(Image source from: The World Sikh News)

New Jersey:
Ravinder Singh Bhalla, 44, the first ever sikh and 39th mayor of New Jersey, is looking forth to educate public about the Indian and South Asian community and the rights of all Americans under the Constitution.

Bhalla became the mayor of the city of Hokoben after victory in the election in the month of November. Being elected as a mayor, Bhalla served as a member of Hoboken City Council for eight years.

Bhalla said his obligation as an American is to protect the rights that have under the constitution, by educating the public about who he is and who the South Asian and Indian community is.

“I didn’t run as the Sikh candidate but the candidate who happened to be a Sikh. Being in that role and just doing a good job has some implicit or side benefits that I think will educate the American Public as more South Asian candidates get out there,” Bhalla said on the duality of the electoral success achieved by him and growing number of hate crimes against South Asians.

There was a “whispering campaign” that he is “unelectable” in Hoboken but he stayed focused on doing his work by knocking every single door, in a rough summer by not taking a day off from June 20 to November 7 resulting in winning the elections.

On asking about any kind of resistance or racism faced during his election campaign, he replied saying, “I would not describe it as racism, but people would say that the turban and beard would not go unnoticed, though it wasn’t a compliment.”

He also stressed that it is not enough for South Asian community to just donate for election campaign and political events, but it also necessary to vote if not, then they are not going to be taken seriously by elected officials.

By Sowmya Sangam