From Mayor Mamdani's Inauguration

Sikh Moments at a Historic Ceremony

I didn’t think I’d make Mayor Mamdani’s inauguration today. There was a massive blizzard in Buffalo, and my flight back to NYC was delayed twice yesterday and then canceled. I was on the first flight out this morning, which was also delayed twice. Luckily, we made it out and made it to New York City, which meant I made it on time for the ceremony.

I went by myself, not knowing if I’d know anyone who’d been invited to attend and sit at near the front. I was in the third row on the westside of City Hall!

I walked in and saw a Muslim friend from Brooklyn who got some videos of me running the NYC Marathon in November while carrying a Zohran poster. Then I saw some Sikh friends from Manhattan two rows ahead of me. Then I started seeing friends everywhere. It was like a reunion, but at City Hall, and for a historic celebration.

One of the most touching conversations was with a Sikh friend who worked on Mayor Mamdani’s campaign. I mentioned to him how moving it was to see him pour his heart into something he believed in, and how, when he first started, this moment must have felt unimaginable. I’ll never forget his response. “That’s exactly why I decided to do this in the first place. Because it was so unimaginable.”

He also shared how good it felt live and work with integrity, that politics are often described as a series of compromises, and that he wanted to take a different path, one where, even if the outcome he hoped for seemed unlikely, it was still worth trying. His words gave me goosebumps.

It might sound trite as I share it with you, but as he told me, in that moment, in that context, and with sincere earnestness, I was reminded that some of the people I admire most—including some of our religious founders—were also political revolutionaries who insisted that ensuring the dignity of all people wasn’t radical, and that it wasn’t worth compromising. Sometimes, I look at their examples and feel like they were superhuman, that they set impossible standards, that everyday people couldn’t actually do what they did. Today, and especially through this conversation with my Sikh friend, I was reminded that it’s not impossible. What’s more, I was reminded that people with integrity are all around us. We have to open our eyes to notice and appreciate them.

It was a profound spiritual moment. Who would have thought I’d have one of those on the steps of City Hall?

The program was touching and energizing. AOC opened the program and got the crowd on its feet. Jumaane Williams inspired us. Uncle Bernie did his thing. And Zohran gave an address for the ages. The audience was lively and energetic. Positive vibes everywhere.

And then, as Zohran finished his remarks and walked across the stage with his wife Rama, the crowd was treated to a closing act. Babbulicious, a Punjabi Sikh singing his hit song, Gaddi Red Challenger. He wore a pink, rounded turban just like I did. I can’t tell you how many people texted me after to ask if I was rapping on stage after the inauguration.

After the program, a couple of Sikhs from Mamdani’s campaign brought a number of Sikhs from the audience to the stage for a group photo. It was cool to be up there with friends and fun to catch up. It was especially nice to hear about our friend’s experience who was on stage for the interfaith portion. And when we finally assembled for the group photo, there was the most powerful, unexpected moment. Someone let out a loud jakara on the stage.

Bole so nihaaaal!

Saaaaaat sri akaaaaal!

I got goosebumps again. Such a special moment.

I feel privileged to have been able to attend the historic inauguration of New York City’s new mayor. I feel energized by what I witnessed, especially among the people in the audience, many of whom have been working tirelessly to help create a new vision and a new future for our community. I’m hopeful about what’s to come in the future, not just in New York City, but in our political structures that are so badly in need of reform and repair.

And what I walked away with today was something I didn’t expect. A deep appreciation for people in my own community. Those who are continuing to teach me and inspire me through their daily example of living with integrity. Those who are showing up, despite the conditions and despite the prospects, knowing in their hearts that progress doesn’t necessitate compromise. And those who are coming together, even when it would be easier not to, because they believe there is something powerful about collective action. Today, I’m drawing hope from my community—sangat—and how being in their presence inspires me to reach for progress, too.

This is what I’ll remember from Mayor Mamdani’s inauguration. And for that, I am eternally grateful.