00:00:00.070 - 00:00:08.070

Today is May 28th 2021. My name is Kevin Chen. I'm with the Houston Asian American Archive. I'll be talking today with Mr.

00:00:08.070 - 00:00:24.470

Hemant Gajarawala, who is educated in engineering and business, and also has extensive experience in diverse areas, such as energy, utilities, and also investment banking. He's currently the Senior Executive or CEO of Infomax Aggregators

00:00:24.570 - 00:00:40.530

LLC, and also the CEO of DEVSJ Concrete LLC. He's here today to provide us with an oral history of his life. So thank you so much for talking with us today. Thank you, Kevin.

00:00:40.530 - 00:00:56.960

So a few questions about your early experiences. When and where were you born? I was born in a city called Ahmedabad, A-H-M-E-D-A-B-A-D, in the western part of India.

00:00:57.170 - 00:01:11.780

That's where the current Prime Minister is from— Mr. Modi— and it's the fifth largest city of India. [KC: And growing up in—] In 19—in 1941. [KC: Mhm.]

00:01:11.780 - 00:01:31.810

And growing up in that city, could you kind of describe some of your early childhood experiences and also kind of what your household was like? Well, the house—home is the one that my father inherited from the s–fifth—sixth

00:01:31.810 - 00:01:49.860

or seventh generation, so it's about 450 years old, uh, home. We are three brothers and one sister. I lost my sister in 1970. I was born in 1941. I have a elder brother,

00:01:51.120 - 00:02:10.810

who is now civil engineer and work in Pittsburgh, New York, and now he's retired in Jacksonville, Florida. I'll be 80 in November. He is about 83. And I have a younger brother.

00:02:11.730 - 00:02:27.430

His name is Jatin, doctor, J-A-T-I-N and he's a radiologist in New York, New Jersey area. Now he's in New Jersey. And he was one of the first few medical professionals to

00:02:27.540 - 00:02:52.850

understand and explain what the MRI is way back in the early 80s. And he became like a teaching— in the teaching profession in Brooklyn College Hospital at the ripe age of 34. And–and like I said, my sister, we lost my sister with smallpox in

00:02:53.020 - 00:03:11.370

1970 way back. Growing up was not easy, because my father had to come back from Burma, Rangoon, which is now Yangon. And he had a textile business.

00:03:12.410 - 00:03:31.600

And after—during the Second World War, Japanese bombarded Burma, along with a lot of other countries- Southern India. And my father had a textile business, he was one of the experts in textile industry, and good to the people.

00:03:32.780 - 00:03:47.190

But one of his employees at the last 20 minutes, gave his ticket to him. So he could escape Burma and reach India because my mother, my elder brother, sister, and I we are in India at that time,

00:03:47.900 - 00:04:10.080

and she was carrying me that time, 1941. So- my friends joke about it that I was conceived in Burma, and I ended up in the city of Ahmedabad. Then he started his own business and work in the textile industry

00:04:11.010 - 00:04:30.700

and worked very hard to make sure we get education. And he very firmly believe is I will live with one bill, but I'll make sure that I have enough money for tuition—take care of their education. And everything worked out good—actually my elder brother is a civil

00:04:31.340 - 00:04:46.810

engineer—did very well. I came in this country in 67'. After I did my B.ChemEng— bachelor in chemical engineering from Bombay. And from State of Gujarat, the college I went to,

00:04:47.760 - 00:04:59.700

we had only four seats in Bombay. And I was lucky to get admission there. All over India competition. Delhi had one—Bangalore had two seats.

00:05:00.240 - 00:05:19.310

You know, Calcutta had two seats, all over. And it was like a—I hate to use the word, but it was like a cream of the crop to join the college. It was hard to get in, and it was even harder to get out. A lot of my ex classmates are either CEO, president who are running their own

00:05:19.410 - 00:05:37.610

companies, like Asian Paint—we used to play bridge together. He was my classmate. He's a Owner- Managing Director of Asian Paint, which is the largest paint company in Asia, for example, on and on. And

00:05:37.610 - 00:05:54.390

then, I was dating this girl from the–my later, early college days. And I promise that I'll get married with you. So my last exam was over. On April 17th, I had to bribe the railway clerk

00:05:54.390 - 00:06:12.340

to get a ticket from Bombay to my hometown, because railway was the most common way to travel. And I invited him with my wedding invitation and money to travel to my hometown. And he was shocked because tickets used to be booked two months in advance.

00:06:13.250 - 00:06:27.260

And I totally was like, "Can you can give me a ticket today, that's okay, or tomorrow, that's fine." And he thought I was crazy [laughs]. But that–that's what happened. That's how I came to my home–hometown, got

00:06:27.260 - 00:06:43.910

married. And by the time we came back from honeymoon, the results were announced that I passed, so happily ever. You–you mentioned some—how important I

00:06:43.910 - 00:07:00.360

guess education was, like your father emphasized it. Yeah, what were some—I guess some other values that your—your father or your parents kind of emphasized in your upbringing? Don't touch anybody else's money.

00:07:01.410 - 00:07:19.270

Even though you see $10 or $100 bill on the road, on a sidewalk, even in your property, it is not your karma, it doesn't belong to you, you did not work for it—don't touch it. You know, to him, the life was very black and white,

00:07:19.290 - 00:07:37.610

cut and dry—nothing in between. And even–even the school, sometimes we had problem paying the—you know, having enough money for the tuition for all the three kids who are in the schools and colleges. So he'll forego his meal, just to make sure that

00:07:37.610 - 00:07:55.300

we [unintelligible]. We are—we will hardly go out on a Sunday for the whole family. If we do it, will be in a nearby park and walking and coming back walking. So, I mean, he–he instilled those values.

00:07:56.200 - 00:08:10.170

But he also had a open—it was a caste society, even today. So he always kept the money at some–one place where ev–we all knew we were all told. And is if you have a need, which is greater than rest of the family’s,

00:08:10.760 - 00:08:28.870

take the money, whatever you want, but make sure you write the count. And, you know, once I–I wanted to enjoy some good meal in the restaurant like my other friends. And he decided as a result of that, because there was (?) [unintelligible],

00:08:30.050 - 00:08:47.740

skip the next four weeks of outing on Sunday. And that–that was a pretty tough lesson for me. You know, so that is how he taught the value. Not spanking anybody or per se but showing an example.

00:08:52.540 - 00:09:06.020

Then I came in this country. At that time my son was only five weeks old. But I wanted to come here to—for higher education, and betterment for the family, even though I had a good job back home in

00:09:06.020 - 00:09:22.200

India. And my family joined me after almost a year and half. But if I can divert just a little bit. So my father was a firm believer in yoga and self–control,

00:09:22.290 - 00:09:39.200

meditation. And he used to take us to the place to teach when we were 6, 7, 8, 9 year old—till' today for almost last 60 years, I have been doing yoga at least three to five days a week.

