Interviewer :Arjun Pradhan
Former refugee, peace activist, and doctoral student at Saybrook University, Suraj Budathoki, has become the first Bhutanese-American State Representative elected to U.S. political office. His victory is not only the culmination of his 16-year struggle and perseverance but also marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Bhutanese-American community. In his victory speech, Suraj stated, “This win is not just the result of three months of campaigning; it is the outcome of 16 years of dedication and struggle.”
At a time when democratic elections in the United States have captured global attention, an extraordinary and historic story has emerged. This is the story of Suraj Budathoki, a Bhutanese-American who made history by winning the State Representative seat from District 40 in New Hampshire.
Suraj Budathoki’s life journey is truly remarkable. From being exiled from Bhutan, living as a refugee in Nepal, and eventually resettling in the United States, he has remained tireless in advocating for his community.
Since the resettlement of Bhutanese refugees to the United States in 2008, their population has grown to over 100,000. For the first time, members of this community have seen their representation in America’s political structure, making this event historic.
Before entering politics, Suraj was actively involved in various social campaigns. He served as the Deputy Political Director for Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign in New Hampshire. Additionally, he co-founded the Peace Initiative Bhutan (PIB), an organization promoting dialogue and understanding between Bhutan and the Bhutanese diaspora.
Under Suraj’s leadership, PIB led delegations to Washington, D.C., to inform the U.S. Congress about the challenges faced by Bhutanese refugees. The organization also advocated for Bhutan to acknowledge the mass eviction of thousands of Bhutanese in the 1990s and to take steps toward resolution. Their efforts contributed to the introduction of Senate Resolution 108 and House Resolution 228, aimed at addressing the issue.
Suraj’s victory has sparked immense enthusiasm within the Bhutanese-American community. Social media platforms have been flooded with congratulatory messages, expressions of pride, and discussions about the significance of his achievement. His win is not just a personal milestone but also a symbol of the identity, struggle, and potential of the entire Bhutanese-American community.
This victory has raised hopes of addressing many issues faced by the Bhutanese-American community, including mental health challenges, psychological trauma, and a crisis of cultural identity. It is expected that Suraj’s leadership will bring these concerns to the forefront at the national level.
Moreover, the involvement of the Bhutanese-American community in U.S. politics strengthens the prospects of future diplomatic relations with Bhutan. Reconnecting with relatives in Bhutan, reestablishing cultural ties, and uncovering shared roots could become a reality. Suraj has already advocated for facilitating communication and reunions with family members detained in Bhutan.
The 2024 U.S. elections have become a landmark moment for the Bhutanese-American community. Suraj Budathoki’s victory is not merely a political triumph but a story of struggle, hope, and new possibilities. His achievement represents a significant step toward a more inclusive and representative America.
How was your childhood and experience of exile from Bhutan?
For everyone, childhood is a precious time when one feels the touch of their homeland and the early shaping of their dreams. However, that connection with the soil was taken away in my childhood. The pain and humiliation of being a refugee was an uncalled-for journey in which I not only lost my home but also threw my future and identity into disarray. This journey, however, also became a path of learning, where I understood the value of resilience and humanity.
How was your journey as a refugee in Nepal and later resettlement in the U.S.?
My life as a refugee is a journey that started from nothing. And you know nothing or zero is so powerful. Of course, my dreams felt limited, and opportunities were finite. But the strength of the soul knows no bounds. In Nepal, I learned lessons of endurance even in extreme limitations. When I came to the U.S., the journey turned into a dawn of rebuilding, “learning, unlearning, and relearning” for my personal development. I used freedom and discovered a world of possibilities after my resettlement.
What was your experience on your first day in America, and how did it define your life?
The first day in America felt like a new morning, where fear and excitement coexisted in my mind. My mind was consumed with the fear of breaking any law and its consequences. Every moment of that day taught me one thing—life offers opportunities, but the meaning of those opportunities depends on your determination. I know and still believe that every incident you encounter is there to teach you a lesson. And every person from the same incident learns a different lesson.
What were the main reasons that inspired you to enter politics?
Firstly, my inspiration came from the pain and struggles of my family and community. Secondly, pursuing justice and equality and entering politics came after reading many books, mainly Bapuji’s work on nonviolence, and watching a movie about him. I am also greatly influenced by The Moral and Political Thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi by Raghavan Iyer. The Moral Imagination by John Paul Lederach taught me that transformative moments occur when people take risks, whether by reaching out to their adversaries or opening themselves to dialogue and reconciliation. My desire to heal myself and society’s wounds and be the voice of the marginalized set me on this journey.
How did you strategize to bring your community’s issues to the national level?
Peace Initiative Bhutan has been instrumental in elevating our community’s issues to a national platform. We’ve gained visibility through our meeting with the White House and the U.S. Department of State and introducing a resolution in U.S. Congress. This effort united individuals from various states in this mission. While we’ve made strides, our journey toward peace building and reconciliation with Bhutan continues. Many Bhutanese youths share our vision of finding amicable solutions that do not harm or defeat others. We do not see this issue as a zero-sum game. Our collective focus is uniting our voices and crafting a shared vision for the future, where everyone feels they are heard. Reflecting on our past is essential, but progress lies in strengthening our present and planning for the future.
