In a groundbreaking political shift, Zohran Mamdani, the son of renowned filmmaker Mira Nair, stepped into history as the 112th mayor of New York City, taking his oath on the Quran. At just 34, this socialist democrat, shaped by his family’s rich heritage, ran a campaign advocating for universal childcare and a fairer tax on the affluent.
As fireworks marked the New Year, filmmaker Mira Nair watched her son make history. Zohran Mamdani was sworn in just after as New York City’s 112th mayor, with his mother admitting she never imagined the moment would come.“Of course, I’m going to be the mother of New York City,” Nair told reporters after the ceremony, according to the New York Post. The 34-year-old socialist democrat took the oath on a Quran in a ceremony held beneath City Hall Park in the long-abandoned Old City Hall subway station. State Attorney General Letitia James administered the oath as Mamdani’s wife, artist Rama Duwaji, stood by his side.“This is truly the honor and the privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani said after completing the formalities, including paying the required $9 filing fee in cash. He wished New Yorkers “both inside this tunnel and above” a happy New Year and added, “I cannot wait to see everyone tomorrow as we begin our term.”Nair has said that growing up in New York City, surrounded by immigrant communities and everyday social struggles, shaped Zohran Mamdani’s outlook. At the same time, his father, respected academic Mahmood Mamdani, influenced his thinking through history, politics and global justice. The muslim mayor started his campaign with several promises like universal child care, taxing the rich city-run grocery stores, free buses and a rent freeze and defunding the police. Mamdani defeated independent candidate Andrew Cuomo in a high-stakes election in November last year. He won despite his rivals being endorsed by figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk.Moreover, MAGA hardliners were not happy with Mamdani swearing in as mayor while placing his hand on the Quran. Anti-Islam hard-right activist Laura Loomer said in a post on X: “This is 100% an homage to Hamas and the Globalize the intifada movement.”
