Precinct: 3
Tell us a little about yourself. You can include your personal background, family, outside interests that are important to who you are as a person and a candidate.
Greetings, Lexington residents! I’m thrilled to stand for Town Meeting Member, bringing a rich background to uplift our community. Over 11 years, I held the position of VP in Moscow and pioneered multiple startups in India. Armed with a 1971 Metallurgical Engineering degree from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, I offer a unique lens on economic development. Residing in Lexington for 8 years with my wife, children, and grandchildren, I’m deeply committed to our town’s welfare.
In the spirit of community, I actively contribute to the Council on Aging (COA), Friends of Council on Aging (FCOA), the Transportation Advisory Committee, and the Minuteman Senior Services Board of Director. My unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has propelled initiatives improving seniors’ lives. I’m determined to continue cultivating a vibrant, inclusive town. With your support, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to serve as your representative, ensuring Lexington thrives for all. Thank you for entrusting me with this responsibility!
How has your past experience — whether in your professional life, elected office, or as a community leader — prepared you for a role in Town Meeting?
– Council on Aging (COA) (2018 – current): Provides policy guidance. The center coordinates and implements programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of our aging population.
– Friends of COA (2019-Current): Raises funds supporting senior programs and services. Collaborates with the Lexington Human Services Department and COA to ensure comprehensive support for our senior citizens.
– Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC): COA liaison to TAC, passionately advocating for the transportation needs of our town’s seniors.
– Minuteman Senior Services (2022-Current): Representing the Town of Lexington on the Board of Directors. This non-profit organization addresses the myriad needs of older and disabled adults across 16 towns.
– Indian (Bharat) American Senior Organization (2017-Current): Established and coordinating this organization, fostering connections and addressing the unique needs of Indian-American seniors.
Through these roles, I have gained valuable insights into the challenges facing our seniors and actively worked towards enhancing their quality of life. I am committed to leveraging this experience to address broader community concerns as your Town Meeting Member.
What is the most important issue in this election to you personally, and what ideas do you have about how to address this issue?
The most crucial issue in this election, to me, is fostering a stronger sense of community engagement and collaboration. I believe that a connected and engaged community is the foundation for addressing various challenges effectively. To enhance this, I propose initiatives such as town-wide forums, neighborhood events, and online platforms to encourage open communication. Additionally, I plan to establish task forces that bring together residents, local businesses, and government officials to collectively address key issues, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard. By fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity, we can create a town where everyone actively participates in shaping its future for the better.
In a previous community project, I encountered a situation where a team member and I held opposing views on an essential aspect of the project’s direction. The disagreement centered around the allocation of resources and the prioritization of certain initiatives. Instead of letting it escalate, I proposed a structured discussion where we could openly share our perspectives. I ensured that the conversation remained respectful and focused on finding common ground.
Through this process, we discovered shared goals and underlying concerns that we both wanted to address. We eventually reached a compromise that incorporated elements from both perspectives, resulting in a more comprehensive and well-rounded approach to the project. This particular experience underscores my proclivity for fostering open communication, engaging in active listening, and successfully discovering common ground, especially in scenarios where initial perspectives appear divergent. It reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
As a candidate deeply committed to our town’s well-being, I bring a diverse background, a wealth of community service, and a proven track record of collaborative leadership. My experiences in various town boards and committees have provided me with valuable insights into the needs of our community, particularly our seniors.
I am passionate about creating an inclusive and vibrant town where every voice is heard and valued. My dedication to open communication and finding common ground has been evident in my collaborative efforts, ensuring that diverse perspectives contribute to effective decision-making.
If entrusted with the role of Town Meeting Member, I am eager to continue serving with dedication, transparency, and a commitment to addressing the evolving needs of our community. Together, let’s build a stronger, more connected town for everyone. Thank you for considering my candidacy