00:09:40.450 - 00:10:00.330

And one of the greatest benefits I got when I came to New Hampshire—chemical engineering was one of the tougher lifes to follow, at that time chemical engineering and aeronautics were the two tough lifes. But I left my wife and my son in India so I had

00:10:00.330 - 00:10:15.750

a goal. They will only allow, since you are in Rice, you know, at a graduate level, they only allowed us three core credit or courses—I mean three courses to nine credit hours. And a total it was 36 credit, including thesis.

00:10:17.320 - 00:10:31.900

And I said I cannot afford it, I know the things and I came from the best college—I can’t afford it. But my advisor would not allow me. So I had to wait till' he was sick, went to another advisor,

00:10:32.300 - 00:10:48.270

temporary, got three courses signed up by him. And by the time you know—that we had old 1620 IBM computer, the later on it—well they got a new one 360 IBM mainframe.

00:10:49.070 - 00:11:05.440

So by the time they got the result it was here and well with one and half, two months late. And of course my advisor got mad at me said, "What the heck am I seeing—you register for six courses? Nobody does it." So I explained to him—I showed him my grades.

00:11:06.240 - 00:11:20.890

Out of six, I had five A and 1 B. So I kept showing him one by one. And he said, "What you're trying to do?" He say sir, "If you think most people cannot take more—they should not take more than three

00:11:20.890 - 00:11:35.860

because of the limitation. Look, I got five A's and 1 B. Am I not capable?" "Okay, not again. This time it's okay." But that's how I did. But in all the fairness to whatever teaching from my parents,

00:11:36.970 - 00:11:49.540

I never went to sleep before 2:30 in the morning. I never woke up later than 5:30 in the morning. And I could sleep even today, anytime, anywhere, as long as I want to sleep.

00:11:50.570 - 00:12:07.360

5 minutes, 9 minutes, whatever. And I finished my study in less than one year. Most Americans would taken chemical engineering, born in USA, taken—understanding the system—would take between two and

00:12:07.360 - 00:12:23.050

half to three and half years. Most foreigners like Chinese, Vietnamese, Indians, Mexican, South Americans will take between three to five years with the thesis. And my dedication thanks to the

00:12:23.050 - 00:12:45.020

yoga and discipline, I was done in less than one year. So I—so it's not me, It is the teachings of the old–old country. Yeah. And then after I got a job for a division of Tenneco, they had one division called Packaging Corporation of

00:12:45.120 - 00:12:59.240

America, which is listed in New York Stock Exchange now, pkg is a ticker symbol. But they had a—they had 56 plants all over the country, including a couple in Brazil.

00:13:00.510 - 00:13:14.730

And after working there for almost five and a half years, I moved to New York. And that was a-a- choice job with a Par—at a Park Avenue. Next door to Waldorf Astoria.

00:13:15.370 - 00:13:32.880

So I had a chance to see all the kings and queens and prime ministers from the window of my office, because they all stayed there when they attended a meeting of United Nation. And the company had 34 plants, including two interest bearers in Brazil.

00:13:33.890 - 00:13:53.420

And part of my job was to work with the EPA, OSHA, and also SEC, Security and Exchange Commission. So I was fortunate to have that much exposure. And then, in–in the meanwhile, I did my MBA from the Pace University,

00:13:53.700 - 00:14:08.050

which is right in the Wall Street area. And the keynote speaker for our graduation was Dr. Paul Volcker, who was a boss of Alan Greenspan of the Federal Reserve System.

00:14:08.650 - 00:14:26.720

So I was lucky to finish there, but even there also, after a full time job I used to go to Washington DC once a week, and other plants. But in the bus, in the train, in the airplane, I wa—I always had my textbook with me.

00:14:26.720 - 00:14:45.850

And even on a part time basis—normally full time takes about two and half to four years for MBA, finance and marketing, I was a part timer and normally it takes anywhere from three and half to five and half years. But I finished mine in less than two years

00:14:46.980 - 00:15:02.890

with distinction. So I was fortunate. Yeah that's–that's amazing how you were able to do that and complete those degrees in such a short time, yeah?

00:15:04.540 - 00:15:21.960

No, [unintelligible] and also when I was in Michigan, I know my boss used to say it's very, very tough, but you need to get PE—registered professional engineer. And he said I failed three times, but it's worth it, go for it. But it requires minimum five years of industrial experience to

00:15:21.960 - 00:15:36.970

qualify for exam, you know. And I took that exam with–in writing in a state of Michigan. Very first trial, I was lucky, I pass. So I heard that big certificate of professional engineer.

00:15:37.790 - 00:15:55.090

And usually, almost any major contracts of now 10,000 or up. But that time it was $5,000 or up because the signature and a seal of a registered professional engineer, just like Lancer (?) [unintelligible].

00:15:55.090 - 00:16:11.890

[KC: Yea.] So I was lucky to get one of those things. And then in 79', I moved to Houston. And in a company called Brown & Root—they were at that time part of Halliburton, and I joined—I was the first one—I mean I

00:16:11.890 - 00:16:26.560

hate to say this here, but kind of different color skin to join the company. There is a line manager with the authority of hiring and firing the employees. And a review of the salary, all that kind of stuff,

00:16:27.270 - 00:16:42.370

he raised our eyebrows. And in the beginning, I was upset. But then later on I–I explained to myself that in lot of cases, if you do a good job, bosses are so busy,

00:16:42.370 - 00:16:57.390

they don't have time to look at it. In my case, every other boss was watching me [laughs]. So I thought if I got nothing to hide, if I do good things, [unintelligible]. So, two years later, I got promoted.

00:16:58.190 - 00:17:14.980

And I became their energy and economics manager about which I sent to you some information. So that time I was involved in financing, working with a World Bank, risk management, and project management, et–etc. Dealing with agencies, you know, EPA,

00:17:15.050 - 00:17:33.760

OSHA and I've given a lot of time to testimony to state and state EPA—state of Maryland, Virginia, also state of Texas—various places, you know, and also the public hearing with the state Congress or state Senates for a new plant,

00:17:33.910 - 00:17:49.870

new approval, environmental impact assessment, you know, those kind of things. So, I was fortunate. You mentioned—you briefly mentioned, how, because of your race, it kind of raised some eyebrows.

00:17:50.730 - 00:18:02.880

Would you say you experienced any, I guess, challenges in the workplace be-because of your race at all? And if you did, how did you— Race and–race and ethnicity?

00:18:03.430 - 00:18:19.220

Well, it goes back to the concept that most, quote, “funny looking people” cannot be so smart. I'm talking about the 70s and we still had ci-the civil right movement going on that time.

00:18:19.960 - 00:18:34.950

And it's an offshoot of that. You know, once in a while when they finally understood me and experience it, they were shocked because there are times that the–the big boss would try to show off.

00:18:35.780 - 00:18:47.420

So he will shoot about five, six questions to you, you know. “So how do you know this industry? How much money you're going to help us band (?) ? Which year did you start?” On and on. And that's the simple way to intimidate the other person.

00:18:48.780 - 00:19:03.590

And I think at one time I answered the question in sequence. But the guy—my boss's boss forgot what he asked me. So he said, "What are you telling me?" So I said, "I answered your question." And there was a long pause.

