New York City witnessed a historic political transition on Thursday as Zohran Mamdani took the oath of office, becoming the city's first-ever South Asian and Muslim mayor. The 34-year-old's inauguration, held at the historic Old City Hall subway station just after midnight, was marked by deep personal tributes, cultural celebrations, and moments that quickly captured the imagination of social media.
A Ceremony of Historic Firsts and Viral Moments
The private ceremony made Mamdani not only a trailblazer for his community but also the second-youngest mayor in New York City's history. He took the oath on a Quran from the renowned Schomburg Center collection of the New York Public Library, symbolizing the significance of the occasion. However, the event's resonance extended far beyond the subway platform, as several key moments sparked widespread online discussion and celebration.
Gesture Sparks Online Debate and Swift Rebuttals
One of the most debated incidents occurred when videos showed Mayor Mamdani briefly extending his right arm while addressing the gathered crowd. This gesture was seized upon by some MAGA supporters, who inaccurately claimed it resembled a Nazi salute. They drew a parallel to a controversial gesture made by billionaire Elon Musk at a rally for former President Donald Trump in January 2025.
The New York mayor’s office did not issue an immediate official response to these online claims. However, a wave of social media users and observers swiftly pushed back against the comparison. They labeled it as misleading and politically motivated, clarifying that the mayor's arm movement was a simple, emphatic gesture made while smiling, just before he placed his hand on his chest and waved to the audience.
"From Kampala to Delhi": A Line That Resonated Globally
In a heartfelt segment of his address, Mamdani movingly thanked his family, tracing his roots "from Kampala to Dilli (Delhi)." This line struck a powerful chord with listeners, both at the ceremony and online. It was a proud acknowledgment of his multicultural heritage.
Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda, to a Ugandan father and an Indian mother, the acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair. By highlighting his transcontinental journey, the new mayor celebrated the diverse tapestry that defines modern global cities like New York, earning loud applause and positive reactions across social media platforms.
Punjabi Beats Echo in the NYC Subway
The inauguration concluded on an exuberant, celebratory note that perfectly captured the moment's joy. Inside the subway station, Toronto-based Punjabi artist Babbulicious performed his hit track "Gaddi Red Challenger." Mayor Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, were seen enthusiastically singing and dancing along with hundreds of attendees.
The artist later shared pictures with the caption, "NEW YORK VICH MUNDA RENDA!!!" Netizens flooded social media, calling the performance the "best part of the inauguration" and praising it as a vibrant, multicultural crossover that embodied the true spirit of New York City.
Personal Tributes to Family Anchor the Historic Day
Amid the public celebration, Mamdani reserved deeply emotional thanks for his family. He credited his parents, who were present, for shaping his values and his life's path. He paid a special tribute to his wife, Rama Duwaji, calling her his "best friend" and thanking her for "always showing me the beauty in everyday things."
Clips of this personal and warm moment were widely shared, with netizens applauding the mayor for integrating such genuine, heartfelt emotion into his inaugural address, setting a relatable and human tone for his administration.
