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 is a highly accomplished immigration and trial attorney based in New York and serves as the Co-Chair of the Queens County Bar Association, reflecting his leadership and distinguished standing within the legal community.
His practice focuses on complex and innovative matters in immigration law, and he is the Founder and Principal Attorney of Gehi & Associates, a full-service law firm that has successfully handled more than 20,000 cases across a wide range of practice areas, including immigration law, personal injury law, family law, insurance matters, landlord-tenant disputes, and labor law.
A passionate educator, Mr. Gehi has taught attorneys handling complex immigration matters and is widely recognized for his commitment to mentoring fellow practitioners through continuing legal education (CLE) programs.
He has also served as a trusted advisor to the families of judges and numerous prominent personalities, earning a reputation for legal excellence, integrity, and sound counsel. His dedication to teaching and leadership has made him one of the most respected figures in the immigration law community.
Recognized as one of the foremost voices in immigration law, Mr. Gehi has been invited to join the Federal Litigation Committee of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). His excellence in the legal profession has earned him numerous prestigious honors, including recognition by Super Lawyers, Lawyers of Distinction, and America’s Best Lawyer.
He has served as a featured speaker on AILA’s “Ask the Experts” panel and continuing legal education programs focused on federal district court litigation. In addition, he has testified before the New York State Senate on immigration policy and is frequently sought after by leading media outlets—including CNN, BBC, CBS News, NewsNation, Newsweek, Reuters, The New York Times, Politico, and the New York Post—for his insights on immigration and legal issues.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Gehi serves as a personal advisor to the President of Suriname, His Excellency Chan Santokhi, and has been entrusted with leading the legal committee responsible for modernizing the nation’s immigration laws. President Santokhi regularly seeks his counsel on matters involving international and trade law. In recognition of his significant contributions to Suriname’s economy and his exceptional service, Mr. Gehi was bestowed with the honorary title of “Honorable” by President Santokhi.
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.
Braj Aggarwal, CPA, CA
Founder
- Accountant
- CPA
- Auditor
- Financial Advisor
— BACKGROUND
Braj Aggarwal is the Founder of HDCOA and a seasoned accounting and financial professional with more than three decades of experience in public accounting, auditing, taxation, and business advisory services. Since beginning his career in 1991, he has built a distinguished reputation for delivering comprehensive financial solutions tailored to the unique needs of businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals.
Mr. Aggarwal specializes in audit and assurance services, tax planning and compliance, forensic accounting, financial management, and business consulting. His expertise spans a wide range of complex accounting and financial matters, including forensic investigations and expert testimony in litigation and dispute resolution. Over the years, he has successfully represented numerous clients before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and various state agencies.
A graduate of Delhi University, Mr. Aggarwal began his professional journey with Bansal & Company, a Chartered Accountants firm in New Delhi. He earned his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in India in 1995 and later became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the United States in 2007.
Before establishing his own accounting and consulting practice in 2007, Mr. Aggarwal spent approximately eight years with Davis, Graber, Plotzker & Ward LLP, a prominent CPA firm in New York. Throughout his career, he has conducted audits for several well-known companies in India, including Dabur India Limited and Usha (India) Ltd., among others.
With more than 30 years of experience, Mr. Aggarwal has advised clients on sales tax audits, income tax matters, bankruptcy proceedings, and financial reporting issues. He has also served as a trusted tax advisor and preparer for a diverse range of businesses and charitable organizations. His extensive experience in accounting, auditing, tax planning, and small business consulting continues to provide clients with practical solutions and strategic guidance.
As Founder of HDCOA, Mr. Aggarwal remains committed to upholding the firm’s mission of delivering exceptional accounting, tax, and advisory services while helping clients achieve long-term financial success.
At HDCOA, our mission is to provide trusted guidance and meaningful support that help organizations and communities thrive. We are committed to serving with integrity, professionalism, and a dedication to creating lasting positive impact.
Braj Aggarwal, CPA, CA
Founder, HDCOA