The group worked quietly but effectively behind the scenes to garner support for the passage of the legislation, overwhelmingly in both the House and Senate, then once again to bring the legislation to a vote during a lame-duck session when all the pundits believed it would never happen. Before last year was out, it went to the President's desk for his signature.
The concerted effort of the community, which for the first time came together as it never had before, also revealed that it could, more than anything else, put not just partisanship aside, but leave egos and other hang-ups at the doorstep and work for the greater cause. And the man who spearheaded this community movement with his indefatigable activism and energy was Swadesh Chatterjee.
When asked what makes him click, Swadesh Chatterjee is firm in his belief. "It is only Indian Americans who can clearly see the common ground that exists between our two democracies, because we live it every day. It is imperative that we make sure our two beloved nations avoid any misunderstandings or misperceptions -- and even if they do, be able to withstand such situations -- and instead stay focused on the larger picture of where we can go together."
Image: Chatterjee with then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, left, and Republican Senator Jesse Helms
Photograph: Kiran Jagga
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