Giving Back to the Community
Giving back to the community is a cornerstone of my philosophy. My involvement spans The Cranbury School Board and the Cranbury Lions Club. Currently, I serve as president of the Cranbury Township Board of Education, a role I’ve held for the past three years, and I’ve been a board member for approximately 12 years. At the Cranbury Lions Club, I am both a mentor and the Chairman of the Information Technology Committee. The Lions Club raises funds for community service projects benefiting groups in and around Cranbury. I have been associated with the club for roughly 14 years.
The Importance of Cranbury
Cranbury has been our home for the past 21 years. Before Cranbury, we lived in Princeton Junction for about five years. One of the main reasons we chose Cranbury was The Cranbury School. We had young children, appreciated the small-town feel, and found it more convenient for commuting. Overall, there were multiple reasons, but education was paramount.
Volunteerism and Traditions
From my experiences in the U.S., I’ve learned that many initiatives rely on volunteers and their support. Cranbury is an exemplary town with a rich culture of volunteer-supported traditions. From the Memorial Day Parade and Pumpkin Carving to the Pancake Breakfast and Cranbury Craft Show, every tradition is powered by volunteers. This volunteer spirit is essential to the town’s fabric, and I continually encourage my neighbors to get involved to sustain these cultural traditions.
Professional and Educational Background
While the Board of Education is a volunteer role, my professional career is in management consulting. With a technology background, I have worked for companies like Accenture and Morgan Stanley, and currently work for North Highland, a management consulting firm. I manage a practice focused on Project and Program Management related to Strategy and Data Analytics projects. Coming from a humble background, education has always been a core belief. My parents taught me that education is the key to improving one’s life. This belief brought me to the U.S. for graduate school and has driven my career. It’s also why I serve on the school board, prioritizing support for the next generation of students.
Community Growth and Diversity
Since 2003, Cranbury has seen developments like The Four Seasons, The Gateway, and Liedtke Drive, which have grown the community. From a student population perspective, I’ve observed an increase in racial and socio-economic diversity. The school has embraced these changes while maintaining a high standard of education, as evidenced by the students’ exceptional achievements.
Board of Education’s Role
The Board of Education’s primary role is to provide oversight to the school. The superintendent, akin to a CEO, manages the school’s day-to-day operations. The board’s responsibilities include hiring the superintendent, creating policies, and overseeing the budget. Key activities in recent years include hiring a new superintendent, Dr. Diszler, extending the Princeton send-receive contract for 10 more years, and passing a referendum to fund approximately $18 million for school upgrades. Construction is ongoing and expected to be completed by the end of next year.
Cherished Traditions
Cranbury boasts several cherished traditions. One was family camping on Cranbury Day, where families pitched tents in Village Park, enjoyed dinner, watched a children’s movie, and had free ice cream from Gill and Bert’s. Although this tradition stopped about seven years ago, it remains a fond memory. Another tradition is the Memorial Day Parade, sponsored by the Lions Club, attracting first responders from nearby towns like Plainsboro, West Windsor, Hightstown, and Monroe. The pancake breakfast, also sponsored by the Lions Club, is the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season, featuring pancakes, Santa, and volunteer-run festivities. The funds raised support community organizations such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the local pantry, making it my favorite event.
Lions Club and Community Service
The Lions Club, an international organization, has a chapter in Cranbury. Their motto, “We serve,” embodies their mission to support the community. The club organizes fundraisers like the pancake breakfast and the duck race on Cranbury Day, with proceeds benefiting local organizations. The bottom line is simple: we serve the community. I was introduced to the Lions Club by a friend who served there. Previously, I was involved with the Cranbury Green Homeowners Association. John Goldstein, a colleague, encouraged me to join the Lions Club, and I found their cause aligned with my values.
Value of Community Involvement
The saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” rings true in Cranbury. The community, including the public library, has played a significant role in our lives, particularly during our children’s formative years. The spirit of neighbors helping neighbors in this town is remarkable, and it fuels my commitment to giving back. The Cranbury community was like a village to our kids, and I believe in paying it forward. I encourage everyone to get involved with the Lions Club and the school board. This town thrives on volunteerism, and that’s what makes it unique. We must all contribute to sustain this spirit, which keeps me motivated. Being part of this tight-knit community has allowed us and our kids to form strong, long-term friendships through school, clubs, and music festivals. Serving on the board, the Lions Club, and other organizations has helped us build a reliable network of friends over the years.
Mr. Pramod Chivate
Personal Philosophy
I value people highly. Being a people person is central to my life. Having a good network and friends is crucial. I believe in treating people well because they may forget what you did or didn’t do, but they always remember how you treated them. Building, maintaining, and nurturing relationships and friendships is essential to me.
Human Nature and Community Trust
I developed my sense of service more after coming to this country. Nearly 35 years ago, the local people’s camaraderie and support, even as immigrants, inspired me to help others. Many were so helpful when we arrived years ago. Growing up in India for the first 21 years, and living in the U.S. for the past 31 years, I’ve seen how neighbors help neighbors. Back in the 1990s, we were driving to Penn State in winter. Located in a valley, it’s surrounded by mountains. Our car skidded on the road and went into a small ditch. With no cell phones, we had to wait for a police car. In about ten minutes, a pickup truck passed, reversed back, and the gentleman asked, “Oh, are you guys stuck?” He stepped out with a shovel and helped us. It was an amazing example of kindness. It’s human nature to help others, though nowadays there is more suspicion. In the 1990s, without Google Maps, you relied on paper maps and the kindness of strangers at gas stations. Technology has made our lives easier but also more complicated.
Encouraging Community Service
I want people to get involved in the community and give back. There are countless ways to contribute. My advice is to make community service a part of life. Time commitments can seem daunting, but even small efforts, like one hour a week with the Lions Club, can make a big difference. The fabric and culture of this township rely on volunteers. Being respectful and a responsible citizen includes voting, getting involved in your township, and supporting local institutions.