New York, Jan 2 (NationPress) Zohran Mamdani infused elements of his South Asian heritage into his official inauguration as the Mayor of this diverse city on New Year's Day.

In his speech, he expressed gratitude to his parents and acknowledged family members residing in Delhi.

Mamdani is the son of renowned film director Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani, a professor at Columbia University with roots in Uganda and Indian ancestry.

"Thank you to my parents, Mama and Baba, for raising me, for teaching me how to navigate this world, and for bringing me to this vibrant city," he stated on the steps of City Hall after being sworn in.

He further extended his appreciation to his family spanning from Kampala to Delhi.

Two of the three Korans used during his oath were inherited from his grandparents.

Prior to his swearing-in, a Hindu, Arun Khosai, and a Sikh, Sandeep Kaur, joined Christian and Jewish leaders while an imam from New York offered a prayer invoking Allah.

Mamdani referenced his heritage through a culinary metaphor, emphasizing the need to support workers like those who "feed us biryani."

Another homage to his background was made by singer Babbulicious, who performed 'Gaddi Red Challenger' in a blend of Punjabi and English during the inauguration.

Babbulicious, whose real name is Babbu Singh, is a social media influencer, comedian, artist, and children's book author.

Mamdani joyfully clapped in rhythm to Babbulicious' performance as the artist, donning a pink turban, animatedly moved across the stage.

“NEW YORK VICH MUNDA RENDAAAAA,” Babbulicious shared on Instagram.

Mamdani included a poignant line in his speech, 'Logon ke dil badal gaye hein', which he interpreted as "softness in people's hearts". A Pakistani Auntie named Samina shared her perspective on the impact of his movement on the city.

While he openly acknowledges his father's faith, which he has adopted, he remains silent regarding his mother's original religion, Hinduism.

Mamdani achieved a notable trifecta as he became the 111th or 112th Mayor (the city struggles to confirm the count of prior Mayors, a fact he recognized in his address).

He is the first Muslim, the first South Asian, and the first individual born in Africa to hold this position.

Born in Uganda, he spent his initial five years there, followed by two years in South Africa, before moving to New York at age seven when his father accepted a position at Columbia University.

His middle name, Kwame, honors the late Ghanaian president, Kwame Nkrumah, reflecting his African heritage.

Mamdani is married to Rama Sawaf Duwaji, an artist and illustrator of Syrian descent, who was born in the US but spent her formative years in the Persian Gulf countries.