ACTIVISM: Ram Narayanan, bilateral booster

Several months ago, if you’d been following the pending Indian civilian nuclear deal via the op-eds of the New York Times ("Still a Bad Deal"), you may have assumed it was headed for trouble. Yesterday, the deal was overwhelmingly approved by the Senate (the House already approved it) and at least outside of DC, one person who deserves credit is Ram Narayanan.

Narayanan is a photo-shy retiree living in Buffalo, but among Indians he is one of the most influential grassroots activists in America, exerting a considerable impact on Indo-US opinionators inside the Beltway. His activism has mirrored, and helped define, the increased political sophistication of Indian-Americans in recent years. As a registered independent, he doesn’t openly support any party in the US or India, but his issues are pretty defined: he wants a more muscular economic and military partnership between the 2 countries, and he wants American lawmakers to crack down on cross-border terrorism driven by Pakistan.

It was the Kargil episode that got him going, in 1999. He started his website, www.usindiafriendship.net then, after which he started the email list. Today, with help from his wife, Loral Alberta Narayanan, he has about 15,000 subscribers, more than any other South Asian (see list of top email activists and networkers). I heard from several dozen subscribers – politicians like Kumar Barve, Congressional aides and academics, as well as community activists across the country.

A couple things repeatedly came up in their answers.

“Congressional staffers are always trying to get up to date, and non-editorialized information on pressing issues,” says Rich Verma, senior national security advisor to Senator Harry Reid. “That’s what Ram’s listserv assists with.” 

The other thing, and probably the quality that makes Ram’s list even more influential than its numbers suggest, is his ability to motivate subscribers. More than merely informing readers by passing along articles and op-eds, Ram gets people to write letters to the editor and to their elected representatives, even circulating templates of letters to help things along. This moves the issue from backrooms on the Hill to the public arena, and makes Congressional aides take notice.

“He has been instrumental in mobilizing public opinion on various issues,” says Dr. Chandresh Saraiya, the national president of the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation. “During elections in US, he was very helpful in providing back-grounds on candidates for congress and senate and their stand on US-India relationship. He was helpful for building a larger India Caucus. He has spent tremendous energy on Us-India Civil Nuclear Energy agreement. I have written to Congressman in my area after his efforts on this and other issues.”

Here’s what Achamma Chandersekaran had to say:

“When he felt that the effort on the part of Indian Americans may not bear fruition, he sent out the names of the bill sponsors by state so that we could contact our law makers and ask for support.  Based on that, many Indian Americans, like me, contacted their friends to get their attention to the situation.”

One Beltway observer says Narayanan’s contribution is ‘significant,’ in terms of holding politicians’ feet to the fire, primarily by making it known who has voted and who’s still sitting on the fence. The effect is less that of an analyst than a grassroots activist, and that Narayanan’s strength lies in his independence (“he’s not a Congress-wallah or BJP-wallah”). If there’s any downside, the observer thinks it rests in Narayanan’s approach to U.S.-India-Pakistan relations as a “zero-sum game,” wherein what’s good for Pakistan is by definition bad for India.

But Ram disputes this.

"I am not against Pakistan nor do I think US-India-Pakistan relations are a zero-sum game," he says. "I am against Pakistan's policy of training and directing terrorists against India and the rest of the world. I am looking forward to the day when Pakistan would be to India what Mexico is to the US."

Ram is originally from Chennai. He worked in banking before moving to the US and becoming a marketing executive. He now spends several hours a day on the effort, combing press reports from the mainstream media and Congressional journals and such, and formulating summaries. He also has a lot of emails from subscribers to answer.

"The list, I may add, embraces the diversity of India and the Indian American community," he says, "whether occupation-wise, religion and caste-wise, language-wise or by political persuasion. You name a category and I am fairly certain you will find some one belonging to that category on the list."

Here's his email address: ramn_wins@adelphia.net

Comments

[Gautam Shah]

This is a very deserving and appropriate recognition of Ram's tremendous work & effort on behalf of US-India relations. I disagree with their criticism of his approach to the US-India-Pakistan relationship. He has been pretty much on the money on this subject. If anything, I believe that Pakistan's attitude and philosophy is defined by a singular supposition that whatever is bad for India is good for Pakistan. Pakistan's position on India's permanent membership application to the UN Security Council is an example of such an attitude. I can give many more examples to prove the point. I hope Ram continues this great work for many more years to come. The Indian Americans are lucky to have Ram Narayanan in the community. We all should be grateful to him for his work on behalf of the community.

