Biography
He was born in India in 1941 but brought up and educated in Kenya. In 1958, at the age of 17, Harshad started working for an international oil company and in his 11 years of service moved up to Executive post in Management. In 1968, Harshad joined IBM Corporation in Nairobi. He worked in many countries on assignment: United Kingdom, Trinidad, USA and Germany in diverse fields of ITC as well as in professional and managerial positions. Harshad took voluntary early retirement from IBM in 1994 at the age of 53.
Harshad was an active member in the community in Kenya since the late 60’s and served as Hon. Secretary of Sthanakvasi Jain Sangh for over 8 years. He was a member of the Asian Advisory Board to the British High Commissioner in Nairobi.
Having accepted the post of a Trustee of the Institute of Jainology in 2001, he was Hon. Secretary to the Board of Directors for 10 years and is currently the Deputy Chair.
Having taken early retirement, Harshad decided to study religions at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, for post-graduate study leading to Masters in Indian Religions. Harshad served as a Director of the Religious Education Council of England and Wales. He worked as a consultant to the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) to review the Non-statutory Guidelines for Religious Education. He represents the Institute at the Inter Faith Network of UK and other organisations.
One to One Questions
1) What is your current position?
In professional life, I am retired. In social life, I am a Director and Deputy Chair of the Institute of Jainology.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
I took early retirement at age 53 to dedicate time to the community. I went to SOAS and got my masters in Indian Religions, followed by a Doctorate in Jainism from the Netherlands.
3) What inspires you?
People dedicated to the good causes of helping community, eliminating poverty, compassion towards all life.
4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
I thought it was lack of education in my younger days. However, in later life I realised that even without higher education I could achieve more than those who were qualified.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
People I have worked with.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
Satisfaction. To be able to give back to the community.
7) And the worst?
Not able to inspire people to divert their finances from temple building to education.
8) What are your long term goals?
Just carry on.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
Create wealth through efficiency and reduction of waste in all aspects of life.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Lord Mahaveer because he can lead me to liberation.
