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Musings

Incentive for ethnic youths to care for roots and nourish culture

By Dr. Sastry Putcha

To seek practical answers for my questions, I needed to tap into the political and public service experience of an ethnic Indian. I rightly found the most appropriate person in the Deputy Speaker of the General Assembly, New Jersey, Upendra Chivukula, who has accomplished a difficult-to-achieve-political success. My discussion with the Deputy Speaker comes in the later part of the column.
First let me introduce the subject.
The Miracle Grow fertilizer of excelling in scientific, technological and entrepreneurial fields enabled the first generation to establish firmly the roots of our culture and tradition in this country. The well nourished tree flourished for one generation. Now, as the older generation passes the baton to the rising youth, the fertilizer becomes antiquated and stale and won’t continue to replenish the soil with the essential nutrients. The roots and the tree may wither away unless the youth revamps the recipe drastically to survive in the changing environment.
So much for the euphemism. Here is the blunt truth. People of Indian origin can’t rely on their solo successes as in the past. If they think that by continuing (excelling in) what they have done will ensure their success and that it will be delivered on silver platter into their hands, they are seriously kidding themselves. Look at history. An ethnic group has to achieve political clout to augment its other abilities in order to muster enough shine to keep its cultural tree healthy for the long haul.
Dalip Singh Saund, that tenacious wise man of Indian descent,­­­ recognized that truth when against insurmountable odds, he trekked the thorny political path in this country and got elected to the US Congress five decades ago in 1956!
It took about three decades before any other savvy and street smart Indian to get feet wet in the political waters. The Indian Americans that have summoned up their en-durance prowess to pry open the forbidden doors to the corridors of power at present are Upendra Chivukula, Deputy Speaker of the General Assembly of New Jersey, State Legislators Kumar Barve of Maryland, Swati Dandekar of Iowa, Nimrata Randhawa of South Carolina, Satveer Choudhary of Minnesota, Saghir Tahir of New Hampshire, Jay Goyal of Ohio, Raj Goyle of Kansas, and Bobby Jindal, the Governor Louisiana.
But what drives them, despite the uneven odds, to keep exploring the unpredictable political landscape? Their burning desire is to secure progress of this country and also the recognition that it happens when the ethnics progress securely. For the ethnics to prosper, their culture has to continue to flourish. The prerequisite, for this goal to be achieved, is the necessary ingredient of political influence.
Such were my thoughts when I met the Deputy Speaker General Assembly, New Jersey at my personal-social event. That was my moment followed by an e-mail to catch up with his political sagacity.
SP: We can count on fingers the number of people of Indian origin entering the US politics. You are one of the earlier ones. Is there any single specific event or events that spurred you to enter the rough and tumble business, leaving the career of full-time electrical engineering?
UC: My move into politics was a gradual one because I started at the grassroots level to get the Indian American community involved in the process. I got started with the Indian American Forum for Political Education (IAFPE) raising issues concerning Indian American Community in New Jersey. When I was volunteering my service for IAFPE, one of my friends challenged me that working within the community is not real politics and that I should be involved in the mainstream America. That triggered my desire to go into mainstream politics.
SP: The duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Speaker of the General Assembly must be chipping away lot of your time. In addition to the chores, management of the Assembly and maintaining the rules must be testing your patience and resolve. In this context, what keeps you going day after day?
UC: Public service has been providing the greatest satisfaction in my life. When I work hard to make a difference in someone’s life and sometimes, being the voice for those who do not have a voice, provides me the gratification. I keep getting recharged when I solve someone’s problem(s).
SP: I understand that members of the State Assemblies and Parliament in India indulge, not infrequently, in disorderly and even unruly conduct sometimes border on juvenility. We don’t see such gross indiscipline in this country. Are these differences a reflection of the maturity of the oldest and immaturity of the largest democracies?
UC: We have rules in the legislature just like the legislatures have in India. One thing binding us together as elected officials is the responsibility to govern. The rough and tough politics are over after the election campaigns and governance begins. Governance requires respect for oneself while serving others. In addition, civil behavior is not only expected from the people who elect us, but also from our leadership and peers.
SP: As the chair of the Telecommunications and Utilities Committee and as a member of the Commerce and Economic Development, you have been in a very important and powerful role to influence the development of the State of New Jersey. You have sponsored or co-sponsored many bills and each of the bills, is of paramount importance. However, are there any specific bills that caused you more sense of elation and inner happiness with sense of accomplishment than others?
UC: Some of the bills from which I derived greater satisfaction are those affecting disadvantaged — physically and mentally. I am also excited about bills to advance economic development, thereby, creating job opportunities as well as those addressing larger issues, such as energy and environment.
SP: As a follow-up to the above question, are some bills relatively easier than others to develop and get passed? Are some more gutting wrenching?
UC: Often, bills that are more symbolic or bills that require small tweaking of the existing law are relatively easier to advance. Legislations that bring substantive changes to the existing laws or those bring about extensive changes to current policies, or those which require appropriations are more difficult.
SP: With India emerging as a global player of technology, is New Jersey State, under your leadership, taking any initiatives for trade and other partnerships?
UC: I had worked with the Governor in planning for a trip to India two years ago. Unfortunately, the trip never materialized. But, New Jersey State is actively pursuing opportunities in the life sciences area with our stem cell research initiatives in partnership with Rutgers University. We have several pharmaceutical companies that have ownership by Indian Americans and also have close ties with India.
SP: Since politics/public service is not a well paying profession, why should the young professionals opt for this field?
UC: Politics/public service is not for everyone because it does not monetarily attractive. But, in public service, there are other aspects which have no price tag attached. The respect and recognition, extensive network, and future potential for making money after one leaves the public office, do exist.
SP: Since public policies can only be accomplished through entrance in politics, young generations would like to know if politicking leaves any time for the leaders to do public service.
UC: I can speak for myself on this issue. During non-election year, I spend 70 percent of my time in constituent work, 30 percent on public policy. But, during election year, it varies. When you are doing constituent work, you are also doing public service. Time management is critical aspect of holding an elected office.
SP: Minorities like people of Jewish origin have played a vital role and continue to do so in the national politics. Do you feel confident that the Indian youth may emulate their example especially after seeing and learning from your experience and the few others of Indian origin?
UC: We have to guide young people to follow the Jewish example of continuing to care for their roots. That process should be an ongoing one because it is essential for our culture and traditions to continue in this country. One thing of great importance is that of giving to the Indian causes just like the Jewish people give for Jewish causes and Israel.
SP: Specifically have you any suggestions to the second and third generations in regard to entering politics?
UC: First, understand that political process is a long term effort. Sometimes, results may not come quickly. Second, do not take short cuts because you are better off in the long run for doing so. Finally, ensure that balance in all aspects of your life exists.

Dr. Sastry Putcha, who writes his musings, is working as an engineer with Florida Department of Transportation and lives in Tallahassee, Florida. Immigrated to the USA, 32 years ago, he did his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from IIT Madras and Ph.D. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from North Carolina State University