00:19:05.080 - 00:19:22.830

And he said, "I forgot what I asked you." So I explained to him, I said, "Sir, do you want me to tell you what you asked me, and then you want me to answer again what I answered earlier?" That was a nice way of intimidating him.

00:19:23.420 - 00:19:39.730

And he never raised his eyebrow against me ever since. You know. And I was not tell-doing anything different. I was just repeating these questions. But I did not allow him to intimidate or make me feel small. I am what I am.

00:19:39.920 - 00:19:57.340

That's all. So, few incidences like that. But even–even when I was traveling—I mean, you know, the lot of times I would invite the plant manager of various companies, like in Covington, Virginia.

00:19:57.340 - 00:20:09.820

We had a–we had a bleach white paper manufacturing almost thousand tons a day. Most of that paper is used for the cartons- container- like a milk cartons etc.

00:20:10.600 - 00:20:26.530

And it's a thousand ton a day, and we were going to expand. And then we went to Germany, we went to UK, Sweden, Finland, different places—especially in UK, the guy will not answer my question no matter what I asked.

00:20:27.480 - 00:20:41.220

And finally when we met in the officer's mass, Jeff, his name, he was asking, I say, "Bobby" I say, "If you people like of our equipment (??)"—which is we were looking for 120, 140 million dollar worth of equipment.

00:20:41.930 - 00:20:58.360

And I'm talking about late 70s—a lot of money. He said, "Who will be the decision maker? Who will sign the purchase order?" So my associates said, "I'm a plant manager, but Hemant is the one who is in charge of the

00:20:58.400 - 00:21:18.010

whole project. So it is he who signs." And all of a sudden the guy learned how to pronounce my name, so few incidences like that, but you know, it did not down me I always inserted little humor into it—made the best out

00:21:18.080 - 00:21:30.060

of it. I learned that you- were—or your—you-your family was like the only Indian family in Filer city, Michigan.

00:21:30.770 - 00:21:45.180

Yeah, in–familiar [KC: Kind of talks about—] with Manistee, Michigan. Yeah. [KC: Yeah.] Filer city, very small. Manistee, Michigan is about 8700 people that are right on Lake Michigan.

00:21:46.860 - 00:22:05.470

And between the Filer city and Manistee, M–A–N–I–S–T–E–E, is lake Manistee. And when we got our daughter born in 71], we—I was joking that there is a 33% increase in the population of Indians.

00:22:06.020 - 00:22:22.590

But they have never seen—hardly any exposure. So you—when the first time we were traveling, going to Grand Rapids, which is 125 miles, people were warning us how to obey the traffic signals and which way to

00:22:22.590 - 00:22:30.650

drive. Don't be intimidated. So many cars, you know, all that. But very–very nice people. Very–very nice people.

00:22:31.840 - 00:22:49.120

And they used to tell me I said the reason you know so much about pollution, and by the way EPA was just born in 1970. And then they made me in charge of all the environmental rules and regulations, compliance requirements in my plant.

00:22:49.990 - 00:23:07.300

And people used to say, “You know so much about pollution, I know why.” I say, "Why?" "Is it because India is lot of people makes a lot of pollution. So you know how to solve the problems." So simple was the mindset yeah–yeah. But that is the time EPA was formed.

00:23:07.300 - 00:23:22.830

And I remember attending the meetings in the Chicago, William Ruckelshaus, the first administrator of EPA, who was formerly the governor of [unintelligible] in the same key (?) and very good conversation, you know.

00:23:24.800 - 00:23:41.170

And I had to go to a lot of giving the testimony to the Michigan State Congress, as well as the legislative bodies, for permitting, for approval of the permits, etc. And it was good–good experience.

00:23:43.370 - 00:24:01.600

I'm fortunate I got a lot of exposure in various areas. You mentioned earlier that engineering—you were engineering for a long time. So kind of what spurred an interest in engineering or chemical engineering?

00:24:05.550 - 00:24:22.870

I–I was always fascinated by chemistry. And since my elder brother was a civil engineer, I had a choice whether to go in mechanical, electrical or chemical. Because there was no chemical engineering being taught in my

00:24:22.870 - 00:24:39.820

state that time. So we had to go to Bombay. And that means competition, living alone, more money, lonesomeness, everything else. But I had a problem the first year—I

00:24:40.960 - 00:25:03.080

failed even though everybody who came was a cream of the colleges from various colleges, but I was too busy writing letters to my girlfriend, lover. I think over the course of my eight or ten year long career, I must have written her about

00:25:03.080 - 00:25:16.670

370 letters. I have written probably 70-75 poetry—poems to her [laughs]. So my friend said, "No wonder you didn't have time to study"... [KC:

00:25:23.930 - 00:25:40.230

And then here—] That's why I–I–I defaulted. I decided doing a chemical engineering, because I li-like chemical chemistry, but it was—to go to Bombay was expensive proposition, but I promise my father I would do it.

00:25:40.230 - 00:25:55.170

And if I may divert just a little bit. After I failed the first year, my father, like I said, he was very cut and dry. He said, "Hemant, I did not come to see your college. I don't even know what are the subjects in chemical engineering.

00:25:55.960 - 00:26:08.660

You told me and I believed everything you told me. Also, you told me that you're going there for study. And I told you, I will support your studies. But you did not do the study, you failed.

00:26:09.520 - 00:26:25.850

So I don't need to support you anymore." It's very cut and dry, simple. So in those days, there were no part time jobs. You know, I'm talking 1960-62. So I was doing tutoring.

00:26:25.850 - 00:26:45.970

I was teaching students, high school graduation students and making some money. And that took care of my college, my hostel, bills, everything else. But I had to learn the hard way.

00:26:46.010 - 00:27:00.930

And when you came to the US, you mentioned that you furthered your education on engineering, but you also mentioned you went to the Pace University to get an MBA. So as an engineer, why—what kind of led you to that field in the first

00:27:00.960 - 00:27:13.620

place? Well, one of the things engineers were, you know, very good with the numbers. But a lot of times they will lose sight of why are you in business?

00:27:14.540 - 00:27:33.420

Why are you putting up a new plant? Why are you hiring another person or staff because everything has to have a return on investment. And if there is no reward or return on investment, then you should not be in a business. In business,

00:27:33.420 - 00:27:52.980

the only reason you are in business is to make money for you and for your investors. And I thought that–that thing was kind of missing in engineering. So I decided to go [unintelligible] for my MBA. Plus, at that time, I was getting exposed with the legislative aspects of the EPA,

00:27:53.550 - 00:28:12.000

Security and Exchange Commission, and newly formed Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In the early days, used to be called Williams–Steiger Act for safety. It became OSHA. So some way

00:28:12.000 - 00:28:30.460

somehow, I felt there was a gap and I thought I'll be the one who can help fulfilling that gap—filling that gap. So that's what motivated me to do MBA even with the two kids, wife and I had to commute in New Jers—from New Jersey to New York,

00:28:30.460 - 00:28:46.080

which was 45 minutes by bus. So it used to be hour and quarter door to door each way. But–but then I learned how to use my time in the bus and train and everywhere so it was not bad.

00:28:46.080 - 00:29:04.310

You know, it's like they say you get lemon, make lemonade out of it, right? Mhm. And could you kind of talk a bit about I guess your first job like-as a project engineer here in the–in the US?

00:29:05.260 - 00:29:24.860

Yeah, that was in Michigan. [KC: Mhm.] And pulp and paper industry we were making I think about 400, 450 tons of a brown paper which causes a complicated (?) medium in making the sandwich between the boxes—box layers,

00:29:25.900 - 00:29:47.640

and so I was involved in the purchase of the wood—debarking using the bark as a best material for fuel in the boilers and generate the power or electricity all the way up to the pulping process—chemicals used in pulping process,

00:29:48.280 - 00:30:07.490

washing the pulp, making the paper out of it. A lot of time nowadays those paper machines are running at about 3000 feet per minute. So that's pretty high–speed machines, you know. And that's how the papers are made with

00:30:07.490 - 00:30:26.280

different configuration. And that's when I got more involved in harvesting of the trees like pine, oak, maple. And then I came down south here, even got more involved with the pine, especially southern

00:30:26.280 - 00:30:45.250

pine. And I got involved working with a Swedish Forestry Research Group in help develop the test(?) of trees. Because the pine head, they're–they're coniferous, they have long fibers, longitudinal, while the oak,

00:30:45.540 - 00:31:03.210

maple—these are all the hard wood, and the strength is there, but the fibers are very short. So you need some combination of the two in order to impart strands to the papers. So I got heavily involved in those kind of things also,

00:31:04.240 - 00:31:22.350

and work with the Swedish Forestry Research to develop the test tube trees. And so the main trees that we try to work are the southern pine, which includes the ponderosa pines, slash pine, jack pine, you know,

00:31:23.470 - 00:31:46.070

all the different way. And I was very fortunate to run into somebody called Dr. [unintelligible]. He was a director of the Forestry Research Group in New Orleans— genius guy and so we work together. And now you're—[HG: I ho-I hope I answered your question.] Oh no–no yeah–yeah that's

00:31:46.640 - 00:32:02.600

great. And I guess now, it seems you—in terms of, you know, work, you've shifted more to, I guess, business development and kind of investment banking. Kind of what—again, like, kind of what caused the shift?

00:32:04.250 - 00:32:24.230

Well, I have–I have a background in techno-technology or technical background. And the missing piece was understanding the finance, public relationship, investment relationship, response, corporate responsi-producer responsibility and duties,

00:32:25.310 - 00:32:39.560

that part was lacking. And on the other side, other financial people could not understand the complexity of technology. So I thought I would be a bridge, and that's what I did.

00:32:40.250 - 00:32:57.050

So I got involved in working. And as a result of the starting of the role, everything I realized revolves around the money—bottom line. So, that led me to the investment banking, I took some quite a few exams of the brokerage.

00:32:58.020 - 00:33:15.700

So, like I said, they have series six, which allows people to sell mutual funds—like lot of a life insurance peoples, they sell the mutual fund, like a part of the annuity. So, I took that and I had this taken series seven,

00:33:16.370 - 00:33:32.350

which is for all the general securities. And then in order to do the tax shelters, they used to call a DPP, or a direct participation programs about which I sent you some information. You have to have what is known as the series 22.

00:33:33.500 - 00:33:48.880

And then you—if you are senior and supervising other brokers, then you have to be the principal. So that is another exam series 24. And in that one less than—barely half a percent people pass.

00:33:49.580 - 00:34:06.770

It's very, very, very tough exam, because you are dealing with other people's money. So even though before you take exam, your hands are fingerprinted. And you have to take the oath of (?) this (?)[1][2], but I was lucky I passed few of that, and I was supervising

00:34:08.610 - 00:34:26.940

eight or 10 brokers in different jobs, doing syndication, joint venture, and that's when I decided to do syndication of cardamom ginger in Costa Rica. I sent you some info on that.

00:34:29.060 - 00:34:47.080

Cardamom is the second most expensive spice in the world after saffron, and it requires very unique type of terrain in India, Spain, especially Central America- ideal. So I visited Costa Rica several times.

00:34:48.110 - 00:35:03.350

And I was fortunate to have met with Oscar Arias. He was unknown person, but later on he became the president of Costa Rica. And then he also won the Nobel Prize in—but I was lucky to run into him.

00:35:03.760 - 00:35:19.100

But we leave 200 acre land in Costa Rica in Limon province in the forest (?) style (?). And because Cardamom is a perennial crop, but it takes three to five years for it to come to maturity,

00:35:19.520 - 00:35:34.050

before we start reaping the benefits. The meanwhile you have expenses, like pesticides, get rid of the veils, all the labor, cleaning up, etc. And you cannot just plant something and walk away for four years

00:35:34.180 - 00:35:50.130

and hope everything will be okay. So, in 72 acres, we planted ginger, which is an annual crop, and it pays for the management expenses. Yeah. And you're there every year you have to plant it,

00:35:50.350 - 00:36:03.700

but every year, make some money and take care of that. So after five years, when the plants came to maturity, we sold it, the people make good money.

00:36:03.880 - 00:36:18.290

And now you're the senior executive, or CEO of Infomax Aggregators LLC. [HG: Right.] Tell me a bit about what this company does—what your company does, and kind of what you do, I guess on a day to day basis.

00:36:18.800 - 00:36:34.710

We started with zero clients. And in 92', 93', I started this, and that was the era where most of the states have beginning to get a wind of deregulating the electric power to the people.

00:36:35.910 - 00:36:51.490

Texas was a little bit behind. But California was one of the landmark states. And I went to the rules and regulations and I got myself updated in the process. Then the opportunity came in Texas, we were there.

00:36:52.190 - 00:37:08.190

You need certification or approval from the PUC, Public Utility Commission. So we got approval for Infomax Aggregators—is a aggregator so we aggregate, combine various users

00:37:09.090 - 00:37:20.220

and come up with a better price. Let me give a simple example. I'm sure you have stayed in a hotels. During the daytime, hotels use very limited amount of the energy,

00:37:21.720 - 00:37:40.390

but in the nighttime as people check in they turn the lights on the TV on everything's on the restaurants etc. So suddenly, there is a surge in the power usage—office buildings, just the opposite. During the daytime they use a high and as the

00:37:40.390 - 00:37:57.780

evenings five, six, seven o'clock, the usage goes way down. And- but the problem is that energy is sold as a—as the whole package not up and down the whole block of the energy. So what we did was we combined the dissimilar users

00:37:58.710 - 00:38:18.050

and tried to match so that the fluctuation during the high and low like in the hotel is three times in case of the offices during the low and high time it is also to enhance three times, but by doing this we narrow down the fluctuations to barely 5%.

00:38:19.360 - 00:38:38.290

So we are getting the excellent rate for the utility companies because they don't have to go look for lower demand type sale. And we did okay we started with zero, we ended up with close to 600 clients. Some of the well–known among them is Fiesta.

00:38:39.590 - 00:38:57.550

The 35 stores like [unintelligible] and Bellaire store that time was using close to $80,000 of electricity. But–but same way with the [unintelligible] investors and we have them breaking it

00:38:57.590 - 00:39:14.330

down significantly. And it was a very interesting challenge, totally different. They were studied in a textbook. Same way. La Michoacana. I don't know if you know the name, but three brothers started with two stores.

00:39:16.160 - 00:39:33.820

Today, La Michoacana there are 140 stores, including in Dallas, San Antonio, Victoria, all over. [unintelligible] St. Luke's Sugarland hospital—same thing so we work with aggregation and help lower the rates

00:39:33.820 - 00:39:51.660

for the clients. And if we bring back the refund rebate, we give—our formula is very simple. Don't adopt us. I'm not going to invoice you anything phony or questionable. If you work hard in keeping your refund or rebate,

00:39:53.070 - 00:40:09.060

which–which we will know because of the power of attorney. You keep half, you give other half. So like St. Luke, Fiesta, we brought–brought back when I got some checks $99,000, $110,000 so on so

00:40:10.950 - 00:40:27.590

forth. St. Luke's Sugarland hospital $40- $50,000, check to Infomax. Two, maybe three times. So, that's what kept us going. You seem very forward thinking.

00:40:28.630 - 00:40:45.110

And, you know, you're a leader in this field, I would say. Kind of when did you realize you kind of wanted to be a leader or kind of wanted to establish a company? Or were you always very ambitious or motivated?

00:40:45.800 - 00:41:05.310

No, I always take charge. But to being a leader, I am not because if I asked my wife, I'll–I'll be on the last bench [laughs]... Though I always wanted to do something—you do as good as anybody or better.

00:41:06.970 - 00:41:23.440

That's the same thing I used to tell my son. And my parents used to tell me that doesn't matter what you want to do. You don't have to be a doctor or an engineer. My father used to say, even if you want to be a shoeshine boy, that is fine with me. But you have to be the best around,

00:41:24.950 - 00:41:43.940

and I used to tell the same thing to my—well my son also. Today, he is a CIO for Shell [unintelligible] that Shell based in the Netherlands, and he was in Holland and went to London and back to Holland and now he's stationed in Houston.

00:41:44.670 - 00:42:01.060

But he has a staff of almost 4000 people in Bangalore alone. And his a—his staff is scattered all over the world. And that's the baby I left. He was five weeks old when I left India—he's 54.

00:42:04.120 - 00:42:23.700

You're currently very active in—I think the Houston community. Can you tell me how you came to be one of the founders of Gujarati Sahitya Sarita and [HG: Oh gosh.] the vision of the organization? Yeah, you—I have to go back a little bit.

00:42:23.890 - 00:42:40.370

So you can—I can relate to you exactly what went by, how come? A very close friend, not too far from us. He has worked in Saudi for many, many years. And his mother had come living with him.

00:42:42.000 - 00:42:54.670

His mother was a schoolteacher, in a small vill-small village back in Gujarat state from where I came. And I also enjoy like I told you- literature, poetry, all kinds of things.

00:42:55.560 - 00:43:13.680

And she and I, we u-used to talk a lot of times. Sometimes my wife and my friend and his wife will be on the sideline. But I'm—his mom and I had ongoing conversations for hours. And at one time, my friend told me I say,

00:43:13.680 - 00:43:27.210

it's fun to watch you too. It is almost like you two are the lovers. And we had a daughter born in our family. So we are in the hospital—we–we play bridge.

00:43:27.950 - 00:43:45.050

I also played bridge when I was in Bombay, and did not win the championship, but we were on our own, Bombay University. But over here we play bridge three times a week with three different couples. And they came and waited for us.

00:43:45.500 - 00:44:01.490

In a panel we left a note that when you come, call me we'll come back—they lived about five miles from us. When they came back, they said “I'm sorry, because of my granddaughter. We were anxious. We were emotionally involved.

00:44:02.190 - 00:44:13.640

But here we are home, is okay. I'm ready to come.” I said, “Wait a minute. What about your mother? Is she alone?” “Yeah–yeah she is used to being alone. Don't worry about her.” That's a no–no–no.

00:44:14.640 - 00:44:31.950

Just because you and I are going to help plays a-playing bridge. I don't want her to feel lonely because she was 80, 80-82. So it's okay then—so we went there. Normally I never take camera with me but that time I took—I had a camera with me

00:44:33.650 - 00:44:46.850

because we came from a hospital with my granddaughter. And I took it it. My wife was wondering why you are taking camera? We are playing bridge. I said, “Don't worry.” Deepak's (?) mother came to open the door.

00:44:48.280 - 00:45:04.920

And I gave her good news about granddaughter in our family. She was elated, very happy I-we took some sweets also, and she said, “What else?” I said, "Grandma, I want to take your picture." She said, "Me?

00:45:04.920 - 00:45:15.510

Why?" I said just—his house was full of windows all over. So finally we found a spot. I took her picture though. She wanted all of us together. I said, no, I just want you alone.

00:45:16.260 - 00:45:33.860

I don't know why. So I took her picture. And of course then the family. We started player-our—she and I were talking about poetry. My wife, my friend Deepak and his wife were arranging the table for the bridge. And [unintelligible] grandma (?) was asking me,

00:45:33.860 - 00:45:53.600

I said, "There is one poetry in Gujarati literature talking about confession, you remember that?" Can you help me by saying the first two lines of that poetry? I remember all those things. And she said, "Oh, now I remember." So she's saying the third line,

00:45:54.910 - 00:46:16.190

and the next thing she started moving like this. And I caught her. My friend Deepak and his wife scream, "What is happening?" I—she was in my hand, put her down, near my lap, all the four of us were

00:46:16.190 - 00:46:38.070

rubbing her arm, and the legs—try to rejuvenate her. Got—next door was a medical doctor, got him in. And he said, "Excuse me, but she's already dead." What a way to go… And

00:46:38.650 - 00:46:54.850

it is because—and of course the family they asked me, "Hemant, the way you were talking always like lover, she was always so anxious to see you and talk to you and share all the literature things with you. So you do the eulogy."

00:46:57.500 - 00:47:11.090

So I did that in her funeral. But that is what gave me an idea working with my friend. I said lady was so much interested in literature. How can we leave a legacy for her?

00:47:12.010 - 00:47:26.280

Sorry. Sorry. And that's where I got idea—we got idea of Gujarati Sahitya Sarita—Gujarati literature. We were only eight people that day.

00:47:28.230 - 00:47:46.220

Today, there are more than 300 members. So I don't mean to dive-divergent, but I thought, since we are talking Gujarati Sahitya Sarita of Houston, that's important. And I was a one of the founding members.

00:47:46.220 - 00:48:01.230

I was a treasurer and a organizer for 11 years. And we–we live with very simple thing. And we have two rules. Number one, no title. Because when you give title of

00:48:01.380 - 00:48:18.150

president or vice president or you know, all of a sudden the ego goes up. So no president, no title, everybody will be calling it. And what’s number two? No money. All the evils in the world are because of the money.

