Vice President of Non-Governmental Organization "K.J.Somaiya Trust"

Birth Date:   December 29, 1927
Birth Place:   Kuch, India
Background:   Master of Law, Bombay University and Doctor of Law
Professional Experience:

Somaiya is a Head of Non-Governmental Organization "K.J.Somaiya Trust", active in sphere of secondary and higher education with profound learning of humanitarian sciences. Among the religious organizations it is known by its charitable activities.

He heads Somaiya Company Group, which produces sugar, industrial alcohol, organic fertilizers, typographic products, Ayurvedic medicines and processes sea salt.

Head of the company "Somaiya Vidyavihar", which consolidates 32 educational institutions of broad profile, member of a range of higher learning institutions in the country.

Member of the Management Board of India Medical Society, focused on the investigations in pediatrics and neurology.

Somaiya is a member of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Indian National Committee, International Chamber of Commerce, Indian Organization of Manufacturers, Indian Association for Industrial Development.

Member of the UN World Sustainable Environmental Development Organization.

Acts as an intermediate in the dialogue between representatives of Hinduism and Krishnaism in India.

Trustee of the Shri Kutchi Lokhana Fund, Mumbai.

In 1979-1981 represented Indian companies in the International Labor Organization as a delegation head.

In 1983-2003 headed and participated in various international business seminars abroad.

In October 1999 participated in the Interreligion Assembly in Vatican.

Participated in the UN Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders, held in August - September 2000 in New-York.

In June 2000 participated in the 2nd Congress of International Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Seoul.

In April 2003 the organization headed by Somaiya held a meeting of Hinduism and Orthodox representatives in Mumbai.

In September 2003 Somaiya participated in the Session of World and Traditional Religions Leaders in Astana as a head of Hinduism delegation.

Somaiya has the following awards and honorary titles:

1. Calian Mitram Award for the contribution to the development of religious tolerance in 2001.

2. Apostle's Blessing by the Pope John Paul II in 2001.

3. Award by Pontifex Institution and Italian Center for Interreligion Dialogue for the contribution to interreligion dialogue in 2001.

4. Italian "Luminoso Award" for the contribution to education support in 2002.

Keen on history, culture and art of ancient India.