Lajpat Rai Munger
SONS: Baldev & Kewel Krishen
Founders
Munger Farms | Delano, California, USA
Janam Bhumi:
Nangal Shahidian, Punjab, India
Dharma Bhumi:
Nangal Shahidian, Punjab, India
Karma Bhumi:
California, US
Rooted in Spirituality, Soil, & Service
The ‘Munger Family’ Factor: “God resides in all of us. We should treat everyone as if they are part of the divine, with kindness, empathy, and respect.”
THE MEN
To survive is to adapt, and to innovate is to thrive. The Munger family has done both successfully, from migrating to the US, working as farm labourers to turning the family farm into a thriving business, led by Lajpat, Baldev (David) and Kewel (Kable) Munger.
Born in Nangal Shahdian, Punjab, India, to Lajpat and Kailash Wati Munger, David (28 March 1957) and Kable (12 March 1960) were among the seven siblings. Their father was a disciplinarian and deeply religious man, and a respected Indian intelligence officer. He declined any higher postings to honour his religious beliefs, guided by his Guru Swami Sarvanand Gir Ji, whose teachings of honesty, compassion, and service became the moral compass of the entire family.
In the late 60s, Lajpat migrated to the US in search of a better life for the children. They arrived in California with US$250. David recalls, “We had little money, but we had the collective strength as a family.”
Everyone worked in the fields. The siblings would labour after returning from school and on the weekends. The work ethic instilled discipline and persistence in all the children. If life had been different, David may have become a doctor, and Kable an attorney. But farming chose them. Today, David and Kable have taken their father’s vision and turned it into a growing expanse of agricultural innovation.
THE JOURNEY
Lajpat bought the family’s first 70-acre farm, in 1970, growing peaches and walnuts, in Yuba City for a US$15,000 down payment. In 1973, the boys faced a crucial ‘sink or swim’ moment when their father suffered two heart attacks. The family secured funds for an experimental open-heart surgery without having to sell the farm. The brothers knew the farm was their only tangible asset. Kable says, “We wanted to be in control of our destiny. The farm allowed us to do that. If we failed, it’d be on us.”
Fate rewarded their persistence. A strategic diversification into pistachio farming followed, alongside establishing a processing facility. Their real disruptive move came in the year 2000 when they defied experts and planted their first 160 acres of blueberries, a crop deemed impossible to grow in California. Their pioneering techniques allowed the crop to thrive and the family to become today the largest independent blueberry grower in North America, eventually leading to a founding partnership in Naturipe Farms, now the world’s largest blueberry marketer.
Today, Munger Farms operates over 15,000 acres across California, Washington, Oregon, and Michigan, along with other global farming and investment partnerships. Their vertically integrated ‘seed to shelf’ model encompasses farming, processing, marketing and sales with a worldwide distribution of their products.
THE SPIRIT WITHIN
Their success comes from their spiritual values—lessons from their Guru and the example set by their parents. “We believe that our success is our Guru’s blessings. Giving back is one of his teachings,” explains David. Kable adds, “When you give back, you are doing God’s work. And God helps you when you help him in doing his work.”
All philanthropic activities are carried out as part of the Sarvanand Foundation established by the family. Their father retired in 1988 to begin charitable work in India, with the Munger family building a hospital providing free medical care in Punjab and funding additional charities in the state. Their educational initiatives include building a university in collaboration with Fresno State University, along with building a high school and elementary school in their ancestral region.
In the US, they have contributed to the establishment of Sarvanand Heart and Stroke Center at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital and make annual contributions to Seattle Children’s Hospital. Most recently, they are funding the development of The Sarvanand Medical Education Center at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. They have also contributed to the construction of a sports and recreational park for local farmworker families in the San Joaquin Valley of California.
There is no separating spirituality from the self for the Munger family. David emphasises, “God lives in all of us, and therefore we should treat everyone as they are part of the divine.”
