Gurudwara killings tragic and sad : Shefali Razdan Duggal
Shefali Razdan Duggal, is a key member of Obama’s fund raising team and a prominent South Asian face among Obama’s campaign managers for his run up for the second term in White House. Shefali replied to questions emailed by PRASHANT TANDON for SAT from New Delhi. Her answers touch the recent Gurudwara killings in the US, Obama’s re-election campaign and the role of South Asians in American politics.
Excerpts from the interview:
SAT: We received the tragic news of shootout at the Wisconsin Gurudwara where six people belonging to Sikh community got killed and several others injured. Your views on this act of violence.
Shefali: It was a tragic and sad event that highlights some of the extremism and ignorance that unfortunately remains on the fringes of society in the United States. Fortunately, the vast majority of the population does not share in these extreme views, which is highlighted by the outpouring of support towards the Sikh community from across the political spectrum.
SAT: Do you see any pattern or involvement of a group behind this act?
Shefali: Based on what we know now, there does not appear to be any pattern or specific group involved, though there are reports that the shooter was involved in some white supremacist organizations.
SAT: The suspect killer Wade Michael Page had a tattoo of 911 and apparently went on shooting out of revenge. We received news of attacks on Sikhs in US after 2001 terror attack confusing them with Taliban owing to their appearance. Why not US establishment and social groups launched an awareness campaign that Turban wearing Sikhs are not Islamic fundamentalists? According to you who should get this awareness campaign launched?
Shefali: There have been attempts, both politically and in the media, to raise awareness of the beliefs and background of Sikhs to help avert these types of tragedies. This animosity directed towards any community is reprehensible and not to be tolerated.
SAT: Coming to your role as key fund raiser for Barak Obama’s second term in White House – Romney and Republicans are leading in fund raising with July figures of 101 million dollars against 75 millions of Democrats. Looks like you face a challenging time? How you will overcome this gap?
Shefali: The Obama campaign has built the most extensive grass roots campaign in U.S. history which I’m confident will deliver the votes and resources necessary for an Obama victory. Ultimately, it is not solely about dollars, but rather about the candidate with the vision and experience to guide the United States. There is no doubt in my mind that President Barack Obama is that candidate.
SAT:Though Obama’s is marginally ahead of Romney in opinion polls – does fund raising has got any bearing on electoral turnout? How?
Shefali: President Barack Obama has been and continues to be consistently ahead of Governor Romney in all polls, especially in the swing states. It is clear that President Obama’s message of fairness and equity is resonating with the electorate. At some point, message and vision mean more than pure dollars in electoral turnout and I believe that is why we continue to see President Obama leading in the polls.
SAT: What are no go areas of political funding in US? What are broad guidelines of fund raising for a political party?
Shefali: There are clear and defined rules and limits around the fundraising for the Presidential campaign.
SAT: In India political funding is being debated widely. How transparent is the entire process of political fund raising in US?
Shefali: Although it is not perfect, political fundraising has been very transparent in the United States. However, the rise of Super PACs, (Political Action Committee) particularly how they have been used by Republicans, has created much less transparency in the most recent election cycle.
SAT: South Asian community has a strong and influential presence in US. Indian professionals have contributed hugely in business, medicine, technology, academics and in other key areas including in politics with people like you play important role. How does it help in protecting the interest of South Asian community?
Shefali: Though the South Asian community has shown great success in so many fields within the United States, we have been under represented in our political clout relative to this success, both in terms of political engagement and also in terms of elected from our community. I have been passionately focused on supporting South Asian candidates and engaging the South Asian community in the political process to help alleviate this under representation to achieve the influence we justify.
SAT: What are the key challenges before US Indians?
Shefali: The challenges and opportunities for all minority groups in the United States are quite similar. The key is to mobilize the community to address these challenges while also embracing the opportunities that we are blessed to have in the United States.
SAT: Do incidents like Rajat Gupta who has been convicted for insider trading affect credibility of Indian community there or such cases are seen in isolation?
Shefali: Overall, these incidents are viewed as specific to the individual as they should be and not more broadly associated with the Indian community.
SAT: Regarding your political career – how and when this political journey started?
Shefali: Although I had a deep interest in politics since my youth, my political activist journey truly commenced in the 2000 Al Gore Presidential campaign where I first became actively involved within community outreach, political grassroots work and ultimately as an At-Large Delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles that year.
SAT: You hold important position in Obama’s campaign for second term and a leading South Asian face. What role you play and how you have been selected for this role?
Shefali: I am a member of President Obama’s National Finance Committee and a Co-Chair for the Obama Victory Trustees. Both of these organizations are responsible for raising money for the President’s re-election effort. I was also recently appointed to the Credentials Committee as a “Party Leader” for the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte North Carolina.
SAT: Besides your political and social engagements you are a wife and mother of two growing children. How you manage these two lives?
Shefali: I’ve always prioritized my children and their needs first, while also realizing that the time and passion I give to politics is ultimately for their benefit. It can be challenging at times to find the proper balance, although having a deep comprehension of what is most important in my life, my children’s well-being and happiness, allows for me to manage my time effectively.
Source: SAT, August 2012.
