Washington: The state of Washington in the US just got a new senator and she is from India. 

Forty-seven-year-old Mona Das, who belongs from the Democratic Party was sworn as the senator of the 47th district of the state of Washington on January 14 by defeating two-term sitting Republican party Senator Joe Fain.

So, who is Mona Das?

Das is an American businesswoman and politician who was born in Bihar. Her parents migrated to the US when she was just eight months old.

Das’s lineage can be traced back to Dariapur village of Kharagpur division in Munger district of Bihar.

Das has always taken pride in her heritage and even took oath with the Gita in her hand.

She started her speech by with greetings on the occasion of Makar Sankranti – a Hindu festival celebrated on January 15. 

Das, while addressing the crowd also said, according to India Today, "Like Mahatma Gandhi and the present great and dynamic leader Prime Minister Modi ji said, education is the key to success for girls in life. By educating a girl you have educated an entire family and successive generations as well.”

While Das’s grandfather Dr GN Das is a retired civil surgeon from Gopalganj district, her father Subodh Das is an engineer and lives in St Louise MO.

As a senator, Das aspires to work for women and encourage them to break the shackles of the society. 

She ended her message saying, "Mahila Kalyan, Sabka Maan! (Women welfare, everyone's respect!) Jai Hind and Bharat Mata ki jai."