The tiny Schneider Drug store on University Avenue SE. in Minneapolis probably doesn't look much different from when Tom Sengupta bought it in 1972. It feels more like a small-town pharmacy or a dime store than one of those corporate chains, where each aisle is filled with the predictable.

Sengupta has stocked the place with incongruous items seemingly from another era. Cold remedies share space with tin windup toys, American Indian dolls and lacquered tea plates. There is a stand of books about politics and inspiring leaders such as Rosalie Wahl, first woman on the Minnesota Supreme Court, and a few CDs that include Neil Young's "Living With War."

Then there are the signs: Progressive slogans and quotes crowd out the advertisements for medicines in the store's front window. A large banner above the area where Sengupta fills prescriptions is from former Sen. Paul Wellstone: "Politics is about the improvement of people's lives," it says.

Back in the corner, just under some Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers stickers and handbags with pictures of Marilyn Monroe on them, is a representation of something Sengupta has dreamed about for more than 20 years.

Encased in glass and covered with a plastic sheet is an architect-designed model of a monument to the common man. The model depicts a small chapel surrounded by plazas, where Sengupta hopes people will someday gather to discuss the issues of the day. There is a small library or reading room. Two walls in the center of the plaza will someday be covered with the names of people, both famous and unknown, who have made a difference in the world, fought for civil rights or stood up to power and corruption.

The memorial, which will be unveiled formally Thursday at the drugstore, was designed by sculptor Doug Freeman, whose statues can be seen around the Twin Cities and as far away as Tokyo. Thus far, the dream is made of wood and occupies the space the size of a card table. Sengupta doesn't have funding, nor a site, but he's hoping to draw the attention of a university or large institution.

Vince Tuss — Star Tribune file
Tom Sengupta in 2000.

"I am just going to see where it goes," Sengupta said in a quiet voice that still has a lilting cadence from his upbringing in India. "My hope is that some institution will take it up."

Sengupta moved to the United States in 1958. He recalls reading a book at the time about the Cold War and the Red Scare. He was especially moved by the story of one of the victims, actor Philip Loeb, who was blacklisted from television and killed himself.

"I kept thinking, 'What can I do to honor people who stand up to power and tyranny?' " Sengupta said.

"When society is under duress, people in power set the agenda," said Sengupta. "Common people need to question their premise."

Sengupta believes small groups of "regular" people can change the world, and to that end he has hosted monthly forums at his drugstore for more than two decades. Participants have regularly included professors, writers, politicians and radical thinkers. They have included such political leaders as former Minneapolis Mayor Arthur Naftalin, political scientist Charles Backstrom and historian Hy Berman, who has encouraged and assisted Sengupta's dream of a memorial.

"Early on, the gatherings were more about politics, but now we focus more on the issues of the day," said Sengupta.

As Sengupta talked about the memorial, longtime customers came in for prescriptions, advice, or just to chat with the amiable idealist. He knew most of their names when they walked in the door. After one woman asked about an allergic reaction, Sengupta gave her some medication and his phone number.

"Call me if you have any questions," he said.

Berman calls Sengupta "a legend in the neighborhood" and "the personification of Prospect Park," the area where the store is located.

Near the model of the memorial, photos of some of Sengupta's heroes cover a board, people such as Gandhi, Rev. Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. Sengupta also likes to quote Margaret Mead, who said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

The pharmacist philosopher has even set up a website (www.changingthenormofsociety.org) that expresses his goal: "A project honoring, and learning from, the power of ordinary folks to stand for justice, and change the norms of our society for the better. Because societal change is triggered by collective action, and we're counting on you."

Berman said the idea of a memorial park developed over many years, and many dinners at nearby Cafe Biaggio.

"I think it's a good project," said Berman. "It's in the very early stages and it's very ambitious. Like all ambitious things, it has a good chance of success and it has a good chance of failure, too."

The model will be unveiled as musicians play Aaron Copeland's "Fanfare for the Common Man" at the pharmacy Thursday.

Berman sees the memorial park as a place "where the heroic acts of common people, and what they did can be looked at, so that we can be inspired to see what we can do, and what we should do."

jtevlin@startribune.com • 612-673-1702

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