A Journey of Innovation, Resilience, and Purpose
Deepak Khare’s life story is one of perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Born in the heart of India and shaped by a family legacy of education and service, Khare has built a successful career in software development and business in the United States. His journey from small towns in Madhya Pradesh to the cutting-edge world of technology is a testament to the power of adaptability, lifelong learning, and a deep commitment to his family’s core values.
Early Life and Family Roots
Deepak Khare was born in 1966 in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. His family, however, had roots in Uttar Pradesh, a northern Indian state. His father, Krishna Bahadur Khare, was an attorney who had transitioned from practicing law to serving in the judiciary. His career required frequent relocations across small towns and villages in Madhya Pradesh, which meant that Deepak’s early years were marked by constant movement and exposure to diverse communities.
Deepak’s grandfather had been a physician in Bahraich, a small town near the Nepal border, and was among the early graduates of King George Medical College in Lucknow. His decision to return to his hometown to serve the community left a lasting impression on the family.
Deepak’s mother, Prem Lata Khare, came from Ayodhya, a city of deep religious significance in Hinduism. She completed her postgraduate studies in psychology and, later in life, pursued a degree in homeopathy, becoming a homeopathic doctor while raising four children.
Deepak was the youngest of four siblings. Growing up in a household that valued education and service, his eldest sister became a gynecologist, his older sister pursued botany and law, and his brother became a mining engineer. The family’s emphasis on learning and mutual support created a nurturing environment that encouraged intellectual growth.
Education in a Mobile Childhood
Due to his father’s job, Deepak attended multiple schools across Madhya Pradesh. Many of these schools were modest, with students sitting on rugs instead of at desks. Despite the lack of resources, Deepak thrived academically, thanks in part to the support of his parents and siblings. His sister tutored him in chemistry, and his brother helped him with mathematics.
Deepak’s early education was conducted entirely in Hindi, and he had limited exposure to the outside world. Without television, his understanding of global affairs came from newspapers and family conversations. Literature also played a role in expanding his horizons–he fondly recalls reading English novels, including works by Enid Blyton, which offered glimpses into life beyond India.
In high school, Deepak attended schools in the towns of Ecomgar (check spelling with Deepak) and Betul. Betul, nestled in the mountains, was particularly memorable for its natural beauty and the quality of its teachers. His math and chemistry teachers inspired his interest in STEM subjects, and he participated in science fairs that took him across the state. These experiences laid the foundation for his future in engineering.
Engineering Education and the Bhopal Disaster
In 1982, Deepak enrolled at Maulana Azad College of Technology (MACT) in Bhopal, one of the most prestigious engineering colleges in Central India. He chose mechanical engineering, drawn by a fascination with machines and the marvels of industrial design. The college was fully residential, offering students a new level of independence and camaraderie.
During his time at MACT, Deepak witnessed the aftermath of one of the most tragic industrial disasters in history–the Bhopal gas leak of December 1984. A leak of methyl isocyanate gas from the Union Carbide plant killed thousands and injured hundreds of thousands more. Although his college was located on a hill and was initially unaffected, Deepak and his classmates soon realized the gravity of the situation. He volunteered at local hospitals, helping maintain hygiene and order amid the chaos. The experience left a deep impression on him and reinforced his sense of social responsibility.
Early Career and the Leap to Software
After graduating in 1987, