This book is for the benefit of my children, grandchildren, and future generations, so they will know what I have lived through. It is divided into eight chapters. The first chapter provides historical background along with my childhood and family history, covering the years 1944 through 1951. I trace my heritage from records such as "India from 1000 years back," "my Mathia family".
The second chapter is about my "Life in South Africa (1951–'54)", short lived as it was due to my parental decision to return to Satem due to lack of good education in South Africa.
The years from 1955 to 1967 were my career forming education leading from early education at Satem to college years at Vidyanagar and Vallabhbhai Patel Science College; my engineering years at Birla Vishwakarma Vidyalaya, Sardar Patel University. Although my job search after education are not happy memories, I went to South Africa with high hopes, only to have them dashed which are expounded in third chapter.
In the following fourth chapter I recount how one friend from my school days, with whom I used to play cricket, offered to lend me $500 and told me not to worry about financial distress.
In fifth chapter I chronicle my memories of the crucial years of my career from 1967 to 1972 that opened the doors for success. I was in Philadelphia, where I pursued part-time studies and entry-level work and I was able to help arrange my younger sister Aruna's marriage.
In the sixth chapter I elaborate about my professional development in corporate America, (1973–1989) and my marriage in 1973 turned a new leaf in my life. My first job in the USA was with ITE, Philadelphia, 1968-1972; Siemens (1973–1986), then in Chicago, Illinois, and later in Jackson, Mississippi. In Jackson, passing away of my beloved mother Bhikiba in 1984, plunged me into grief beyond expression.
plunged me into grief beyond expression.
In chapter seven I discovered my talents and the motivation that led to success beyond many pitfalls. I plunged into entrepreneurship and became involved with voluntary associations. I also stayed busy acquiring commercial properties. My activities on the "field" included cricket, tennis, and golf (1984–2020).
Finally, in the closing chapter eight I felt the American Dream was within reach during 2015 through 2022. I was taking on challenging projects such as Hilton Garden Inn in 2014, and Cooperwood Senior Living (2019). I felt that my land acquisitions followed my father Ranchhodbhai's advice when I was ten years old.
In closure, I can say with satisfaction that I fulfilled my responsibilities to my family-Rambhai, Savitaben, and Lakshmiben and to my younger sister, Aruna. I kept an eye on them until they found their way in the U.S. and thus, I carried out my father's mission.
Albeit everything, my fundamental responsibility was to my children: supporting their education and helping arrange their marriages which became a hallmark of Hansa's and my satisfaction.
In this "Land of Opportunity," we endured hardships and enjoyed the sunshine that followed. After harvesting the results of our endeavors, which I have recorded in this book. However, I leave behind some unfulfilled chores as a legacy for our progeny to complete-what my father Ranchhodbhai hoped he could accomplish: his hopes and aspirations to build a credible institution in the village of Setam.
