BY DEVIKA C. METHA
LOS ANGELES, CA - Dr Jasvant Modi, is a humanitarian and compassionate human being, who is often seen at community events in a white shirt with contrasting ties, plain glasses framing a serene face and a personality that spreads peace. Born in India, Modi moved to US in 1975 after finishing his medical studies in Ahmedabad,
LOS ANGELES, CA - Dr Jasvant Modi, is a humanitarian and compassionate human being, who is often seen at community events in a white shirt with contrasting ties, plain glasses framing a serene face and a personality that spreads peace. Born in India, Modi moved to US in 1975 after finishing his medical studies in Ahmedabad,
after which he never looked back. Just like his name ‘Jasvant’, the man is always keen on being victorious in his accomplishments.
In an exclusive interview with IJ, Modi talked about his professional and personal journey, accomplishments, charity work and dreaming big!
He recalls, “During my studies in India, I received help from family members, many organizations, government entities, college professors and friends in terms of moral, ethical and financial support and in helping me dream big. Since coming to the US, I studied in Chicago and became a specialist in internal medicine and gastroenterologist. I started a private practice in Los Angeles in 1983 during which I helped countless people with their health related problems.”
Thanking the community for his accomplishments, he stated, “I have reached this stage in my life only because of help every step of the way, especially during my years in India. I want to make a difference in society in any way I can. I want to help patients, help children in realizing their full potential and spread the principle of non violence and pluralism which are the main tenets of Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism.” Turning 67 has not stopped him from keeping busy. Since 2004, he has been involved in managing a long term care facility and currently, his family owns four such facilities in the LA area. “This keeps me in touch with patients and their needs. These facilities house patients with various medical needs including those who suffer from dementia and stroke, those who need feeding tubes, ventilators, dialysis, hospice care, rehabilitation and home health services. He adds,`` I have come to realize that at the end, dementia and loneliness in the later stage of life is an acute social problem. This is especially true for a significant Indian population because of their religious beliefs and dietary habits.’’ The doctor’s day usually starts at 6 am and goes on until 10 pm and as he says,`` is a mix of professional and social activities.” Interestingly, so far, Modi has given away nearly $3.5 million for charitable donations and pledged another $1.5 million for social causes. In fact, nearly $200K over five years were pledged for his most recent philanthropic gesture , setting up of a Jain chair at University of California Santa Barbara . The first installment of $40K has already been given.
Though Modi is a pioneer community member, he is a family man at heart. He is always seen accompanied by his wife Dr Meera Modi. Over the years, she has been an important support system and is always seen promoting charity work with him on several occasions. Sharing details of his happy married life, Modi informed, “I met my wife Meera in 1978 here in the US through family contacts and got married in 1979. My wife is a physician and has a private practice. She has been a great support in the family, raising our two children. We both are first generation immigrants and faced many challenges, financial, professional, but hard work with big dreams made us successful. I believe, success not necessarily brings happiness. Happiness comes from faith, inner blissfulness and helping others.”
But, does success and happiness go hand in hand? He said, “No, as we witness daily in the news about suicide, violence, fights, bitterness and lawsuits . That is why I believe, happiness is more important to achieve and sustain. Family, friends, society and most important faith is very helpful in achieving happiness. Making money is hard for many people but giving up money is even harder. I want to change the narrative--making money should be fun but donating money for a humanitarian cause should be even more fun and satisfying. Bill Gates and Warren Buffet are great examples.”
And, his motto is quite simple- ‘Utilize my time in helping others in whichever way, I can.” Discussing future plans for the community and involvement of his kids in further work, he said, “I want to have a senior center, retirement community, assisted living facility, skilled nursing facility and a hospital that serves primarily the South Asian population. A university will be a dream come true. My son, who is an internist and a gastroenterologist and currently a professor at USC in the Department of Medicine has similar goals and believes that he will carry on my legacy. My daughter, who is a lawyer at the US Food and Drug Administration is also hard working and someday both my children will take over our family mission.” Speaking about his best and worst experiences in life, Modi mentioned, “When we make a gift, we are happy but failure in any aspect makes us sad. With friends, I have helped established Jain Chairs /Lectureship at UCI,UCR,UCSB and LMU and I am also in negotiations with 3 more Universities.”
