After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, and Corporate Chartered Secretary, I worked for seven years with CALTEX in Mumbai. Believing that the future nationalization of foreign oil companies in India could limit career opportunities, I decided to pursue my long-standing dream of higher education in America.
In 1971, with the support and recommendation of my manager, I was transferred by CALTEX to its New York headquarters, with my family’s relocation sponsored by the company. Arriving in America was both exciting and humbling. At a time when very few Indians lived in New York, my family and I were welcomed warmly by American colleagues and neighbors. Their kindness, mentorship, and inclusiveness helped us adapt to a new culture and build a fulfilling life in our adopted homeland.
Over the past 55 years, America has provided extraordinary opportunities for personal growth and professional advancement. Here, I fulfilled my educational aspirations by earning an MBA, CPA, Juris Doctor (JD) from Fordham University, and Master of Laws (LLM) from New York University. I was admitted to the Bars of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. For nearly three decades, I have served as a Moot Court Judge at NYU Law School, helping students develop advocacy and legal skills.
Following my retirement from the Caltex/Texaco/Chevron group in 2002, I devoted my time to community service. As Past President and Paramarshak of the Indo-American Senior Citizen Center of New York, I had the privilege of leading the organization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through more than 250 virtual programs featuring experts from the US, UK, and India, we helped seniors remain informed, engaged, and connected during a period of unprecedented isolation. The success of these initiatives led to a feature interview on ABC Channel 7 News.
I currently serve as President of India Home and the Rotary Club of North Shore, New York. I also hold leadership roles with FISANA, GOPIO International, GOPIO Manhattan, FOGAUSA, and NIAASC, while actively supporting several spiritual and cultural organizations.
In recognition of my lifelong commitment to public service, I have received numerous honors, including a Congressional Proclamation presented through Congressman Gregory W. Meeks and a Lifetime Achievement Award from 17 New York-based organizations.
Looking back, I remain profoundly grateful to America for the opportunities it has provided for education, professional success, and meaningful service to the community.
God bless America!
(Photo: The SATimes)
