BY VEENA RAO*
Atlanta, GA, July 23, 2025: I first met Mustafa Ajmeri almost 25 years ago at the Law Office of Chandler Sharma. It was Mustafa ji who initiated the conversation, asking me about myself. When I told him I had a journalist’s background but no job at the time, he spoke to me about his role in bringing India Tribune to Atlanta and showed me a copy of the newspaper. In that moment, it suddenly felt possible that I, too, could find my place in journalism in America. Since then, he has been extremely generous with his guidance and support — especially during the early days of NRI Pulse. To me, he has always embodied what it means to be a community-builder: large-hearted, giving, and always ready to help.
On July 20, 2025, the Atlanta Indian community gathered for a special lunch celebration at Ashiana, Global Mall, to honor this beloved figure’s 75th birthday. The banquet hall was filled with well-wishers — friends, community leaders, and admirers — whose lives Mustafa ji has touched over the past several decades. Many in attendance fondly referred to him as “the cultural ambassador of India in Atlanta,” a title he has earned through his tireless work promoting Indian culture and events in the city.
The celebration was initiated by Padma Bhushan awardee Professor Dr. Jagdish Sheth, Dr. Paddy Sharma, and Friends of Atlanta, with coordination by Krishan Goyal, Isha Goyal, Ritambhara Mittal, Jairaj, and their dedicated team — whose efforts created a memorable afternoon befitting Mustafa ji’s milestone. The program was also gracefully emceed by Ritambhara, whose warmth kept the event flowing smoothly.
Although Dr. Sheth could not attend in person, his video message praised Mustafa ji as “a lifelong ambassador of Indian culture and events” and thanked him for decades of tireless contributions. A large screen at the venue played messages from dignitaries and celebrities in India, including Consul General Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan and celebrated artistes including Anup Jalota, Gulam Abbas Khan, Dr. Anil Sharma, Hetal Parmar, Dr. Payal Vakharia, Umesh Makhija, Rashmi Bedi, and Manhar Udhas, who sent their heartfelt wishes.
Mustafa ji was felicitated by Madhu Sheth and Dr. Anu Bhat. The afternoon included moving tributes from those closest to Mustafa ji.
Dr. Paddy Sharma, who considers him a brother, spoke through tears about their deep bond:
“I sometimes feel jealous of his biological sisters because I feel he is my brother,” she said. “Even in the middle of the night, I know I can call him and he will have a solution. During his health struggles, when we didn’t know if he would make it, I prayed day and night for his recovery. God blessed us with more time together, and I am so grateful.”
Dr. Prakash Desai praised Mustafa ji as an indispensable figure in the community, someone “without whom nothing happens.” He recalled the extraordinary courage Mustafa ji displayed while enduring three liver transplants in quick succession, surviving against all odds:
“His strong karma and positive spirit pulled him through. Even when doctors advised him not to attend public events, Mustafaaji continued to show up — for the community, for every cause. His philosophy is simple yet profound: give and forgive.”
The most emotional tribute came from his son, Arif, who described his father as “the epitome of selflessness”:
“Dad, you’ve always put others before yourself — whether it was sacrificing your own comfort for our family or quietly helping neighbors without expecting thanks. You’ve shown us what it means to give more than you take. You are a living testament to a life well-lived — measured not in years, but in the countless hearts you’ve touched.”
IACA board members, including Chand Akkineni, Ani Agnihotri, and Kaushal Tripathi, felicitated Mustafaji for his exemplary leadership and compassion.
Family members, including his daughters Farzana and Shahnaz, sons-in-law, and grandchildren, joined in wishing him love and joy — calling him the “Bollywood rock star of Atlanta.”
A Life of Service
Originally from Gujarat, Mustafa Ajmeri came to the United States in 1971 as a student of business administration, later earning an associate degree in industrial engineering from Chicago Tech. Alongside his career as a quality control technician, he immersed himself in community service. He co-founded the Gujarat Cultural Association in Chicago in 1975 and served as public relations in-charge for the popular TV program Chitrahaar.
After moving to Atlanta in 1989, he continued his work through the India American Cultural Association (IACA), organizing countless musical programs and Bollywood shows. He was instrumental in launching the India Tribune newspaper’s Atlanta edition in 1995 and also started radio and television programs to connect the community.
Mustafa ji’s contributions extended beyond cultural work — he is an active member of the Rotary Club of Emory-Druid Hills and has received numerous awards, including the Paul Harris Fellow and Rotarian of the Year, the Nargis Dutt Foundation Community Service Award, and the NRI Community Award presented in Hyderabad by then Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
To those of us who have known him for decades, Mustafa ji is more than a community leader — he is the reassuring presence at every event, the friendly face always willing to help, and the bridge connecting people across generations. Here’s wishing our cultural ambassador many more years of health and the wealth of heart-felt connections.
Cover photo: Mustafa Ajmeri’s family. Photos by Darshan Shah.
*Veena Rao is the founding editor of NRI Pulse and the author of Purple Lotus, a novel.
