IN FOCUS

SHUDH PRAKASH SINGH

"Dream big, have fire in the belly and keep solid faith in God to achieve your dreams." – Shudh Prakash Singh

Stardust September 2020

A successful businessman with a finger in different pies, a philanthropist who dabbles in many charities and a family man, Shudh, could you tell us about yourself?

I was born and brought up in a small town Abohar in Punjab.. I was fun loving charming boy popularly elected President of Students Council of now called Chandigarh College of Engineering. We were the bad boys and hardly paid attention to academic side.(laughs) Among relatives I was labeled a failure in studies & career, but inside me I was beaming with confidence and I certainly didn’t want to be a loser in life. I thought of going to Bombay to make it big like many other Punjabis did over there. As a young single guy with creative mind, I wished to explore new beginnings for a better life of my own even though my family in Punjab was well to do. Instead of Bombay, destiny brought me to America. After 35 years, I can still remember the ache in my heart leaving my most loving mother and rest of family behind. I knew it would be difficult but call it having questionable high confidence or high ambitions... I just knew one day I’d make the American Dream come true.

Tell about your struggles and life in America

The struggle, yes, was challenging. It’s been a long journey but I felt I have arrived when Donald Trump Jr son of the most powerful man in the world Donald J. Trump, the President of the United States came to my place a few months ago. I was told it’s the First time in the history, a sitting President’s family visited the place of an Indian American… and God chose it to be mine. God has blessed me to do many Firsts like this to make history. I hosted Rahul Gandhi’s First ever public event abroad attended by thousands at Times Square. I am the First & only Indian American ever accorded a summit like hour long meeting with Hon Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, National Security Advisor of India all three together in New York to go over issues faced by NRIs. I feel America is indeed a land of opportunities. I feel blessed for belonging to the two greatest nations on earth. I like to do activities that can help build U.S. - India relations stronger.

Going back as a new immigrant, sometimes working straight 48 hours between small jobs or years later when I became like a serial entrepreneur (smiles) with starting 30 new companies and working 7 days a week it was an arduous road filled with struggles. Some companies failed and many struggled … but I was never down, kept hope and perseverance. Even while sharing a small apartment in Queens with my brothers and Bhabhi who joined me later... I would assure my family that something wonderful would come along. Many times, I held my wife’s hand in prayer, sometimes early morning, sometimes late at night, asking for guidance together. There wasn’t a time we didn’t see that light. It was always His hand guiding us. Today, I am the CEO of the Jasuja group of companies called the JGroup. The group is engaged primarily in commercial real estate in the U.S. and India in addition to owning gas stations and restaurants in Manhattan & Long Island. I am also an Executive Partner of Navika Capital Group. Navika

owns and operates 70 hotels with all major brands like Marriott, Hilton all over America. My wholly owned company JGroup has also developed an indoor/outdoor Indian shopping center named after my father - Kundan Galleria in Hicksville, New York. It was the first Indian Shopping Galleria of its kind in the United States. This shopping center has now become a community hub for all south Asians.

What are your expansion plans for 2021?

I like that life is so unpredictable. It thrills me that we don’t know what God has in store for us next year or rest of life. I find it refreshing. For 2021, we have expansion plans with investments in commercial real estate mostly in the New York tristate area. There’s so much I would love to do. A big part of me wants to retire to work full time for charity and pay more attention to praying and meditation, yet a part of me wants to keep going, innovating and creating more businesses. It’s a constant battle. 2021 will be beautiful regardless because of my elder daughter is getting married and younger daughter’s plan to release a special book on me. I want to work a lot more on the charitable organization I had founded “Kundan & Santosh Jasuja Foundation.” naming it after my respected parents.

Can you dwell more on the Foundation & it’s activities

It gives me satisfaction that I was able to start the Foundation while our parents were alive unlike most other charities. The Foundation was inaugurated by our family friend Hon Shatrughan Sinha in presence of our parents. Sonakshi, Poonam & Shatru Ji whole family does a lot for charity. KSJ Foundation supports various social and charitable programs helping the less fortunate here in the US and India. We don’t accept funds from anyone and it’s totally self-funded till now. KSJ Foundation served fresh Indian vegetarian food to the homeless in the Trinity Church of Patchogue, New York. We regularly donate food and funds to the Interfaith Nutrition Network that feeds daily about 500 of the poorest people on Long Island, New York. About 25 years ago, I started scholarship for the under-privileged students at the Govt. School Abohar and near the holy city of Amritsar at Guru Tegh Bahadur School, Khankot which have helped hundreds of poor students complete school education. In 2003, my family funded a project to build a 36 room “Dharamshala” (free lodging) in the Hoshiarpur district of India. In 2006, “Mata Santosh Free Medical Dispensary” was inaugurated at Abohar. The medical clinic treated more than 10,000 patients. In 2008, our Foundation funded mega electric generator and drinking water storage tanks in the Senior Secondary School Abohar. In 2011, the Foundation donated seed money for Women Cancer screenings in Patiala, India. We also supported the Advance Cancer Research Foundation and Ekal Vidaylaya Foundation New York for many years. In 2017, we started the “Santosh Mahila Silai Kender” (Women’s Tailoring Training Center in Abohar. In 2009, Indian Panorama honored me for my philanthropic contributions. Last year, we started another project in Lambra village that will be completed this year.