[Karam V. Chawla]

I have had the pleasure of knowing Ram since 1999 who has shown leadership in promoting Indo-American relations. Ram's vision, tireless effort, persistence and integrity has been responsible for energizing the Indo-Americans to become politically involved. Good luck, Ram. And keep it going!!! Best regards.

Karam V. Chawla

[Pradip K Mazumder]

Ram deserves all the praise that PIO from all walks on life heaped on him. Ram is a prolific writer, a voracious reader, an unbiased analyst and activist who promotes the cause of Indo-US relations tirelessly. That’s his mission. Of Course, he was ably supported by his wife Loral Alberta Narayanan. We have developed an intensely interactive relations over six years which evolved around issues and policies related to Indo-US relationship. His independent views, unwavering commitment to secular and democratic ethos made our ideological bond stronger. Though I shifted to India six months back but Ram has never allowed me to wipe out Indo-US relations from my radar screen. He embodies all the values that laid the theoretical basis of Indo-US relationship. In this crucial juncture of history where Indo-US relations will shape up the cybernetics of global destiny we need people like RAM to carry forward this commendable job in the years to come.

[Pradip K Mazumder]

Ram deserves all the praise that PIO from all walks on life heaped on him. Ram is a prolific writer, a voracious reader, an unbiased analyst and activist who promotes the cause of Indo-US relations tirelessly. That’s his mission. Of Course, he was ably supported by his wife Loral Alberta Narayanan. We have developed an intensely interactive relations over six years which evolved around issues and policies related to Indo-US relationship. His independent views, unwavering commitment to secular and democratic ethos made our ideological bond stronger. Though I shifted to India six months back but Ram has never allowed me to wipe out Indo-US relations from my radar screen. He embodies all the values that laid the theoretical basis of Indo-US relationship. In this crucial juncture of history where Indo-US relations will shape up the cybernetics of global destiny we need people like RAM to carry forward this commendable job in the years to come.

[Suresh Chaurushiya]

Ram was the motivator who transformed me from one who was very much interested in International affairs and particularly U.S - India relations to one who put energy into doing something about improving the relations. He has provide platform and forum for thousands like me to get involved in changing the entrenched and hardened opinions both at the U.S. State department and the and the Indian ministry of external affairs. He has worked tirelessly to channel the force of Indian community to prmote U.S. India relations. I hope to see formal recognition of this selfless man's devotion and efforts by the Indian community, Indian government and yes the U.S. government.

[Suresh Chaurushiya]

Ram was the motivator who transformed me from one who was very much interested in International affairs and particularly U.S - India relations to one who put energy into doing something about improving the relations. He has provide platform and forum for thousands like me to get involved in changing the entrenched and hardened opinions both at the U.S. State department and the and the Indian ministry of external affairs. He has worked tirelessly to channel the force of Indian community to prmote U.S. India relations. I hope to see formal recognition of this selfless man's devotion and efforts by the Indian community, Indian government and yes the U.S. government.

[Jim Yost]

As an Anglo-American who is fortunate to have engaged Ram in many discussions of India-U.S. issues over recent years, I would like to add my voice to those singing the praises of Ram Narayanan for his efforts as a "bridge-builder" between the U.S. and India. Ram has the ability to present issues with tact and diplomacy. He encourages constructive discourse on India-U.S. topics, and he is often able to take the position of an "honest-broker" mediator who can show where both nations can derive benefits from increased engagement and cooperation where their interests converge. No doubt, Ram invests a great deal of time in research and investigation, and therefore he often brings a wealth of information to any significant discussion. I believe that such workman-like dedication makes his a valuable perspective, and one certainly worthy of the attention of policymakers in both India and the U.S. I don't believe that it would be too much of a stretch to credit Ram with having had an influence on how certain U.S.-India issues have been elevated in their status, visibility, and exposure to policymakers, particularly in the U.S., largely due to his tireless efforts to inform, educate, and mobilize large numbers of people who might otherwise leave such activism to others. It is my hope that Ram will be blessed with the good health and stamina to continue his good works for the benefit of the people of both great nations, and that the "bridge" he is working to construct will endure.

