Sandeep Prasanna

Counsel, House Committee on Homeland Security

Why do you think it is important for AAPI’s to be involved in public service?

These are serious times — and we are seeing growing threats to the safety and rights of AAPIs and other vulnerable communities across the country. It’s so important for AAPIs to continue stepping up, as so many AAPI trailblazers have been doing for decades, to fight for the ability of all Americans to lead safe, healthy, and prosperous lives.

Name one person you look up to and explain why.

Aside from my parents (hello, mom and dad), I admire the South Asian Americans serving in Congress — Reps. Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Sen. Kamala Harris — for fighting so hard to make life better for all Americans.

Please share one piece of advice or a hope that you have for the future of Asian America.

Pay it forward! Nobody succeeds in a vacuum. Help others do well.

Lastly, what is your favorite or go-to comfort food and why?

Idli and chutney. (If we’re getting specific here, my go-to is rava idli topped with coconut chutney and a good amount of ghee.) Love it so much that my two cats are named Idli and Chutney.