Our Founders
Get to know the dedicated individuals whose hard work drives everything we do
Naresh M. Gehi, Esq.
Founder
- Attorney
- Advocate
- Author
- Community Leader
- Attorney
- Advocate
- Author
- Community Leader
— BACKGROUND
Naresh M. Gehi, Esq. is a respected attorney, advocate, author, and community leader with more than two decades of experience in law, public service, and legal education. He is widely recognized for his work in immigration law, federal and state court practice, and his long-standing commitment to helping individuals, families, professionals, and communities with legal challenges.
Mr. Gehi is the Founder and Principal Attorney of Gehi & Associates, a New York-based law firm that has handled more than 20,000 cases across immigration and related legal matters. His work has taken him before federal, state, and immigration courts, where he has built a reputation for strong advocacy, strategic representation, and service to underserved communities.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Gehi has been actively involved in legal education and public policy. He has worked with public officials, testified before the New York State Senate on immigration reform, and participated in professional platforms such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s “Ask the Experts” panel.
His leadership has received national and international recognition. Mr. Gehi has appeared on major media platforms including CNN and ABC World News, and his work has been featured or cited by outlets such as The New York Times, Forbes, Fox News, and PIX 11. He is also the author of Immigration for Everyone, a book created to make immigration law more accessible to the public.
In today’s uncertain immigration climate, community support is more important than ever. Immigrant families, workers, students, and asylum seekers deserve access to accurate information, dignity, and hope.
HDCOA was founded to empower communities through education, advocacy, and service. Our mission is to help people understand their rights, access reliable resources, and feel supported during challenging times.
We believe immigration is not only a legal issue. It is a human issue. HDCOA stands for compassion, fairness, and stronger communities.
Naresh M. Gehi, Esq.
Founder, HDCOA
Hon. Dr. Dilip Nath
Founder
- Technology Leader
- Author
- Democrat
- District Leader
— BACKGROUND
Dr. Dilip Nath is a distinguished technology leader in higher education and healthcare, recognized for his advocacy in technology justice and voting rights. He is the author of several books, including Delivering Equitable Healthcare through Technology, and has written on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, artificial intelligence, and technology justice.
A lifelong Democrat, Dr. Nath currently serves as Democratic District Leader for AD 25, where he works to advance civic participation, voting rights, and democratic values in his community.
Dr. Nath holds a D.B.A. in Business Administration and an M.B.A. in Technology Management. He also earned an Executive Certificate in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University — bringing the highest level of policy expertise to HDCA’s leadership.
His advocacy for technology justice reflects a broader commitment to equity: ensuring that communities, including Hindu Americans, are not left behind in an increasingly technology-driven world.
As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, we must reaffirm the fundamental principle that Hindu Americans deserve to live, work, and prosper free from prejudice, discrimination, and cultural erasure.
Our community has contributed meaningfully to the American experience, and its voice, values, and accomplishments warrant full recognition.
Hon. Dr. Dilip Nath
Democratic District Leader, New York
Dr. Hari Shukla
Founder
- Physician
- Educator
- Researcher
- Community Leader
— BACKGROUND
Dr. Hari Shukla is a highly respected physician, educator, researcher, and community leader whose life’s work reflects a deep commitment to service, advocacy, and public good.
With more than four decades of experience in medicine, Dr. Shukla has built a distinguished career dedicated to caring for children, supporting families, advancing medical knowledge, and serving diverse communities. He is triple board certified in Pediatrics, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, and Forensic Medicine, and has practiced in New York since 1985.
Dr. Shukla is the Founder and President of Children’s Medical Center in Flushing, New York, where he has provided trusted pediatric care to generations of families. He has served as Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine, Proctor at Weill Cornell Medical College, Medical Director of Children’s Medical Center, and Consultant Pediatrician for Permanent Missions to the United Nations.
As a researcher, Dr. Shukla has made important contributions to the field of neonatal and pediatric medicine. His published work has been cited in medical textbooks, and his research has helped improve care for premature and critically ill newborns. He is recognized for developing a practical formula for umbilical catheter placement in sick infants and for contributing to the early use of surfactant therapy for premature babies in New York City.
Through the Hindu Democratic Club of America, he continues his work of service by promoting representation, dignity, and civil rights for Hindu Americans — reflecting his belief that professionals must not only serve within their field but also contribute to the broader community.
— RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION
Developed a practical formula for umbilical catheter placement in sick infants, now cited in medical textbooks.
Contributed to the early use of surfactant therapy for premature babies in New York City.
Published research has improved care standards for premature and critically ill newborns.