BY DEVIKA C. MEHTA
LOS ANGELES, CA - The 2018 United States Senate, California, candidate Arun Kumar Bhumitra is a Republican by choice but a businessman at heart. He is suave, political and generous in his dealings, but, don’t let that image fool you; the quality and sharpness that he brings within conversations is quite impactful.
LOS ANGELES, CA - The 2018 United States Senate, California, candidate Arun Kumar Bhumitra is a Republican by choice but a businessman at heart. He is suave, political and generous in his dealings, but, don’t let that image fool you; the quality and sharpness that he brings within conversations is quite impactful.
If Bhumitra can be hardwired about certain agendas, he can also be rather mushy about other ones; he often finishes a statement with a joke or laugh. It is this quality, with excessive experience that makes him fit to take the national call.
Speaking with India Journal, the candidate took the initiative, became candid with genuine responses and helped explore many shades of his upcoming political life.
Talking about his personal life, Bhumitra recalled how he journeyed after his father’s sudden death from the ‘Pink City of India’- Jaipur to Bombay and finally New York, which drastically changed his life. “From $3 (1975 when I came to NYC) in my pockets to now owning several businesses and political stewardship, I have been fortunate to grow by leaps and bounds.”
Bhumitra who only sleeps four hours a day, keeps himself busy with a trip to the gym at 4.30 am daily and outdoor games, such as tennis. He is President of the City of Rolling Hills Tennis and Social Club. He was recently elected Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors of Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, the second largest cluster of museums in America.
Business pleasures and social integrations-aside; he feels that America has given him so much that he is obliged to return. “This time my calling is politics. After years in business I understand how to channelize the demand and serve the community and state for the best,” he states.
His life have been an indication of how true spirit and hard work can change a man’s luck. Discussing about his Senate run, Bhumitra proudly mentions, “I have been advisor to four US Presidents/administrations and represented the United States at the WTO in Geneva and European Union in Brussels. I bring institutional knowledge on both domestic and foreign affairs. I strongly feel that I have the wisdom, experience, courage, integrity and am practical and ready to become the next US Senator from California. ”
But, ‘how will a Trump Republican do in California running against a sitting Democrat Senator Dianne Feinstein’, to which he confidently says, “Through competence. People are looking for capability and results. In California, the business climate is unfriendly, education system can be improved, medical premiums and costs can be lowered, poverty, in fact the homeless rate has grown to 21% in a state which holds 12 % population of the entire country. Hence, we need “New Path-New Dreams!”
However, when talking about Republicans and Democrats, a comparison between businessmen and bureaucrats always arises. Bhumitra nods, “Yes, it does. In my opinion, a businessman understands the cost factor, manages a budget, forecasts, has a surplus, deals with issues and saves for a rainy day. Mr. Trump’s administration is a prime example; they understand the requirements of the American people and therefore consolidating offices, streamlining the flow of information, making people more accountable. So, of course, the President is doing a great job and Republicans are fixing the potholes of previous governments.”
But the vast criticism surrounding Trump has made people uneasy! Bhumitra disagrees and calls it an unnecessary media hype. “I think Trump clearly understands the role played by immigrants, professionals and the business community. In fact he is looking forward to work with congress on the immigration issue, to help all stake holders.. Please understand, he is a great leader, and believes in the rule of the law. I appreciate his business acumen, as the American economy is having the longest growth period.
Bhumitra is also certain about the positive relationship shared between India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump and maintains that much of Trump’s ‘Make America Great Again’ onus lies on Modi’s ‘Make in India’. “Talk about defense, strategy and partnership, our bilateral ties have been the prime focus of current governments. Both countries are fiercely independent, focused on economic growth, integrated into global markets, and committed to innovation, technology and e-commerce in the digital age. We have common pursuits regarding trade, health, energy, cyber security and defense,” he observes.
On the existing presence of ‘Made in China’ goods in average American households and markets, Bhumitra feels that ‘more emphasis will be given to the business development models here’.
Moving to the Indian-American community in California, he spoke on variety of issues like immigration, visa problems and second generation of kids. Bhumitra believes in a legalized path to citizenship.
The first generation Indian-Americans are usually businessmen, but how does he plan to bring the second generation of Indian-American kids in service to the nation? Favoring the new-age kids, Bhumitra states, “Unlike the first generation, the younger ones are getting every chance to explore opportunities. A stressed mind can not achieve success. But a free and energetic mind will. What does America need more? Engineers, doctors, creatively skilled people in different trades and sectors.”
Praising the Indian-American community, he elaborated, “It is one of the most educated, fully cooperating culture where the oldest and youngest minds, values and desires are pretty much aligned. Indian-Americans are assimilating well into American culture which is in itself progressive.”
Finally, garnering support from voters, Bhumitra concluded his thoughts by saying, “I support whoever I think can get the job done. I don’t care about labels. Politicians have the power! If we want change, we need to change the politicians.”
