(RNS) — From the beginning of his campaign, Zohran Mamdani’s run for mayor of New York has been about overcoming our doubts about what is possible. So it was that on the eve of his inauguration, I sat in the Buffalo airport in a massive blizzard, my flight back to New York delayed and finally canceled. Put on the first flight out in the morning, by the time I made it to New York City, I rushed to City Hall, not having time to locate anyone to come with me, or possibly someone who had been invited who might save me a seat near the front.
Which is how I ended up in the third row, on the west side of City Hall. As soon as I walked in, I saw a Muslim friend from Brooklyn who, last seen, had been recording a video of me in November as I ran the NYC Marathon while carrying a Zohran poster. Next I saw some Sikh friends from Manhattan two rows ahead of me. Then I started seeing friends everywhere. It was like a reunion, but at City Hall, and for a historic celebration.
One of the most touching conversations I had was with a Sikh friend who had worked on Mamdani’s campaign. I told him how moving it had been to see him pour his heart into something he believed in. When he first started, I said, this moment must have felt unimaginable. “That’s exactly why I decided to do this in the first place,” he replied. “Because it was so unimaginable.”
Politics are often described as a series of compromises, but Mamdani’s campaign felt like a chance to live and work with integrity. Even if the hoped-for outcome seemed unlikely, it was still worth trying. The sheer earnestness of his words gave me goosebumps.
I was reminded that some of the people I admire most, including some of Sikhi’s religious founders, were also political revolutionaries who insisted that the dignity of all people is not worth compromising. Though this should not be a radical idea, their example in pursuing it was almost superhuman. They seemed to set impossible standards that everyday people couldn’t actually achieve. But this conversation with my Sikh friend reminded me that these goals are not impossible. People with the required integrity are all around us. We only have to open our eyes to notice and appreciate them.
It was a profound spiritual moment. Who would have thought I’d have one of those on the steps of City Hall?
The inauguration ceremonies were touching and energizing. U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez opened the program and brought the crowd to its feet. Jumaane Williams, the city’s public advocate, inspired us in his third inauguration speech. Uncle Bernie Sanders did his thing. Mamdani gave an address for the ages. The audience was lively and energetic. Positive vibes everywhere.
Then, as the new mayor finished his remarks and walked across the stage with his wife, Rama, the crowd was treated to a closing act: Babbulicious, a Punjabi Sikh singing his hip-hop hit, “Gaddi Red Challenger.” His pink, rounded turban matched my own, and my phone blew up with texts asking if it was me rapping on stage after the inauguration.
After the ceremony, a number of Sikhs from the audience were invited to the stage for a group photo. It was cool to be up there with friends and fun to catch up. And when we finally assembled for the group photo, someone let out a loud jakara — a victory shout in the Sikh tradition.
Bole so nihaaaal!
Saaaaaat sri akaaaaal!
A group photo is taken after the inauguration ceremony of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in New York. (Photo courtesy of Simran Jeet Singh)
“Whoever says that God is the ultimate truth will be blessed.” I got goosebumps again. Such a special moment.
I came away with a deep appreciation for the people in my own community — those who are continuing to teach me and inspire me through their daily example of living with integrity. Those who are showing up, despite the conditions and despite the prospects, knowing in their hearts that progress doesn’t necessitate compromise.
Many at the inauguration worked tirelessly to help create a new vision and a new future for our community. I’m hopeful about what’s to come in the future, not just in New York, but in our political structures across the country that are so badly in need of reform and repair.
These people are coming together, even when it would be easier not to, because they believe there is something powerful about collective action. Today, I’m drawing hope from my community — sangat — and how being in their presence inspires me to reach for progress, too.
This is what I’ll remember from Mayor Mamdani’s inauguration. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
