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To people
who ask his advice about where to start in politics, Upendra Chivukula
often says, "at the soccer club". He's not joking. He means
start where you can connect with the mainstream. And a soccer club is
as good a community connection as a union, a church or a charitable organisation.
"I strongly believe all politics begins with local network,"
he says. "You build a local base and network with people, they will
come back to you."
And early this month, they did. They came back and elected him to the
New Jersey state Assembly, making him the first American of Indian origin
to be there. This is no small achievement at a time when anti-Asian sentiments
are running high. And equally commendable are the victories by other Indian
American candidates-Parag Patel, a Democrat, was elected city councillor
in Edison while Republican George James has become councilman in Westwood
Township.
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SWEEPING INTO OFFICE: Republican George James is now councilman
in Westwood Township
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Chivukula's election district has just about 1,000 eligible voters of
Indian origin, but a strong Mexican and African American presence. Chivukula
believes his victory is yet another vindication of the strength of American
democracy-that people can overlook colour and national origin.
Chivukula is the only desi in an American state legislature after Kumar
Barve in Maryland and Satveer Chaudhary, a state senator in Minnesota.
But the latter two are all American-except for their Hindu heritage and
wheat complexion. Chivukula, who came to America three decades ago, on
the other hand, still sports a very Indian accent. A Democrat, like Barve
and Chaudhary, Chivukula's victory is significant for this is the first
time he has contested a state election-and won with a margin of over 12,000
votes.
Kanak Dutta, a retired history schoolteacher has taken immense pride
in seeing Chivukula rise from the lowest rungs of the party. "One
way to make an impact in America is through the grassroots," she
emphasises. Dutta, whohad herself unsuccessfully contested a New Jersey
assembly seat in the early 1980s, continues her work as a grassroot party
activist. Dutta, called the grand lady of Indian American politics, was
the encouragement Chivukula needed.
Chivukula has till now served in various Indian American political organisations,
has worked with Congressman Frank Pallone to start the India Caucus and
Caucus on Indian Americans which has 170 members, and was also among a
dozen Indian American delegates to the Democratic National Conventions
held to formally endorse the presidential candidate in 1996 and 2000.
For the new lawmaker, education ranks high on his list of priorities.
Having himself benefited from public education, he is passionate about
helping public schools get more funds from the government.
Between his political activities and work as director of marketing at
Sira Tech International, Inc. Chivukula takes out time for Daycee, his
wife of 25 years, and their son and daughter. He is also an avid writer
and has co-authored six books on management which have been published
by such major firms as McGraw-Hill.
Yet, giving back to the community is what drives him on. says Chivukula:
"I enjoy being connected."
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CURRENT
ISSUE NOV 26, 2001
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