Our pathfinders shape who we are as Americans. Through their selfless deeds, they often risk everything to advance the values we hold dear as Americans. I am honored to tell the story of an Asian American pathfinder I've known for many years. You may not find him in history books, or making headlines. In fact, you'll most likely find him at the lake, helping his son catch that perfect evening walleye for dinner. Yet for the Asian American community, he held the key to unlocking the recipe for political success at a time when little was to be had. He is, of course, Senator Satveer Chaudhary.
(Photo Courtesy Minnesota State Senate)
It was little over 20 years ago, I was sitting at a table in a local pub in Minneapolis, Minnesota with him, drinking a beer. He had just graduated from law school, and we were enjoying an evening together before I headed back to the Air Force base in California where I was serving. "I have something to tell you," Satveer said in a serious voice.
"I'm going to run for office," he announced.
"Say what?" I replied.
"I'm going to run for a seat in the Minnesota State House of Representatives."
Shocked, I proceeded to give Satveer what I thought was solid brotherly advice, "Are you crazy? Do you realize you live in Minnesota and your last name is Chaudhary? Maybe you should do this where there is a larger Asian American population?"
Satveer answered with conviction, "Yes, I realize that there is a small Asian American population in Minnesota, and no, I don't think I need to go anywhere. I really believe in the people our community. You know, this is our hometown. We've never really been treated as outsiders, so why should I consider myself one?"
My brother went on to explain how the South Asian community could move forward.
"We need to be more active within our communities at the grassroots level. In fact, I have great faith in my state. In the end, I believe that in my hometown, more than anywhere else, I will be judged on my character, and not by the color of my skin. Yep, I'm running for office in my hometown of Fridley, Minnesota. A Chaudhary can do just fine here, because of the goodness of our community."
Today, dozens of Asian Americans seeking political office have succeeded in opening the door that Satveer unlocked, all through two simple rules: remember where you come from, and work the problems of your fellow citizens.
That's all.
(1996 Minnesota State House of Representatives Election Flyer)
Ultimately, my older brother proved me wrong, and I never doubted him again -- that's what pathfinders do. Serving multiple terms in both the Minnesota State House and Senate, Satveer became the first Indian American State Senator in U.S. history and the youngest Senator in Minnesota history. Ultimately, he was also named as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Non-Resident Indians of all time.
Satveer Chaudhary is a true pathfinder.
You see, pathfinders never play in the artificial sandbox society creates for them. They are seekers, yet their vision often reaches beyond what the naked eye can see. Most importantly, they have the audacity to act. When all others stay seated, pathfinders stand up and defy the odds. In short, pathfinders give us courage by showing us how to kick the door open and succeed.
(Courtesy Minnesota State Senate)
Unfortunately, pathfinders also open these doors at great personal sacrifice for both themselves and their families -- and Satveer was no exception. On one particular occasion, Senator Chaudhary wore a bold Nehru Jacket, reflective of his South Asian heritage, on the Senate floor. The act drew ire from members of the Minnesota State Senate, and one member even called for his removal from the chamber for not wearing a tie.
Throughout his career of service, Satveer also endured many racial indignities and even death threats. During one of his re-election bids, upon soundly defeating his political opponent, he did not receive a concession message. Rather, he received a condescending note stating, "The race of your life is more important than this one -- and it is my sincere wish that you'll get to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior." Worst of all, after challenging a measure to ban same-sex marriage, Senator Chaudhary received a mailing containing a picture of himself with a bullet hole through his forehead. Many serve our nation honorably, but our pathfinders are different. They somehow see beyond the horizon and give of themselves for a greater purpose, even if could put them in harm's way.
Years later, if you ask Satveer Chaudhary if it is worth it to be a pathfinder, he'll smile and say in his Minnesota accent, "You Betcha. I seek and thirst to grow with the new, and that includes successes as well as the failures. I'm certainly not heroic because sometimes the road can hurt."
For pathfinders like Satveer, the most gratifying part lies in the future of our nation rather than the past. Because, over a thousand miles away from his Minnesota home, a young Indian American named Jay Chaudhari became first Asian American State Senator in North Carolina history -- and another pathfinder is born.
Ravi Chaudhary is a retired Air Force Officer. He is the younger brother of Senator Satveer Chaudhary.