Upendra J Chivukula, the first-generation Indian-American elected to the New Jersey legislature in the United States, was felicitated by an estimated 500 Indians and other South Asians at a function held on March 1.
This is the fourth time in a row that Chivukula is getting elected to the state assembly.
Among those present were Senator Frank Lautenberg, Congressman Frank Pallone and state Senator Bob Smith.
The occasion was also a fundraiser for the Democratic Party to which Chivukula belongs. About $50,000 were collected at the fundraiser whose venue was Royal Albert's Palace function hall in Fords Township.
Chivukula, an Andhra Pradesh native, was elected from the 17th District of Somerset in New Jersey in the November (2007) elections. The state legislature term is for two years.
Chivukula, a resident of Franklin Township, was first elected to his current position in 2001. He is currently the only South Asian American in the New Jersey state assembly.
"I am grateful for and humbled by the growing support of my community," Chivukula said, adding, "It also is an indication of the increasing awareness and engagement of the community in the political mainstream."
He further said that he was delighted at the growing empowerment of South Asian Americans in all aspects of American life --
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