Jewels of India
Leading Indo-American Personalities Vol-II


This book is a celebration of victory over struggles, over endeavors. It is an ode to grit and valor of the most precious jewels of Indo-Americans bonded together with the love for their motherland. Our 50th coffee-table book is based on the life odysseys of 75 families Indo-American families. It showcases how today’s reckoned names earned their labels with a megre start by themselves and their forefathers.
India is known for its unity in diversity, a fact enhanced by this book and this event today – we are around 80 families here, from 13 Indian states settled in 13 US states. Taking note of the remarkable contributions of the two countries, this book unveils the achievements of Indo- Americans, in India, the US, and other parts of the globe, in their respective fields. Their backbreaking endeavors and passion have not only made their lives prosperous but their land of work and birth proud. Highly inspiring and motivating, the stories of each one herein will certainly change the lives of someone, somewhere.
It has been a proud journey of 23 years that Maneesh Media has successfully trailed through with its 50 publications, from the Rangilo Rajasthan in 2000 which was nothing but a quick guide book into Rajasthan to the Jewels of India – Leading Indo-American Personalities today which features the most eminent of the Indian-American diaspora, endorsement by eminent dignitaries like the Presidents of the US, Kenya, and India besides the Prime Ministers of India, Uganda, and Mauritius to name a few is an immense morale booster.
Adding to our feather is to feature YOU – you who has put in your heart, mind, efforts to create your kind of success. You and your family are our pride, the real ambassador of India who are as Indian as any resident Indian!
We, at Maneesh Media, keep exploring and expanding further, learning lessons with every step they take. Each project we undertake adds a new story of success! With every new success story, we take a moment to thank every featured family who has helped us reach here.
People Inside The Book

Dr Amarjit Singh Marwah
Dental Surgeon Founder, Sharing, Caring & Service Foundation Malibu, California
How many Indians have Hollywood streets and squares named after them? This dentist has patients in the likes of George Clooney, Elizabeth Taylor, Sidney Poitier, Muhammad Ali… Among the first few Indians in the US, he has supported many Indian immigrants. He has often contributed toward education and the development of Punjab villages. With a long list of laurels including Good will Ambassador of India Award more than once, he is in-reach to whoever wants to meet him.

Ajaypal Singh Banga
Chairperson, International Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman, General Atlantic New York City, New York
He brought in the revolutionary plastic money concept. A Padma Shri awardee, a global leader in banking management, the fourth Most Powerful Indian by The Economic Times and among the Top 50 Business Leaders of the World by the Fortune, he has led the MasterCard team to create a global buzz. He was the Chairman of the US-India Business Council (USIBC) representing more than 300 of the largest international companies investing in India.

Anil Kumar Monga
Founder & CEO, Victory International LLC, Eatontown, New Jersey
He ensures 7000 nutritious meals to the needy every day. “I feel jealous of the amenities and facilities available here. This truly is heaven on earth,” says Charrandass Persaud, High Commissioner of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, talking of the Heavenly Homes for senior citizens and Heavenly Angels for orphans. He has been serving children, women, elderly, migrants with all his heart for the past 26 years to fight hunger, poverty, education and healthcare for global peace and harmony.

Abhaya S Jain
President, Jain International Trade Organization Founder & Chairman, LifeCell International Pvt Ltd Chennai, Tamil Nadu
A highly successful businessman, inspiring leader, magnanimous benefactor, he is also an adept horse rider, has learnt rowing, flying airplanes is a passion and is a singer and guitar player. A chemical engineering leader, his is India’s largest accredited stem cell bank, operating with more than 75 centers globally. He is the Founder Member of JITO with philanthropic interests who also believes in giving through time and inspiring others for greater good.

Anil Loomba
President & CEO, Home Mortgage Solutions, Inc
A distinguished CA, leading mortgage and real-estate industry, a highly awarded businessman, his heart lies in betterment of society. He is a generous donor to the Federation of Indian Association (FIA), Chicago, American Institute of Architects (AIA), United Punjabis of America (UPA) and generously donates to various community and religious organizations. He has committed to Vidya Jyoti, an organization educating underprivileged children to help them grow up into financially independent citizens.

