SATYAGRAH SOULS is a monthly column highlighting the community involvement and success of role-model Indian Americans, providing an inspiration for each of us to strive for similar uplifting purposes, while giving back to our local community. Indian Americans are going through a transitional evolution while getting entrenched in a new world, exerting zealous work ethics, supporting the American economy as entrepreneurs, high tech geeks, doctors, lawyers and more. We are definitely imposing the positive intentions and good citizen values upon this fantastic country.

But can our involvement run a bit deeper with issues near and dear to our hearts, within our local city with the local public school that our child attends? Do you sometimes hear your conscience asking you, “Am I doing enough?” with a pinch of guilt? Yes we can get involved a bit more, push our comfort zone and enhance the learning and involvement. Our involvement can simply start with developing a healthy curiosity in our local community, instead of being ‘busy’ bystanders. Once we get involved, we will quickly discover how easy it is for us to make change happen and how receptive everyone around is to leverage our skills for the good. More importantly, how freeing and energizing the experience is; personally rewarding and transformative at the same time. There are many who have made their mark in doing just that. With this monthly series, we want to highlight these SatyAgrah souls who are showing us the path. Here is a satyaGrah soul, who has found her calling:

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Savita Vaidhyanathan is currently the Vice Mayor of the City of  Cupertino. She was elected to the Cupertino City Council in 2014 – the first Indo-American to be elected to that office. Previously she served as President of the Rotary Club of Cupertino – a very active, diverse club of over 200 members. Savita has also served on the Board of West Valley Community Services and is a Member of the De Anza College commission. Savita is an avid organizer of community events and has served as Chair of the Cupertino Rotary Global Elegance, as Co-Chair of Cupertino Diwali, as Co-Chair of Cupertino Fall Festival and a key contributor to the Lunar Day Parade. She was presented the Silicon Valley Community Leader award by DECA.

Prior to her services in the community and in non-profits, she worked as a high school math teacher, an industrial credit officer in a bank and at a center to develop women entrepreneurs.
Savita holds a B.A. Math (Hons) degree from St. Stephens College, Delhi; a B.Ed. from Lucknow University and an MBA from San Jose State University.

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Savita: Don’t let naysayers  hold you back

Congratulations on the recent Vice  Mayorship on the Cupertino City  Council. What was going through your mind as your were sworn in on December 1st – to be a trail blazer Indian American, and a woman and getting the recognition?

Thank you very much!
It was a surreal moment being sworn in as Vice Mayor of Cupertino by Jeff Rosen, the District Attorney of Santa Clara County. I felt very honored and humbled by the faith of the Cupertino citizens who first elected me to the City Council and now the trust of my fellow Council Members who voted me to this position.

While I was being sworn in, I was only conscious of the weight of the office that I was entering and the supportive presence of my family, friends and well-wishers watching the event locally and live streaming. Being the first Indo American to have this role just speaks to the maturing of the Indo American community in Cupertino.

As immigrants, each community seeks to first establish itself and then turn around and offer community and public service to the place we now call home.

You have been a Cupertino resident for 20+ years and have seen Cupertino evolve into a heavy Asian community with ~16,000 Chinese Americans and ~13,000 Indian Americans out of the ~60,000. Was race much of an issue when you ran? How did you deal with it?

The Cupertino community puts capability before color and reliability before race – that’s why I believe they voted me in as a Council member last year.

It certainly was a matter of pride for the Indo-Americans to see one of their own kind running for office. I believe that contributed to more of them exercising their right to vote. In the meet-and-greet events, everyone – including Indo-Americans – was keen to talk about policies and key issues.

I did not feel that I was automatically going to get a vote or be denied a vote based on ethnicity. Race has perhaps played a part in being seen as more approachable. More Indo-Americans, especially the youth, have connected with me to discuss general issues about the city or specific issues they face.

The wonderful part of having this position is when I get to explain city politics and the role of a city council member to our Indo American residents; many did not grow up within this system and carry impressions and experiences from the homeland about local politics there.

What was the city council campaign experience like? We had Ro Khanna running for Congress and had his campaign team focus heavily upon Cupertino as the focus for his run. Did the collaboration with Ro help? How important is it for Indian Americans to be united for a common purpose, channeling their energy for the success of our community?

Like a rising tide that lifts all boats, the Ro Khanna campaign had an impact on all local races. More people were having conversations about the elections and more people participated in the elections – even though it was a non-Presidential year. I came into the race pretty late in the campaign season.

We had a limited campaign fund and a small home-based campaign committee, headed by my husband and supported by several friends. So, getting advice and tips from Ro and his team definitely helped. But, while running a city council campaign, it was important for me to distinguish myself from a congressional race that has national import, and keep the focus on local issues.

Despite wearing a “Vote for Savita” t-shirt while walking precincts, I had a tough time getting the attention of voters and explaining that I was running as a candidate myself and was not one of Ro’s volunteers. The youth volunteers that helped me during the campaign also faced similar questions. But we transformed every such challenge into an opportunity to clarify the difference in national and local elections.

You were the President of the Cupertino Rotary. How did you end up at such a great spot and did it help towards your political success for your city council run?

