Meet Saroja Varghese, Author And Mother Of Biden's Deputy Asst Maju Varghese

Maju Varghese mother: US President Joe Biden appointed Indian-American senior advisor and policy expert Maju Varghese as his deputy assistant Tuesday. Varghese is one among many Indian-origin members on the Biden-Harris administration, which has been noted for its diversity.

Varghese, who played a key role in Biden’s election campaign and has previously been a part of President Barack Obama's chief staff, has Malayali origins from Pathanamthitta in Kerala. Though he was born and raised in the US, Varghese has been consistent in exhibiting pride over his parents' (Saroja and Mathew) south Indian roots.

He is married to Julie Varghese, a policy expert as well, with whom he has one son. More on her here.

Maju Varghese Mother: A Look At Saroja Varghese's Accomplishments

Saroja Varghese was the force behind the family moving from India to the US in the 1970s. As per the New Indian Express, Saroja was employed with the Indian Air Force and shifted base overseas as a nurse. Her family, then comprising husband Mathew and daughter Manju, joined her later.

In the US, Saroja worked at the Columbia University Presbyterian Hospital and Long Island Jewish Hospital. She has appeared on television and news interviews as a speaker, also having authored several books in Malayalam. Some names include The Golden Lampstand and Children's Short Stories.

Varghese had shared texts from Saroja on social media, marking the momentous occasion when it became known that Biden was the choice for the Democrats' presidential nominee in April 2020. Saroja wrote to him, "Finally, you must be relieved with the fight. Now you can start your real fight. Good luck."

My Mom’s text to me as news broke that @JoeBiden would be the presumptive Democratic nominee. Eternally grateful for the journey she and my Dad took to get us here. My Dad died 7 years ago this week. So much I wish I could tell him. So much to share. Hope he is proud today. pic.twitter.com/Y3AqIlcDpQ

— Maju Varghese (@moojv77) April 8, 2020

Varghese has spoken about his mom being "a nurse from India,logging long hours" and how his "Dad drove a cab in NYC, later worked long hours as a hospital security guard." In 2017, during his stint with Obama, Saroja and the rest of his Indian family visited the Oval Office to meet the President. He calls his parents “heroes” who “gave me a shot at an amazing life and a chance to chase every dream.” 

Family, faith, hope and kindness. These two heroes provided a daily lesson. I can’t thank my parents enough for everything. We found this photo from around 1984, about a decade into their American journey. Miss my Dad but that hope....it never dies. pic.twitter.com/lUFjC3Zj5l

— Maju Varghese (@moojv77) December 16, 2019