Success stories make the headlines, sometimes for the tangible wealth that comes with it or then the titles and accolades it affords. There is more to these stories, lessons that won’t make it to an inspirational talk or a motivational chapter in the school curriculum, or a biographical movie.
These journeys are no different from the ones that attain fame. They are filled with struggles, resilience, and unconventional decisions. They are invaluable lessons for us to learn. As premium book publishers, we have always focused on such stories that get lost in the noise of fame and glory.
This piece is a revisit to three such personal journeys of Indian and Indian-origin achievers that may not always have made news but they hold priceless wisdom worth exploring.
Featured in Maneesh Media’s Jewels of India – Leading Indo-American Personalities (Vol. II) our three personalities – Haridas Kotahwala, Natwar Gandhi and Darshan Singh Dhaliwal – embody the true immigrant dream, their path to success serving as roadmaps for the aspiring Indian diaspora.
Haridas Kotahwala – A Lesson in Adaptability
A prominent fourth-generation jeweller, Haridas Kotahwala is the perfect example of how adaptiveness is the key to success. The growth mindset has made him the force behind RIU Jewels, the first ever Indian-owned diamond and gemstone office in the US. It began from a rented studio apartment in New York (1968), and expanded to Germany in 1974. Today, that network spans over 15 countries, working alongside and employing mines and artisans all over the world. He also co-founded the Indian Diamond and Colorstone Association (IDCA) in New York in 1984 and served as its first vice president and also as president multiple times.
His jewellery acumen comes in handy when identifying a niche in the real estate market. As the chairman of the board at Navika Capital Group, he has supported the company’s more than 100 acquisitions.
Darshan Singh Dhaliwal – A Lesson in Family First Approach
The name may be one, but it cannot be mentioned without his father Sardar Subedar Kartar Singh and his mother, Jaswant Kaur. It is also incomplete without his brothers, Surjit Singh Rakhra, and Charanjeet Singh Dhaliwal.
The Dhaliwals’ journey to success lies in putting the family first, above everything else. Their Sikh value system is an inheritance that has travelled across continents as Darshan and Charanjeet chose the immigrant life in the US. From odd jobs to the first petrol pump and then gradually many more, Darshan Singh Dhaliwal not only redefined success but he also proved that anything is possible if the family is together. This Indian-origin entrepreneur is today one of the most influential names in US political circles, the Sikh diaspora and the community back home in Punjab. Though the family is low key in visibility, you will always find the Dhaliwals serving langars, providing disaster relief, and supporting education.
Natwar Gandhi – A Lesson in Integrity
Natwar Gandhi’s journey is a strong reminder that integrity is the best currency when it comes to leadership. It builds strong foundations, leaving sustainable impact.
He worked as a peon without salary when he was only 17 years old. Gandhi’s BCom degree in accounting was no match for the competitive job market of Bombay (now Mumbai) and it was the gift of friendship that enabled him to pursue an MBA from Atlanta University, US. It would take Gandhi more than a decade to establish himself not just as a revered academic but also an influential leader of Indian origin, who served as an advisor to congressional committees and later became a state tax commissioner. Having earned a reputation for his unshakeable integrity, Natwar Gandhi transformed Washington D.C’s financial position from that of deep deficits to sustained surpluses during his tenure as the state’s Chief Financial Officer. Talk about retiring on a high.
FAQS
What is Maneesh Media’s Jewels of India series?
Maneesh Media’s Jewels of India is a flagship series of premium coffee table books that highlight stories of remarkable individuals from the Indian diaspora across the globe. The book aims to highlight their life stories, struggles, lessons and achievements through their perspective and narration.
Why should I publish my coffee table book with you?
As India’s leading diaspora publishing house, Maneesh Media has 26 years of experience in covering tales of resilience and honour. So far, we have published more than 74 coffee table books across over 40 nations and worked with nearly 3,000 Indian and Indian-origin families.
