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An Officer and A DEMOCRAT

Upendra Chivukala, the first Indian American to be elected to the New Jersey Assembly, has now set his sights on Capitol Hill. Going by his record, the odds are in his favour By Arnelle Hartenstein in New Jersey.

Can a person born to an average family in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh rise and overcome a multitude of obstacles? Can this person persevere, follow a long road, and reach heights that were once only dreams and seemed unobtainable? Can this once unknown person from a large family leave his roots behind and climb the ladder of success by emigrating to a different country, this being the US of A? Upendra Chivukula came to the US in order to make a new life for himself. Obtaining a bachelors in electrical engineering from Guindy’s Engineering College in India, Chivukula began his journey. He came to New York for a twofold reason: to help his family by sending money to them in India, and to further his education. He obtained his master’s degree in electrical engineering at the City College of the City University of New York, one of the finer higher education institutions in the US. He worked as well at CBS television in New York. His position there was short term and he was employed as an audio-video maintenance engineer.

Now he resides in Franklin Township, New Jersey. Chivukula has been employed at AT&T Bell Laboratories. He has gained much experience and insight into the business world. “I am an electrical engineer by profession, yet I knew in my heart I wanted more,” he states with an authoritative nod of his head. “I was always interested in what was happening. I came to America in 1976—the year of Watergate. I came to realise that there was no representation in the American political system for the Asian community. I wanted to change that and therefore got involved.”

I came to America in 1976. There was no representation in politics for the Asian community. I Wanted to change that and, therefore, got involved

Always a people person, Chivukula listened and learned. His weakness, he believes is … “being soft. I have trouble saying no and I knowingly allow people to use and/or placate me.” In truth though it can be a strength. Chivukula listens, hears and digests what people say. He was easily able to see the needs within his community. His desire to assist his fellow citizens was growing stronger. He became interested in politics. He canvassed people door to door, got them to register and vote in the elections.

It was a warm feeling for this distinguished man to see new voters coming to the polls. Yet he wanted more. Smiling, he states. “I wrote papers. I was the recording secretary for the local Democratic Club. This was my first stepping stone on the road.” Shortly thereafter, Chivukula became the chairman of the local Democratic Party, a first for an Indian American.

His wife Dayci, a Cuban-American gives him her full support. His son Suraj is currently an engineer and studying to become a lawyer. Damianty, his daughter, is currently studying to be a graphics designer, supports him as well. They all know that this man has a wonderfully large heart. His family back in India agrees. Both his parents are proud of their son’s accomplishments.

Seeing the need, Chivukula decided to run for political office. He was elected to the Franklin Township Council in 1997 and serves on it still to this day. He was appointed the deputy mayor of Franklin Township in 1998 and served as its mayor in 2000. As mayor of Franklin, he worked with numerous leaders, organisations, minorities, seniors, religious groups, etc to obtain their support. He worked hard and persevered. All his efforts paid off. Chivukula was elected to the New Jersey State Assembly. Not only was he elected, he was the first Indian American ever elected in the entire New Jersey State Assembly, and the fourth Indian American in the US to be elected to any state office.

Assemblyman Chivukula is also the first Indian American to be re-elected to the state Assembly. He is currently serving his second term in the office of the New Jersey State Assembly that represents the 17th District.

Typically, politics in the US has been a white-Anglo-Saxon Protestant institution. Though it’s been broken at times by various minorities: Catholics, Jews, African Americans, Hispanics, Orientals, etc throughout the history of the US it has been very difficult to be elected to higher public office if one is from a minority group. Chivukula was up against high odds, as his 17th District is comprised of approximately 51 per cent Caucasian, 19 per cent African American, 16 per cent Hispanic, 12 per cent other, and only 2 per cent Indian American. Chivukula feels confident that he has cornered at least 35 per cent of the Caucasian and 85 per cent of all the other minority votes. This is an unbelievably extraordinary accomplishment for a minority
candidate.

Assemblyman Chivukula: husband, father, politician, management consultant, director of marketing, author. These are only a few of the ‘titles’ he has achieved. He is listed in Who’s Who of Asian Americans. He’s also chipping in for his homeland. “Have you heard about Fluorosis?” he asks. The smile is now replaced with a sombre look. “Fluorosis is a disease of the bones. It is caused by excessive amounts of fluoride consumed. In India, the most common cause is fluoride laden water that is obtained from wells dug deep in the earth.’ Chivukula is attempting to find solutions for this growing crisis throughout India. He has toured the area surrounding Hyderabad and given numerous talks. He is working with groups to raise awareness as well as funds.

So will he now run for Congress? “If the opportunity presents itself, I would be honoured to run for Congress or a statewide office. I will make greater contributions towards Literacy in all aspects, for all people. I will advocate for more, and better housing to help people and make life better. I am an activist and like to get things accomplished to better all mankind.”

Box: Chivukala was up against high odds, as his 17th District is comprised of 51 per cent Caucasian, 19 per cent African American, 16 per cent Hispanic, 12 per cent other, and only 2 per cent Indian American. Chivukala feels he cornered at least 35 per cent of the Caucasian and 85 per cent of the minority vote. This is an unbelievably extraordinary accomplishment for a minority candidate.