Mike Singer | CSUSB Office of Marketing and Communications| (760) 341-2883, ext. 78107 | msinger@csusb.edu
Nachhattar S. Chandi, the successful entrepreneur, owner of Chandi Group USA and chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival, participated in a special interview at the Annual President’s Distinguished Lecture at the California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) Palm Desert Campus on Feb. 6.
The exclusive interview, moderated by Robert Nava, vice president for University Advancement & executive director of the CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation, provided attendees with an in-depth look into Chandi’s remarkable business journey and his approach to leadership, innovation and community impact.
Chandi, who built Chandi Group USA into a thriving enterprise with interests in hospitality, real estate, and other sectors, shared personal stories about growing up in rural India, learning the value of hard work from an early age and his dream of coming to America.
He also discussed key lessons learned throughout his entrepreneurial career and reflected on overcoming obstacles, embracing change and the importance of persistence.
“I can’t forget the day and time I landed at LAX, and a few hours later I arrived in Indio,” he said. “It’s funny, I always say, “I came from India to Indio to Indian Wells.”
“Individuals like Mr. Chandi exemplify, for our students, the power of persistence and hard work,” said Nava. “His story is particularly important for our richly diverse student community, most of whom are the first in their family to attend college.”
“I am honored that such a significant business and community leader as Nachhattar Chandi has consented to speak to our students, our university community, and the larger community which we serve,” said CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales. “As I said at our inaugural lecture back in October 2023, our diversity is our strength, both here at CSUSB and in the Inland Empire.”
Following the interview, the event concluded with a lively Q&A session, allowing audience members to ask Chandi questions about his experiences and seek advice on pursuing their own business ventures.
The goal of CSUSB’s Distinguished Lecture Series is to showcase visionary leaders and influential voices from diverse fields who are redefining the boundaries of knowledge and inspiring generations to come. These lectures are intended not only to celebrate the achievements of our speakers, but also to provide a vibrant forum for insightful conversations and discovery. The event is an opportunity to engage the local community with the university.
About the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus: The CSUSB Palm Desert Campus is dedicated to providing a transformative educational experience in the Coachella Valley. With a focus on academic excellence and community engagement, the campus offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its students and the region.
For more information about the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, contact Mike Singer in the Office of Marketing and Communications at msinger@csusb.edu or (760) 341-2883, ext. 78107, or visit the PDC website at www.csusb.edu/pdc.