Fundraiser held for Dr. Devi Nampiaparampil, NYC public advocate candidate

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Members of the Indian community in Queens hosted a fundraiser for Dr. Devi Nampiaparampil, a physician and media personality who is running for Public Advocate of New York City.

Nampiaparampil, who is popularly known as Dr. Devi, won the Republican party primary unopposed and is scheduled to face Democratic incumbent Jumaane D. Williams in the November election.

Her experiences with Covid and childbirth as well as having Covid, have given her a perspective on what the people of New York City need from their government, she indicated during her speech to the gathering.

Among other things, the public advocate, a non-voting city council member, can introduce and co-sponsor legislation, investigate citizen complaints, locate problems in city agencies and suggest possible solutions.

Korason Varghese, a writer, was the emcee of the event, organized by Philip Madathil. Entrepreneur Tom Kolath presented the first check, kicking off the fundraiser. The event began with a prayer by Pastor Wilson Jose, a press release from organizers said.

Speakers noted the importance of more Indians, immaterial of party affiliation, winning elections, and thus empowering the community.

Tobin Madathil introduced Nampiaparampil, who discussed her reasons for plunging into politics.

According to the press release, Dr. Nampiaparampil, who specializes in pain prevention, has appeared as an on-air medical analyst in more than 500 news segments for Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, CBS News, ITV, and other national and international networks. She was also an on-air medical contributor for Fox 5 NY.

She said that despite her connections, she faced severe problems at the height of the COVID pandemic, which forced her to consider what less fortunate New Yorkers go through.

“I am trying to move the hearts and minds of people so we can overcome this crisis together and make our city stronger. This is a monumental task— but not an impossible one. Government should create an environment for people to thrive while providing a safety net for those who fall on desperate times. I am running for public advocate because our city government has failed to do that,” Dr. Nampiaparampil is quoted saying in the press release.

Not only did she struggle with her physician duties and had to send her child to live with parents for an extended period of time, but within two weeks of getting her toddler back in November last year, COVID infected her family, while she was 8-month pregnant.

“In the darkest days of my life, when I was separated from my toddler and later when I thought my husband was dying, I was never alone,” the doctor said relating the nightmarish tale of how she walked to the hospital with contractions, and how the family finally recovered and her child was born with Covid antibodies.