Farooq Kathwari - Trailblazer: From the Mountains of Kashmir to the Summit of Global Business and Beyond

Farooq Kathwaris journey from the mountains of Kashmir to the highest levels of influence in business and international diplomacy has as many twists and surprises as a fiction thriller. His story demonstrates that when energy, dedication, and values meet American opportunities, remarkable things can happen. No matter your stage in career or life, youll enjoy and learn from his story.

JAMES SCHMOTTER, PRESIDENT EMERITUS, WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY

Trailblazer takes us through the remarkable journey of a courageous man who came to America with nothing but dreams, avoided deportation, and ultimately rose to lead one of Americas iconic corporations. It is a narrative of optimism, hope, and inspiration.

JOHN HAMRE, PRESIDENT, CENTER FOR STRATEGIC AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

A searingly honest and riveting memoir by an iconic corporate leader who became an American statesman. Farooq Kathwari is a role model for top executives who, having achieved success in the boardroom and the marketplace, are destined for even greater contributions and challenges.

WILLIAM OSHAUGHNESSY, PRESIDENT & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, WHITNEY GLOBAL MEDIA

In his engaging autobiography Trailblazer, Farooq Kathwari tells the gripping tale of his remarkable life from his volatile youth in Kashmir to his indisputable successes as a leader in global business and international relations. This book is an enormously informative and inspiring account of a life lived to the fullest.

GEORGE RUPP, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, AND RICE UNIVERSITY

Trailblazer is the story of a young mountain climber from Kashmir who becomes a captain of industry in America and a passionate global activist for world peace. Its a compelling page-turner full of adventure, passion, and lessons of leadership in life.

JOHN DOONER, CHAIRMAN EMERITUS OF MCCANN WORLDGROUP

Trailblazer is the unlikely story of one mans unique journey across many worlds, offering lessons in the value of luck, the importance of creative thinking, the power of passion, the centrality of love and family, the pain of tragedy, and the triumph of integrity.

GARY ACKERMAN, FORMER US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPRESENTATIVE, NEW YORK

An inspiring life story of leadership, courage, determination, hope, and humanity. Farooq Kathwari perfectly exemplifies the best of the spirit of America.

STANLEY M. BERGMAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CEO, HENRY SCHEIN, INC.

In a few cases, the names and identifying characteristics of persons referenced in this book have been changed to protect their privacy.

Published by Greenleaf Book Group Press

Austin, Texas

www.gbgpress.com

Copyright 2019 Farooq Kathwari

All rights reserved.

Thank you for purchasing an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright law. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the copyright holder.

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Design and composition by Greenleaf Book Group and Brian Phillips

Cover design by Greenleaf Book Group and Brian Phillips

Publishers Cataloging-in-Publication data is available.

Print ISBN: 978-1-62634-645-1

eBook ISBN: 978-1-62634-646-8

Part of the Tree Neutral program, which offsets the number of trees consumed in the production and printing of this book by taking proactive steps, such as planting trees in direct proportion to the number of trees used: www.treeneutral.com

Printed in the United States of America on acid-free paper

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First Edition

Dedicated to our children and grandchildren, so they will know

I grew up in the Himalayan region of Kashmir, where my grandfather (right) was a successful merchant and my father (left) was an attorney and political leader.

In 1948, political turmoil turned our family into refugees. We made our home in the mountain city of Murree, Pakistan, where my mother and father posed for this picture.

As a young man, sports was my first love. I am in the center of this photo, leading my college cricket team, which was one of the best in Kashmir.

During periods of turmoil, the Indian government, which ruled much of Kashmir, would require young people to take military training. Here I am in western India, one of two Kashmiris chosen to receive advanced training as part of the National Cadet Corps.

As a popular leader of sports teams at Sri Pratap College, I was given my own office. Here I am meeting there with a professor and a fellow student.

With the help of my father and many other people, I was able to come to America in 1965 to study at New York Universitys school of business.

My fathers friends, Gerald and Mimi Levy from Brooklyn, became close friends of mine as well. Here they are hosting a visit from my grandfather (left).

A rarely-used provision of Kashmiri law allowed Farida and me to get married by telephone. Here is a portrait of Farida in her traditional Kashmiri bridal gown.

When she joined me in Brooklyn, Farida quickly adopted American customs. Here she poses proudly with our first car, a brand-new 1968 Mustang.

Farida and me, two young immigrants with high hopes for their new life together in New York.