Teji Bindra

A recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2011, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Sikh leader Tejinder "Teji" Bindra, who also goes by T.J. Bindra, leads the Jeetish Group of Companies as its Chief Executive Officer. He founded the major apparel firm, based in Manhattan, with his brother and father, building it into an award-winning enterprise that imports men's and women's fashions from the Far East, selling products under the Jane Ashley brand; Smith's, a licensed brand; and a private label to large chain and department stores. Teji Bindra oversees the sales team, the brands' quality and integrity, and financial functions of the company. T.J. Bindra also works closely with store management and banks to ensure operations run smoothly.

Following the tragic events of 9/11, Teji Bindra recognized the culture gap between the Sikh religion, the world's largest, and Americans' perception of those who wear turbans. He founded the Sikh Arts and Film Foundation, which he serves as President, to foster understanding of the religion's values and build a bridge linking followers of different faiths. Teji Bindra and his family also endowed the Sardarni Kuljit Kaur Bindra Chair in Sikh Studies at Hofstra University to honor his mother, who focused on education while raising seven children. In addition, Tejinder Bindra; his father, Ishar Singh Bindra; and brother K. S. Bindra, in conjunction with Hofstra University, endowed the $50,000 Guru Nanak Prize, bestowed on an organization or individual that works to promote understanding among religions.

Teji Bindra convened the largest-ever gathering of the Indian community in the United States in 2000 at the International Punjabi Society's Convention in New York. He also played a key role in the New York Legislature naming April 13 as Sikh American Day. A member of the Advisory Committee of Hofstra University, T.J. Bindra also serves as President of the Sikh Organization of New York. Recently, Mr. Bindra collaborated with the Jewish Community Relations Council to host the Leadership Summit in Manhattan. Devoted to his family and to other cultural and educational causes, Tejinder Bindra completed an M.B.A. at Himachal Pradesh University in Shimla, India.