In the heartland of Ohio, the story of Dr. Naresh Lawati unfurls a narrative that marries resilience, education, entrepreneurship, and profound community dedication into a tapestry of inspiration.
Hailing from the bucolic landscape of Dagapela, Bhutan, Dr. Lawati’s early years were etched with rustic charm. A backdrop of herding cattle and tending to family farms painted a vivid picture of his upbringing. Yet, behind the scenes of this idyllic childhood lay a political turmoil that forced his family to flee their homeland. Bhutan’s instability and the cries for equal rights from the Nepali-origin populace cast a shadow, shrouding daily life in discrimination and unrest.
Though the landscape of his youth was bathed in nostalgia, circumstances compelled a fateful decision. In 1992, leaving cherished memories behind, his family embarked on a journey to a refugee camp in Nepal, fueled by the beacon of a better future. Alas, their dreams of returning to Bhutan were swallowed by the sands of time. Amid the harsh realities of the camp, Dr. Lawati found purpose in nurturing education for children, an endeavor that forged his commitment to uplifting others.
As life’s chapters turned, the urge to seek greater knowledge beckoned. Kathmandu’s allure led him to Tribhuvan University, where he earned his Master’s in Physics in 1996, a feat made possible by the German government scholarship. The podium of education then became his pulpit, as he lent his wisdom to the students of Little Angels’ School and College. Five years of teaching unfurled, but his unquenchable quest for growth led him across the seas.
Arriving on American shores in 2002, Lawati’s academic journey. Here, the annals of time culminated Master’s and a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics, a testament to his unyielding pursuit of excellence. By 2010, the halls of Hiram College, Ohio, resonated with his teachings, although health setbacks curtailed this journey.
Yet, amidst trials, Dr. Lawati’s entrepreneurial spirit shone. The niche for Nepali groceries in Akron beckoned, echoing the needs of a growing community. Family Groceries was born in 2011, a testament to his acumen and community-driven vision. This haven of essentials flourished, its wings expanding to Cincinnati, where it soared as a pillar of sustenance for diverse populations.
A dual identity as a pioneering entrepreneur and a community cornerstone emerged. With over 15 employees, Dr. Lawati’s venture proved to be a resounding success, championing the Bhutani-American experience.
But his contributions transcended storefronts. The founding member and Chief Advisor of Bhutanese Community Association of Akron, a guiding presence in Kirat Community Organization of America, and an advocate for the Kirat temple in America—the contours of his impact are vast. Dr. Lawati’s philanthropic notes extended to the Knight Foundation, the North Akron City Development Corporation, and beyond. Honors and features in newspapers testified to the depth of his communal support.
In envisioning tomorrow, Dr. Lawati’s gaze remains fixed on elevating the lives of newly arrived Bhutani individuals. His literary aspirations are equally luminous—a future of books that illuminate the struggles of his people, the nuances of Kirat culture, and perhaps, the chronicles of his own life.
In Ohio’s embrace, Dr. Naresh Lawati has etched a tale of transformation that resonates with the immigrant spirit, an embodiment of resilience, dedication, and an unswerving commitment to building a tapestry of opportunity for all.