Leading by example – Jaldhar Prasad

Jaldhar Prasad of Canton has come a long way from his birthplace of Motihari, Bihar. Migrated to the United States more than 50 years ago, Mr. Prasad is an inspiration and a role model for many community members. Upon completing his higher education in the field of engineering from the University of Detroit and Wayne State, Jaldhar Prasad played prominent roles as the CEO of Prasad & Associates, Engineering Professional at Campbell Group amongst many. Recently, he retired from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department where he worked for several years as a Civil Engineer.

Professionally, Jaldhar Prasad was the Director of the Michigan Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers. In addition to that he was also the President of the Rouge Valley Chapter of Michigan Society of Professional Engineers. Dedicated to his profession, Jaldhar has made numerous contributions as a valuable member of both American Concrete Institute as well as the American Arbitration Association. Jaldhar Prasad is a registered professional engineer not just in the State of Michigan but also of other Midwestern states and Arizona.

Jaldhar Prasad comes from a family of a sound educational background with flair for community service. Son of a famous surgeon in Motihari and related to the extended family of Mahatama Gandhi, Jaldhar learnt very early in his life the importance of social service. Gandhi has been known to stay in his home in Champaran, when he began his national freedom movement from Bihar. Infused with the strong foundation of righteousness and fairness, Jaldhar participated in the youth movement under the leadership of Jai Prakash Narayan and the likes.

Jaldhar Prasad‘s drive to make a positive difference in the society did not stop with his move to the United States. His is a true immigrant story, upon his arrival on the Ellis Island years ago Jaldhar continued to become a productive and conscientious citizen of his new home. He is amongst the first few Indians in Southeast Michigan. The long list of his service affiliations include being a President; International Rotary Club, Able Toastmaster; International Toastmaster Club, Member; International Institute of Detroit, Director; International YMCA and Founding Member; India League of America to name just a few.

A voice for a common man, Jaldhar Prasad believed in representing one and all when he ran for the seat of the Trustee of Canton. It was his great work for the city of Canton that motivated hundreds of residents to come out and vote for him. Although the result was not so encouraging, it is Jaldhar Prasad who is responsible for some positive changes in the city of Canton. Relieving traffic congestion in Canton and regulating waste management, are two major contributions Jaldhar has provided to city. Jaldhar grandest legacy, however will be his role as one of the founding members of Bharatiya Hindu Temple in Troy and Bharatiya Family Services. Both will be around for our future generations to enjoy.

A true professional, an ideal citizen, Jaldhar Prasad is also a very loving family man. Married to Pushpa Prasad for over 45 years, Jaldhar has three very successful children. Dr. Vibhay Prasad, MD who is married to Donna, an entrepreneur in California , Shally Prasad, a Democracy Officer with USAID in Washington DC and Simmi Prasad, an attorney and a dancer in NY. Jaldhar Prasad’s life is a story of persistence, hard work and a sense of service. His exemplary qualities of compassion, sincerity and a sense of goodwill are shining example for all. A true son of Bihar, Jaldhar Prasad is an epitome of success in both personal and professional life.

-Rachna Bardaiyar Kumar