Victor Menezes, the esteemed founder and Chairman Emeritus of the American India Foundation (AIF), passed away yesterday. While we grieve his loss, we also honor and celebrate his enduring impact as a leader, mentor, and friend. His legacy, rooted in an unwavering dedication to service and social transformation, will continue to guide and inspire future generations.
Victor’s association with AIF was defined by his deep commitment to meaningful change. From its inception, he championed the power of collaboration—between India and the United States, between organizations and individuals, and, most importantly, between communities. Focused on AIF’s mission to empower women, children, and youth through healthcare, education, and livelihood initiatives, he played a pivotal role in broadening the organization’s vision and reach, ensuring support for the most underserved communities in India.
More than just his intellect, expertise, resources, and extensive networks, Victor brought a unique sense of humanity, sensitivity, and empathy to AIF. During his many visits to AIF’s projects in India, he transcended social and economic barriers to personally connect with the people the organization served. While AIF’s initiatives have impacted over 19 million individuals, Victor was adamant that the organization should always uphold human dignity at its core. He firmly believed that their efforts were not an act of charity, but rather an opportunity to create meaningful change.
Many within the AIF community fondly recall receiving personal calls from Victor, urging them to join the foundation’s mission. His charisma and conviction made it nearly impossible to refuse, and those who accepted his call remain grateful for the opportunity. His leadership was marked not only by encouragement but also by an ability to provide candid, constructive feedback. He celebrated the organization’s successes while pushing everyone to strive for even greater impact. As one of his defining traits, Victor’s sharp sense of humor made even the most demanding moments enjoyable.
Beyond his work with AIF, Victor’s professional and personal achievements were remarkable. He led an extraordinary life, excelling in both his career and personal endeavors—including the memorable feat of convincing Miss Asia to marry him.
His 32-year tenure at Citigroup remains a testament to his leadership, as he was one of the few executives who worked across nearly every division and global region, leaving a lasting imprint on the company. He also served on the boards of the MIT Corporation, Catholic Charities, and Eisenhower Fellowships, while holding advisory roles at IIT Bombay and INSEAD. Additionally, he was a board member of Educational Testing Service (ETS) and a Trustee Emeritus of the Asia Society.
Despite his many accolades and accomplishments, Victor often shared that his work with AIF held the most special place in his heart. His unwavering dedication was evident when he chose to celebrate his milestone 75th birthday at the AIF New York Gala last year. That evening, the entire crowd spontaneously sang “Happy Birthday” to him—a cherished moment that exemplifies the deep affection and admiration he inspired.
As AIF moves forward, Victor’s legacy remains deeply ingrained in the fabric of the organization. His vision, passion, and relentless commitment to social impact will continue to shape its mission.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his beloved wife, Tara, his children, and his entire family as we mourn the loss of an exceptional individual. Though Victor Menezes will be deeply missed, his spirit and dedication will live on in the vital work he championed.