By MIKE CAPUTO
She has spearheaded multiple civic projects, and is well known in the political realm.
Now, she has plans to make a run for president of the United States.
"First I want to become a lawyer," Anusha said. "Then I want to run for something small, and then I want to be president some day."
But not until at least the 2036 presidential election - the minimum age requirement for commander-in-chief is 35 and Anusha is only 11 years old.
Yet, Anusha is already developing supporters. During a recent appearance on an Indian TV show, a caller sent in her praises to the Woodland Middle School sixth-grader.
"You know what Anusha, you've got my vote," the caller said to the youth civic leader.
Anusha's extensive volunteer work in school and within the East Meadow community has drawn attention and praise from multiple elected officials. Anusha received three citations from the Nassau County Legislature on March 9, was honored by state officials in August as a "Woman of Distinction" and has been recognized by Town of Hempstead and the state Comptroller's office.
Since the third grade at McVey, Anusha has been actively involved with the K-Kids and now volunteers with the Builders Club and Kiwanis. Anusha enjoys immersing herself in intellectual talks about current events through Woodland's "World of Difference" discussion group. She has served for her classes and Student Councils and has orchestrated toy drives, recycling programs and fundraisers to help less fortunate families.
Zahid Syed, said he and his wife Uzma moved the family from Woodside, Queens to East Meadow in 2003 to get better schooling for the three children, Anusha, Nihan and Ahsan.
Since then, Syed, a union representative for Local 338, made it a point to engage in community affairs and to involve his children in those endeavors. He has hosted several elected officials at the Syed home, and serves on several volunteer organizations and committees.
That civic leadership was certainly passed on to Anusha, who at eight years old spoke before the New York City Council. Before her addresses, she usually opens by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and sings the National Anthem. The speeches at City Council, and more recently at the Nassau and Suffolk Legislatures, promoted civic duties and encouraged people to vote.
"I tell this to people a lot," Anusha said. "If you are not going to vote then don't sit in the corner and cry when your president does something wrong."
Anusha also delivers her message to ethnic groups and community organizations. Her father said the message is usually received very well by adults.
"It is more effective when you have an 11-year-old kid talking to them and saying 'This is your duty,' Zahid Syed said.
In between her volunteer efforts and other extracurricular items, Anusha, an honor roll student, still makes time for studying and for leisure.
Anusha said her father's civic involvement inspired her to do the same. Her motivation to reach an even higher goal was expanded even more as she watched a historical election of America's first African-American president, Barack Obama.
"I learned that anyone can be president," she said with a smile.
Comments about this story? MCaputo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 287.