I go by these verses from the Gita “karmany evadhikaras te ma phalesu kadacana” You have the right to perform only your due actions, but never be entitled to the fruits thereof. “ma karma-phala-hetur bhur ma te sango ‘stv akarmani.” Never consider yourself to be the cause of the fruits of your actions. But let that not lead you to be attached to not doing your duty.

I have been volunteering in and around my city for several years and have been part of several non-profit organizations. When I got involved, I did so because I had the opportunity to make a difference and did not see each of those as progression towards a larger goal.

The Rotary Club of Cupertino is an amazing group of individuals who put their heart and soul in all that they do and follow the motto “Service above Self.” I consider it a blessing to be part of this Club and the Rotary family.

It was an honor to be nominated President of this prestigious club. Again, being the first Indo American woman to hold this position across several hundred clubs in Northern California speaks to the prescience of Cupertino Rotary to identify and nurture people across all ethnicities and gender. It was an important milestone, but totally a team effort.

I learnt a lot during my year as President of this large, diverse, and active club. My club members acknowledged my year of service as President and encouraged me to run for the post of city council. Their backing in conjunction with the support of leaders from several local organizations was instrumental in my winning the election.

Who are your role models that you seek to emulate as a community leader in Cupertino, beliefs that you hold true as a guiding force for your operating principles?

I constantly learn from others and continue to shape myself. There are many individuals globally and in our own community who have influenced me. Some of these individuals are not necessarily in political office, but have demonstrated life lessons that are valuable in any endeavor. I refrain from naming them for the sheer apprehension of missing someone! I can only wish to emulate them and strive to be the best version of myself. Some of the key quotes that influenced me include:

“Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” – Maya Angelou

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny” – Margaret Thatcher

What are some key traits that you identify in a great leader? What are you doing to seed new leadership in your community?

Leadership is about bringing together a set of people such that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

They aim to achieve something more through collective effort than by what each could do individually. Based on my experience, I think it very important for a leader to first know your own strengths and limits. Then you need to be willing to add people to your team that complement your strength. You should not be afraid of failure. Instead be willing to learn from each experience and do your very best the next time.

I realize that I started on this path by first getting involved. Now I take every opportunity to encourage others to do the same. Once involved, people will find their unique way to lead.

I attend several youth forums and take meetings with youth and seniors that have a lot to offer. The youth need a little help and direction and the seniors need an ear. I am happy to see more people becoming interested in Rotary, the city commissions and the working of the City Council itself.

What advice would you offer to steer Indian Americans to political success in America, and more importantly for that little girl who watches you on the city council meeting, finding in you a role model, herself dreaming of running for higher office some day.

My sincere advice to our youth, especially girls, is very simple: Take a little time to find your passion. Make that your one and only goal. Let that lead your actions and you will find success and happiness. Do not let naysayers hold you back from achieving your potential.

Service to the community has to be the primary goal for anyone who chooses to enter politics. As a political leader, you have to look beyond serving one single sub-group defined by of race, gender, religion, or even special interest.

You are elected to serve the community as a whole. Separated by race, religion, or gender we will be weak and dysfunctional. Standing together as a cohesive community, we will be united, strong, and successful.

Indian Americans in the US need to come together and collaborate on a number of issues. We are a very successful minority group in this country and we should parlay that for the betterment of our local communities. Just as we come together to help non-profit organizations in India, we must make more investments in local endeavors.

It will be good to see more local art houses, hospitals, educational buildings and homeless shelters funded and supported by successful Indo Americans. We were welcomed into this country and given an opportunity to be successful. We owe it to ourselves and our future generations to make sure everyone in our local communities gets the same opportunity to excel in their own dreams. Successful communities make a nation strong.

Savita thank you! We wish you the best for all future endeavors.

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Dear Readers
Do you have a story to share? We invite you to introduce us to folks in your community who are making a difference – we would love to profile them. Are there similar stories you are familiar with locally. The ones who helped address a simple issue in the community to make life a bit better. Perhaps someone you know decided to make a run for school board, was appointed to the planning commission. Provide us your insights on Indian Americans locally and nationally who are making things happen. These perspectives will help construct roadmaps for our community to empower ourselves, to hopefully ignite a desire in all of us to represent our local communities as doers, leaders, establish and entrench ourselves in this glorious country of America and help make it a better place
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ABOUT RISHI: Rishi is Silicon Valley’s community worker seeking to make a difference in his local community. As an elected city councilmember in Saratoga, CA he continues to follow his passion for community service. As city councilmember Rishi seeks to provide services to the citizens of Saratoga cheaper, faster and better; community outreach and engagement is a focus for him on the council. As Saratoga’s community organizer, Rishi is host of many community events in Saratoga, many of which are free and always inclusive usually addressing a need or a cause.
Rishi’s day job is as a Silicon Valley hi-tech executive but his zeal for community service effervescent. Rishi is also the President of the Bay Area Indian American Democratic Club (www.baiadc.org) whose charter is to further the interests and values of Indian Americans, work towards political empowerment and advance ethical standards in the political system. You can reach him via his website www.RishiKumar.com.