Chivukula Honored By Township Council, State Assembly

Deputy Mayor Kimberly Francois, left, reads a Township Council proclamation for Upendra Chivukula, right.

Former state Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula was the recipient of two proclamations at the Feb. 3 Township Council meeting.

Chivukula, who last year was appointed to the state Board of Public Utilities, was given a proclamation by the council and by the state Assembly.

Chivukula was a councilman for more than 8 years, first being elected in 1997. He served as mayor and deputy mayor during that time.

The first Indian-American elected to the state Legislature, Chivukula spent 13 years in the lower house.

“We brought you here today because we are so, so proud of you,” Deputy Mayor Kimberly Francois told Chivukula.

“He brought me into politics and served as a mentor to me and so many other people,” Francois said. “We’re proud of you and we love you.”

State Assemblyman Joe Danielsen reads and Assembly proclamation for Chivukula.

State Assemblyman Joe Danielsen (D-17) – who replaced Chivukula in the legislature – read a proclamation from that body honoring Chivukula.

Chivukula thanked the council for the proclamation, and said that he “never dreamed” he’d be entering politics when he emigrated from India to the United States in 1974.

A township resident since 1983, Chivukula said Franklin is “near and dear to my heart.”

“I feel that public service is the highest calling,” he said. “I cherish it every day of my life.”

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