Telugu People in the US advised not to flaunt Wealth

The Telangana America Telugu Association (TATA) held a meeting in Washington on February 27 and discussed woes of Telugu people in the US. It was advised to the Telugu people in the USA to stay safe, low and not provoke any locals who are jealous by seeing Indians prosper in their country. Indians have been asked not to show off expensive vehicles that will draw attention to them. After the racial attacks increased in the USA Indians have been taking measures to avoid getting into trouble and also suggest people maintain a low profile.

After the racial killing in Kansas city, where a Telugu man, Srinivas Kuchibotla was killed, the association suggested Indians take necessary precautions. Srinivas was working as an aviation engineer with the GPS maker Garmin. He along with his friend Alok Madasani were attacked by a war veteran in front of Austin’s Bar and Grille in Olathe, Kansas on the 22^nd of February.

Srinivas Kuchibotla’s wife grieving in Hyderabad city after his body was brought to the city.

Speaking to the news daily, Times of India, TATA President Jhansi Reddy said necessary short term precautions were being taken but she stressed on the need for a long term action plan requirement. She said, “We know there is a lot of fright in Hyderabad, or for that matter in India, after the Olathe incident but people here are not so worried. There have been a couple of incidents in which two Indians (both from Telangana) were shot dead but we are hopeful things will settle down.”

Jhansi Reddy also added Telugu people need to mingle with the locals there and that “Being aloof can create suspicion in anybody’s mind. We have to free ourselves from the mentality of keeping with our own flock.”

She also stressed the need for Indian Americans to get more inclined towards involving in the politics. She said, “Having our people as representatives would mean that we can have a say and our voice will be heard.” She also added, “Everyone wants to take up jobs but not many think of taking up politics as a career.”

Indians have also been advised to participate in fund raising events during elections. This is in hopes that the politicians who are funded by the Indians will speak up for them in the times of trouble.