Indian Americans facts for kids
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Percent of population with Indian ancestry in 2010
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| Total population | |
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| 3,852,293 1.2% of the total U.S. population (2018) |
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| Regions with significant populations | |
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| Languages | |
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| Religion | |
| 53% Hindu 18.6% Christian 8% Muslim 10% Unaffiliated 5% Sikh 2% Jain |
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| Related ethnic groups | |
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Indian Americans are people living in the United States whose families originally came from India. They are part of a larger group called South Asian Americans, and also Asian Americans. Many Indian American families have a high household income, which means they earn more money than many other groups in the U.S.
It is important not to confuse Indian Americans with American Indians. American Indians are the original people of the Americas. They have no connection to India.
Contents
Who Are Indian Americans?
Indian Americans are a diverse group. They come from all parts of India. This includes different states, languages, and traditions. They have moved to the U.S. over many years.
Coming to America
The first group of Indians came to the U.S. in the early 1900s. Many were farmers from the Punjab region. They settled on the West Coast. Later, in the 1960s, U.S. immigration laws changed. This allowed more skilled workers and professionals to come. This led to a big increase in Indian immigrants. Many came for better education and job opportunities. Today, Indian Americans are one of the fastest-growing groups in the U.S.
Where They Live
Indian Americans live all across the United States. However, many tend to live in certain areas. You can find large communities in states like New Jersey, California, Texas, and New York. Cities like New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco have many Indian American residents. Some neighborhoods are even called "Little India". These places have Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and cultural centers. They help people feel connected to their heritage.
Culture and Traditions
Indian American culture is a mix of Indian and American ways. Families often keep their traditions alive. They also embrace American customs. This creates a unique blend of cultures.
Languages Spoken
Many Indian Americans speak American English. However, they also speak many different languages from India. Some common ones include Hindi, Gujarati, Telugu, Bengali, and Punjabi. Learning these languages helps them stay connected to their roots. It also helps them communicate with relatives in India.
Religions and Beliefs
Indian Americans follow many different religions. The largest group practices Hinduism. Other common religions include Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism. There are also followers of Jainism and other faiths. Religious centers like temples, mosques, and gurdwaras are important community hubs. They offer places for worship and cultural events.
Celebrating Festivals
Festivals are a big part of Indian American culture. One of the most important is Diwali. This is the festival of lights. Families light lamps, share sweets, and celebrate new beginnings. Other popular festivals include Holi, the festival of colors, and Eid. These celebrations bring communities together. They help pass traditions down to younger generations. Many cities also host large India Day Parades. These parades celebrate India's independence.
Making a Mark in America
Indian Americans have made many important contributions to the United States. They work in almost every field. This includes science, medicine, technology, business, and the arts.
Contributions to Society
Indian Americans are known for their strong focus on education. Many work as doctors, engineers, and scientists. They have helped create new technologies and medical breakthroughs. In business, many have started successful companies. They have also made an impact in politics. Several Indian Americans serve in government roles. This includes Nikki Haley, who was a governor and ambassador. They also contribute to arts and entertainment. Many actors, writers, and musicians are Indian American.
Famous Indian Americans
Many Indian Americans have become well-known for their achievements:
- Manjul Bhargava is a brilliant mathematician. He won the Fields Medal, which is like the Nobel Prize for math.
- Kal Penn is a famous actor. He has starred in many movies and TV shows. He also worked in the White House for a time.
- Nina Davuluri was crowned Miss America 2014. She was the first contestant of Indian descent to win the competition.
- Kiran Desai is a talented writer. She won the Man Booker Prize for her novel.
- Mohini Bhardwaj is an Olympic gymnast. She won a medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
These are just a few examples. Many Indian Americans continue to achieve great things. They enrich the diverse fabric of American society.
Images for kids
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The first Sikh Gurudwara was established in 1912 by the early immigrant Sikh farmers in Stockton, California.
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Bhagat Singh Thind was twice denied citizenship as he was not deemed white.
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Mohini Bhardwaj, 2004 Summer Olympics medalist in gymnastics
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India Square, in the heart of Bombay, Jersey City, New Jersey, US, home to the highest concentration of Asian Indians in the Western Hemisphere, is one of at least 24 Indian American enclaves characterized as a Little India which have emerged within the New York City Metropolitan Area, with the largest metropolitan Indian population outside Asia, as large-scale immigration from India continues into New York.
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Aerial view of exurban Monroe Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey housing tracts in 2010. Since then, significant new housing construction is rendering an increasingly affluent and suburban environment to Monroe Township, while maintaining the proximity to New York City sought by Indians in this township with the fastest-growing Indian population in the Western Hemisphere.
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The United States is host to the second largest Indian diaspora on the planet
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Manjul Bhargava, Professor of mathematics at Princeton University and Fields Medal winner.
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New York City's annual India Day Parade, the world's largest Indian Independence Day parade outside India, marches down Madison Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. The parade addresses controversial themes, including racism, sexism, corruption, and Bollywood.
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Nikki Haley and other Indian Americans participated in the Diwali celebrations at the White House, 2017
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Nina Davuluri, Miss America 2014 "first contestant of Indian descent to win the Miss America Competition"
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Kiran Desai, winner of the 2006 Man Booker Prize
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Kal Penn speaking at a rally for President Barack Obama at the University of Maryland's Nyumburu Cultural Center.
