Dr Bharat Haridas Barai
Medical Director
Cancer Institute, Methodist Hospitals | Munster, Indiana, US
Janam Bhumi:
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Dharma Bhumi:
Dwarka, Gujarat
Karam Bhumi:
Merrillville, Indiana, USA
From Dwarka to the Dream – A Grand Odyssey
The ‘Bharat’ Factor: “Know and understand your roots. Protect them, practice them. Indian values help you stay steady on your path.”
THE MAN
Born in 1948 at his maternal grandparents’ home in Mumbai, Dr. Bharat Barai is the eldest of four brothers. The family’s roots can be traced to Dwarka, Gujarat, the city said to be founded by Lord Krishna.
Raised in a modest household, sharing desks and sleeping on the floor, did not dent Dr. Barai’s yearning for excellence. Studies, athletics, public speaking, Dr Barai was determined to ace it all. A trait he inherited from his father, Haridas Barai, who was orphaned young and studied by day while working evenings, eventually becoming a chemical engineer. Dr. Barai’s quest for knowledge took him to Baroda Medical College, where he broke records by becoming the first student in the institution’s history to win gold medals in every subject. Despite being the university topper, his family’s financial limitations left him with few local options. He recalls cycling 6km daily to college because his family could not afford a scooter, which was expensive even in the black market.
THE JOURNEY
When Dr. Barai arrived in the United States in the 70’s. Apart from his clothes, everything was new and strange—foreign culture, harsh climate, unfamiliar people.
But, Dr. Barai had remembered to pack his iron will and determination. So, despite the immigrant odds stacked high, Dr. Barai powered through. He completed prestigious fellowships in Oncology and Hematology at Northwestern University and Rush University in Chicago and earned three Master’s degrees in the US —all while sending money back home to support his family.
It was not long before he became the clinical and ethical pillar of Indiana’s medical community. In 1982, he joined the faculty at Indiana University Medical School while maintaining a thriving private practice. He later became the Medical Director of the Cancer Institute at Methodist Hospitals in Merrillville, Indiana. Such is his influence and leadership acumen that he has been appointed to the Indiana Medical Licensing Board an unprecedented seven times, making him the longest-serving member of any such board in the entire United States, with over 28 years of service.
THE SPIRIT WITHIN
A relentless philanthropist, Dr. Barai has not only conducted free medical camps across the Midwest but also led critical disaster relief efforts—mobilising aid during the Indian Ocean tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, and hurricane Katrina. But his service doesn’t stop at medicine. A respected voice in interfaith and geopolitical arenas, he has championed Hindu–Jewish solidarity and Indo–US relations with equal passion. He has helped organise Diwali-Chanukah celebrations, interfaith vigils, and memorials. Currently, he is helping build Moksha Dhaam—America’s first Hindu crematorium in Chicago. The project is a non-profit gas-based crematorium designed to serve not just Hindus but also Jains, Sikhs, and other faiths.
THE LEGACY
Dr. Barai has been honoured by StandWithUS, a leading Jewish advocacy group and received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor, followed by the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. His immigrant journey is now etched into history in the US National Museum of Immigration on Ellis Island.
What is more remarkable is his relationship with India and its culture. He continues to be friends with Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi; a friendship that began in 1993, when Modi, then just a humble BJP worker, stayed at Dr. Barai’s home.
He continues to live in the same house, which hosts Indian dignitaries and is a home where he and his wife Panna have raised four accomplished children—Sujata, a lawyer in Indianapolis; Vinita, an architectural engineer; Nikita, a senior medical director in New York; and Chirag, a US government official in Virginia.
Dr. Barai’s name is more than just his awards and citations. For over four decades, he has served at the same hospital, leading a bustling clinic that treats up to 180 patients a day. True to the values of his father and grandfather, he continues to care for all, whether they are insured or not. Dr. Barai’s name is the very personification of service, compassion, and the Indian spirit.
MAPPING THE INDIA WITHIN
Bharat: Then and Now
“I left India in 1974—a bright student from a modest background, seeking both education and livelihood. India back then was riddled with poverty and corruption, and opportunity was scarce without influence. But over the past two decades, especially under PM Modi’s leadership, I’ve witnessed incredible transformation—from infrastructure to a renewed national spirit. Modern hospitals, highways, and prosperity are now visible across cities like Delhi and Ahmedabad. It fills me with pride.”
Bharatiya Values that Travelled
“At 76, I still work 12-hour days—a habit I learned from my father. Moreover, I’ve never turned away a patient based on their ability to pay. That’s a core value I carry from my modest upbringing—one rooted in compassion, hard work, and simplicity.”
Generations Abroad: A New Bharatiya Identity
“Passing on Indian values overseas is challenging. You can’t enforce culture; you must live it. My children still visit the mandir and respect traditions—perhaps not as deeply as I do, but the thread remains. Even if 30% of our values remain with them, that’s a win.”
Pride, Progress, and the Spirit Of Bharat
“My dream is for India to become a fully developed nation. The talent was always there—what we lacked were opportunities. Today, with strong leadership and reduced corruption, we’re building jets, launching satellites, and exporting innovation. From cycling to college because we couldn’t afford a scooter, to now seeing Indian youth thrive with global choices—the change is profound. I’m proud to remain a hardworking Indian, rooted in compassion and perseverance.”
Dreams for the Youth and Future of Bharat
“With millions of graduates each year, not everyone can land a job at Google or Microsoft. I came to the US when opportunities were easier. Today, it’s far more competitive. My advice? Avoid shortcuts. Success demands hard work, patience, and persistence. Everyone admires leaders like Modi, but few are willing to endure the struggle he did. Your future depends on your effort, and that must be built on a foundation of hard work.”
BACK TO THE FUTURE – IN FIVE MOMENTS
Food Cravings
THEN
I always enjoyed vegetarian Gujarati meals and also masala dosa, and other South Indian dishes.
NOW
I enjoy Italian food—especially pizza—but I eat in moderation for health.
Sport Spirit
THEN
I used to play cricket regularly as a child.
NOW
I follow cricket passionately, and also basketball and football when time permits.
Music Tastes
THEN
I grew up listening to Binaca Geetmala on All India Radio.
NOW
I continue to enjoy old Hindi songs. My grandchildren enjoy US music, but also learn Bharatanatyam and listen to old Hindi songs like ‘Ichak Dana Bichak Dana’.
Holiday Life
THEN
We did not really travel, given our limited means. In fact, I didn’t even know the concept of holidays.
NOW
I now explore the world through historical journeys and spiritual pilgrimages. I am also rediscovering India through Bharat Darshan.
Leisure Habits
THEN
When I was younger, I was always out playing cricket after having studied during the day.
NOW
Free time is a luxury. So I use short breaks to catch news or read a book.
AKA
Dr. Bharat Barai Medical Director Cancer Institute | Dr. Bharat Barai Oncology Medical Director | Dr. Bharat Barai Clinical Oncology
