Suraj P. Bhatia appointed Rotary’s representative to the UN

New York: On July 1, 2016, the beginning of the new Rotary year Suraj P “Raj” Bhatia was invited to serve as Rotary International’s alternate representative to the United Nations in New York by the President of Rotary International.

Each year, the Rotary President appoints a team to serve as representatives to the UN and other organizations. These representatives serve as Rotary’s unofficial “ambassadors” and work to strengthen Rotary’s participation and reputation in the international community.

Raj has served Rotary since 1994 and was elected District Governor in 2009. Raj received the Vocational Service leadership award & Governor’s citation, and was awarded the prestigious “Service Above Self” award by the President of Rotary International. The Rotary Board considers this award to be Rotary International’s highest honor to bestow on a Rotarian. Raj is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, a Benefactor of the Permanent Fund and a Member of the Bequest Society of Rotary International.

Raj received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in India and received a scholarship to pursue for his Master degree at the University of Florida and an MBA from the Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. Raj joined IBM Corporation in New York, where he held senior management position in both IBM US and IBM Latin America Headquarters.

For his Community Service and Volunteer work Raj received The President’s Volunteer Service Award, given by the President’s Council on Service and Civic participation, and a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of Meritorious Public Service as a member of Supreme Court of New Jersey’s District Fee Committee. Raj is the founder and Executive Director of Lakshmi Dream Foundation Inc. which helps under privileged children in India and provides warm jacket to children in our local communities in the Bergen, Hudson and Passaic counties in New Jersey. Raj is a past Trustee of the Walter D. Head Foundation and the Gift of Life Foundation.

Raj is also a recipient of the prestigious 2010 Ellis Island Medal of Honor for community service. Raj is also listed in the Coffee Table Book published by Roshni Media titled “Global and Emerging leaders.”