Opinions

Umesh Rashmi Rohatgi

Opinions :

From an Acitve Friend Of The Homeless (AFOTH)

A couple doing social work with a difference

Mr. Umesh and Mrs. Rashmi Rohatgi, resident of 24161 Nilan drive Novi mi 48375-3754 (both are us citizen) for last 20 years. They are not only involved in full time social work after taking a break from active work in U.S.A. but also constructing a new self sustainable village,“sursardham” in Raper subdivision of Kutch District, Gujarat India. Earthquake affected area This village will have a population of about 720 people and 121 new homes of 320 sq. ft. on a plot size of 1000sq.ft. This village lies in the area affected by the earthquake of 26^th January 2001. Mr. Rohatgi is professional engineer Since 1980, in state of Michigan. Funding for this project is received from Rotary club of Novi, India Development & Relief Fund (IDRF) USA, Disciple Center (DC. New Delhi, India) Active friends of The Homeless (AFOTH, Michigan) and also family and friends.

They are also involved in various activities in Michigan like helping homeless for last 14 years through (AFOTH). Founder member and life members of various temples, like Bhartiya Temple of Troy MI, Hindu temple of canton MI, Arya Samaj Temple of Detroit in Farmington Hills MI. Volunteering in different projects with Volunteer Impact (VI) like tutoring Detroit school children and teaching Internet to seniors in Detroit, doing clean up work in Detroit during hands on Detroit day, helping at food bank in Pontiac. Umesh is charter member of professional advisory board in University of Michigan Dearborn in Computer and Information Science Department for last 7 years.

I have known Umesh since 2001 when he became a Life Member of the World

Hindi Foundation. I am its Executive Director. The Foundation is

registered in the State of New York as a Charitable and Education

Foundation. It seeks to promote Hindi, the official language of India.

We have several publications; in particular we publish a quarterly

magazine Hindi Jagat. He sent me articles for publication in this

magazine.

Unlike the articles I received from others, his articles had a distinct

quality, for they were based on his own experiences on the social work

he did in India. About a year ago, Umesh and his wife came to visit us

and spent couple of days with us. Like Umesh, I am very much attached to

India and have been running a school in India for the last 35 years.

During this visit, I became aware of the enormity of his dedication and

his accomplishments in projects relating to India and America. I need

not go into details, as his resume tells it all.

Umesh is a well-educated person; he is an alumnus of IIT Khargpur in

India and obtained a Masters degree from University of Michigan. Both

institutions occupy high position in the academia. Umesh has held

important positions in the industry. What is more important about him is

that during all his adult life he has been doing volunteer work. Before

he reached the age of 60, he quit his job to devote full time to

humanitarian work. When an earthquake devastated the state of Gujrat in

India, he lost no time, and went to India, and worked for months as a

volunteer. You can find persons superior to him in engineering

profession, but it is rare to meet persons who also have such dedication

to serve the humanity.

Umesh is young, dynamic, and full of ideas. He gives his all to

translate his ideas into reality. In view of his excellent qualities of

head and heart, he has my highest recommendation for the award of

Reuters Foundation Digital Vision Fellowship.

If I can be of further assistance, please let me know, I can be reached

at 315- 312- 2676 (W), or 315-343-3583 (H).

Sincerely,

Ram Chaudhari,

Emeritus Professor of Physics,

State University of New York,

Oswego, New York 13126

Peace and Greetings,

Umesh Rohatghi has been a fellow member of AFOTH: Active Friends of the Homeless since its beginning in 1988. It is an organization that assists individuals and families with small grants to obtain or keep housing. During the time I have know Umesh, I have been deeply impressed by his deep concern for people, his cnscientious commitment to projects and support activities and his unselfish and generous spirit.

Now that his family is raised, Umesh and his wife, Rashmi have dedicated themselves to volunteer activities in India. Especially in response to the earthquake of 2001, they have made three trips to assist however they could. Seeking funding from the Rotary Club of Novi, the India Development and Relief Fund, Hindu Temple of Canton, family and friends, Umesh and Rashmi helped fund AND build homes for families who lost them in the earthquake. The Sursadham Housing Development is certainly an attestation of the kind of commitment Umesh demonstrates.

I highly support his application for a fellowship and would be happy to

provide any further information should you have questions. I can be reached by phone, fax or email.

Sincerely,

Sister Nancy Marie Jamroz, CSSF

Madonna University, Livonia, Michigan.

Vice President for Student Services

734.432.5429 Fax: 734.432.5424

From: subrata sengupta <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Subject: Nr Umesh B. rohatgi

I am excited about supporting Mr.U.B Rohatgi's application for fellowship
in social work.I have known Umesh very well for the last 13 years.He
graduated from our university with a master's degree in the early 1980's.
He was active through the alumni association and through his support of
the
Computer Information Science Dept.

Umesh's life has been dedicated to helping people worldwide.With
significant personal responsibilities for raising two sons and a career he
managed to engage himself in numerous charitable acivities both by
personal funding and time.His committment has been always complete and
selfless.He was given the University of Michigan-Dearborn's
award for outstanding social work.He has received numerous other awards
for his service.

For the past few years he has taken early retirement to work on building
villages for the homeless.Using his own funds,donations and other
assistance he has made a difference to many people.What is truly exemplary
is the completely non-sentimental rational approach he brings to his
social work.This makes his contributions selfsustaining and lasting.He
inspires self reliance in people he helps.His impact on villages in India
have been miraculous.

Umesh is driven by values that are so rare today that he seems truly
unique.Devoid of personal material attachments he has freed himself of
bonds that enslave many of us to petty material or egotistical ambitions.
He lives to serve across continents.

I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this fellowship.He is an
inspiration to all who come into contact with him.His cheerful positive
attitude is
contagious and allows him to lead graciously.

He has an exteremely supportive wife who shares his habits and values.

Subrata Sengupta

Dean

College of Eng and Comp Science
University of Michigan Dearborn, MI

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