How did you decide to run for office in New Hampshire, and what were the challenges?
After serving as the Deputy Political Director for Bernie Sanders’s presidential campaign in New Hampshire, I seriously considered running for office. That experience taught me important lessons about community service, speaking up for what you believe in, and standing up for what you believe in. This job has helped me connect me with countless individuals whose stories deeply impacted my perspective. These encounters fueled my passion for public service.
When the opportunity to run for office came in 2024, I seized it without hesitation. I faced a few challenges, but working closely with other candidates and conducting a coordinated campaign was the best decision. This collaboration allowed us to share responsibilities, such as voter outreach and other critical efforts, making the campaign process efficient and impactful.
What is your main objective in bringing the Bhutanese-American community into national politics?
I want my community members to speak up and fight for their rights instead of staying on the fence and complaining. Do you want to be a complainer or a changemaker? Assert your power and reclaim your space. No one will come and give you space. If you need it, you need to fight for it. I did that. My call to my community members is to stand up to secure your rights, opportunities, and representation at every level. When you do this, you will learn to build a like-minded network, which is how we bring our issues to national politics.
What are your plans to address issues like mental health, cultural identity, and other challenges faced by the community?
Without mincing my words, my role as NH House of Representatives is to make laws in my state to solve some of the existing problems of the granite a staters. And my jurisdiction is my state. As a representative, I can advocate for adequate funding for mental health programs, create a safer environment for practicing and preserving our cultural heritage, and raise my voice for a safer community, proper funding of our public schools, and affordable housing for my state. At the same time, I can continue to leverage my voice for peacebuilding and reconciliation with Bhutan through dialogue by bridging the existing gap between the government of Bhutan and us in the diaspora.
You have been advocating for diplomatic initiatives for the Bhutanese-American diaspora. Can you shed more light on this?
The Peace Initiative Bhutan team is clear on our mission and approach to addressing our differences with the government of Bhutan. We avoid a confrontational approach but utilize all the available diplomatic and soft power. We create a mutually respected environment where we can openly listen to the other side and share our side, too. Peace Initiative Bhutan has many significant national events this year, and we look forward to collaborating with other interested partners who align with our approach. My initiative focuses on presenting the Bhutanese refugee issue on international platforms and exploring possibilities for truth, justice, and reconciliation.
What will be your first priority during your term?
I will be looking for areas where I can lower the property tax burden, provide adequate funding to our public schools, create affordable child care, help solve the housing crisis, and build safer communities and opportunities to grow in New Hampshire.
What are your long-term plans to further empower the Bhutanese community in America?
I cannot do it alone, but we can do it together. We must provide leadership training to our younger generation interested in politics, international relations, and social change. These trained leaders will help anyone running for public office organize phone banking, door knocking, fundraising, and campaign work. We can take them to Washington, D.C., and arrange meetings with the White House, US Congress, and other relevant departments. By doing so, we are creating next-generation leaders who can advocate for our community.
What message do you want to give to encourage other communities to seek representation?
Dream big and stay focused on achieving your goals. Don’t hesitate to turn your voice into a source of power. Remember, no one will advocate for you like you can. You are your own voice, and no one understands your journey better than you. I waited for years before standing up for myself and my family, and that decision changed my life. Be your own champion.
How has this 16-year journey been, and what major challenges have you faced along the way?
This journey has been a blend of challenges and hope. Each struggle made me stronger, and every success deepened my sense of responsibility. My biggest hurdles were self-doubt and the opinions of others. But my confidence grew when I realized I had nothing to lose, and the self-doubt faded. By tuning out the noise and focusing on my own path, I finally found myself
What is your main source of inspiration that keeps you moving forward?
As I said above, my source of inspiration is my family’s and community’s struggles. When I lost hope, I read books like Hope in the Dark by Rebecca Solnit. I love reading books. I am deeply inspired by the work of Reverent MLK, Bapuji, Archbishop Tutu, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Their work and life not only inspire me but keep me moving.
How do you want to use your success as an example for the youth in your community?
To me, success is an abstract concept—it’s neither absolute nor universal. There’s no definitive line between success and failure, as both are deeply personal and subjective. Everyone is successful in their own unique way, shaped by their goals, values, and circumstances. I don’t want others to look at me and see a “successful man” while feeling like they’ve fallen short. That kind of comparison only diminishes our journeys.
Instead, I believe success is a reflection of our commitment and effort. We achieve in proportion to how much we invest—our time, energy, and heart. It’s not about external recognition or material milestones; it’s about growth, resilience, and staying true to our purpose. Real success is not measured by accolades or outcomes but by the fulfillment we find in pursuing what truly matters to us. If my community ever recognizes me, I hope it’s for this perspective, not for any notion of perceived success.
What is your message to the Bhutanese diaspora?
Keep exploring your potential because each of us has specific God-given unbound potential. We really need to work hard to recognize that potential. At the same time, do not forget our roots, who we are, and where we came from. And two cent suggestion, read books.
What do you want to say to those who vote for and support you?
Your support has made my journey possible. I will always honor your trust and confidence in me.
How do you plan to encourage other immigrant communities for the upcoming election?
Seek opportunities, gather the courage to empower your voice, and expand your influence in society.
