Krystle Kaul, a prominent Indian American figure known for her expertise in defense and national security matters, is motivated to run for the US Congress by the values instilled in her through the Sikh tradition of unity and community service, as she shared in a recent interview with PTI.
Identifying herself as half Kashmiri Pandit and half Punjabi Sikh, Kaul expressed pride in her diverse cultural heritage and upbringing in America, where she embraced her bicultural identity. She highlighted her unique linguistic abilities, being fluent in nine languages including English, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Dari, and Kashmiri.
Launching her campaign from the 10th Congressional District of Virginia, Kaul steps into the political arena amidst the incumbent Jennifer Wexton, a Democrat, choosing not to seek re-election, thereby creating an open seat.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Kaul credited her grandmother for introducing her to Sikh traditions at the Glen Cove Gurdwara in Long Island, New York, where she actively participated in community service such as serving langar. These experiences instilled in her a profound sense of unity and giving back, which she views as fundamental values guiding her congressional bid.
Emphasizing the core tenets of Sikhism, Kaul underscored the importance of communal support and service, drawing parallels with the practice of feeding the community exemplified at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. She sees the potential to apply these principles on a broader scale, advocating for their integration into her vision for Virginia's 10th District.
Acknowledging the historical significance of Sikh representation in US politics, Kaul highlighted the pioneering role of Dalip Singh Saund, the first Indian American Sikh elected to the US House of Representatives from California in the late 1950s.
Despite the achievements of Indian Americans across various fields, Kaul noted the underrepresentation of the Sikh community in politics, underscoring the need for greater visibility and advocacy.
Addressing concerns of discrimination against Sikhs, Kaul stressed the importance of education and awareness to combat prejudices and promote respect for religious diversity. She sees congressional representation as a powerful platform to champion these issues and advocate for inclusive policies.
Regarding her campaign, Kaul expressed optimism and determination, citing strong fundraising and a growing support base comprising a diverse array of volunteers and backers. She highlighted her outreach efforts within the Sikh community and beyond, emphasizing the significance of cultural ties in her political journey.