“The Republican party is becoming more inclusive, opening to minorities and ethnic groups. As a candidate, I ask the voters to give me the opportunity to serve, just one term as your Senator by voting and electing me. I will help make the economy grow by creating high-paying export oriented jobs so everyone has the opportunity to be suitably employed, help reduce medical premiums, provide leadership in foreign affairs and make California the Golden state!”
Connect with Arun Bhumitra at [email protected] or [email protected] .
Speaking with India Journal, the candidate took the initiative, became candid with genuine responses and helped explore many shades of his upcoming political life.
Talking about his personal life, Bhumitra recalled how he journeyed after his father’s sudden death from the ‘Pink City of India’- Jaipur to Bombay and finally New York, which drastically changed his life. “From $3 (1975 when I came to NYC) in my pockets to now owning several businesses and political stewardship, I have been fortunate to grow by leaps and bounds.”
Bhumitra who only sleeps four hours a day, keeps himself busy with a trip to the gym at 4.30 am daily and outdoor games, such as tennis. He is President of the City of Rolling Hills Tennis and Social Club. He was recently elected Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors of Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, the second largest cluster of museums in America.
Business pleasures and social integrations-aside; he feels that America has given him so much that he is obliged to return. “This time my calling is politics. After years in business I understand how to channelize the demand and serve the community and state for the best,” he states.
His life have been an indication of how true spirit and hard work can change a man’s luck. Discussing about his Senate run, Bhumitra proudly mentions, “I have been advisor to four US Presidents/administrations and represented the United States at the WTO in Geneva and European Union in Brussels. I bring institutional knowledge on both domestic and foreign affairs. I strongly feel that I have the wisdom, experience, courage, integrity and am practical and ready to become the next US Senator from California. ”
But, ‘how will a Trump Republican do in California running against a sitting Democrat Senator Dianne Feinstein’, to which he confidently says, “Through competence. People are looking for capability and results. In California, the business climate is unfriendly, education system can be improved, medical premiums and costs can be lowered, poverty, in fact the homeless rate has grown to 21% in a state which holds 12 % population of the entire country. Hence, we need “New Path-New Dreams!”
However, when talking about Republicans and Democrats, a comparison between businessmen and bureaucrats always arises. Bhumitra nods, “Yes, it does. In my opinion, a businessman understands the cost factor, manages a budget, forecasts, has a surplus, deals with issues and saves for a rainy day. Mr. Trump’s administration is a prime example; they understand the requirements of the American people and therefore consolidating offices, streamlining the flow of information, making people more accountable. So, of course, the President is doing a great job and Republicans are fixing the potholes of previous governments.”
But the vast criticism surrounding Trump has made people uneasy! Bhumitra disagrees and calls it an unnecessary media hype. “I think Trump clearly understands the role played by immigrants, professionals and the business community. In fact he is looking forward to work with congress on the immigration issue, to help all stake holders.. Please understand, he is a great leader, and believes in the rule of the law. I appreciate his business acumen, as the American economy is having the longest growth period.
Bhumitra is also certain about the positive relationship shared between India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump and maintains that much of Trump’s ‘Make America Great Again’ onus lies on Modi’s ‘Make in India’. “Talk about defense, strategy and partnership, our bilateral ties have been the prime focus of current governments. Both countries are fiercely independent, focused on economic growth, integrated into global markets, and committed to innovation, technology and e-commerce in the digital age. We have common pursuits regarding trade, health, energy, cyber security and defense,” he observes.
On the existing presence of ‘Made in China’ goods in average American households and markets, Bhumitra feels that ‘more emphasis will be given to the business development models here’.
Moving to the Indian-American community in California, he spoke on variety of issues like immigration, visa problems and second generation of kids. Bhumitra believes in a legalized path to citizenship.
The first generation Indian-Americans are usually businessmen, but how does he plan to bring the second generation of Indian-American kids in service to the nation? Favoring the new-age kids, Bhumitra states, “Unlike the first generation, the younger ones are getting every chance to explore opportunities. A stressed mind can not achieve success. But a free and energetic mind will. What does America need more? Engineers, doctors, creatively skilled people in different trades and sectors.”
Praising the Indian-American community, he elaborated, “It is one of the most educated, fully cooperating culture where the oldest and youngest minds, values and desires are pretty much aligned. Indian-Americans are assimilating well into American culture which is in itself progressive.”
Finally, garnering support from voters, Bhumitra concluded his thoughts by saying, “I support whoever I think can get the job done. I don’t care about labels. Politicians have the power! If we want change, we need to change the politicians.”
“The Republican party is becoming more inclusive, opening to minorities and ethnic groups. As a candidate, I ask the voters to give me the opportunity to serve, just one term as your Senator by voting and electing me. I will help make the economy grow by creating high-paying export oriented jobs so everyone has the opportunity to be suitably employed, help reduce medical premiums, provide leadership in foreign affairs and make California the Golden state!”
Connect with Arun Bhumitra at [email protected] or [email protected] .