In 1995, I returned to India with the goal of reducing the injustices and inequalities I had observed during my military service in my youth. I started The George Foundation (TGF), a non-profit organization based in Bangalore, India, dedicated to the welfare of economically and socially disadvantaged people. In 1997, I established Shanti Bhavan as a reflection of my vision for alleviating poverty and bringing about social justice.
In addition to Shanti Bhavan, The George Foundation supports several other initiatives dedicated to poverty alleviation, education, health, and empowerment of women, such as community development projects in housing, vocational training, and the provision of safe drinking water; social entrepreneurship programs employing poor women in farming projects; and the Baldev Medical & Community Center that serves 17 villages and over 16,000 people. My work in the field of environmental health led to the removal of lead from gasoline throughout India in April 2000 and the creation of the National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning in India. My belief in promoting democratic institutions and values led to the establishment of the Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media, Bangalore, where I serve as president.
My career spans the finance and entrepreneurial sectors with senior leadership positions at Chemical Bank and Credit Suisse First Boston. I also founded Multinational Computer Models, Inc. (MCM), which enabled large multinational corporations to better deal with their international financial risks through the use of computerized systems. I have served on the boards of Human Rights Watch, International Center for Journalists, and Vellore Christian Medical College, among others. I am the recipient of several awards, including Hind Ratna, presented by the former Prime Minister of India, I. K. Gujral. I attended New York University’s Stern School of Business where I studied developmental economics and finance and received both my master’s and doctoral degrees from the university.