[Professor B. Ramesh Babu]

I am an academic specialist on international relations and American governemnt and politics. Like Sri Ram Naryanan I support closest possible rlealtions between India and USA.
I had the good fortune of teaching and doing research is some of the best institutions of higher learning in USA and India.
I believe and am convinced that Ram is the most successful single man and wife lobby in support of better relations between the two nations. Since I know how the Congress and other American political institutions work, I am able to appreciate how valuable is his contribution to the cause, I also share. I wish I could do half as much on the Indian side of the equation. Hats off to Ram!

[Jaya Kamlani]

Congratulations to Ram Narayan and his wife for a well-organized campaign, their dedication and a job well done. It is due to his persistence, the Indo-US nuclear agreement passed through the Congress (I hope that last-minute minor glitch is ironed out).

When I initially received a handful of Ram’s emails, I browsed through them and deleted them. Then more came along, and I read beyond the two paragraphs. But when he asked for our participation in sending out letters to our local senators and representatives, I decided I was not going to get involved in any politics, because before you know it the government is into your personal affairs. Besides what was I going to write? I did not know anything on the subject other than these emails pouring in week-after-week from Ram. Once again I deleted the email.

To facilitate the process, Ram sent out a sample letter to forward to our local politicians. I thought this man was never going to give up until he gets that Indo-US nuclear agreement signed by Congress, even if he had to walk barefoot in the park for a week. So I threw in the towel. I sent copies of his sample letter to the two senators of Georgia where I live. When I tried to send it to our representative in the House, it would not go through. Tried it again but to no avail. That’s it, I thought to myself, Ram should be happy that at least two of the three congressmen received his letter. Over time, however, I took a keen interest in the subject because of the informative news articles that he forwarded and his prolific analysis on them. And I am sure many in India and in the US are proud of his untiring efforts to get the deal through.

Last night, I forwarded a Yahoo news article to Ram that read:
QUOTE: “India's home minister said last week terrorist threats to India's nuclear plants had increased after the U.S.-India nuclear deal. The U.S. Senate has approved the deal but it still has hurdles to overcome before it becomes final.” UNQUOTE

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061127/india_nm/india278012

Any comments on the Yahoo news article?

-- Jaya Kamlani

[Moorthy Muthuswamy]

One must appreciate Ram Narayanan's ability to get things done. The formal signing of the US-India nuclear deal marks an important milestone. But in my letter in Washington Times appearing today, I have called on the Bush administration to work with the majority community in India to help undermine jihadis. Otherwise, the promise of this deal will likely remain unfulfilled.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/op-ed/20061220-092735-9601r_page2.htm

Jihadist threat in India
The timely editorial welcoming the formal signing of U.S.-Indian nuclear ties is notable for its foresightedness ("U.S.-India nuclear ties," yesterday). However, jihadis and their sponsors have voiced displeasure over the emerging close ties between the two nations. This deserves close attention.
Pakistan and the usual suspects from Middle East have made a passionate 30-plus-year effort to indoctrinate, establish and fund terror cells in Indian Muslim communities. This investment toward Islamic conquest of infidels finally is paying off. Last month, the Indian home minister warned that Indian nuclear installations are on an Islamic terror hit list along with oil refineries. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's regime, elected through a voting bloc controlled by jihadists, has been more than accommodating toward them. This regime even has rescinded an anti-terror law and has made India's ability to defeat radical Islam difficult. A disorganized and divided Hindu majority has been taken advantage of by united jihadists.
In the long run, if the United States wants an effective ally in India and wants democracy to succeed there, it must side with Hindu-majority organizations and help them undermine Indian jihadis. Otherwise, the trend in intensifying Islamic terrorism and its siege of Indian democracy shows that the promise of U.S.-Indian ties likely will go unfulfilled and jihadis will destroy another critical democratic ally in South Asia.

MOORTHY MUTHUSWAMY
Coram, N.Y.

[V. Nageswara Rao]

It is in deed heartening to see Mr and Mrs Ram Narayan work with such dedication and do such selfless service for the good cause of promoting fraternal relations in all fields between the two great democracies of the world---India and USA. There is so much in common between the two countries as we share the great legacy of similar political, legal and constitutional values. Much more can be done to expand and deepen the bonds of love and respect for each other by all of us who cherish democracy, freedom, human rights and global peace.Mr and Mrs Ram fully deserve our admiration,commendation and support.

Prof. Dr. V. Nageswara Rao, Toronto, Canada

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