Kannan Srinivasan sworn in as first Indian-American immigrant in Virginia House of Delegates

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Richmond, Virginia: Kannan Srinivasan became the first Indian-American immigrant to be sworn-in as a Virginia State Delegate on January 20, 2024, at the Virginia State Capitol, Richmond.

Srinivasan, accompanied by his wife Jayashree Sreenivasan, held the sacred texts, Bhagavad Gita and Naalayira Divya Prabandham, during the pledge ceremony administered by the Clerk of the House of Delegates, Paul Nardo, amidst loud cheering from family, friends, and well-wishers gathered at the State Capitol.     .

“I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties incumbent upon me as a member of the VA House of Delegate according to the best of my ability, so help me God,” Srinivasan recited the oath.

During his address, Srinivasan thanked everyone for having elected him, and recalled that he had first visited the State Capitol as a tourist in 1994. But, hadn’t then envisioned that he would return as a member of the House 30 years later.

“I immigrated to the United States to pursue my higher education in 1992,” Srinivasan told News India Times. “I am very honored and humbled for the opportunity to serve, and I will bring my unique business experience to improve the lives of Virginians,” he added.

He noted that he was grateful to his parents, S.T. Srinivasan and Choodamai Srinivasan, both public school teachers, for believing in him and for inculcating the “importance of giving back.”

“I am very inspired by my Grandfather-in-law Dr. V. Varadhachari, who as a Chairman of Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu, India, in 1950s, did successful pioneering projects for the Township,” he added.

Indian-American VA State Senator, Ghazala Hashmi who was present at Srinivasan’s swearing-in ceremony told News India Times, “I was delighted to witness the ceremonial Oath of Office for Delegate Kannan Srinivasan today. Delegate Srinivasan is a humble and thoughtful person; he is fully committed to representing his constituents in Loudoun County. Delegate Srinivasan is now the third Indian-origin member of Virginia’s General Assembly and the second in the House of Delegates.”

Hashmi pointed out that with Srinivasan’s election the Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus has risen to a total of eight members. “I look forward to working with my friend as we strive to ensure that all Virginians have economic opportunities, access to health care and education, and safe and stable communities,” she added.

Suhas Subramanyam, another Indian-American, who was sworn-in as a VA State Senator on January 10, told News India Times, “Kannan is going to be a great addition to the Virginia General Assembly. I was elected to the State Senate and left the State House. I wanted to make sure there would be someone in the House who would continue to look out for the community and represent it well. Kannan is a thoughtful person and cares a lot about serving his community and has decades-long record of service.”

Subramanyam, who is contesting for US Congress from VA’s 10^th District to succeed Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton continued, “I think he’ll [Srinivasan] be a great legislator” adding that he is proud to have another Indian and Hindu-American, and looks forward to seeing all great things Srinivasan does in the General Assembly.

Srinivasan who was elected from VA’s 26^th House District in Loudoun County is committed to protecting women’s reproductive rights, common sense gun safety laws, quality healthcare for all, excellence in education, and a brighter future for Virginia.

A seasoned finance, and analytics professional, Srinivasan was appointed to Medicaid Board by Virginia Governors Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam. He most recently chaired the Medicaid Board, and serves on the Boards of George Washington Heart and Vascular Institute and Loudoun Free Clinic.