Description:
Dr. Sudhir Parikh, born in 1946 in Petlad, Gujarat, India, is a distinguished physician, media entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose life has been marked by service to both the Indian and American communities. Raised in a family that valued education and public service, Dr. Parikh pursued medicine at BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad, specializing in pediatrics before moving to the UK in 1971. There, he trained at the prestigious St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London. In 1975, he immigrated to the United States, completing his residency at St. Luke's Hospital in New York and a fellowship in allergy, asthma, and immunology at New York Medical College.
Dr. Parikh began his private practice in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1980. Over the decades, he built the largest allergy and immunology practice on the East Coast, with 24 offices and over 350 medical professionals. His entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond medicine; in 2008, he founded Parikh Worldwide Media, which includes ITV Gold and four newspapers, reaching millions across the U.S. His media work aims to connect the Indian diaspora with their heritage and promote a positive image of India in the West.
A passionate advocate for U.S.-India relations, Dr. Parikh played a pivotal role in forming the India Caucus in the U.S. Congress and Senate. He worked closely with political leaders to support the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement and has advised multiple U.S. Presidents and Indian leaders. His efforts have helped foster bipartisan support for India in American politics.
Dr. Parikh's philanthropic contributions are vast. As Vice President of the Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO), he has marshalled 1.5 million Indian-origin doctors worldwide for healthcare initiatives. Through Life Global USA, he has helped build 108 rural schools in India, supported women's self-employment, and led health and wellness programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he coordinated $45 million in medical aid to India and participated in vaccine trials.
His accolades include the Padma Shri and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman from the Government of India, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and a knighthood from the King of Malta. He has also served on the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners and founded the India Day Parade in New York City, the largest such celebration outside India.
The Rutgers Oral History Archives received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. In the 2024-2025 cycle, this grant assisted the ROHA staff in making this oral history available to you for your use.