Newly sworn-in New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has captured global attention with an inaugural speech that blended inclusivity, affordability, and a personal tribute to his South Asian roots. At just 34, Mamdani made history as the first South Asian and Muslim to lead the largest city in the United States.
Addressing thousands at the inauguration ceremony, Mamdani pledged to govern for all New Yorkers, regardless of religion, background, or political affiliation. “If you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor,” he said, promising to protect, celebrate, and stand with every resident of the city.
A heartfelt moment from the speech quickly went viral on social media. Recounting a conversation with a supporter, Mamdani quoted a Hindi phrase that resonated deeply with audiences: “Logon ke dil badal gaye hain” meaning “people’s hearts have changed.” He credited this sentiment with shaping his vision of a city driven by empathy and shared responsibility.
Mamdani outlined a bold, working-class-focused agenda centered on affordability, safety, and abundance. He emphasized tackling rising housing costs, confronting corporate greed, and ensuring that freedom in New York is not limited to those who can afford it. “For too long, freedom has belonged only to those who could buy it,” he said, adding that his administration would work to change that reality.
Highlighting New York’s diversity, Mamdani said the city’s future story would be written in many languages and faiths, from Pashto and Mandarin to Yiddish and Creole and in places of worship ranging from mosques and temples to churches and synagogues, or none at all.
The ceremony was attended by prominent political figures including Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, along with Mamdani’s family, his parents, noted academic Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair, and his wife, artist Rama Duwaji.
With a message of unity and bold governance, Mamdani’s speech marked the beginning of a new chapter for New York City.