Anita Manwani
President, TiE Silicon Valley Redwood City, California
The first woman as the TiE Silicon Valley President, she is a seasoned corporate executive and entrepreneur. One of the Top 100 Women in Silicon Valley in 2011, she has been the ‘Technology All Star’ for the National Women of Color Conference and a recipient of the YWCA TWIN award for executive leadership. She has been a part of NASA Ames Research Center, served as the Chairman of Agilent Technologies India and the Senior Executive of Hewlett Packard.

Arjun Malhotra
Co-Founder, HCL Group & Chairperson, IIT Startups Saratoga, California
Co-founding HCL Group, TechSpan, Headstrong, SPIC MACAY, he is rightly known as the pioneer of the Indian IT industry. The Chairperson of IIT Startups, he is presently a leading advisor in healthcare and a leading the education space being on the Board of Governor of the likes of the IIT Foundation (Kharagpur); ISB Hyderabad; IIM in Shillong and Udaipur and has founded the Prof. G.S. Sanyal School of Telecommunications at IIT, Kharagpur.

Bharat Natwar Patel

Avinder Singh Chawla
Board Member, Newport Mesa Interfaith Council (NMIC) Santa Ana, California
He started as a civil engineer and served as Vice Chair of the Transportation Commission, Irvine. His political interests made him the first Indo-American Sikh member of the Resolutions Committee under California Democratic Party and Chaplain in Orange County Sheriff’s Department. This Founder President of Asian Americans for Biden in Orange County contributed profusely to the success of Biden-Harris Administration and represented Sikhs on Vaisakhi celebration at White House.

Dr Bharat Haridas Barai
Medical Director, Cancer Institute, Methodist Hospital Member & Former President, Medical Licensing Board,
State of Indiana, Munster, Indiana
An Oncologist by profession and a philanthropist at heart, he has often been recognized with awards and accolades; in fact, he is a Guinness Book of World Record Holder for the longest serving member of the State Medical Licensing Board. He works tirelessly treating disadvantaged and uninsured patients and reducing the cost of medication. He joined hands with the likes of Lata Mangeshkar, Sudha Murthy, Sadhguru, Nandan Nilekani for the book themed on Narendra Modi, a close alliance.

Bhupen ‘Bhupatrai’ Mehta
Owner, Mehta Associates Cupertino, California
He helps develop green hydrogen energy and fuel cell technologies. He is a member of Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). He was awarded the Power Plant of the Year award by the Power Magazine, EPRI’s first Discovery-Development-Delivery recognition for successful construction and operation of the first CAES plant. He is dedicatedly working toward the education of the underprivileged in India and inspiring people to adopt healthy lifestyles.

Bhupeshchandra Narottambhai Patel
Chief Executive Officer, BN Patel Associates Houston, Texas
Financial management whizz, committed to community service and philanthropy, he is always a step ahead of the times. A Fellow of the Cost and Executive Accountants Limited, UK, a member of Chartered Management Institute, UK, and also of the American Management Association, he chose to be self-made, buying out a small company and growing in different fields in Africa and the US. A firm believer of BAPS, he is always helping any needy he comes across.

Brij Sharma
President & CEO, PowerVolt, Inc Chicago, Illinois
He fled his home to study and be a civil servant but he became an outperforming and meritorious engineer. Today, his wife and he have pledged to contribute to educating every child on earth. Buying three gas-stations, he started small but later established PowerVolt from the basement of his home in the US. Adding two more companies to his name, he now supplies to Fortune 100 companies!

Charanjit Singh Batth
Founder, Batth Farms Caruthers, California
He started small in the US in 1969 and today he grows grapes on 14,000 acres in Caruthers, which supplies raisins
to half the world – He is known as the Raisin King of the world. IN between, he has led to the building and renovations of schools in India and gurudwaras in India and the US. He was also the first Sikh to be bestowed the Lincoln Award by the Fresno County Republican Party in 2017.

