Usha Reddi, an Indian-American mayor in Manhattan, Kansas, has commented on the recent hate crime attack in Kansas bar where an Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla was killed and another Indian-American Alok Madasani was wounded. She said that this incident is not a representation of Kansas or the US.
Reddi has issued a letter to residents of the city saying that much has happened in the past few days, which is devastating and have given us reason to pause and reflect. She began the letter saying, “Manhattan is a diverse, welcoming and safe community; however, our sense of security is shaken by such acts of violence. Manhattan is a wonderful city with extraordinary people that work hard to make it a great place to live.”
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“I promise to do whatever I can to relieve anxiety, discomfort or pain that our friends and family are experiencing. Please reach out to one another for emotional and mental support. We must strive to be free of hatred and embrace our blessings,” she went on. “You are in good hands in Manhattan. We are an extended family.”
Lived for more than 23 years in Manhattan, Reddi believes the shooting isn’t a representation of her city, the state or the country.
Came to the US at the age of 8, she said America is a wonderful country. She further stated, “Being an immigrant and being elected to an office and now being mayor speaks volumes to the citizens of the United States and particularly Manhattan and Kansas. You don’t see that happening everywhere else.”
Reddi has a bachelor’s degree in developmental psychology from Ohio State University, and a bachelor’s in elementary education. She has a master's degree in educational leadership from Kansas State University.