Remembering
Mr. Jagmohan Kharbanda

In Eternal Gratitude

Executive Director (Retd.), AAI
Our guiding light.
"Kharbanda Saheb", Our Foundation Soul

A Soul That Carried Light Wherever It Went

“There are those who walk through the world with noise, and then there are those who walk with grace—touching every soul in silence, leaving every space a little brighter.”

With folded hands, we at Shukrana bow in reverence to Mr. Jagmohan Kharbanda, whose life embodied the very values we hold sacred: sach, seva, shukrana, and dharma.
His was not just a career — it was a journey of building, blessing, and bettering. Though he left his physical form, his presence continues to guide this mission, and all who believe in service with soul.

🎓 A Foundation Built on Merit and Dharma

Born on February 15, 1948, in New Delhi, Mr. Kharbanda’s life was a living example of humility meeting excellence. After graduating from Ramjas School and Delhi University, he completed his Chartered Accountancy in his first attempt, on pure merit — a rare feat in those days.

It wasn’t just brilliance; it was divine alignment. A man destined to serve.

✈️ Architect of Indian Aviation’s Rise

His entry into the International Airports Authority of India (IAAI) marked the beginning of a transformative journey in aviation. Over 25+ years, he:

• Led the rebranding of IAAI into AAI

• Oversaw the privatization of AAI, setting the tone for strategic public-private growth

• Negotiated the landmark GMR–Delhi Airport deal

• Supervised the modernization and expansion of nearly every major airport in India

• Managed international alliances, construction deals, and airport union relations with absolute dignity
  

He was known not just as a boss or A bureaucrat — but as “Kharbanda Saheb”, spoken with the reverence one reserve for a true leader.

🌍 A Life Touched by Cultures, Continents & Faith

His global assignments carried him across seven filled passports, and to every continent, numerous countries — Australia, Austria, Japan, Chicago, Miami, New York, Dallas, Dubai, Singapore, Djibouti, Yemen, Pakistan, Germany, France, and many more.

Wherever he journeyed, he did not merely represent India — he carried within him the quintessential essence of his being.

He made it a point to visit temples, gurudwaras, churches, mosques, monasteries, and sacred places — not out of ritual, but out of respect for all paths to the Divine.
He learned about cultures, languages, and spiritual traditions. He embraced Ayurveda, alternate medicine, breathwork, prayers, Hawans, and healing rituals.

He performed Rudraabhisheks along the Ganges, sat in meditative silence at Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), bowed at Kartarpur Sahib, Nankana Sahib, Hazur Sahib, Bangla Sahib, Dukh Nivaran Sahib, Patna Sahib, and many more Gurudwaras across India, Pakistan and other parts of the world.

🌸 A Divine Chapter: Guruji’s Blessings & Satsangs

Towards the later decades of his journey, his soul found sanctuary in Guruji’s divine darbaar.

Countless satsangs — filled with shukrana, laughter, faith, and the mystical — became part of his living rhythm. He was blessed to speak with Guruji directly, hear His sacred voice, and receive spiritual nudges that guided his steps.

He became part of the invisible family of believers — those who have known miracles, those who have wept in silence while feeling seen, those who live by the words:

His car, for many years, bore the divine words:
“Nanak Da Jahaz” — a moving temple of faith.

From sudden scents of chandan to deeply personal visions, from silent tears of gratitude to prayers answered before they were spoken — his entire life was a canvas of mystical grace.

🧎🏽‍♂️ Seva in Silence

"Lakh Khushiyaan Paatshaayiyan, Je Satguru Nadar Kare"

What most never saw — was what mattered the most.

• He sponsored langars anonymously

• Served Gurudwaras even during amrit-vela

• Offered support to families in need without ever telling anyone

• Whispered strength to those suffering, reminding them gently,

  "This too, shall pass."

He didn’t preach. He practiced.
He didn’t demand. He served.

He strengthened everyone he met — one person at a time.

🏅 A Righteous Officer, Respected Worldwide

As Airport Director of Delhi, and later Chief of Staff at AAI, he handled:

• Emergency hijackings and high-alert protocols

• Evacuation from war-torn Aden through VVIP military channels — a rare distinction

• Multi-agency operations, staff negotiations, and national emergencies

He was awarded the “Honest Officer Award” by the Government of India — but to him, his biggest reward was peace of mind and purity of karma.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 His Greatest Legacy: Family

Behind the esteemed officer stood a gentle, devoted husband and a loving father.

He is lovingly remembered by his cherished wife and their two children — a daughter and a son — both accomplished, value-driven professionals and entrepreneurs based in the United States.

They continue to embody his principles in every facet of life — rooted in humility, guided by grace, and shaped by a global spirit.

✨ Our Foundation Soul in Spirit

Today, Shukrana exists because of Kharbanda Saheb's existence.
He is not just remembered — he is present, in every prayer, every piece of seva, every soul we uplift.

He is our Foundation Soul in Spirit.
And so — we invite you:

💛 When you sponsor a meal
🕊️ When you whisper a prayer
📞 When you answer a call with kindness
📝 When you write an email to help someone
🙏🏽 When you give your time, talent, or blessing

You become part of this journey.
You offer your Seva to something bigger.
You honor a mentor whose entire life was a prayer.

🕊️ Miss You, Papa. Fakiro. Son.

Your name, your walk, your words, your strength — live in us.
You taught us to leave every space better than how we found it.
And that is now our prayer, our mission.

🌱 Leave a Legacy. Carry the Light.

We invite you — yes, you —
To remember your own loved ones.
To honor them in values, not just rituals.
To leave a legacy of kindness, not just memories.
To make the world — or even one life — a little better than how you found it.

📩 Contact us. We're not a machine.
We are real people, carrying real stories, serving with real love.
And we will welcome you with open arms.

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