00:48:20.550 - 00:48:37.640

So we have no money, just minimum $100 in the bank account. I'll give you that. So that's how we start. Anytime we had a program. We have to go back ask people for donation, and we'll make it happen.

00:48:39.060 - 00:48:56.530

But we see everywhere the emails are because of the title and the money, position and the money so that was the foundation [unintelligible]. But today a lot of things have changed. Tha-thank you so much for sharing that's a very touching story.

00:48:57.670 - 00:49:09.600

And organization I think is great. And I guess— My friend and his family, they always told us—I say you know what, most people suffer so much.

00:49:10.450 - 00:49:24.690

She died singing a poetry with you—she loves you and she died in your hand. What better death [unintelligible]. So, sorry...sorry.

00:49:29.620 - 00:49:41.820

Go ahead. No it's alright, if you need a minute. Yeah, another few things like I have a grandson, my daughter's son. He has a myotonic dystrophy and he cannot talk.

00:49:41.820 - 00:50:00.030

So I got involved searching-researching these particular chromosomes. You know, we all have 30—33 pairs of chromosomes, XX or XY. So I got into lot more detail about those studies. Talk to dozens of different institutions,

00:50:00.220 - 00:50:17.850

people. We wanted to find a cure for my grandson. Finally, now, they're beginning to do gene splicing, or major genome program. And CRISPR is one of the companies who is doing that things I follow on all those

00:50:17.850 - 00:50:38.140

things. I–I love to learn—love to read and love to make an impact if I can, you know, otherwise I know my presence is like a finger in a bucket full of water. Once you take it out, nobody knows the

00:50:38.140 - 00:50:54.150

difference... Right? Mhm yeah. And, as—I guess you're very involved in the community. Are there any other community involvements

00:50:54.630 - 00:51:10.630

that you are, I guess, currently partaking in in the Houston area? I used to get very heavily involved in the meditation center called the Prekshadhyan (?) Meditation Center. And but lately I'm not regular—last few years I'm not because of my

00:51:11.620 - 00:51:28.080

situation yet within the family. So that is another institution in which I got involved. We also have Indo–American Association, but we help, we support, and they bring some of the top notch artists over here

00:51:29.530 - 00:51:47.020

from India, and we release those—another thing with another family—also, they bring out all the budding artists, and give them a platform or a stage in their own home. And they bring these artists they perform, whether it's a dance,

00:51:47.090 - 00:52:03.850

music, or instrumentation, instruments whatever, whatever. And just move them up, push them up, motivate them. So those are a few things that I tried to do, you know.

00:52:03.850 - 00:52:20.070

And how would you say, I guess, emphasizing your own ethnic heritage is in society, and I guess informing people of your culture, or just bringing people together?

00:52:22.220 - 00:52:41.630

I am heavily involved in a few thing—I know the Commissioner Richard Morrison Precinct 1 in Fort Bend County, and also I've met with Vincent Morales, who used to be the mayor of Rosenberg. Now he's a commissioner of Precinct 1 also—and get

00:52:43.530 - 00:53:01.380

ongoing communication. The closest one is Mayor Darryl Humphrey, he's the Mayor of the City of Kendleton, which is about less than 400 people. But he has been the mayor for a long time. And one of the things I tried to work

00:53:01.480 - 00:53:18.450

with him, help him, motivate the community. He is... in our society, if you have no education, you know, if you're Black, and especially no education, you have—you will go nowhere.

00:53:19.580 - 00:53:37.700

So how can we help? How can we motivate, inspire the people to do something other than what their parents have done? So that they can have a different lifestyle and a presence compared to their own parents. So I worked with him on those things in the

00:53:37.910 - 00:53:54.230

city of Kendleton. It is just an hour ago he called and said, "Hey, I need some help." So which is a you give back something? And another thing I do also or did rather, for four or five years, I was teaching Applied Economics to the

00:53:54.410 - 00:54:12.240

seniors in the high school. And I don't want to be attached to any particular school. So I go to two different schools. Only for two years, then change the school like Waltrip High School Els-El-Elkins High School you know,

00:54:12.680 - 00:54:30.960

also way out in a Houston area and the hitter (?) program under junior achievement. Because most of the teacher, they hardly have enough money to invest in the market. They are—they have one year experience 30 times—30 year experience

00:54:31.070 - 00:54:45.320

but it's one year experience 30 times—very little outside exposure. So they asked us people like me to go and I help them understand what the market is, what the stock market. What is the duty responsibility, [unintelligible],

00:54:45.980 - 00:55:04.440

all those things. A lot of time they have a hard time so I say, "Who-which shirt is this thing?" "Oh, this is Nike." "Which shoe that?" "Oh these are Reeboks" and I said, “Write down.” And find three similar competing shirts or shoes company or gap (?) that

00:55:04.440 - 00:55:19.420

you have with the premi-premier (?). And I saw them, I explain to them—get the new one, set up to different teams then list work- which stocks you're going to buy—any three stock your X amount of money,

00:55:20.650 - 00:55:34.760

and thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed all these things because nobody taught them this, you know. And you can relate to your own background as you were in the school and how much exposure somebody give like this, right?

00:55:37.280 - 00:55:55.050

For sure mhm. I guess shifting to more of your personal life. You know, the pandemic has been a challenge for all of us. Have there been any activities or passions that have kind of helped you push through these difficult times?

00:55:56.660 - 00:56:16.170

My interest in Indian classical music, different rather, Western classical music, which I always enjoy. I know everybody- gave also being in the homes of Beethoven and Mozart. We–we enjoy traveling—we have been in about 35 different countries,

00:56:16.410 - 00:56:33.760

my wife and I, and—but last one and half year has been hard. Right I–I understand—I try to analyze the chart to understand symphonies of Schubert like unfinished Symphony,

00:56:34.200 - 00:56:53.240

Mozart's or Moonlight Sonata, Rachmaninoff or Prokofiev. You know, Valero, like what is it? [unintelligible] all different kind of things I try to learn—I'm really enjoying those things. And another thing I did was under the Great

00:56:53.710 - 00:57:10.510

Courses, which we all get, probably in the paper or, you know, mail. They have about 120-130 different courses. Whether it's a quantum physi-physics, theory of music, justice system,

00:57:12.670 - 00:57:28.030

paintings of the Renaissance era, but you name it, they have it. So I subscribe to that. So right now, in parallel, I'm taking about five courses. And I can turn it on any time anywhere-where.

00:57:28.160 - 00:57:45.220

So I–I spend a lot of time learning. Again, to me, this sort of thing we call it life, you know, and one thing we believe, coming from the old culture. And we all know we all talk all the wealth,

00:57:45.300 - 00:58:03.340

material things, money is not going to be with you to stay here when you leave. But knowledge is the one that go with you, and that's why people like Mozart, even though he was six, seven year old, he was able to write a symphony for the

00:58:03.340 - 00:58:21.120

daughter of the king's wedding that day. Why? How? Because most (?) [unintelligible] people are born with zero, maybe he was born with something more than zero from the previous life, we don't know. But—there is—I like to believe it and based on that I like

00:58:21.120 - 00:58:36.010

to carry on. Cause' learning is a quest, that there's always a need for knowledge and I really enjoy it. So, in that case, that you don't need anybody. I'm with me and myself, and I'm happy.