THE LEGACY
On success, Kable and David are clear. “It’s not just us two brothers. The credit belongs to our parents, our sisters, our whole family.” This includes Kable and his four children (Asha, Diwan, Shree, and Ajay), of which Diwan and Ajay have chosen farming out of passion, not obligation. The grandchildren, Bodhi, Baron, Keira, Arya, Irie Jane, Remi, Aurora, are already ready for the task. “Even the grandchildren, though very young, declare, ‘this is going to be our farm’,” shares Kable with laughter and a hint of pride.
The Mungers’ secret to success lies in their core values. Integrity, Respect, Loyalty, Responsibility, Gratitude, and Passion are more than buzzwords. “They are how we live as a family and operate as a business,” says David.
There is a lot in the pipeline as the younger generation focuses on sustainability-led innovation and expansion. The Munger brothers continue to stand united in life and work. Except, on the ongoing debate as to which brother makes the best ‘Munger Tea’. The jury is out on that.
MAPPING THE INDIA WITHIN
Bharat: Then and Now
David: “Before I left India, I had seen a life of affluence because of our father’s status. In America, all of that vanished overnight. Returning to India later was a grounding experience. I saw both the blessings of my roots and the challenges of corruption and inequality.”
Kable: “My first actual memory of India came at seventeen, when I returned for the first time. It was a shock—the struggles people endured were harsher than anything I could have ever imagined. Yet, I also saw my father’s influence, how everything stopped when he entered a room. That mix of hardship and respect gave me perspective.”
Bharatiya Values that Travelled
David: “My father’s discipline and my mother’s love and nurturing care – that balance became our foundation. For us, family comes first, and honesty is non-negotiable. These values have allowed us to survive and succeed.”
Kable: “My father’s religiosity shaped me. We built our company on family values, and they are even framed on the office wall as a daily reminder, guiding us. They are Indian values and remain our compass.”
Generations Abroad: A New Bharatiya Identity
David: “I take pride in knowing that what we built was not handed to us—we created it through the Indian spirit of resilience. That sense of identity, forged in struggle, is what the younger generation has seen and carries forward.”
Kable: “For my children and grandchildren, it becomes a conscious choice to be part of the business. Even the little ones proudly say, ‘This is our farm now.’ That fills me with joy. It has become the collective family identity and legacy.”
Pride, Progress, and the Spirit Of Bharat
David: “I believe India’s spirituality and family values are unmatched. They give a foundation that few countries possess. They remind us that actual progress is measured in purpose.”
Kable: “India’s strength is its spiritual core. Despite the challenges, it positions the country for greatness. The balance between progress and spirituality is the true spirit of Bharat.”
Dreams for the Youth and Future of Bharat
David: “My dream for Bharat is that it becomes a place where caste and corruption fade, and where progress is defined by equality, fairness, and dignity for every citizen. To the youth, my advice is, if you remember to show kindness, treat people with respect, and give back to society, you will not only build careers but create meaningful lives.”
Kable: “My dream for Bharat is that it builds on its spiritual foundation to become a true world leader—powerful not just economically, but morally. Young Indians are our future. I would tell them to not lose their moral compass and remember that true strength comes from spirituality, family bonds, and generosity.”
BACK TO THE FUTURE – IN FIVE MOMENTS
Food Cravings
THEN
We grew up loving simple foods—Indian home cooking, sweets, and street treats.
NOW
We still eat Indian food daily and are careful with sugar. And, we enjoy chai.
Sport Spirit
THEN
As children, sports were occasional fun or rare because work came first.
NOW
We enjoy outdoor activities and follow sports, sharing the joy with our families.
Music Tastes
THEN
Our childhoods were filled with the music of our surroundings, from 70s American hits.
NOW
It is a mix of Indian Punjabi music and meaningful country music.
Holiday Life
THEN
Holidays were non-existent, with survival and work taking priority.
NOW
We treasure time off, taking trips with family, and appreciating the freedom to do so.
Leisure Habits
THEN
Leisure meant just resting briefly between work.
NOW
It involves spending time with family, travelling or simply gathering at home.
AKA
Lajpat Rai Munger Founder Munger Farms | Munger Farms Delano California | Munger Farms Agricultural Founders | Munger Farms California USA
