The story of Susheel Kumar Saraff is a remarkable saga of vision, perseverance, and leadership. A first-generation entrepreneur, he transformed his dreams into reality and built the Saraff Group of Companies, a diversified conglomerate with presence in the United States, Thailand, India, and Hong Kong. His name today resonates not only with business success but also with social service, cultural preservation, and philanthropy.
Susheel Kumar Saraff: Building the Saraff Group – A Journey of Vision and Courage
With more than 40 years of entrepreneurial experience, Susheel Kumar Saraff carved a niche for himself in multiple industries. Under his exemplary leadership, the Saraff Group ventured into Information Technology, Renewable Energy, Diamonds and Jewelry, Plastics, Lead Recycling, Metal Refining, and Real Estate. Each initiative reflected his foresight to identify opportunities where others saw challenges.
Saraff is not just a businessman—he is an innovator who constantly seeks to redefine possibilities. His recent collaboration with NuWater Global of South Africa to recycle sewage water into drinkable water under India’s Make in India Project is an example of his futuristic vision. The project aims to contribute to the National Mission for Clean Ganga, the Swachh Bharat Mission, and Smart City programs, reflecting his strong commitment to sustainable development.
Champion of SMEs and Startups
A strong believer in inclusive economic growth, Susheel Kumar Saraff actively promotes SMEs, venture capital, and early-stage startups. He understands that the future of innovation lies in empowering young entrepreneurs and providing them access to funding and mentorship. By investing in cutting-edge ideas, he is nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
Susheel Kumar Saraff: Strengthening India–Thailand Relations
From April 2011 to April 2015, Susheel Kumar Saraff served as the President of the India-Thai Chamber of Commerce (ITCC). Under his stewardship, ITCC scaled new heights, creating countless opportunities for its members and deepening socio-economic ties between India and Thailand.
His efforts were recognized when the Board of Trade of Thailand appointed him as Director (2013–2015) and later as Advisor (2015–2017). He also played a pivotal role as a member of the Presidents’ Council of the Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT).
Through his leadership, Saraff reinforced India’s presence in the Thai business community and opened doors for stronger bilateral trade partnerships.
Driving the World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF)
Susheel Kumar Saraff has also emerged as a global thought leader. As Chairman of the Organizing Committee, he successfully hosted the 2nd World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF) in Bangkok in 2013. Since then, he has contributed actively to WHEF events across Delhi, London, and Los Angeles. As a Governing Council Member, he is expanding the WHEF network across South and Southeast Asia, empowering entrepreneurs and professionals of Indian origin worldwide.
Leadership in Social and Community Service
Beyond business, Saraff is deeply committed to social causes. He serves as International Working President of the International Vaish Federation, President of VHP Association Thailand, and Trustee of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bharat. His leadership extends to initiatives that promote education, healthcare, and Indian cultural heritage.
Through the Shri Dadiji Mandir Trust in Titilagarh, Odisha, he organizes free annual eye cataract surgery camps for underprivileged people in remote areas. The trust also manages SDMT Prabhavati Public School, affiliated with the CBSE board, to provide quality education to rural children.
Saraff has also supported the Ekal Vidyalaya Movement in India, raising funds from Thailand for rural schools. His philanthropic vision extends to the Indian Development Foundation of Overseas Indians, where he helped raise funds for government development projects.
Preserving Culture and Strengthening Communities
As a founder member and convener of the Indian Social Club of Thailand (ISCT), Susheel Kumar Saraff has united over 65 Indian associations in Thailand. Through ISCT, he organizes the Thai-Indian Fun Fair, celebrating friendship, culture, and harmony between the two nations.
Known as a custodian of Indian culture abroad, he continues to support art, music, and heritage preservation initiatives. In 2017, the Hindusthan Arts and Music Society, Kolkata honored him with the Swami Vivekananda Award for his contributions in enriching Indian culture worldwide.
Awards and Global Recognition
The legacy of Susheel Kumar Saraff is decorated with numerous awards and honors. Among them:
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Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (2017) – The highest civilian honor for overseas Indians, conferred by the President of India.
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Global Living Legend Award (2017) – From Adding Smiles Foundation.
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Pravasi Ratna Award (2017) – Honored at Indywood Film Carnival for his economic contributions.
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Swami Vivekananda Award (2017) – For cultural promotion and philanthropy.
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