00:58:38.710 - 00:58:52.930

And on—okay go ahead. No, so that is one of the activities. And I teach my grandson's—grandson just elec—majored in electrical engineering from Texas A&M with distinction.

00:58:53.590 - 00:59:06.550

He got a job with NASA. So we communicate quite a lot—a lot of different things, you know. And my granddaughter, she enjoys astronomy and astronauts da–da–da.

00:59:06.710 - 00:59:21.190

So I–I also fell into that—I am reasonably good in [unintelligible], and acupressure and acupuncture thing—acupressure especially. And I try to share those things with her. So that's the mission of the life.

00:59:25.160 - 00:59:44.770

And I guess on the topic of, you know, the pandemic, you've probably heard there's been a lot of anti–Asian sentiment, kind of discrimination, whether you know, in the workplace or public. Kind of how do you feel about this current climate and state of affairs and I guess

00:59:44.770 - 00:59:59.990

the future prospects for Asian Americans? Let me put it this way. I mean I came in this country in 67'. And what I've seen, I mean, the–the young kids who

01:00:00.160 - 01:00:13.520

ring the doorbell. Say "Can I help you?" They said, "Somebody told us that there are some Indians living here." I am saying it in a humorous way. And I was asking them, "Oh, Indians.

01:00:14.020 - 01:00:26.610

So you want to see my cap and feather?" They say, "Yeah, yeah, yeah can you show me?" But that is the level of understanding of the world average American has. It is sad. It is pathetic.

01:00:26.650 - 01:00:45.640

And I think our job is to help them with education—inspire them because I tell—everybody's entitled to their own foolishness. It's not anybody's monopoly. And their stupidity or foolishness

01:00:46.360 - 01:01:01.280

has no racial barrier, there are Blacks, Brown, Yellow, White, you see it all the way through. You know, there is no discrimination in that case, but our job I think as Asian American is to help—it's not giving a big lecture

01:01:01.280 - 01:01:22.070

somewhere—have a small meeting like I talk about Kendleton— council members, quite a few people in school district and help them understand. Every custom is fully- is–is like if you tell Christian–Christian that

01:01:22.610 - 01:01:36.420

after everybody's dead—buried and dead—somebody will come and raise them and take them to Hell. I said, "Who asked you that?" And how many dead people are there buried and who knows all this? But it is a belief system.

01:01:37.570 - 01:01:52.900

And everybody's entitled to their own belief that there is a Muslims waiting for a day of judgment, Qayamat (?), or Hindus waiting for reincarnation, nobody has gone and come back. So we all hypothesize.

01:01:53.920 - 01:02:09.120

And then a hypothesis is repeated a dozen times it becomes a fact. Because of tradition. So I feel as Asian American—bring out the subtle differences. Explain to the people that everybody's entitled to everything.

01:02:10.040 - 01:02:27.130

Yes, I also had a copy of Bible including the St. James and Quran and Gita—all the different things I read. I enjoy these things—I learn from. And that is the light we have to take out and eliminate

01:02:27.450 - 01:02:47.030

wherever. And in the process, the benefit is we also learn. Yeah. And so you would say that just general kind of education and exposure is a good method for kind of bridging cultures

01:02:47.030 - 01:03:01.330

together? Right, right. Yes, because I can–I can pay somebody-TV station to give a lecture for 30 minutes of time. Okay. But it doesn't mean anything because people can turn off the TV

01:03:02.910 - 01:03:21.430

or radio right? There is no substitute for one on one type or you know, in a small group meeting [unintelligible] the positive communication. Because just like any other book, if you don't want to read, you can turn the book—close the book and

01:03:22.290 - 01:03:40.820

nobody can force you. We used to do that in a Kiwanis-Kiwani Club, K-I-W-A-N-I. We used to meet every Wednesday morning for breakfast—all the different ethnicity. And each one has got about 2-3-4-5 minutes.

01:03:41.220 - 01:03:53.230

And once a month, there'll be a keynote speaker who will share (?). Rotarian is a similar concept—Rotary Club. I used to be in all those things. Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club.

01:03:55.100 - 01:04:13.290

And it's a good platform. Because you cannot change the whole world. It-everything has to be done by small steps, little by little. And we light that candle. And while we're talking about—oh, yeah, go ahead.

01:04:13.290 - 01:04:28.800

[HG: No–no I'm waiting for you.] So we're kind of talking about ethnic heritage and culture. What would you—what would you say you identify as, like Indian, American, Indian American, or do you think these

01:04:28.800 - 01:04:47.370

categories even matter? I don't think it matters. Those are based on a geographical territory, based on the rulers of whether it's a Mayan culture or Aztec culture or Hindu culture, or like in Japan, where there—where there's a Shogun

01:04:47.370 - 01:05:06.190

culture what–what does it matter? Right? Because the moment you identify yourself with the Shogun era or with a—I'm just giving a lighthearted humor example. All of a sudden people come up with, oh, I remember what happened to that.

01:05:06.890 - 01:05:24.540

We already implanted a lot of bias. Why do it? So—I just—to answer your question, I see myself as a human being, happened to be born in India.

01:05:25.600 - 01:05:43.840

And with luck with the efforts, whatever, I came to this country to see different things, and I see the whole world, and I–I think both have a lot to offer. Why don't you bridge it? And then, you know, at—when you were raising your children,

01:05:45.860 - 01:06:02.060

did conflicts ever arise between you–you and your children regarding, I guess, different cultural viewpoints or values? Oh, absolutely–absolutely. I'll tell you one incident that happened, I think my son was 17 that time.

01:06:03.170 - 01:06:20.100

I got upset with him for something—you know, typical teenage, busy–busy doing whatever he wants. And then I realized I was wrong. So I came close to him, and I asked for his apology.

01:06:21.390 - 01:06:39.120

Please forgive me. And let me tell you one more thing I said. I said, "It's my mistake. Because when you were–you were born, out of 100,000 sperm cell I gave to your mom, she only picked one and you came." This was the dialogue

01:06:39.120 - 01:06:55.150

I had with him, okay. “And you came, and you know what, they did not come here with a cookbook, how to raise you, your mom and I did everything by chance by taking chance on-the-job training. So if I goof, I apologize.

01:06:56.290 - 01:07:16.460

I'm sorry.” He looked at me, and all sudden he was in tears, he was sobbing, same with me. It was a new beginning. When today no matter which part of the world he is in—he's 54, very senior person.

