Suresh Gandhi
 |
Compassion Above Business
Traditional Values, Strong Ethics and Visionary Thoughts - these have been more of a concept than a catchphrase for Suresh Gandhi. A man who knows where his priorities lie, he has time and again taken centre stage across various spheres of life - the rewards for a great deal of thoughts coming into fruition. Without his creative exploits, Mr. Gandhi would not have built his business – Al Samier Electricals an Equipment Trading Co LLC - from a modest beginning into a vibrant ISO 9001-2000 accredited corporation dealing in marine and offshore equipment from 40 world-renowned manufacturers. Complementing this successful business venture, Mr. Gandhi later established All Bright Electricals LLC in Dubai, which specializes in the lighting equipment for buildings and public places.
Born in Jodhpur (India) on 25th October 1944, Mr. Gandhi did his schooling in different villages of Rajasthan and graduated from the University of Jodhpur. During his college days, he actively participated in various extra-curricular activities namely the National Cadet Corps, social service projects and debate competitions. He also bagged the first prize in the essay competition for his presentation - “Contribution of Swami Vivekananda to Indian Renaissance.”
After graduation, Mr. Gandhi moved to Mumbai (then Bombay) for Business Management studies and career development. Starting from a junior post, he rapidly progressed to the level of a Sales Manager. After a 10 year stint in Mumbai, he moved to Dubai for greener pastures - a decision that changed his life. A decision which clearly outlines how important it is to take risks, face your fears and overcome any obstacles to reach the top.
All along his journey, Mr. Gandhi did not let his business acumen over-score his individuality, and actively lent his helping hand to the underprivileged in the society. He feels that giving back to the community is one’s solemn duty. His philosophy can be best described as “Respect the past; have a vision for the future but live for the present.”
Mr. Gandhi attributes his success to his role model, his father, Dr. Padam Chand Gandhi, a doctor of yester years who dedicated his entire life for selfless service to society and was widely recognized as a messiah of the poor.
Aimed at empowering the unfortunate and improving the quality of their lives to secure a better future, he got the right opportunity when he, together with his brothers, established Dr. Padam Chand Bilam Kanwar Gandhi Trust in his native place, Jodhpur. Under the umbrella of the trust, he built a school in 2003 at a cost of Rs. 6 million and later dedicated it to the society. Mr. Gandhi has always believed in the adage “Saa Vidya Vimuktaye” (Education leads to Liberation) and the school construction was a manifestation of his belief in the power of knowledge.
Furthering the cause of education, Mr. Gandhi has proactively nurtured excellence among the 950 students at the school by organizing a series of activities, including science exhibition, inter-district athletic meets and tournaments. Mr. Gandhi has always believed in extending the best of amenities and facilities aimed at responding and exceeding the expectations of the student community.
Among several charitable causes, Mr. Gandhi along with his family members organized a blood donation camp in Mumbai on 15th august 2002, wherein 800 units of blood was collected and donated to Red Cross Society and St Georges’ Hospital, Mumbai.
An eye camp was also organized in Jodhpur in 2006, where a large number of operations were carried out for the benefit of the poor and the underprivileged.
Mr. Gandhi has made significant cash contributions towards relief operations during natural calamities such as Latur earthquakes, Bhuj earthquake, drought in Rajasthan and the Tsunami tragedy that struck the shores of India.
A firm believer in nature and eco-balance, Mr. Gandhi is currently involved in a massive plantation project in Rajasthan.
A multifaceted personality, Mr. Gandhi has traveled extensively around the globe. An adventure enthusiast, he has mastered the intricacies of trekking and mountaineering. The mystique of the snow-capped Himalayas had always lured him, and he ventured into Himalayan expeditions on four different occasions.
As an avid reader, he possesses an enviable collection of several thousand volumes, spanning art, history, philosophy, religion, literature and society. His love for books culminated in a publication of a 450 - page commemorative edition “Bhavisya Ki Or” (‘Towards Future’) - a compilation of thought-provoking articles by eminent personalities from India and abroad.
No wonder that Mr. Gandhi’s exploits both on and off the corporate marketplace won him plaudits from his contemporaries and from various quarters. He was bestowed “Bhama Shah Award” from the Government of Rajasthan in recognition of his contribution to the education sector in the year 2003.
A complete family man, Mr. Gandhi has consistently received the support and encouragement of his wife Rekha and son Alok in all his endeavours. He has always walked the talk on the deep-rooted values and ethos that the Indian traditions and culture offer to the world. Within the ambit of this, he organized “Millennium Meet of Gandhi Family” in 1999 and reinforced the concept of a “United Family Structure in the 21st Century.”
Mr. Gandhi has attended the International Rajasthan Conclave in 2000 – the first-ever meet of Non-Resident Rajasthanis in history. He also attended the PravasiBharatiya Divas celebrations regularly between 2003 and 2006. During these meetings, he actively interacted with various NRI's from around the globe.
Mr. Gandhi has always supported a vast array of social and national causes in various forms and forums. He is a member of IBPC Dubai, India Club Dubai, Haryana Cultural Association and Rajasthan Foundation.
Mr. Gandhi was among the few UAE residents who welcomed His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during his landmark visit to India in March 2007.
Mr. Gandhi’s claims and commitments reinforce the belief that each individual is responsible for the outcome of his future - that success isn’t always handed to a person on a silver platter, but earned through determination and hard work.
-----------------------------------------------------
Address : P O Box 786, Dubai, U. A. E.
Tel : +97-4221-2137, Fax: +971-42279-899, Mobile : +971-5065-32577
E-Mail : sureshgandhi@alsamier.com, Website : www.alsamier.com
-----------------------------------------------------
Mail to : Ahimsa Foundation
www.jainsamaj.org
R200123
