Chatting with Tausif Malik, an Indian-American entrepreneur, comes as though we have known each other for long. And, perhaps, that we are jolly good friends or siblings. We connected easily, especially with our personalities and world views aligning on many fronts, IgbereTV reports
Tausif tells me about his growing up back in his home country, India, as a child from a royal family, and how his early exposure to his country’s politics immensely shaped his perspective about life, media, religion, business and community development.
A long list of Tausif’s relations hold various political offices back home. But Malik is outside —today, America; tomorrow, UAE— running businesses and contributing his quota to the development of host communities.
“I believe in doing and giving,” he says to explain why he isn’t sitting back to “enjoy life” and live large as “real” royals do. “This is the legacy I inherited from my parents. These two acts have propelled me more than anything else. I can’t sit idle for long. I get uneasy not doing some active engagements.”
He adds, “Despite my royal background, there were difficult days while growing up. One time, dad was hit by financial crisis that disrupted the family. We all had to double up. I remember I had to jump from one job to another to gain stability. So, the royal thing hasn’t been a rollercoaster adventure.”
His openness and good command of the English language make him a great communicator. His great sense of humour is another attribute you cannot miss while speaking with him.
Barely 15 minutes into our chat, I learnt a lot from his story, commentary, insights and experience which were enough for me to write a book, or at least give a talk during my next Toastmasters meeting on some US winning formulas for new immigrants looking to try highly effective success tips.
Dr. Tausif’s story is a unique and inspiring one for young Indians, Americans, and relatively any global citizen of the world. He tells me about his initial reluctance to migrate to the US when his father spoke to him to consider it.
“At first, I wasn’t sure America was the next thing for me. But, my dad will not stop cheering me to consider moving to the States. He always hyped that my smartness, kind attitude and friendly behavior would be major assets for me in a place like America. Sometimes, we do not have an idea of what is coming until we are in it.”
His successes come from years of determination, grit and discipline. And, has helped in placing him high and respected by pairs and relations. First, his contribution to politics in America cannot be overemphasized.
Tausif has built himself an admirable public figure status, which contributed to his election as Treasurer and Chair of Democrats Abroad India.
His initiatives, especially those dedicated to reviving reading culture across various age groups such as spelling bee contests, have gained the attention of the media and have been impressively accepted by people in the community.
“If there is anything I have ever achieved, it is through collaboration, futuristic strategizing and management of both people and processes,” he says about literary competitions for school students that he has hosted, financed and promoted.
Prior to moving to Chicago in the US in 2007, he had completed a Master’s degree in commerce from the University of Pune back in India, which he says could have cost him a fortune if taken in the States.
