Mustafa Ajmeri

A Lifetime of Community, Culture, and Connection

Few individuals embody the true spirit of community like Mr. Mustafa Ajmeri, a man whose name has become synonymous with generosity, culture, and connection across decades of service in the Indian-American diaspora. Known for his humility,
eversmiling nature, and unwavering willingness to help anyone in need, Mr. Ajmeri’s life story is as inspiring as the countless people he has touched through his work.

Born in Kalol (North Gujarat), a small town near Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Mustafa Ajmeri’s leader-ship spirit emerged early. “Even in fifth grade, I was the school moni-tor till SSC from 6 grade involved in activities as Scout team leader up to
9 grade ,” he once recalled with a smile. “Leadership came to me naturally.” My father was a true follower of Gandhian principles and his entire life he wore pure khadi clothes. He was a Kalol Taluka Congress President and social worker.
after finishing HS in Kalol mr Ajmeri attended C U Shah Commerce College in Ahmedabad, where he served as Class Representative and later as General Secretary. involved and participant in drama and cultural activities.

In 1970, he married Mrs. Kheruben Ajmeri, and a year later, in 1971, he embarked on a journey that would define his life migrating to the United States on a student visa.

He initially enrolled at Chicago Technical College, where he pursued an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering. After completing most of his coursework, he began working as a Quality Control Technician while finishing his education. In
those early days, opportunities were scarce for young immigrants, but Mr,Ajmeri’s determination shone through. His company eventually sponsored his Green Card in 1974, a milestone that marked the beginning of his new life in America. Soon
after, his wife joined him in Chicago, and together they began to build their American dream. Mr.Ajmeri’s heart was always drawn toward the community and the arts. In 1975, he became a founding committee member of the Gujarat Cultural Association of Chicago, setting the stage for what would become a lifelong journey in community engagement. organizing musical shows and Gujarati plays.

In 1982, he took charge of public relations for “Chitrahar”, one of the first Indian television program in the Midwest with founder and show director Late Mrs Vichitra Nayyar. His talent for connecting people made him a natural fit for
community leadership .

By 1989, Mr. Ajmeri moved to Atlanta, Georgia, seeking a quieter life after years of cultural hustle in Chicago. “My family was suffering because my life was so busy,” he admitted honestly. “I thought I would slow down-but Atlanta had other
plans for me. Within months of moving, his friends asked him to handle the Atlanta leg of a Jitendra and Sridevi concert, and soon he was once again at the center of Atlanta’s growing South Asian cutural scene.

Since his arrival in Atlanta, Mr. Ajmeri has been a pillar of the local Indian-American community. He served as a board member of the Indian American Cultural Association (IACA) and became widely known as the driving force behind countless
cultural programs, concerts, plays, and Bollywood shows.

From organizing Gujarati and Hindi dramas to hosting classical vocal and dance performances, he has brought some of the most recognized Bollywood artists and musicians to Georgia. Many of Atlanta’s landmark Indian community events have had
Mr. Ajmeri quietly “behind the scenes,” ensuring everything ran seamlessly.

He was also instrumental in bringing the India Tribune newspaper editon published from Chicago to Atlanta in 1995 expanding the community’s access to Indian news and events.

In addition to his cultural work, he launched a weekly radio and television program for a short period, further contributing to community communication and entertainment. Alongside his cultural involvement, Mr. Ajmeri worked professionally
in public relations and client relations. Around 2000, he joined Attorney Chandler Sharma’s firm, where he managed PR and client out reach. He retired a few years ago but remains active in community and charitable initiatives. Mr. Ajmeri
and his wife, Kheruben, have been blessed with three childrentwo daughters and a son- each of whom has achieved great professional success. Their eldest daughter, Farzana, is a pharmacist and their second daughter, Shahnaz is a finance
manager, and son Arif, is a family medicine physician Mr. Ajmeri is also a proud grandfather. His eldest grand daughter, Nyla studies at the University Georgia, while his other grandchildren are continuing the family tradition of academic
excellence.

Over the decades, Mr. Ajmeri’s service and dedication have earned him more than 200 awards and recognitions from various cultural and community organizations around the world. Among his most cherished honors are:

• Nargis Dutt Foundation Community Service Award, presented by Bollywood legend Sunil Dutt.
• NRI Community Award in Hyderabad, India, presented by Former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in 2006.
• Community Oscar Award by the American Multi-Ethnic Alliance, Chicago, organized by Dr. Vijay Prabhakar and Congressman Danny Davis Jr.
• GAPI Community Award and Multiple Rotary International honors, including the Paul Harris Fellowship and Rotarian of the Year Award. NRI Pulse community service award.

He is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Emory-Druid Hills, contributing to several charitable initiatives and service projects. Among the many milestones in his life, one stands out vividlyhis meeting with Sunil Dutt, a moment
that remains deeply personal. “It was 1992, when the Nargis Dutt Foundation opened its Atlanta chapter,” he recalls. “They honored me with a Community Service Award. I had been a fan of Sunil Dutt for years, and meeting him in person was
unforgettable.” Another highlight came during his participation in Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the global Indian diaspora convention. “I attended in Hydrabad ,Mumbai, Chennai, and later in Indore,” he says. “I met wonderful people from all
over the world, made lifelong friends, and strengthened ties with India.”

In 2025, Mr. Ajmeri celebrated his 75th birthday event lovingly organized by his close friends and well wishers Padmabhushan Dr. Jagdish Sheth, Dr Paddy Sharma, and Krishan Goyal .

Despite his many achievements, Mr. Ajmeri remains deeply grounded. His message to the youth is simple but profound: “Get involved in your community. Volunteer wherever you can-whether it’s parking lot , backstage work, or organizing events.
Start small, and slowly you’ll build connections and confidence. Positive work in the comunity always comes back to you in blessings.”

More than his awards or positions, what truly defines Mustafa Ajmeri is his humanity. To friends, he is the “Go-To Man”-always approachable, always smiling, always ready to help.

From Gujarat to Chicago to Atlanta, his journey tells a story not just of success, but of service, relationships, and the unbreakable power of community. As one of his longtime colleagues once said, “If you’ve ever needed something done in
the Indian communitychances are, Mustafa-bhai was behind it.” And for that, generations of Indian Americans will remember him not only as an organizer and a leader-but as a friend, mentor, and the heart of their community