From Belgaum to US Capitol: Meet the Indian-origin US Congressman behind the Hindu caucus

Tragedy struck in 1996 when he tragically lost his first wife to suicide, leaving behind their two young sons. Despite this devastating setback, Shri Thanedar persevered, finding love again and marrying Shashi in 1999.

| Updated: 09 July, 2023 5:42 pm IST

Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster! Join Executive Editor Rohan Dua as we unravel the untold story of Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar, a man who ignited the flame to form the first-ever Hindu Caucus in the US Congress, dedicated to protecting our religion abroad.

Executive Editor Rohan Dua brings you a compelling interview with Rep Shri Thanedar, hailing from Michigan. His journey is one of sheer resilience, having lost $200 million in business, a prized Ferrari, a legendary Rolls Royce, and his sprawling house during the devastating 2008 global recession when Bank of America seized his assets.

Imagine, all this for a Marathi-speaking man who arrived in the USA from Belgaum in 1979, with nothing but dreams in his eyes, aspiring to become a chemist. Against all odds, he purchased his first company for a mere $75,000 in 1990 which experienced remarkable growth, generating annual revenues of $650,000 up from $150,000.

Tragedy struck in 1996 when he tragically lost his first wife to suicide, leaving behind their two young sons. Despite this devastating setback, Shri Thanedar persevered, finding love again and marrying Shashi in 1999.

The years that followed saw a mix of success and setbacks. Building a 16,000 sq ft home in St. Louis, Missouri, and acquiring luxury vehicles including a Rolls Royce and Ferrari in 2005 showcased his accomplishments. However, the global recession of 2008 brought immense challenges, leading to the loss of his business, cars, and house to the bank. Determined to overcome adversity, he rebuilt his empire, revitalizing his business to a value of $35 million (250 crores) by 2016. Displaying his generous nature, he sold the business and distributed the proceeds among his employees.

Entering the realm of politics, Shri Thanedar ran for Governor of Michigan in 2017-2018, investing $11 million (Rs 77 crores) of his own funds into his campaign. This marked the beginning of his political journey, leading to his election as an MLA in Michigan in 2020. Finally, in 2022, he achieved a significant milestone, becoming a US Member of Congress.

Shri Thanedar’s life history is an embodiment of perseverance, determination, and the ability to rise above challenges. His journey serves as an inspiration, motivating others to overcome obstacles and strive for success in their own endeavors.

Currently, Shri Thanedar is passionately dedicated to improving immigration laws in the United States. Recognizing the flaws and challenges within the system, he has taken it upon himself to advocate for meaningful reforms. Through his work as a US Member of Congress, Shri Thanedar strives to address the issues faced by immigrants and work towards creating a more just and efficient immigration system.

In addition to his advocacy for immigration reforms, Shri Thanedar is also an ardent LGBTQ+ ally and a strong voice against racism targeting the African American community. Recognizing the importance of equality and social justice, he actively supports and promotes the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, working towards creating a more inclusive society for all individuals.

 

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