USA
Two Indian Americans Launch First Global Desi Republican Caucus to Amplify South Asian Voices in U.S. Politics. Indian American Dr. Tausif Malik, a trailblazer in political advocacy and former Founder & 1st Global Chair of Muslim Democrats Abroad, Former Treasurer – Democrats Abroad India has announced the official launch of the Global Desi Republican Caucus (GDRC). This pioneering platform aims to empower the South Asian (Desi) diaspora in the U.S. and overseas by aligning their values with the Republican Party’s vision of fiscal responsibility, family unity, and an “America First” policy.
The GDRC seeks to address issues close to the hearts of Desi (South Asians) Americans, including the elimination of double taxation on non-resident Americans, affordable healthcare, economic empowerment, and fostering family values. With an estimated 5.4 million South Asians residing in the U.S., the Caucus aims to provide a robust platform to amplify their voices and influence U.S. policies.
“South Asians have contributed immensely to America’s social, economic, and cultural fabric,” said Dr. Tausif Malik, founder of GDRC. “It’s time we channel our collective influence to shape policies that resonate with our community’s core values: Family, affordability, education, opportunity, and unity. The Republican Party’s emphasis on reducing government overreach and fostering entrepreneurship aligns perfectly with the aspirations of Desi Americans.”
Joining Dr. Malik as Co-Founder of Global Desi Republican Caucus (GDRC) is Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD, FACEP, a board-certified emergency physician, and the President of Arlington Integrative Medical Center (AIMC). Together, they bring a unique blend of expertise in governance, healthcare, and community advocacy to this transformative platform.
Indian American Dr Shabana Parvez, MD FACEP notes; “ As a board certified ER physician , I have firsthand experience of the gaps in our healthcare system and the lack of access to primary care that lead to our emergency departments being overcrowded and hospital staff being overworked. Meanwhile m my relatives in India have easy access to cheap primary and specialty care while the ERs are mostly empty. The sad reality is that Americans have one of the worst healthcare status while spending more than any country in the world. There has to be a more efficient use of government dollars allocated to healthcare “
Rooted in Values of Service and Community
Dr. Tausif Malik was born and raised in Pune, India, where he was inspired by the ethos of public service and community upliftment. He noted that India prioritizes its citizens by offering subsidized education and ensuring primary healthcare access, reducing the reliance on emergency room visits.
Reflecting on his heritage, Dr. Malik shared a personal connection to the Maratha King Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ji, as his maternal grandmother hailed from Junnar, the birthplace of the legendary leader. He proudly remarked, “Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s guiding principle was ‘people first.’ As Maharashtrians say in Marathi, Amhi Maharajanancha Mawad—‘We are the people of Maratha King Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.’ This philosophy inspires my vision to prioritize community welfare in every initiative.”
Dr. Shabana Parvez, originally from Hyderabad, Telangana, and raised in the West Indies, shares a profound dedication to family values, accessible healthcare, and women’s empowerment through education and entrepreneurship. She has over 20 years of experience as an ER physician and extensive work with first responders, focusing on integrative health solutions for high-stress professions like law enforcement.
“Having firsthand experience of the inefficiencies in America’s healthcare system, I am committed to advocating for affordable, accessible primary care,” said Dr. Parvez.
A Vision for Prosperity and Representation
The GDRC was born out of Dr. Malik’s disillusionment with the Democratic Party’s handling of key issues such as the Middle East crisis, student debt reform, and affordable healthcare. Inspired by President-elect Donald Trump’s commitment to reducing government costs and policies favoring non-resident Americans, Dr. Malik envisions the GDRC as a catalyst for change.
Adding to the growing support for Trump’s fiscal initiatives is a surprising endorsement from left-wing Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Sanders recently backed President-elect Trump’s proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to streamline federal spending.
“Elon Musk is right. The Pentagon, with a budget of $886 billion, just failed its 7th audit in a row. It’s lost track of billions,” Sanders stated on X, emphasizing the need to target unnecessary expenditures like those in the Pentagon’s budget.
Dr. Malik commended this bipartisan acknowledgment of fiscal responsibility, stating, “The DOGE initiative reflects a transformative approach to governance, ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent effectively for affordable healthcare and affordable education. It is heartening to see leaders across the political spectrum uniting for meaningful reform.”
President Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, has added to the challenges facing a Democratic Party already grappling with significant electoral setbacks. The move has drawn criticism from several Capitol Hill Democrats, who view it as undermining their efforts to restore public trust in American institutions—trust that had already been strained during President-elect Trump’s tenure.
Policy Priorities
Addressing Key Issues for the Desi Community
The GDRC is committed to tackling pressing concerns that resonate deeply with South Asians, including:
- Elimination of Double Taxation: Advocating for tax reforms that benefit non-resident Americans.
- Affordable Healthcare: Proposing innovative solutions to reduce healthcare costs while improving access.
- Economic Empowerment: Supporting entrepreneurship and reducing government overreach.
- Affordable Education: Championing reforms to make education accessible and reduce student debt.
- Family Values: Strengthening policies that promote unity and community welfare.
Addressing Rising Retail Crime
The GDRC also acknowledges the challenges faced by many South Asians in retail trade. Rising shoplifting incidents and retail crime have severely impacted businesses. Recent data from the California Department of Justice indicates retail crime in 2023 reached its highest level in two decades, with approximately 213,000 reported incidents. Dr. Malik highlighted that controversial measures like Proposition 47, which reduced theft under $950 to a misdemeanor, have exacerbated the issue.
Building Bridges with Non-Resident Americans
A key priority for the GDRC is addressing the challenges faced by non-resident Americans, particularly the double taxation issue. “As a non-resident American myself, I understand the hurdles faced by our diaspora. By advocating for tax reforms and inclusive policies, we aim to ensure the South Asian diaspora can thrive globally while maintaining strong ties to America,” said Dr. Malik.
A Call to Action
The GDRC invites all members of the South Asian community to join the movement and be part of a historic initiative to reshape U.S. politics.
“Together, we can build a future that honors our values, embraces innovation, and strengthens America’s promise of prosperity for all,” concluded Dr. Malik.
“As South Asians, we bring a rich tapestry of values, culture, and innovation to every aspect of life in the United States. Through the Global Desi Republican Caucus, we have an opportunity to shape policies that reflect our collective priorities—affordable healthcare, affordable education, economic empowerment, and strong family values—while contributing to America’s growth and prosperity. Together, we can create a future where our voices are heard, our concerns are addressed, and our community thrives. This is our moment to lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact.” – Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD, FACEP.
