Srinivas Kuchibhotla’s wife attends the State of the Union, launches campaign for immigrants in the US.
Sunayana Dumala, the widow of murdered Indian American tech professional Srinivas Kuchibhotla, attended President Donald Trump’s first State of Union address as a guest of Rep. Kevin Yoder, R-Kansas.
The 32-year-old, whose husband was shot dead in Kansas in a hate crime incident last year, also launched a campaign along with her employer Intouch Solutions, titled “Forever Welcome” to spread the message of unity and empathy.
Besides Yoder, Dumala also had meetings with lawmakers Tulsi Gabbard, Cathy McMorris, Patric McHenry and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan.
Journalist Christa Dubill, who accompanied Dumala to the US Capitol, shared details about her trip on twitter.
Launching the Forever Welcome campaign, Dumala shared an emotional and strong Facebook post starting with the question “Do WE BELONG???”
“This is the question I asked 11 months ago in my first Facebook post, days after my husband was taken from me. To my surprise, the post was widely spread and received an overwhelming response and outpouring of love and support,” she wrote.
The Forever Welcome initiative focuses on generating empathy and acceptance by sharing stories and contributions of past and present immigrants.
“WE DO BELONG HERE” – That is the answer I found in the last 11 months through the immense love and support that I received from all corners. And now I am spreading this same message through the Forever Welcome intiative,” she said adding that, “This is how I honor my beloved Srinu and continue to keep his legacy.”
Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, was killed and two others were injured by US Navy veteran Adam Puriton in a racially motivated gun shooting incident at a bar in Oalthe, Kansas, on the night of February 22, 2017. The Hyderabad native was working as an aviation programs engineer at the Kansas-based technology company Garmin International.
Social Media Updates:
I’m traveling to DC with the widow of the man killed at Austin’s Bar in Olathe – Sunayana Dumala. She’s a guest of @KevinYoder for State of the Union. I’ll be with her for this entire trip. pic.twitter.com/bowdWWOTn3
— Christa Dubill (@christadubill) January 29, 2018
Sunayana is showing me pics on her phone.. “do you want to hear his voice?” she says with a smile. She has videos she listens to sometimes. I listen. pic.twitter.com/dvb0AqeTXx
— Christa Dubill (@christadubill) January 30, 2018
Sunayana shows me pics of her nightstands now. Shrines to Srinu. His wallet, watch, nameplate from work. The chocolates were his last gift to her before he was killed. She doesn’t open the box. She sleeps on his side of bed now. #SOTU pic.twitter.com/johR1cskl5
— Christa Dubill (@christadubill) January 30, 2018
We’ve arrived in DC. Yoder’s staff member, C.J., is making sure Sunayana gets to where she needs to be for the night. She has a panel discussion in the morning. All involved are victims of hate crimes. pic.twitter.com/nqPo4MOxu3
— Christa Dubill (@christadubill) January 30, 2018
Sunayana just arrived at @KevinYoder ‘s office … pic.twitter.com/raN5Sj7oa0
— Christa Dubill (@christadubill) January 30, 2018
Sunayana meeting @TulsiGabbard …@KevinYoder brought her out after the House vote series to meet Sunayana. Gabbard is Democrat from Hawaii, co-author of Yoder’s letter to congressional leadership on immigration. pic.twitter.com/P62lc8lOS6
— Christa Dubill (@christadubill) January 30, 2018
Now @KevinYoder brought out @cathymcmorris – @HouseGOP Chairwoman (4th highest ranking Republican in Congress) – this is how it works to raise awareness and try and gain support pic.twitter.com/y2pnen6qq5
— Christa Dubill (@christadubill) January 30, 2018
Sunayana now meeting @PatrickMcHenry to explain her story. McHenry just told her “your story is a powerful one. Thank you for being willing to tell it.” …”you are an amazing advocate”. And “I’m grateful you want to be a part of America.” pic.twitter.com/vtp7csztWy
— Christa Dubill (@christadubill) January 30, 2018
Sunayana Dumala has her ticket for the State of the Union. Says she hopes to hear a message of unity and positivity (she says her husband was the epitome of positivity). pic.twitter.com/N6lyShyKcb
— Christa Dubill (@christadubill) January 30, 2018
I’m in the House Chambers where @POTUS will soon deliver his state of the union. Very crowded. Lots@of suits. Security is extremely tight. Sunayana is sitting in the upper level on what will be the president’s right side. Pictures forbidden.
— Christa Dubill (@christadubill) January 31, 2018