01:07:17.340 - 01:07:34.290

His next position is probably the president or a CEO of the Shell, which is $250 billion company. Maybe we did something right. But even as busy as he is, every other day, no matter which part of the world he is in,

01:07:34.790 - 01:07:49.430

he will call. "Dad I have only three minutes. I'm going from Poland to Hungary or Hungary to Netherlands. How are you? Is everything, okay? Your health?" That you cannot force anybody to do that comes from

01:07:49.490 - 01:08:07.020

within, from the heart. And I'm very happy, very proud. That is my treasure. And he's caring—very, very caring person. Even when he was–he was teaching

01:08:07.780 - 01:08:27.310

the-at Houston Community College, we were one the few who had a Compaq computer that time—256k (?) if you're [unintelligible]. And there were a lot of elderly people—they were scared to touch the computer. Now talking 80s, he will bring those people home,

01:08:27.960 - 01:08:45.050

allow them to use the computer—teach them. And typically, they were charging 10 to 15 dollar per hour. But he—without anybody telling him he said, "But Dad, he's so poor. I don't feel like charging anything to him." So

01:08:45.260 - 01:08:59.900

that compassion that comes from within from right from the beginning, you know? And that's where he has been. That's our relationship. So help others–help others. Whether we get a certificate or not doesn't matter,

01:09:00.950 - 01:09:17.140

you know. Right? [KC: Yeah, for sure. So—] It's the right thing to do, that's all. It's a wonderful relationship you two have. And I guess in light of our discussion, do you—I guess,

01:09:17.140 - 01:09:31.870

what are your hopes for your grandchildren or your future descendants as they kind of navigate the world we're in right now? I think—the first— don't fall far from the tree.

01:09:33.460 - 01:09:48.920

And I'm old enough to see in my son's son, my grandson, and my granddaughter. My daughter has two kids, one is a doctor. I see some issues because of the physical limitation.

01:09:49.850 - 01:10:07.430

But as far as the love, affection, and care it is boundless—tremendous amount and you know—and money is only a medium. So it doesn't matter. I'm not going to take anything with me so—but my

01:10:07.430 - 01:10:25.080

grandson, who is electrical engineer, he's 23 but 10 years ago he was telling me that "Grandpa, my other sibling is a myotonic dystrophy—he and his mom will need my–my daughter." She's 50 (?). "We don't need any money.

01:10:25.080 - 01:10:39.530

My dad has a good job. Please give everything to them." Hearing this from 13 year old kid, it wetted my eyes. So much maturity. So much understanding,

01:10:42.810 - 01:10:59.640

you know. He comes to my home many times—he's working for NASA. But he said, "Grandpa, which stock you're buying, why? Which option? How do you decide which option to buy?" He takes notes, like in a classroom, and I share everything with him,

01:11:00.070 - 01:11:14.990

you know, nothing to hide with him. If he's smart, he will become smarter than me. I—all I do give a foundation, that's all. I was also a swimming champion at one time in my hometown.

01:11:16.270 - 01:11:31.950

I'll send you the picture. In 1956, I won the trophies—backstroke, freestyle, breaststroke, diving, 400 meters, 800 meters, and 1600 meters.

01:11:32.970 - 01:11:47.430

In order to compete in 1600 meters, we have to practice 5000 meters, which is over three miles. And I used to go there at 6:30 in the morning or the weekend. Work there till 2-2:30.

01:11:48.490 - 01:12:05.050

And no time–no time for breakfast or lunch because I had no money [laughs]. Limited allowance. But one can do it. And I tell my grandkids I'm a prime example.

01:12:08.080 - 01:12:26.080

It's–It's a [unintelligible] see that enthusiasm, you know, dedication, that's all. And, yeah. And I guess I have another question about [HG: Sure.] culture. And, you know, you've had extensive

01:12:26.080 - 01:12:41.140

experience in the workforce—working in different industries as well. [HG: Oh yeah.] You must have—right—you must have worked with all kinds of people. Do you have any advice to share for people who are interested in,

01:12:41.590 - 01:12:55.750

you know, bri-bridging together? Oh yeah, absolutely. I was a CEO, Chief Executive Officer, for a big project in India. And that guy who hired me—he is one of the top

01:12:55.890 - 01:13:13.760

20 richest persons in India. Agarwal (?) is his name and we had a 45 minute long meeting in Marriott over here, which used to be Adam's Mar-Adams Mark or Westheimer. And the thing is I did my homework.

01:13:15.580 - 01:13:32.310

He–he had very specific he said, "I know everything about you, Hemant. But I have only this three or four question." And at the end and he was asking me said, "Do you have any question for me?" I said, "No. I know which school you went to. You got married with so and so at such and such time.

01:13:32.340 - 01:13:50.320

You are living here." He said, "Oh, hell, you–you did investigation too?" I say "Yes, sir." [laughs] 45 minutes he gave me a charge of 800 crore that's a like a 8000 billion rupees, which is lot of money in 95-96.

01:13:51.450 - 01:14:05.330

Today, it is not 800 crore but 2000—almost two and a half times more value. And I wrote every purchase or hired everybody, you know, that was the trust he had, you know.

01:14:05.330 - 01:14:20.150

And I-it was a very unique experience. That time I got a chance to meet with the Chief Ministers of various states in India, and all kinds of things. I'm–I'm fortunate, 45 minutes meeting.

01:14:23.330 - 01:14:41.900

But that was a tremendous experience, but I saw back in India is a haves and have not, big gap, huge gap, but try to bridge the gap whichever way I thought was right, you know. But regarding the Asians, if we go on blowing our trumpet and we are

01:14:41.900 - 01:14:58.430

Asian don't discriminate against us. No matter how many laws you make, every law is there to be broken. We are—just because somebody put a speed limit law, you know. That doesn't mean everybody follows it.

01:14:59.190 - 01:15:15.780

Right? Laws are made only to be broken. So it doesn't matter—is to prevent the atrocity against Asian American or American Asian—if different laws are passed by various states that, to me, I think it would not make any

01:15:15.780 - 01:15:32.070

difference. Unless we help with education. And education is inter–relationship, inter–relationship, you are a one on one basis, one on a group basis, whatever. So, I think that can become effective and each one

01:15:32.540 - 01:15:50.690

then can become an ambassador to convey the message. That's my simple thinking. So, that's all the questions I have for you. But if there's anything else you would like to share or just—or any

01:15:50.690 - 01:16:06.510

final messages you would like to provide you just go ahead. The...my—you know my wife and I we have—I don't wanna say we are happily, happily married.

01:16:06.510 - 01:16:20.300

We have some argument or discussion, but the end of the day, everything settles down. She has—you-you're going to talk to her. She has a BS in chemistry and also a law degree. And she was selected in who's who in junior college and all the good stuff.

01:16:21.740 - 01:16:40.240

She has been an integer-integral part of my life. So–so much so that she inspired me to write lots of poetry. Invoke lot of emotions, feelings, which I share. But life has been good and my prayer is always—I

01:16:40.290 - 01:17:02.920

say “God, you gave me heck of a lot more than I ever thought I deserved. Thank you." And just like Shakespeare wrote, “The whole world is a stage. Everyone has a entrance and exits and roles to play.”

01:17:04.560 - 01:17:18.200

So I feel I have played my role. And I'll do it even more. Well, thank you so much for sharing your oral history with the Houston Asian American Archive.

01:17:19.910 - 01:17:22.920

You're most welcome. Thank you very much for giving me an opportunity.