Maharlal was born in Sojitra, Gujarat, India, where he lived for 23 years. He grew up in a small house as part of a joint family with 5 brothers and 3 sisters. In 1960, he went to college in Vallabh Vidyanagar for two years, before switching to Ahmedabad for engineering college. In June 1965, he graduated and went on to work in the same area for 5 more years. 

At 28 years, Shah struggled with low wages in India, earning only 250 rupees per month (about $33 USD at the time). He and his wife realized they wouldn’t be able to save up at that rate and decided it would be better to move to the US. At the time, a rule required people to have at least 4 years of engineering experience to go to the US, which he just completed. In December 1970, Maharlal landed in Chicago, alone, with just $8 in his pocket and no job whatsoever. 

Every day, as his friends went to work, he would spend the day roaming Chicago looking at 30-35 different places to work per day. He had no internet, car or navigation, and had to learn how to get around on foot in a new country. Being a vegetarian also made it hard to find good meals, and for a while he ate only toast every day. Two weeks later, he got his first job, with a salary of $1.60 an hour. It was small, but definitely better than what he had before. After paying off everything he borrowed from his friends, he moved to Detroit, where he called his wife and children to the US.

Working as an engineer in India, Maharlal continued with mechanical design engineering in the US. He had an engineering job but had to travel for his sibling’s wedding to India and came back to realize he had been fired with only $100 left in his savings. After searching for a while, he found a new job at FMC Corporation, where he worked for 32 years, from 1977 - 2009.

The toughest moment of my life came in 2007, when my wife passed away. Just three months later, I lost my son to cancer. At the time, my wife and I had been living in Fremont. After her death, I was left alone, and my daughter Rajeshri and my son-in-law Vikas urged me to move to Ruby Hill, where they were living, so I wouldn’t be by myself.

“I do a lot of volunteer work and love to support my community. I am on many committees and organizations, and love doing all sorts of projects.” So far, he has done many things, including being one of fifteen founders of a Hindu temple in Milpitas. He has strong beliefs in giving back to the community, thinks children should be involved as well, and runs education programs where volunteers are always wanted. As well as all that, Maharlal enjoys yoga, Meditating, and going on walks. He walks 3 miles a day consistently and never misses a day!

If you ever see Maharlal throughout the neighborhood, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself!