Mamdani’s early lifeBorn on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani is the son of Indian-origin parents, renowned filmmaker Mira Nair, known for films such as Salaam Bombay! and Monsoon Wedding, and academic Mahmood Mamdani, an Indian-born Ugandan scholar.He spent his early childhood in Cape Town, South Africa, attending St. George’s Grammar School, before moving to New York City at the age of seven.He later graduated from the Bank Street School for Children and the Bronx High School of Science. In 2014, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College.Activism and political riseMamdani’s political activism began during college, where he co-founded a chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine.He later volunteered for Khader El-Yateem’s 2017 City Council campaign, managed Ross Barkan’s State Senate bid, and organized for Tiffany Cabán’s Queens District Attorney race.In 2019, he was elected to the New York State Assembly representing the 36th District, which includes Astoria and Long Island City.His legislative work focused on affordable housing, public transit, and immigrant rights—issues that became central to his citywide campaign.Personal life and public appealA practicing Shia Muslim, Mamdani married Syrian artist Rama Duwaji earlier this year. Mamdani’s identity and progressive platform have energised younger, left-leaning voters across the city, drawing a sharp contrast with Cuomo’s more moderate support base.With the Democratic nomination now secured, Mamdani is on track to make history. If elected in November, he would become New York City’s first Muslim and first Indian-American mayor.(With inputs from AP)
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