Bhai Sahiba, Bibiji (Dr) Inderjit Kaur Khalsa
Chief Religious Minister, Sikh Dharma International Espanola, New Mexico
Bhai Sahiba Bibiji Inderjit Kaur Khalsa, PhD, is recognized as a harbinger of interfaith dialogue among religious and political leaders, honored as a revered ‘mother’ and as an Ambassador of Peace and Goodwill by people around the globe. Her endless dedication to the Guru’s mission has brought her prominence and recognition in every corner of the globe, for her religious work, wisdom, philanthropy, dignity and grace. Her teachings formed the basis of Sikh instruction in the Western world and thousands of young people around the globe have been inspired to embrace Sikh dharma.

Chhotalal A Patel
President, S&S International Carol Stream, Illinois
He moved to the US to pursue higher studies in medicine and worked part-time at a steel company. Gaining experience and developing an acumen for 20 years, he started on his own and changed the face of the US steel industry. On the Board of Trustees of Manav Seva Mandir, Chicago, he believes in giving to society by working for religion, culture and welfare of senior citizens. He is currently building a community center and seniors’ homes.

Darshan Singh Bagga
President & CEO, Bagga Real Estate Group Nassau County, New York
A real-estate tycoon, he is the Founding Patron of the World Punjabi Organization; the Founding President of GOPIO-Long Island Chapter; the Founder and President of Sikh Center. He has written the Gurudwara Sahib constitution, started the Glen Cove Gurudwara and the first Plainview Gurudwara in Long Island. He facilitates education with scholarships, publishes the interfaith journal, One World Under God, under which is published a book, Global Religions, and built the Free Med-Wellness Center as a service to humanity.

Darshan Singh Dhaliwal
President, Bulk Petroleum Corporation, Mequon, Wisconsin
For once, he didn’t have enough money for school fees… today, he ensures the education of many. He is the largest petrol retailer in the US and dominates agriculture, hospitality and real estate sectors. A Pravasi Bharatiya Samman receiver, he delivered a train full of supplies to Tamil Nadu during the Tsunami. A whole soccer ground, the first statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the Milwaukee courthouse, he has a lot to his name.

Dr Durga D Agrawal
Founding President & Advisor, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce Houstan, Texas
He believes all glasses are half full, signifying to follow one’s passion in every situation. He crossed rivers in India to go to high school and then traveled overseas to move to the US for further education. A Mechanical Engineer by profession, his innovative designs were used by the navy and now owns a company in piping technology and products. Lessons of philanthropy came to him from his mother and he practices it by donating money, fund raising, sharing ideas, time and efforts for strategizing and executing causes.

Harish Daga
Owner, Gems International of California Los Angeles, California
An expert in precious gems and stones and also a guiding light of selfless and spiritual service to the community through his philanthropic acts, he got all professional guidance from his parents and brothers. He started Gems International and took it to the zenith and now his sons are taking the legacy forward. Following the family tradition of philanthropy, he has formed many dharamshalas in North India and plans to set up educational institutes in India providing scholarships to the needy.

Dr Harbinder ‘Herb’ Singh Brar
Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Genetics & Genomics Specialist, Loma Linda University School of Medicine and University of California Riverside School of Medicine Riverside, California
His medical achievements are no less than his accomplishments as an agriculturist, realtor, researcher, professor, entrepreneur and a loving family man who credits his family and God for his achievements. He finds inspiration from the life of his father, Major Bakhtawar Singh Brar, who is a war veteran and agriculturist at the age of 109+ years. This humble doctor is happy to bring lives to the world and each day he learns from his patients, especially the lesson of patience.

Haridas Kotahwala
Chairman, Navika Group of Companies Uniondale, New York.
He was the first ever Indian to open Indian-owned gemstone and diamond offices in the US. He, along with his colleagues, formed Indian Diamond and Colorstone Association (IDCA) in New York and became its first Vice President. He then joined Navika Group as its Chairman and took the company to the heights with his expertise. He actively donates to Akshaya Patra, Eye Bank Society of Rajasthan, Narayan Seva Sansthan, Ekal Vidyalaya and many others.

Harishchandra Vijaydev Mistry
Director, Vijaydev Mistry Foundation Inc, New York
A developer whose more interested in philanthropy, he wears more than one hat and is successfully carrying forward the family legacy, a millinery business, Sawn Hats, started by his father, Vijaydav Ratanjee Mistry, in 1954 in South Africa and took a bigger step by establishing a commercial real estate business in the US some 45 years ago. He has successfully journeyed four continents, changed business lanes and now focuses on giving back to his roots by the Vijaydev Mistry Foundation.

