Today we’d like to introduce you to Bharat Kumar.
Hi Bharat, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
**About Me:**
I was born in Unjha, Gujarat, and spent my formative years in the vibrant city of Ahmedabad, India, before immigrating to the United States in the early 1980s. Since arriving, I’ve proudly called myself a “Cleveland Indian.” My academic journey led me to Cleveland State University (CSU), where I earned a degree in computer science, later complementing this with an MBA in 2010. My life is enriched by my marriage to my wonderful partner, Veena, a dedicated Pharmacist. Together, we have two accomplished children. Our daughter, Puja, holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and resides in Tampa, FL. Our son, Nandish, a Finance & Accounting graduate from Ohio State University, is a talented music producer based in Los Angeles. His artistic achievements were recognized with Grammy Award nominations in 2023 and 2024, culminating in his first Grammy win this year for producing a song for Chris Brown. As someone who appreciates the arts, I deeply value the role of culture and music in our lives and communities. This passion fuels my commitment to promoting South Asian Indian cultures and fostering their integration with other cultures to celebrate diversity.
**About India Fest USA:**
India Fest USA (IFUSA) was born from the vision of a few like-minded individuals driven by the desire to “Give Back to the Community.” Our organization aimed to achieve this in a unique way, harnessing our collective artistic talents and enthusiasm to create a local platform for the creative arts. Our inaugural event took place in 2010 in the City of Independence, Ohio, a feat made possible through close collaboration with city officials and their administration. Over the years, IFUSA has flourished into a significant cultural event in Northeast Ohio (NEO), drawing thousands of attendees from across various Ohio communities. Our organization thrives as a volunteer-based non-profit, supported by a dedicated and diverse group of Board Members, Executive Committee Members, Community Volunteers, and enthusiastic Youth Leaders. Everything we do is guided by our core mission: “Bridging Cultures, Generations, & Communities.”
We have recently embarked on developing additional cultural avenues to engage not only Indian communities but also numerous non-Indian organizations that share our fundamental values and vision.
IFUSA has been committed to supporting the educational aspirations of local youth, providing high school scholarships to Cuyahoga County school systems since 2019. Currently, this program benefits students at Independence High School and Brecksville-Broadview High School who plan to pursue higher education in the fields of arts and music. As our funding grows, we intend to extend this opportunity to more schools within the NEO community.
Our outreach extends beyond arts and culture. We actively encourage middle and high school students to engage with STEM education and robotics competitions. Furthermore, we have established a partnership with AIPNO, NEO’s South Asian Physicians’ organization, to offer a FREE health clinic to residents in the local area.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any volunteer-driven, non-profit organization, IFUSA has faced its share of challenges. Securing consistent funding and sponsorships is an ongoing effort. Coordinating the schedules and diverse talents of a large volunteer team requires significant effort and flexibility. Initially, building trust and awareness within the broader community about our mission also took time and consistent effort. However, the passion and dedication of our core team and the positive response from the community have always helped us overcome these hurdles.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Following my graduation from CSU, I built a career in the financial sector, holding senior-level positions at prominent institutions such as Society, Key, National City, and PNC, leveraging my professional and academic background. Alongside my professional life, music remains a vital part of who I am. I dedicate a significant portion of my week to exploring my musical passion in a recording studio. A recent trip to India provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with new artists and record several songs. This connection to community, whether in India or Cleveland, is something I truly value. My wife and I share a love for travel and exploring the natural world. In my spare time, I am committed to volunteer work and supporting local arts and music organizations. I consider myself a humble individual with a deep love for music, my family, and helping others.
Despite the diverse tapestry of NEO communities, I am most proud of championing initiatives that bring people together to celebrate the richness of arts and cultural diversity, furthering our mission of “Bridging Cultures, Generations, & Communities.”
I approach life with optimism, firmly believing that through thoughtful engagement and mutual respect, we can all collaborate to create a better world.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For those embarking on a journey of community engagement or pursuing their passions, my advice would be to stay true to your vision and be persistent. Building something meaningful takes time and effort. Embrace collaboration and seek out like-minded individuals who share your enthusiasm. Don’t be discouraged by initial setbacks; learn from them and keep moving forward. Networking and building strong relationships within the community are invaluable. Finally, remember the importance of clear communication and transparency in all your endeavors. One thing I wish I knew earlier was the sheer amount of administrative work involved in running a non-profit – building a strong organizational structure from the outset is crucial for long-term sustainability.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.IndiaFestivalUSA.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/india_fest_usa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndiaFestUSA
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/india-festival-usa-2758aa302/
