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Entrepreneur Anand Poojary was awarded an Honorary Doctorate at the 111th commencement ceremony of Washington Adventist University, which marked the graduation of the Class of 2026 on May 3, 2026, in Maryland.
The Doctor of Humane Letters is conferred upon individuals who have provided “exemplary service to the community, or whose accomplishments are broad in scope and far reaching,” Provost Cheryl Kisunzu said while announcing the awards. Virginia-based Shashi Chopra, founder of Global Seva Fund, was also awarded an honorary doctorate during the ceremony.
The University recognized Poojary for his distinguished service, entrepreneurial success in the restaurant and hospitality industries, and his association with diplomatic institutions, through which he has created employment opportunities for hundreds of individuals.
In his welcome address, University President Weymouth Spence said “It is a day filled with faith, joy, gratitude, reflection and great anticipation for what lies ahead. To our graduates, this day belongs to you,” adding “You have persevered through challenges, embraced growth and committed yourselves to a journey of purpose and discovery.”
Poojary, owner of Jewel of India and Woodlands Restaurant in Maryland, expressed gratitude upon receiving the honor. “I stand before you today with deep gratitude and humility. To receive this honorary doctorate is an honor from Washington Adventist University is such a great honor – one I could never have imagined when my journey began in a small village in India,” he said.
“I was not born into certainty of privilege,” he said, adding that what he carried with him were values of “hard work, discipline, faith, and a deep respect for community.” Those values, he noted, became his “foundation.”
Reflecting on his move to the United States in 1995, Poojary said “I did not have a clear roadmap. Like many immigrants, I simply had a belief—that though hard work and staying true to my values.”
Over the years, as he built restaurants and businesses, Poojary said he came to an important realization: “Success is not defined by what you build, but by how many people we help along the way.”
“Today, this recognition is not mine alone,” he added. “It belongs to my family—especially my wife, Sumita—who has stood beside me through every challenge and every success. It belongs to my children, who inspire me every day. And it belongs to the many individuals who have been part of this journey.”
Elisha Pulivarti, president of the US-India SME Council and a longtime friend of Poojary, told South Asian Herald (SAH) “Anand has been a great support to the community. This recognition is a testament to the impactful work he has done over the years.”
Rajan Natarajan, CEO and president of Global Alliant, told SAH “I strongly believe this is a well-deserved and highly impactful recognition for Anand, who continues to make a significant difference in our community and society through his tireless dedication and commitment to uplifting others.”
Angela Franco, president and CEO of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, told SAH “I am very proud to celebrate Anand’s honorary doctorate. He is not only a successful business owner but a great community leader.”
Congratulating Poojary, Mayor of Takoma Park, Talisha Searcy told SAH “His dedication and accomplishments are an inspiration. Moreover, his connection to the university also serve as an example of how the business community can effectively partner with institutions of higher learning.”
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