In an exclusive interview with IJ, Modi talked about his professional and personal journey, accomplishments, charity work and dreaming big!
He recalls, “During my studies in India, I received help from family members, many organizations, government entities, college professors and friends in terms of moral, ethical and financial support and in helping me dream big. Since coming to the US, I studied in Chicago and became a specialist in internal medicine and gastroenterologist. I started a private practice in Los Angeles in 1983 during which I helped countless people with their health related problems.”
Thanking the community for his accomplishments, he stated, “I have reached this stage in my life only because of help every step of the way, especially during my years in India. I want to make a difference in society in any way I can. I want to help patients, help children in realizing their full potential and spread the principle of non violence and pluralism which are the main tenets of Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism.” Turning 67 has not stopped him from keeping busy. Since 2004, he has been involved in managing a long term care facility and currently, his family owns four such facilities in the LA area. “This keeps me in touch with patients and their needs. These facilities house patients with various medical needs including those who suffer from dementia and stroke, those who need feeding tubes, ventilators, dialysis, hospice care, rehabilitation and home health services. He adds,`` I have come to realize that at the end, dementia and loneliness in the later stage of life is an acute social problem. This is especially true for a significant Indian population because of their religious beliefs and dietary habits.’’ The doctor’s day usually starts at 6 am and goes on until 10 pm and as he says,`` is a mix of professional and social activities.” Interestingly, so far, Modi has given away nearly $3.5 million for charitable donations and pledged another $1.5 million for social causes. In fact, nearly $200K over five years were pledged for his most recent philanthropic gesture , setting up of a Jain chair at University of California Santa Barbara . The first installment of $40K has already been given.
Though Modi is a pioneer community member, he is a family man at heart. He is always seen accompanied by his wife Dr Meera Modi. Over the years, she has been an important support system and is always seen promoting charity work with him on several occasions. Sharing details of his happy married life, Modi informed, “I met my wife Meera in 1978 here in the US through family contacts and got married in 1979. My wife is a physician and has a private practice. She has been a great support in the family, raising our two children. We both are first generation immigrants and faced many challenges, financial, professional, but hard work with big dreams made us successful. I believe, success not necessarily brings happiness. Happiness comes from faith, inner blissfulness and helping others.”
But, does success and happiness go hand in hand? He said, “No, as we witness daily in the news about suicide, violence, fights, bitterness and lawsuits . That is why I believe, happiness is more important to achieve and sustain. Family, friends, society and most important faith is very helpful in achieving happiness. Making money is hard for many people but giving up money is even harder. I want to change the narrative--making money should be fun but donating money for a humanitarian cause should be even more fun and satisfying. Bill Gates and Warren Buffet are great examples.”
And, his motto is quite simple- ‘Utilize my time in helping others in whichever way, I can.” Discussing future plans for the community and involvement of his kids in further work, he said, “I want to have a senior center, retirement community, assisted living facility, skilled nursing facility and a hospital that serves primarily the South Asian population. A university will be a dream come true. My son, who is an internist and a gastroenterologist and currently a professor at USC in the Department of Medicine has similar goals and believes that he will carry on my legacy. My daughter, who is a lawyer at the US Food and Drug Administration is also hard working and someday both my children will take over our family mission.” Speaking about his best and worst experiences in life, Modi mentioned, “When we make a gift, we are happy but failure in any aspect makes us sad. With friends, I have helped established Jain Chairs /Lectureship at UCI,UCR,UCSB and LMU and I am also in negotiations with 3 more Universities.”
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