By: Shreya Aravindakshan
About two weeks into virtual learning, as I sat at my desk finishing up my work for the day, I went to check my email. Opening the new email, I read the bright lettered “Congratulations!” that now filled my screen. I was exhilarated; I was selected as NJLP Fellow! As excited as I was though, slowly uncertainty began to creep in. How would this work during a global pandemic? Would I even be able to receive a placement?
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a note of confusion and uncertainty into this summer’s plans, but thankfully, given the persistence of Amit Jani, Vinay Limbachia, and all the program coordinators, NJLP was still able to run. Still, I think I can speak for all of the 2020 fellows when I say that we were nervous to see just how drastically things were going to change. Anxiously, I waited for an email, saying that I had been assigned to an office. Since offices decided not to take interns this year with everything going on, when I learned that I would be interning at Assemblyman Raj Mukherji’s office this summer, I was extremely grateful and excited to hear this. There is not enough South Asian representation in government and politics. How amazing of an opportunity would it be for me to shadow a South Asian assemblyman?
Obviously, my internship would be quite different than past years. For one, my internship would be completely virtual. Though this was definitely disappointing, I have still learned so much and have been able to understand the inner workings of a government office. Through my time in this program, I have worked closely with Kenneth McPherson, Assemblyman Mukherji’s Chief of Staff. Each Monday, I eagerly await his email, assigning me my tasks for the week, knowing that is going to spiral me into new tunnels of knowledge and allow me to expand my horizons.
The day I received my first assignment, I was filled with enthusiasm. I would be researching the spread of COVID-19 in prisons and the effects it had on healthcare workers, inmates, and prison staff. As I compiled my list of questions for the hearing the next day, I was shocked by the uncomfortable truths I was reading. Prisons, not designed to socially distance their inmates, suffered huge numbers of cases and a lack of protective equipment. I read articles from a plethora of local and national newspapers, and though I was angered by the amount of incarcerated people that were not released to be with their families despite state governments saying they would be, I was grateful that I was able to educate myself and reduce my ignorance to this problem.
Another big modification to the program: a virtual Speakership Series. I really appreciated all of the speakers willing to take time to adapt to a virtual format and speak to us. This past Saturday, July 11th, we had four inspirational speakers. The first speaker was Shanti Narra, a freeholder for Middlesex County and an attorney and supervisor in the Criminal Defense Division of the Legal Aid Society. She spoke about her experience growing up in a nearly all white New Jersey; I couldn’t even imagine living in New Jersey with no temples, no Oak Tree Road, and no diversity. Emphasizing the importance of bringing the South Asian female position to the NJ Transit Board, Council on Affordable Housing, and the various other committees she served on, she supported our goals and encouraged us to continue pursuing government and politics.
Our second speaker was the long time U.S. Representative, Frank Pallone. We had a great lively discussion with him about a variety of topics – climate change, prescription drug costs, and the pandemic just to name a few. One of the most interesting debates we had was on the idea of an “imperialistic presidency” and its detriments. I personally found it fascinating to hear all of the differing views of the fellows, as the Federalist Papers, Habeus Corpus, and the current presidency were all mentioned. Representative Pallone heard our thoughts and spoke with us openly, sharing his candid opinions with us as if we were peers.
Following this, Amol Sinha spoke to us. He is the Executive Director of the ACLU-NJ and provided a great perspective on the plight of the incarcerated persons in New Jersey, unable to be with their families during these troubled times, to access soap, hand sanitizer, or protective equipment, and to socially distance. As this was a topic I had researched for my internship, I was really interested in how the ACLU is supporting these people. He also explained what exactly defunding the police entails, as we discussed the current protests against police brutality. His fresh perspective enlightened me and educated me in so many different ways.
Our final speaker for the day was Sangeeta Doshi, a township councilwoman in Cherry Hill. She allowed us to ask so many different questions, from her experiences as a South Asian woman in politics to her opinions on current events. One of the greatest topics that she discussed with us was the anti-blackness in the South Asian community. Mentioning that the best thing our generation can do is to read and educate ourselves, she made us feel empowered to change the biases of the elders in our community who still hold these antiquated views.
My experience in the New Jersey Leadership Program has been nothing short of inspiring, educational, and empowering. It has opened my eyes to not only how many people are needed to run our local township governments, but also to how my voice can be heard and how I can affect change. Whether it be on climate change, anti-blackness, or police brutality, I ended my week feeling ready to take on the world by learning more and speaking out. As Freeholder Narra said, “Never say no to an opportunity.” This opportunity has allowed me to broaden my outlook and strengthen my voice, and I will always be thankful.