Coppell High School senior Nikhita Kumar’s fingers glide on the keys as she types away on her MacBook. She writes two separate pieces: Why Republicans support the Big Beautiful Bill, and Why Democrats oppose the Big Beautiful Bill.
“There are two sides to this.”
“Read before you speak.”
These are words of advice Kumar’s father, Vijay Kumar, gave her sophomore year after she asked to protest in favor of abortion rights in Dallas. He sat her down, explaining the importance of getting perspectives from both sides in a politically polarized climate.
“It’s so important that we have those conversations, whether that be through sitting in a coffee shop talking to a friend who has a different view, or even talking politics at the dinner table,” Kumar said. “We are often told that it’s a taboo thing to do, but talking politics is something that’s so important.”
As vice chair of the National Dharmic Caucus of High School Democrats of America (HSDA) and communications chair of Texas High School Democrats (TxHSD), Kumar does not shy away from the discomfort that comes with discussing difficult topics such as intergenerational trauma, Hindu nationalism and homophobia in her community.
“Mixing religion in politics is very controversial, but for me, it was important to be part of that because it’s about giving marginalized communities a space in the Democratic party and having them advocate for bills that they feel passionate about.” Kumar said.
Growing up in a white-dominated community in Reno, Nev. made Kumar feel disconnected from her Hindu culture. When she moved to Texas in fifth grade, she learned about traditions like Garba and found that being involved in her culture made her feel less alone.
While campaigning for vice chair, she leaned into her identity and learned to embrace who she was. Through this and discussing issues in the Hindu community sparked camaraderie.
“People came up to me saying how much they connected to my campaign and it made me realize that we need new voices to inspire the new generation and to get people having those conversations,” Kumar said.
Kumar has used her role to connect more marginalized communities in TxHSD. She shifted from what was originally the Hindu Caucus to change to the Dharmic Caucus, designed to include more religions such as Buddhism and Sikhism along with Hinduism.
“She leads with kindness, she’s a very empathetic person,” said HSDA diversity director Junya Liu, a senior at William Fremd High School in Palatine, Ill. “It’s quite comforting to see that Nikki is completely dedicated to her community as the Hindu Caucus vice chair, while also fulfilling her roles and duties in other organizations and still making the Hindu Caucus a more inclusive and uplifting place for students all over the country to participate in.”
According to TxHSD chair Nirav Mandhani, Kumar is good with people and determined to achieve her goals.
“I think that one of her greatest strengths as communications director is being very focused on what things need to be accomplished and making sure that they’re done,” Mandhani said. “For example, most recently we haven’t had a website for three years and Nikhita was able to help us get that set up.”
Telling stories of marginalized communities has shaped Kumar as a person. Whether through business or politics, she plans to live life as a leader.
“I want to advocate for people who don’t have a voice. We’re often so polarized when discussing politics, but I think it’s so important to talk to people who have different political views than you, who have different world views than you and understand that it’s a spectrum,” Kumar said.
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