Miami, Florida January 4, 2002: The Association of Indians in America (AIA), the oldest Indian Organization in the USA honored its own member Mr. Upendra Chivukula who serves on AIA's National Executive Committee. Mr. Chivukula was elected in November 2001 to the New Jersey Assembly. He is the first India born who has been elected to a State Assembly. Late Dalip Singh Saund was the First India born Congressman. Minnesota State Senator Satveer Choudhary and Maryland State Delegate (Assemblyman) Kumar Barve were born in the USA.

The reception for Upendra was held at the home of AIA National President Dr. Piyush C. Agrawal in Weston, Florida. It was attended by activists from various Communities including African Americans; Hispanics from Mexico, Cuba, and South American Countries; Asian Americans from various countries; local and state politicians and Congressional Staff Members along with members of AIA. Many of the attendees were from the group that participated in Upendra's Fund-Raising held in September in Florida.

AIA has been working with Mr. Chivukula since 1993 and has been nurturing a community relationship and a support system to help Upendra to win a seat in the New Jersey State Assembly. Dr. Manoranjan Dutta, one of the Founders of AIA and Mrs. Kanak Dutta, New Jersey State Democratic Party Committeewoman took particular interest in Upendra's rise in the Democratic Party.

One of the activities AIA is engaged as part of its Center for Responsible Citizenship is to "educate and encourage the Community to actively participate in the political process by joining party of their choice and play an active role in the party politics," said Dr. Shanti Agarwal, National Vice President of AIA. He further noted that under the aegis of The Center Developmental Leadership, "AIA makes targeted efforts in developing leadership skills and facilitates entry of our people at various levels: professional, political & social."

Upendra thanked AIA and its leadership for their support in his bid to various offices since 1993 including Township Councilman, Town Mayor and now the New Jersey State Legislator.

For more information, contact Dr. Piyush C. Agrawal at the numbers/address given below.