Indian-American named president of College Democrats of Georgia

- ADVERTISEMENT -

A political science student at the University of West Georgia, has been named president of the College Democrats of Georgia (CDG).

The UWG, in a news item on its website July 7, 2020, announced that Bhavin Patel, from Macon, Georgia, who is also doing a minor in business, now leads the CDG, a statewide organization where the young Indian-American student will represent his university at the state level.

The CDG, which describes itself as a “grassroots organization,” on its website, works to engage youth and students in Democratic politics. It’s new executive board leadership for 2020-21, was selected back in April, and includes two other individuals with South Asian names – Nida Merchant of Georgia State University as Outreach Director, and Margi Patel of Middle GA State University as Finance Director.

College Democrats of Georgia also works as a hub for students wanting to pursue various opportunities, and the organization provides resources, training and connections to achieve those goals. Democratic activists can work through CDG’s connections to link up with candidates running for elections in Georgia’s159 counties.

Before becoming the president of the statewide organization, Bhavin Patel was the membership director for UWG’s campus chapter of College Democrats. He also attended the Georgia Democratic State Dinner.

“My team and I have already started strong and have great initiatives that we will put into place,” he is quoted saying in the University press release.

At the University, Patel has served as vice president of the UWG Student Government Association, and a member of the Student Civic Advocacy Committee, the College Democrats of West Georgia, Diabetes You Can Win Foundation Inc. and Fair Fight by Stacey Abrams, former Georgia State Representative and now an influential member of the Democratic Party.

Patel is also working with Betty Cason, mayor of Carrollton, GA, to form a youth council in the local community, the press release said.

“Throughout Carrollton, young people are beginning to be seen as great resources in solving community problems,” Bhavin Patel said, adding, “This has sparked a lot of interest and investment in the youth. One of the most proven ways to do this is through the creation of youth councils who work with elected officials, community leaders and relevant staff to solve critical issues that are specific and relevant to the community.”

“This young man has impressed everyone he’s come into contact with,” Dr. Kathie Barrett, assistant professor in the Department of Political Science and faculty adviser for the College Democrats of West Georgia, is quoted saying on the University website. “He is representing UWG at a state level, giving him excellent exposure to state and national politics. He is also a student research assistant and serves as one of two freshmen who have taken on student research,” Barrett added.