As I said I’m always optimistic. I feel post the China Virus, the economy will boom. Life will change as it did post 9/11 but people will get used to the new norms.

What do you think will happen to businesses post pandemic?

It’s a horrendous pandemic sadly which took hundreds of thousands of lives. On the positive side, Covid brought families together. During the quarantine, with kids we prayed and had dinners together daily. All five of us spent so much time at home after a long time that created lifetime memories. It was priceless to me. I had created a Walk Club with neighbors. We enjoyed daily walks and got to know more about each other becoming good friends.

What about your beautiful family? Could you tell us about the ones close to you?

As eldest child Sukhmani is known to be closest to me, but the fact is, I truly feel close to Simren, Sartaj & Sukhmani equally. All 3 kids enjoy teasing each other with each one claiming to be my most favorite. I love to

hear it and I am lucky to share special bonds with all kids individually. My father in law Dr Sukhdev Singh and my beloved parents were the definition of purity and paved such a spiritual path for me and my kids to follow. I have 3 brothers Budh, Yudh & Sukh all elder to me and all love me immensely. My divine wife, Surjit Kaur known as Nina has a zest for life that is constantly refreshing. She shares qualities of my mother. They both like donating, do path - deeply spiritual yet fond of luxurious things also. All our 3 children are so exceptionally beautiful that people often say they should be in movies. My elder daughter Sukhmani has studied at Harvard University and works as an Asset Manager in NYC. We are all busy in preparations for her marriage with a nice Punjabi boy Jaskaran. I am trying to make it a dream

wedding for her that people will remember fondly. My younger daughter Simren is the most deeply connected child with me, spiritually. She’s a brilliant writer working on a project with university after graduating from Stony Brook. The youngest is my boy Sartaj studying at Hofstra University is very attached to me. We stay connected all the times and live life of an American family with Indian values. Since it’s Stardust, I’d be remiss if I don’t mention my very dear brother Budh - a great singer who was equally passionate about Bombay had created a company Shudh Budh Productions in Bombay to produce films but living in New York it couldn’t be possible till now.

Talking about Films, do you have friends in Bollywood

I have met almost every film star and some have been close to me in the past. Now not in touch much as I haven’t been to Bombay for decades. I always felt closest to Rishi Kapoor. After hearing the tragic news, I couldn’t sleep all night, kept thinking about the times spent with him and his beautiful family. I felt it like a personal loss. I found Kapoor brothers the most genuine people in the industry. Ranbir too is such good boy – very grounded & respectful. Chintu Bha Ji as I called him will always invite us home for dinner. He cared & loved Neetu Ji deeply. Neetu Bhabi is very gracious host, always treated us with a smile. Another great host is Mrs. Poonam Sinha. She is among the nicest ladies I’ve ever met. Our family has been friends with Shatru Ji for long time. Another big loss I felt was when Sunil Dutt Ji passed away. He was so fond of Budh and I. So sad to hear recently about Sanju with whom we have spent a lot of time. I stay in touch with Priya Dutt. I feel she’s the one carrying forward legacy of dad, doing lot of charity work. I know Sunny Deol well, Dharam Ji

is the warmest & humble man. I am fan of Subhash Ghai films. We used to meet Subhash Ji and Mukta Ji a lot. They are very affectionate couple.

What about international operations?

Yes, we did a few projects in India including a security company and real estate development. The results have been mixed. Though the real estate marked has been down in North India for long time now, we were able to still profit a little due to good

locations in Chandigarh and Gurgaon.

What is your advice to the younger generation?

Dream big, have fire in the belly and keep solid faith in God to achieve your dreams. If you will try sincerely, God will certainly help you realize whatever you dream. I talk more about this in my upcoming book, which I’m sure children of this generation will find it interesting. It follows my vibrant college life, mischievous school skipping days to revealing the secret romantic life of being in love with a girl. How we both waited for years for each other keeping it a secret till my return to India and how I asked for her hand from her famous father. Companies are born from a solid idea. My advice is If you deeply believe in your idea, stick to it.

