urged sanctuary states, cities, and counties to comply with federal immigration enforcement efforts or face legal action. Bondi said she has written to 32 sanctuary jurisdictions that they have one week to respond to a 'demand letter' from the Department of Justice. 'Any sanctuary jurisdiction that continues to put illegal aliens ahead of American citizens can either come to the table or see us in court,' Bondi said in a social media post. 'For too long, so-called sanctuary jurisdiction policies have undermined this necessary cooperation and obstructed federal immigration enforcement, giving aliens cover to perpetrate crimes in our communities and evade the immigration consequences that federal law requires,' Bondi's letter to Mayors and Governors of sanctuary jurisdictions said. Any sanctuary jurisdiction that continues to put illegal aliens ahead of American citizens can either come to the table or see us in court. Today @TheJusticeDept delivered demand letters to sanctuary cities, counties, and states — a key step in our strategic effort to eradicate… — Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) August 14, 2025 Bondi also warned that officials obstructing federal immigration enforcement could face criminal charges. The letter stressed the importance of cooperation between federal, state and local agencies to enforce immigration law and protect national security. Later, speaking to Fox News, Bondi said the recipients had one week to respond. 'I just sent Sanctuary City letters to 32 mayors around the country and multiple governors saying, you better be abiding by our federal policies and with our federal law enforcement, because if you aren't, we're going to come after you,' she said. 'And they have, I think, a week to respond to me, so let's see who responds and how they respond. It starts at the top, and our leaders have to support our law enforcement,' Bondi added. Sanctuary jurisdictions refer to cities, counties, or states in the US that limit their cooperation with the federal government in enforcing immigration laws and act as havens for undocumented immigrants. According to a Department of Justice Executive Order on August 5, thirteen states, including Washington and New York, four counties, and eighteen cities have been designated as sanctuary jurisdictions, based on actions and policies that materially impede enforcement of federal immigration statutes and regulations
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Zelenskyy hopes India will contribute to efforts for ending Russia-Ukraine war
Kyiv: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday said he hoped New Delhi would contribute to efforts aimed at ending the war with Russia, as he wished India on its Independence Day. Independence Day 2025 Modi signals new push for tech independence with local chips Before Trump, British used tariffs to kill Indian textile Bank of Azad Hind: When Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose gave India its own currency Zelenskyy's post on X came hours ahead of a summit meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, aimed at ending the war, now in its fourth year. Congratulating the people of India, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Zelenskyy said, "This week we had a good, candid conversation with Prime Minister @narendramodi when I had an opportunity to personally convey my best wishes on this occasion." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo — ZelenskyyUa (@ZelenskyyUa) "Our nations share the experience of standing up for freedom and dignity, as well as the pursuit of peace and development," the Ukrainian president wrote. Live Events "We hope that India will contribute to efforts aimed at ending the war, so that our freedom and sovereignty are truly secure," Zelenskyy said. "I am confident that the potential for mutually beneficial Ukraine-India cooperation lies ahead - in science, technology, trade, and culture. Wishing peace and prosperity!" he further said. Trump last week announced an additional 25 per cent tariff on US imports from India -- raising the overall duty to 50 per cent -- as a penalty for the country's continued imports of Russian oil. The tariffs will come into effect from August 27. India on Thursday said it has not halted oil purchases from Russia in response to the US president's tariff threat and continues to buy based solely on economic considerations. Responding to the US tariffs, the Ministry of External Affairs had said that the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. "Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," it said. Trump has said that India's purchasing of Russian oil is "fuelling" the war machine.
