Incredibly excited and humbled to work for Kamala Harris: Sabrina Singh

Indian-American Sabrina Singh has been appointed as the press secretary of US Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris. In an email interview to Chandigarh architect-academic Rajnish Wattas, she talks about her family and her politics... 

 Could you tell us about your Punjabi lineage and your grandfather JJ Singh, head of Indian American League, as well as the family tradition of being in public service in the US? 

My family believes in the importance of public service and being involved in our community. My grandfather was an inspiration because of his work in the US and pressuring Congress to give citizenship to Indians living in the country. Not only was this a huge victory, but it changed the lives of so many families at the time and heading into the future. 

Both Nikki Haley and you trace your roots to Punjab. What were the influences that made you opt for the Democrat camp? 

I’m a proud Democrat because Democrats are the party of the people. We fight for the people. We are fighting for a better and brighter future for every American. The same can’t be said of Donald Trump and his administration, who from day one has sought to enrich himself at the expense of working people. 

What does it mean to be a Punjabi? When was your last India visit? 

I last visited my family in India in 2016 and brought my fiance and his mom, dad and sister to meet my family. It was a family-filled weekend with so much celebrating and lots of get-togethers. I hope my husband and I can return soon. 

Your previous two presidential campaigns did not last the distance. What were the factors that went in your selection? Is there also a special political chemistry about Kamala or is it the shared bond of being of Indian descent? 

I had the honour of working for two incredible candidates, Cory Booker and Mike Bloomberg, and now get to finish out the year on the ticket that will beat Donald Trump in November. I feel incredibly excited and humbled to work for Senator Harris, who if elected in November will be the first ever Black and Indian-American woman Vice President. 

This is an election in which Indians and the Indian media will be interested in like never before. What are your plans to engage the Indian media? 

We know that we have to meet voters where they consume their news and that means reaching out to the Indian media. We look forward to communicating the message everywhere that we can.