Balan Ayyar
Former Commanding General Combined Joint Interagency Task Force
Beyond Success: A Legacy of Service and Character
By Amrita Oak
The best way I would describe Balan Ayyar is driven, and very spiritual. His story is rooted in the ethos of his family that epitomizes the American dream through hard work and perseverance.
With a perspective profoundly influenced by his mother’s dedication to serving others, Balan stresses that the diaspora should be quantified and remembered for a legacy that goes beyond economic success. Balan, with his military career, whether in his role as a commanding general in Afghanistan or while coordinating disaster relief in Pakistan, epitomizes living with a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to service.
In Washington, there aren’t any statues of billionaires but of people who’ve sacrificed tremendously to do something extraordinary for others.
Balan’s vision extends beyond personal and community achievements. He calls for the Indian diaspora to serve the less fortunate and sees great potential for Indian Americans to apply their cultural values to create a positive impact. This is driven by his belief that the greatest contributions stem from a willingness to serve and improve the broader community.
Balan’s message to the Indian diaspora is clear and inspiring:
By focusing on character and service and meaningful contributions to society, you can honor the legacy of this spiritually rich culture and help inspire the next generation towards a truly fulfilling life.
