Satish MehtaniEntrepreneur and Philanthropist
Mr. Satish Mehtani, an inspiring figure in both the entrepreneurial and philanthropic realms, was born n the region of Pakistan that was once part of India under British Colonial rule. His childhood was irrevocably altered during the Partition, a traumatic experience that separated him from his family and resulted in the loss of his baby brother and many relatives. Despite these early challenges, Mr. Mehtani's resilience and determination have defined his remarkable journey.
Educated as a civil engineer, Mr. Mehtani began his professional career in Nepal. Years later, he returned to Nepal to provide vital relief to earthquake victims, showcasing his commitment to humanitarian efforts.
In pursuit of greater opportunities, he immigrated to the United States in 1970. Facing a challenging job market for engineers, he initially found success as an insurance agent with New York Life, where he broke a longstanding record for first-year agents.
In partnership with his wife, Sneh, Mr. Mehtani ventured into the hospitality industry, opening The Moghul Room in New York City’s Pennsylvania Hotel in 1983. Their culinary enterprise expanded to Edison, New Jersey, earning them numerous accolades, including the Golden Plate Award and recognition as the first Indian Americans to receive the Restaurateur of the Year award from the New Jersey Restaurant Association, which represents over 25,000 establishments.
Through his hospitality endeavors, Mr. Mehtani forged connections with national and international leaders, including meetings with notable figures such as Saint Mother Teresa in 1994. His dedication to community service led to his appointment as Vice-Chairman of the National Clinton/Gore Finance Committee in 1992.
Inspired by his own life experiences and the importance of giving back, Mr. Mehtani founded the International Mission of Mercy USA in 1991. He has since become a veteran of disaster relief efforts across the globe, including serving meals during the Gulf War, aiding victims of 9/11, providing care packages after the 2011 tsunami in Japan, and supporting earthquake victims in Nepal. His commitment to service also includes founding four Adult Medical Day Care Centers that provide essential medical and social programs for over 600 seniors daily.
Most recently, Mr. Mehtani has focused on supporting women and children refugees from Ukraine. Moved by their plight, he traveled to Poland in April 2022 to assess how he could assist those who had lost everything, much like he did as a child. He organized a successful fundraising event at his Moghul Ballroom, gathering dignitaries, priests working to renovate apartments for refugees, and even three Miss Worlds, including Karolina Bielawska. His efforts resulted in raising over $100,000 for the renovation and ongoing support of Ukrainian women and children refugees.
Mr. Mehtani’s life embodies the belief that “we are what we leave behind.” Through his entrepreneurial success and philanthropic endeavors, he continues to inspire others to make a difference in the world.
" In my journey, I have encountered women like Saint Mother Teresa, whose determination and spirit have shattered barriers and redefined possibilities. The initiatives spearheaded by my dear friends Ambassador Ruth A. Davis and Humanitarian and Philanthropist Pooja Chandra Pama, and the leaders in ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network serve as a powerful affirmation that when women are given the tools and support they need, they can achieve extraordinary things and inspire change on a global scale.” – Satish Mehtani