Three decades of philanthropy and service connect Nayan Dalal’s Janma Bhoomi in India with his Karma Bhoomi in America.
Our Bureau
Scotch Plains, NJ
The Dalal Family Foundation recently marked 30 years of philanthropy and service, celebrating three decades of partnerships with nonprofit organizations and communities across India and the United States.
The milestone was commemorated on September 19, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick in New Jersey, where family, friends, nonprofit partners and supporters gathered from India and across the United States. The evening coincided with founder Nayan Dalal’s 60th birthday, but the focus was on the Foundation’s journey, the values that have shaped it, and the nonprofit partners whose work has created meaningful impact.
Established in honor of Nayan’s parents, Jyoti and Pravin Dalal, and their values and charitable spirit, the privately family-funded Foundation supports initiatives in education, medical care, women’s empowerment, dignity and support for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, community welfare and animal welfare.
Janma Bhoomi and Karma Bhoomi
For Nayan, the Foundation’s commitment to India and the United States reflects his own life journey. He describes India as his Janma Bhoomi — his birthplace — and America as his Karma Bhoomi — the place where he built his career and raised his family.
“India gave me my roots and values. America gave me the opportunity to fulfill my American dream, build a business and raise my family,” Dalal said. “I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to this country. I feel a responsibility to give back to both.”
That gratitude has become a guiding principle of the Foundation: India gave the family its roots; America gave it opportunity — and both inspire a responsibility to give back.
The India Story
The Dalal Family Foundation maintains an office in Mumbai, reflecting its long-term commitment to India and its philosophy of building relationships close to the communities it serves.
The Foundation’s approach goes beyond financial support. Its India team works closely with nonprofit partners to understand their needs, visit programs and develop long-term relationships intended to create meaningful and sustainable impact.
Major partners have included NMIMS in Mumbai; PNR Society in Bhavnagar; Aadhar in Udvada; Vanita Vishram in Surat; Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital in Navi Mumbai; Kaivalyadhama in Lonavala; Muni Seva Ashram in Goraj; and R. D. Gardi Bhavnagar Stree Kelavani Mandal, among many others.
The Foundation’s India journey was highlighted during the anniversary celebration through a special film, “Growth with Goodness — The India Story,” recognizing its nonprofit partners and the people and communities behind their work.
Giving Back to the Local Community
America, Nayan’s Karma Bhoomi, has an equally important place in the Foundation’s story.
Nayan and his wife, Bindu, along with their children Aditya, Akash and Anushka, have called Scotch Plains, New Jersey, home since 2001.
The Foundation’s local involvement includes support for the historic Shady Rest Clubhouse in Scotch Plains, Scouting America’s Patriots’ Path Council, and improvements to Milt Campbell Park in nearby Plainfield. Nayan was also honored with the 2023 Good Scout Award for his service and contributions to the community.
As the Foundation marked its milestone, the Scotch Plains Township Council formally recognized Nayan Dalal and the Dalal Family Foundation with a resolution honoring decades of philanthropic service and the Foundation’s philosophy of “Growth with Goodness.”
The resolution also highlighted educational initiatives including the Dalal Family Global Field Study Scholarship Program at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and a transformative $2 million gift to Middlesex College supporting its Performing Arts Center and the Dalal Family Foundation Scholarship.
The Performing Arts Center will be named the Nayan and Bindu Dalal Center for the Arts and is expected to open next year.
Humility, Gratitude and Purpose
During a fireside conversation at the anniversary celebration, Nayan reflected on one of the most important lessons he learned from his mother: to remain humble and grateful, regardless of success or achievement.
“It’s not me who is doing it,” Dalal said. “It’s God’s grace. I am just a nimitta — a medium, an instrument.”
That philosophy also shapes the Foundation’s relationships with its nonprofit partners. Nayan emphasized that these organizations are the people doing the real work and touching lives every day. The Foundation sees its role as listening, understanding needs, supporting, connecting and collaborating to strengthen their impact.
Nayan also recognized Bindu Dalal, U.S. Director of the Foundation, and Toral Mehta, India Director, as the Foundation’s “two pillars,” helping turn ideas and vision into action in the United States and India.
Looking to the Next Chapter
As the Dalal Family Foundation enters its next chapter, its aspiration is to “think bigger and go deeper” — strengthening long-term nonprofit relationships, developing larger collaborations and seeking opportunities for sustainable and meaningful impact.
For the Dalal family, the milestone is less about looking back at accomplishments and more about gratitude and responsibility.
India is the Janma Bhoomi. America is the Karma Bhoomi. Gratitude to both continues to inspire a responsibility to serve both.
Thirty years of “Growth with Goodness” — and the journey continues.