Hari Babu Bindal (1943–2020) was more than just an environmental engineer; he was a visionary leader, a passionate philanthropist, and a devoted advocate of education and cultural preservation. His life story represents the triumph of determination, intellect, and service, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire Indians and Indian-Americans across the globe.
Born in the humble village of Mewali near Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Bindal grew up with dreams that went far beyond his surroundings. He understood early in life that education was the true gateway to transformation. His journey eventually took him from rural India to the United States, where he became one of the most respected engineers and a pioneer in community-building among Indian-origin professionals.
Early Life and Education of Hari Babu Bindal
Hari Babu Bindal’s childhood was rooted in simplicity and traditional Indian values. His formative years in rural Uttar Pradesh instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility toward society. After completing his early studies in India, he immigrated to the United States in 1973 with an unshakable determination to expand his horizons.
In America, he pursued higher education with relentless passion. He earned two master’s degrees—one in Environmental Engineering and another in Public Health Engineering—and later completed his PhD in Environmental Engineering Management. His academic brilliance laid the foundation for a career dedicated to solving some of the most complex environmental and public health challenges of the modern era.
A Distinguished Career in Environmental Engineering
Dr. Hari Babu Bindal dedicated 26 years of his professional life to the U.S. government, working across major departments including the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Coast Guard. His expertise in environmental engineering made him an asset in safeguarding environmental health and safety at a national scale.
He retired in 2014 after a remarkable career, but not before earning numerous honors for his outstanding contributions. His professional journey stands as proof that excellence, combined with integrity, can open doors to global impact.
Hari Babu Bindal: Founding the American Society of Engineers of Indian Origin (ASEI)
One of Dr. Bindal’s most significant contributions was the founding of the American Society of Engineers of Indian Origin (ASEI) in 1983. His vision was to create a platform that would not only bring Indian engineers together but also promote technological collaboration between India and the United States.
What began as a small grassroots organization in Michigan soon expanded into a national multi-tier body with chapters across the U.S., empowering engineers, entrepreneurs, and students of Indian origin. Today, ASEI continues to thrive, a living testimony to his foresight and leadership.
Philanthropy and Community Service
For Dr. Hari Babu Bindal, success was not just about personal achievement—it was about giving back. Deeply attached to his roots, he invested heavily in initiatives that supported rural education, scholarships, and temple development in India. In 2018, he rebuilt and expanded a temple in his native village and created programs that provided school supplies and scholarships to local children, ensuring that future generations had access to opportunities he once dreamed of.
He was also deeply committed to preserving and promoting Hindu heritage. As a life member of VHP of America, he played an active role in strengthening cultural identity while building bridges across communities. His involvement extended to several organizations, including ILA, ICCC, IAFPE, IHA, HAF, and UHJT, where his leadership inspired countless individuals.
Literary and Cultural Contributions
Dr. Bindal was not only an engineer and philanthropist but also a man of creativity and culture. He wrote poetry, humorous short stories, and even an autobiography, reflecting his multi-faceted personality.
In 1990, he co-produced the Hindi feature film “Akanksha” with his son Neeraj, which was later showcased at the Rose Bud Film Festival and aired on Doordarshan across India. His love for literature, cinema, and travel—he visited over 50 countries across five continents—added depth to his already rich legacy.
Awards and Recognition
Hari Babu Bindal’s work earned him some of the most prestigious honors for overseas Indians, including:
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Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (2017): India’s highest honor for overseas Indians, awarded by the President of India for his contributions to environmental engineering and the Ganga Rejuvenation Project.
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Pravasi UP Ratna (2019): Conferred by the Governor of Uttar Pradesh in recognition of his service and dedication to his home state.
These awards cemented his place as a leader who bridged nations through knowledge, service, and innovation.
A Life of Resilience and Inspiration
Even in his later years, Dr. Bindal continued to inspire. Just weeks before his untimely passing, he established Enviro A to Z, LLC, a consulting company that reflected his lifelong passion for environmental problem-solving.
Sadly, on November 8, 2020, after a four-week battle with COVID-19, the world lost a remarkable soul at the age of 76. His passing left a void in the engineering and Indian-American community, but his vision continues to thrive through the organizations, scholarships, and lives he touched.
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