What is your Success mantra?

Winners Never quit and quitters Never Win!! Have faith in yourself, your God and keep going. In your filmi language - Lage Raho .. Munna Bhai (laughs)

Could you tell us about a day in your life?

I reduced my work at rather young age with the intention to enjoy real things in life that are precious to me. I live a good luxurious life but never desired to keep working forever to keep building more and more wealth as I feel there’s no end to it. I work only a few hours these days. My daily routine in morning, the first thing I do is thank God for giving me another day of life. I thank Him counting all the blessings of life. It helps me start the day on an incredibly positive note. After that I enjoy my morning chai by the pool surrounded by mother nature with birds chirping. My workday starts around 11 and try to finish before 5 in the evening. I love to spend time with my brothers, close friends, but the most I enjoy is praying with the family and dining together. I do either swimming, kayaking or at least walking daily supplementing with pranayama to stay fit.

According to you, what is the key to happiness?

Gratitude! Thankfulness to Almighty God. Appreciating every day that Akal Purakh has given me. Accepting of His will, and whatever unfolds for me. As Gurbani says, “Your will seems so sweet to me, whatever You do, is pleasing to me. Whatever You give me, with that I am satisfied; I shall chase after no one else.”- (Ang 713). For us humans it’s hard to follow all the teachings of Geeta or Gurbani, yet we must keep trying.

You’ve received so many awards and recognitions, could you tell us about them?

Appointed as Chairman of the newly formed Indian American Economic Advisory Council, I felt it was a special honor that the Nassau County Government selected me to be the First Chairman of this prestigious council. Last year Punjab Government created a new position and appointed me as Advisor for NRI affairs, Punjab. I was appointed as the President of the Indian National Overseas Congress in 2014, then re-elected in 2017 unanimously, In 2004, I created the slogan of “Chalo Punjab” motivating NRIs to campaign in Punjab elections to support Capt Amarinder Singh and to root out the corrupt ruling party of the time. It was a super success - as First time in history, a plane load of NRIs went to India to campaign. Never ever before anyone from any political party had done that. I received honors from Captain Sahib, Ambika Soni and Dr. Karan Singh for my leadership. I have received many awards in life like the ‘Achievers Award” from the prestigious “NALU”, the “Management Leaders Award”, “ Businessman of the Year” award, IALI “Entrepreneur of the Year Award”. ‘Gold Medal of Peace’ award by UNO affiliated ‘Gandhi Global Family”. Hon. Sunil Dutt Ji put me on the Board of Directors of “Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation,” New York. I have been honored by Citations from New 24

York State Legislative Assembly and the County of Nassau. I have had meetings with many top leaders of India and America; ranging from Union Ministers, Senators, Congressmen and President of USA to Prime Ministers of India.

You’ve met so many celebs and powerful people around the globe. Can you name some that inspired you?

My greatest parents inspired me the most! But yes I am fortunate to have been associated with many great people who inspired me. The first name comes to my mind is late S. Diljit Singh Pannun, India’s ambassador to Africa whom I met at very young age. We became family friends rather like brothers. Learned a lot from him. I really feel blessed to be closely associated to Maharani Patiala who is the nicest and most caring lady I found in my life. She is the pillar of her family and works hard to maintain the dignity and popularity of the royal family. Captain Amarinder Singh inspires me with his high caliber, graciousness and patriotism. Another power couple who touched my life is Mr & Mrs Bhupinder Hooda. They both are amazingly nice humble and helpful. I had the privilege of spending a few days with Rahul Gandhi. He is such fine human being. Very honest, very simple man with high 25 thinking. His modesty, truthfulness and boldness inspires me. I have found Tom DiNapoli powerful comptroller of New York State the most honest genuine and nicest man among New York democrats. Tom’s niceness inspires me. Locally our town supervisor Joe Saladino & Halina are the nicest & genuine couple we have come across. Their friendship and genuineness is very inspiring. Dr Karan Singh Ji inspires me with his sincerity, honesty, royal style, high intellect and always staying cheerful. Last but not least Sunil Dutt Ji’s life and his work for humanity inspired me so much that I used to call him my role model.

Lastly, what is your ultimate goal in life?

To become Shudh ! Our Guru Ji was a true Saint who miraculously named me 4 years before my birth. I am constantly trying to live up to the name she gave - Shudh Parkash. My ultimate goal is to either go out work full time to improve the lives of the poorest or do deep meditation immersing myself completely in love of God. I pray Almighty to either do Parkash within myself or help me spread Parkash to people living in the darkness of poverty. I’d be happy either way. Let’s see which way Lord takes me.