He has rubbed shoulders with leading personalities, presidents, prime ministers, senators, Congressmen and yet doesn’t get affected by the flattery and stays humble.
With a passion for community service and promoting Indian culture, he has been working tirelessly for the past three decades in the US. Now, one of the leading Indo-American leaders in New York, Motwani was born in 1936 in Sindh (now in Pakistan). He moved to Vadodara, Gujarat, where he spent most of his childhood and completed his schooling. Vadodara was a growing city, new buildings were being constructed; also, he’d get to watch bigger ones on the TV – all the development around the world inspired him to become an architect. He completed his degree in architecture from Lucknow and began his career there.
To give shape to his high aspirations and big dreams, he migrated to the US in 1977.
Never Stop Learning
Through hard work and dedication, he established himself as an architect and designer in the US too. Motwani has left his mark on a number of New York City landmarks. Be it 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 retired recently as the Assistant Director of New York City’s Housing Authority Office of Facility Planning and Administration.
He has served in various leading positions throughout his professional journey. He was the Past President of the Society of Indo-American Engineers and Architects (SIAEA), Overseas Sindhi Sabha (New York), Founding President of Asian American Association and the New York City Housing Authority. He was the Vice President of Federation of Indian Associations (FIA of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) and Heart and Hand for Handicapped (HHH). He raised support through HHH for the victims of World Trade Center terror attack and later campaigned against hate crimes against Indians in the US.
“You don’t have to be famous to make a big difference. The first step is to commit to work hard. I am used to hard work and even after retiring, I keep myself busy with work.”
Not just an architect, he has also designed and edited more than 60 souvenirs to highlight Indo-US relations and community matters. “I believe in perfection and I myself make sure that every time I publish brochures, I personally take care of the quality.” An achiever indeed!
He takes keen interest in arts and culture and promotes Indian culture profoundly in the US. He was a part of the initiative to start the Diwali celebrations in South Sea Port near Wall Street and City Hall. Over hundreds and thousands of people attend the celebrations, shopping for Indian food, goods, art and watch Diwali fireworks. The event has become an annual cultural exchange tradition in the heart of New York City.
Adding another feather to his cap, he coordinated the Federation of Indian Association’s first India Day Parade in New York City in 1981.
Bags Full of Accolades
His service mindedness has seen him be a part and even lead many organizations. To list just a few, he has been the President of the Alliance of Global Sindhi Associations, Inc and Tristate NY Coordinator, Global Organization for People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) International. During 2013–2015, he was Chairman of National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA), an organization at the forefront of strengthening India-US ties. He later became its President and led the organization of US Congressional luncheon, White House briefings, lobbying for better US-India relationship and prepared position papers on the bilateral relationship for US Congress and Senate.
His service initiatives for the betterment of the Indo-American community has been recognised and several awards have come his way. He is the first Asian to be awarded the esteemed Distinguished Service Award; Manager of the Year 2001 by the New York City Managerial Employees Association; Governor’s Award of Excellence by Governor George Pataki, New York (2002); citation from Nassau County Executive Edward P Mangano, which recognizes outstanding community service. He received the Best Design award for the Bank of Baroda’s Ladies Branch in Lucknow and the Best Model for the Gujarat Refinery Project in All India Agriculture Fair in Ahmedabad. Motwani is also recognized as the Ambassador of Dharma for promoting spirituality and religion among Indians and others as he pioneered the Global Dharma Conference in New York in 2003.
Compass that Guides Him: Family
He got married to Kavita on May 12, 1966. “She is the most important person in my life and the most important thing I built in my life is our relationship.” Always standing strong by his side, she has been by his side in all his endeavors. Together they have a son, Sunil, and a daughter, Deepti, who is now married and happily settled.
The Motawanis’ passion for promoting Indian culture and undertaking community service led them to do tireless voluntary work in India as well as the US. Beyond social and cultural barriers, Motwani has reached out to the lawmakers of India and the US and has helped India’s voice to be heard and cared about crucial policy decisions leading to the progress and safety in the Indian continent.
Motwani has always promoted and supported India’s vast wealth of history, culture, education, democracy and cooperation among all. He was awarded the Bharat Gaurav Lifetime Achievement Award by Sanskriti Yuva Sanstha in New Jersey. Utilizing his vast network of social, political and professional relations, he has helped numerous new immigrants and nonresident Indians in the US to gain access and momentum to reach their dreams.
These and other selfless service that he provided to the known and unknown, without any discrimination, became his strength to support and continue serving more when in need.
His crusade was always well-supported and applauded by India, the US and the world.