Pakistani Americans are becoming more engaged with the American political system, according to new data from the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, a civil rights group for Asian Americans.

In the 2006 election, the percentage of first-time voters was higher among Pakistani American voters than among all other South Asian groups, according to Glenn Magpantay, a staff attorney at AALDEF.

The nonprofit group polled 4,726 Asian American voters in nine states, including Massachusetts, in November of 2006. The results of the survey were recently released.

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SOMERVILLE, Mass — If you drive down Broadway in Somerville and blink, you might miss Guru the Caterer, the tiny Indian home-style take-out and catering business wedged in between a convenience store and Chinese restaurant in this fast-gentrifying suburb of Boston.

BILLERICA, Mass. — As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, she was involved in starting a Valentine's Day Sweetheart Dance for local couples who have been married for more than 50 years. To raise money for public schools, she came up with the idea of having annual talent shows at each of the six elementary schools. She helped the Senior Center raise funds for ice cream socials and even launched the "Senior of the Year•bCrLf award last spring. 

The career change is really a goal, for some

BOSTON, Mass. — Lawyer-turned-writer might not seem like a glamourous switch for most: It's a sacrifice of risk, rejection and, usually, of comparatively little compensation.

India Forum leader talks with INDIA New England: Group turns 25 this month

It's a sleepy midmorning in suburban Lexington, and Ravi Sakhuja is sitting at his dining room table, telephone close to one hand, pen close to the other.

Players from faraway find friendship, more on Trinity College's squash team 

HARTFORD, Conn. — Visiting the George Ferris athletic center at Trinity College in Hartford is like visiting any other university field house — there are signs for basketball courts, weight rooms, and locker rooms, and, of course, busy student foot traffic in between classes is everywhere.

Reporter Julie Masis asked six local South Asian immigrants their thoughts on Pakistan and the reelection of General Pervez Musharraf. The nation's supreme court is currently deciding whether Musharraf was legally able to run for the seat.

University says course won't just push U.S. ideas

New Haven, Conn. — A dozen Indian lawmakers went back to school this week — in New Haven Connecticut.