Republican Bobby Jindal has been elected the Louisiana governor after
beating 11 rivals to be the first politician of South Asian (Indian) origin
and the country's youngest to become the governor of an American
state.
The Oxford-educated dashing politician will be America's youngest governor
when he takes charge in January 2008. No one has won a governor primary
outright until now in Louisiana.
"My mom and dad came to this country in pursuit of the American dream," a
visibly pleased Jindal told his cheering supporters. "And guess what
happened. They found the dream to be alive and well right here in
Louisiana."
"Let's give our homeland.....a fresh start," he added, with his wife Supriya
Jolly by his side, carrying the youngeest of three children. "The American
dream is alive and kicking!"
The victoruy is significant because Louisiana is not home to a large
Indian-American population unlike some other major swtates. And yet Jindal
won, banking on his reputation as one who fixed up the state's healthcare
system and as a fighter against corruption.
The victory also led to celebrations in his parents' ancestral village in
faraway Punjab where Gulshan Jindal,m a cousin, said "We are really proud
that Bobby has won the governor'ws race. He has made us all happy and
proud."
Credit to: Hindustan Times, Sunday Oct. 21, 2007