Harry Aurora
Chairman, Aurora Group of Companies Jericho, New York.
A leader in the EdTech industry, his focus is on industry startups. He envisions world-class and competent education solutions for young minds. Currently he is leading the EdTech and real-estate industries in the US. Over the years, he has taken the podiums at the likes of Harvard and others and engaged with the audience on diverse and interesting discussions on various topics. As a promising entrepreneur, he has emerged as a prominent angel investor in the US.

Dr Harvinder Singh Sahota
Cardiologist Surgeon & Board of Directors, Claremont Lincoln University Bellflower, California
Let’s begin with thanking him. For? Keeping ailing hearts beat! And for that, the world knows him as the Father of Angioplasty. There is strength in the hand he puts on your shoulder. And when a patient’s heart is beyond repair – because there is no way he can save them all – he holds their hands and promises to help them through the very end. Many people often exclaim– “that’s the doctor who saved my life!”

Husam Ahmad
Founder, Infrastructure Business Advisors LLC Founder & Owner, HAKS Engineers and Architects, New York
Not only does he own an engineering consultancy company but is also adept at selling, merging, buying firms. Born in India, started working in Pakistan, while his father worked in Bangladesh – and he totally reflects Indianism. He fell down and picked himself up to reach the top again; in between, he took time to explore the shayar in him. His Foundation supports education and vocational skills, healthcare, potable water and sanitation in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja
Founder Editor & Publisher, The Indian Panorama Hicksville, New York
Aaj Tak, Doordarshan, ITV, The Tribune, The Indian Express, Punjabi Patrika, you name it and he has been there! A prolific writer, journalist and social activist and a lot more, He turned his talents to penning what would become his chef d’oeuvre, The Indian Panorama. He associates and leads fundraising with Eye Foundation of America to fulfill create a world without childhood blindness.

Jagdip Aluwalia
Founding Secretary & Executive Director, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston
Houston, Texas
Always stepping into a role as a leader – whether as a Rotarian during college days or as the Founding Secretary and Executive Director of Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston. He has a rich 40 years of experience in teaching, manufacturing, procurement, business management and consulting. Appointed by the US Department of Commerce to serve on the Houston District Export Council, he is currently on its board as second Vice President. He dedicates himself to strengthening IACCGH’s mission and vision to empower businesses and create local jobs.

Harshad Shah
Patron-in-Chief, Jain Center of Southern California & Jain Temple of Los Angeles Diamond Bar, California
His experience in the fields of manufacturing, stock market and real estate is wide and large and has set inspirations for the aspiring entrepreneurs. He voluntarily retired to invest himself toward his dream of serving humankind. He now works in charitable organizations to spread the words of wisdom of Jainism, eradicate poverty and uplift society. He inspires youth to pursue their dreams and give back to the community as well.

Padma Bhushan Prof (Dr) Jagdish Sheth
Charles H Kellstadt Professor of Marketing, Goizueta Business School of Emory University Founder, Sheth Leadership Academy Duluth, Georgia
A Padma Bhushan recipient, he is globally known for his scholarly contributions in consumer behavior, relationship marketing, competitive strategy, and geopolitical analysis. Jagdish Sheth School of Management is among the global leaders in management studies. With the Sheth Foundation, he shares his knowledge gained over the five decades in Marketing and Academia. An author, he has published over 300 papers, several books and an autobiography – all an inspiration for educators and entrepreneurs.

Dr Jasvant Nagindas Modi
President, Vardhamana Charitable Foundation Los Angeles, California
The purpose of his life has always been to serve humankind, first as a doctor for three decades and then as a philanthropist. He founded the Vardhman Charitable Trust to prophesize the tenets of Jainism, especially about nonviolence and veganism, through endowments and professorships in universities in India, Canada, Europe and the US. He is associated with Jain Center of Southern California, Jain Temple of LA, JAINA and Chairman of Akshaya Patra LA chapter.

