Belagavi origin Shri Thanedar will escort Modi to address US Congress

Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar, hailing from Belagavi, has been given the honor of escorting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his historic joint address to the United States Congress on June 22. This first-time Democratic Congressman represents the 13th Congressional District of Michigan and has also been invited by President Joe Biden to attend the White House State Dinner, which is being hosted in honor of Prime Minister Modi on the same day.

This is the second time that Prime Minister Modi will be addressing the joint session of the US Congress, a first for any Indian prime minister. The prime minister had earlier addressed the US Congress in 2016, and this time, he will be accompanied by Congressman Thanedar, who is excited to be a part of this historic moment.

Dr. Shri Thanedar’s journey to success began halfway around the world in Mirapur Galli, Shahpur, Belagavi. Growing up as one of six children in a low-income family, he was taught about the importance of education and the need for financial independence. His mother, Sulochana, instilled in him the wisdom that would guide him throughout his life.

Despite facing obstacles, Shri excelled in the local public school system and went on to receive a Master’s Degree from the University of Bombay in 1977. In 1979, he immigrated to the United States to pursue his Ph.D. in polymer chemistry from the University of Akron, which he obtained in 1982. He then worked as a post-doctoral scholar at the University of Michigan from 1982 to 1984.

Shri’s expertise in polymer synthesis chemistry led him to work as a Polymer Synthesis Chemist and Project Leader at the Petrolite Corporation in St. Louis, MO from 1984 to 1990. In 1990, he purchased a three-employee service company called Chemir and transformed it into a thriving business with over 400 employees and $63 million in annual sales. Throughout his career, Shri has purchased or sold eight different businesses and has become skilled in turning around troubled companies.

Shri’s story is one of perseverance and determination. Despite facing challenges, he never gave up on his dreams and worked tirelessly to achieve success. His book, “This Is Shri’s Wish,” is a bestseller and a memoir of his incredible journey.