For many Indian immigrants, building a life in a foreign land requires balancing two identities, making sacrifices, and developing resilience. Kirti ‘Kenny’ Desai became one such figure who not only embraced his Indian identity simultaneously ensured preserving Indian culture abroad.
For self-made businessman Kirti ‘Kenny’ Desai, success had less to do with business or wealth, and more to do with serving a greater purpose. Over time, his life took on a new mission, to preserve the Hindu faith, culture, and spiritual identity in America by establishing places of worship.
Born in India, Kenny has always carried within him a deep spiritual and cultural inclination. Before immigrating to America, he encountered a spiritual figure in India who unknowingly shaped the course of his future. The holy man requested him to design a small Mataji temple. Although Kenny was preparing to leave for the United States, he agreed to create the drawings free of cost. When he expressed his regret that he would not remain in India long enough to see the temple completed, the spiritual leader replied, “One day, you are going to build temples in the US.”
Those words proved to be prophetic.
Kenny has made a reputation for himself as an astute businessman who is the Managing Director at Aurous Financial and President of TAK Group, an established financial, real estate, infrastructure, and health care enterprise.
But he has also become a respected community leader, who has built multiple temples as part of seva (selfless work). The temples are not just houses of worship but gradually became foreign centers of Hindu civilisation.
Gayatri Chetna Center, New Jersey
Among the institutions closest to Kenny’s heart is the Gayatri Chetna Center in New Jersey. Inspired by the ideals of Shantikunj and rooted in the philosophy of “Simple Living and High Thinking,” the Center promotes Vedic culture, Gayatri Sadhana, ethical living, youth development, and social welfare. For Kenny, the institution represents not just a temple, but a spiritual movement dedicated to preserving values and nurturing future generations.
Shrinathji Temple, New Jersey
Kenny has played a defining role in the development of the Shrinathji Temple in New Jersey, where he served as Chairman and trustee. Built through collective devotion and perseverance, the temple evolved into a major spiritual and cultural landmark for Hindus in America. Beyond worship, it functions as a vibrant community space where festivals, traditions, and cultural teachings continue to unite generations of Indian Americans.
Sri Venkateswara Temple, Bridgewater
Kenny has also been associated with the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Bridgewater, New Jersey, one of the region’s most significant traditional stone temples established by the Hindu Temple & Cultural Society of the USA. The temple’s creation involved years of planning, fundraising, and legal challenges surrounding zoning approvals, eventually becoming a symbol of the Indian diaspora’s determination to establish lasting spiritual roots in America.
Vraj Temple, Pennsylvania
Kenny has remained deeply involved with Vraj Temple over the years, serving in leadership positions including President, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and trustee. The temple has grown into an important centre for devotion, community service, and cultural preservation, reflecting Kenny’s belief that temples must serve not only as houses of faith, but also as spaces that strengthen collective identity and belonging.
Mahatma Gandhi Temple & India Cultural Society
Kenny also helped build the Mahatma Gandhi Temple, considered a world-first of its kind, reflecting his belief in combining spirituality with Gandhian ideals of service, simplicity, and community harmony. His contributions further extended to the India Cultural Society in Wayne, popularly known as the Mahatma Gandhi Center, which evolved into one of the leading socio-cultural and religious organisations for Indian Americans, fostering spirituality, education, and cultural continuity for generations abroad.
These temples are more than just buildings to Kenny. “All my social work flows through God’s will and grace,:” says Kenny, who strongly believes that they are an extension of his faith, his spirituality, and his commitment to preserving Indian culture abroad.