Kailash N Jhalani
President, Prompt Gem Importers Inc New York City, New York
He left behind his flourishing family business to move to the US to pursue his passion in gems and jewelry. Who knew he would be a pioneer in the industry and would sell the biggest of sapphires, shiniest of diamonds and brightest of rubies. He was the Vice President of IDCA and now his son, Shailesh, is taking forward his legacy. Kailash actively supports Jaipur Foot, Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti and Akshaya Patra.

Jesal Patel
Mayor Village of Lincolnwood, Illinois
His work as a realtor made him take charge of his city of residence. The first Indian-American Mayor, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, he started working grade 5 onward. His entity, Patel Realty, has acquired dozens of hotels, shopping centers and residential and commercial properties. Passionate of hiking and active sports, he is a marathoner too and a part of Athletic Hall of Fame. The Village President has climbed Mt Whitney and spends time inspiring school students.

Jugal Malani
CEO, Unique Industrial Product Company Houston, Texas
He defined the success of Howdy Modi! event, the first ever biggest event to gather Indo-Americans under one roof. Starting with just 10 dollars, he led his company to become a multimillion dollar company within just 6 years. One of most-respected citizens of Houston and the most-respected Indo Americans, he is actively involved in religious and cultural charities and supports education of underprivileged children through Ekal Vidyalaya, Pratham, Magic Bus, India House, etc.

Dr Kalai S Kalaichelvan
Chairman & CEO, PomeGran Inc Manhattan, New York
He makes the Internet easy in the remotest of the Earth. He grew one of his companies by 10-fold within two years and deployed 500,000 wireless radios at airports globally. He has led another to be ranked on the Deloitte Fast 50 list three times. He won Canada’s Innovator of Year and was on the Global Advisory Board for Samsung’s CEO and Board of Hydro Ottawa. He has ensured education for STEM students and mentors entrepreneurs under TiE.

Kamala Harris
49th Vice President of the United States of America, Washington DC
An Asian. An African. An immigrant in the US. She has created history and is beyond dreams – the Vice President of the US – She is a leader. She is an inspiration. She is a personification of hard work, good education, persistence! She is a representation of unity in diversity and inclusivity. She achieved what not everyone dreams of. And how! She inspires the youth beyond the international boundaries. “The right foundation,” she credits her upbringing.

Lal K Motwani
TriState New York Coordinator, Global Organization of People of Indian Origin New York City, New York
A strong leader, he is an established architect and designer in the US and has left his mark on a number of New York City landmarks such as John F Kennedy (JFK) Airport, LaGuardia Airport, World Trade Center, American Express office, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, City Bank, Chase Manhattan Bank or the world’s largest public housing facility – the New York City Housing Authority. He is the first Asian to be awarded the esteemed Distinguished Service Award among many other accolades.

Dr Lalit P Patel
Primary Physician, Complete Wellcare Medical PLLC Brooklyn, New York
Among the many awards, like the Hind Ratna, another from House of Lords in London, UK, he holds calls from his patients on the top. A supporter of women rights and a humble philanthropist, he leaves no stone unturned to contribute to his community through Popatlal Kalidas Charitable Family Foundation. The Foundation was a prime support to India during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to help develop rural communities of India.

Krishna Bansal
CEO & President, Q1 Technologies, Inc Aurora, Illinois
He is all set to represent Illinois’ 11th Congressional District Republican Party to the US House with a special focus on economy, education, technology and immigration. Starting Q1 Technologies in 2002, he was recognised as the technology architect in the country within a few years. He has worked with many Fortune 500 companies in the last 20 years and was instrumental in the formation of the first Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board (IACOAB), Aurora.

Madhavan MR Rangaswami
Co-Founder, Sand Hill Group & Founder, Indiaspora San Francisco, California
An entrepreneur, investor, community builder, technology CMO, angel investor, corporate eco-strategist and philanthropist, he demonstrates a unique talent for fostering innovation and creating impactful networks. Settling down in Silicon Valley, he contributed to the rapid expansion of the technology industry as a pioneering marketing executive at both small and large software companies, including Oracle and Baan. Featured in the Wall Street Journal, he has founded many business communities and leads giant collaboration on sustainability and climate change.