Donald Trump to get a dose of desi culture on Oct 15

From Bollywood-themed performances to a heritage tour...
Donald Trump will soak up all things Indian when he arrives in New Jersey on October 15 to interact with desis.
George Joseph reports from New York.

In an attempt to woo Indian Americans in the run-up to the United States Presidential election on November 8, Republican candidate Donald Trump will interact with members of the community at the Humanity United Against Terrorism Charity Event organised by the Republican Hindu Coalition in New Jersey on Saturday, October 15.

In a 24-second video invite, Trump said: 'Hello everyone, it is my pleasure to invite you to a Republican Hindu Coalition rally at the PNC Arts Centre in New Jersey. I am very much looking forward to speaking to thousands of Indian Americans and others about making America great again. I look forward to seeing everybody there. It would be an incredible evening.'

Chicago-based Salabh 'Shalli' Kumar, founder of the coalition, told this correspondent: "It shows his (Trump's) concern for India and Indian Americans. A candidate coming to our function, when the election is less than three weeks away is a significant gesture."

"Trump is no racist and he is good for India and Indians Americans," Kumar added. "He has, in a statement, praised 'the Hindu community's fantastic contributions to world civilisation and American culture. Trump is also business friendly. He would make America great again. He is not against immigrants, I can say this from my personal interactions with him."

"America is going through the wrong path. A businessman is needed to set it right and run it as a corporation to face competition from China or Mexico," he added.

Kumar, who was appointed by Trump to his advisory committee for people from the Asia Pacific region, said he expected some 15,000 people to attend the event.

According to Kumar, the event will bring together actors, dancers and singers from Bollywood, and Hindu spiritual and civic leaders for a celebration of Hindu culture and heritage.

Actors Prabhu Deva, Ram Charan, Malaika Arora Khan, and others are expected to perform at the event.

The organisers say the proceeds from the event will benefit victims of terror, especially Kashmiri Pandits and Hindu refugees from Bangladesh.