Welcome to Indian Community, the podcast where we celebrate inspiring Indian individuals making a difference worldwide. Hosted by Rahul Mehta and Amit Gupta, this episode features Atul Agarwal, an IIT alumnus, tech entrepreneur, and the founder of Immigrant First. His journey from a small village in India to becoming an advocate for immigrant rights in the United States is a testament to perseverance, passion, and purpose.
In This Episode
Early Life and Education
Atul Agarwal was born in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, where he spent his early childhood. As a student, he was not initially among the top performers, often ranking 23rd in his class, while his sister excelled academically. However, his journey took a turn when his family moved to Meerut, where he studied until the 10th grade before relocating to Delhi for his 11th and 12th-grade education.
During his school years, Atul’s aspirations began to take shape. Two key influences drove his ambitions: his father’s encouragement to crack the prestigious IIT entrance exam and his growing passion for activism. He was deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and contemporary leaders fighting corruption, such as Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal.
The Road to IIT and Activism
Atul’s father believed that getting into IIT would secure his future. Though he initially struggled with self-discipline, his motivation to bring change pushed him forward. Around the same time, he was drawn to India’s anti-corruption movement. Instead of merely observing from the sidelines, Atul actively participated in protests, even fasting in solidarity with activists at Jantar Mantar.
His admiration for leaders like Arvind Kejriwal, an IIT Kanpur graduate, reinforced his belief that education at such an institution could empower him to create meaningful change. Eventually, he secured admission to IIT Kanpur, marking a major milestone in his journey.
Leadership at IIT Kanpur
Once at IIT Kanpur, Atul’s activism didn’t wane. In his first year, he gained attention for advocating reforms in the student mess, leading protests to improve food quality. His leadership qualities soon earned him the position of Mess Secretary. However, his bold approach led to a temporary suspension from the role.
Despite this setback, his dedication to student welfare propelled him forward. By his third year, he was elected Student President with a record-breaking number of votes. This experience reinforced his belief that standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity, yields results.
Moving to the United States and Advocacy for Immigrants
After completing his education, Atul moved to the U.S. and pursued a career in technology. However, his commitment to activism remained unwavering. Living in San Francisco, he found inspiration in a statue of Mahatma Gandhi near the Ferry Building, which bore a quote from Albert Einstein: “It is unbelievable that such a man walked on this Earth.” This moment reaffirmed his resolve to fight for justice.
Atul soon realized the challenges faced by immigrants in the U.S., particularly the prolonged green card backlog and the lack of voting rights for legal taxpayers. Viewing these issues as a denial of fundamental rights, he founded Immigrant First, a platform dedicated to advocating for fair immigration policies. His activism extends beyond digital campaigns—he has participated in marathons and endurance races to raise awareness for the cause.
The Philosophy of Change
Atul firmly believes that individuals must take action against injustice rather than passively accept it. He draws from his experiences, emphasizing that standing alone for what is right is better than remaining complicit in a flawed system. His ultimate goal is to ensure that future generations recognize and continue the fight for immigrant rights.
Atul Agarwal’s journey from a small village in India to a prominent immigrant rights advocate in the U.S. is nothing short of inspiring. His story is a powerful reminder that persistence, courage, and a commitment to justice can drive change. As he continues his mission, he serves as a beacon of hope for countless immigrants striving for a fair and just future.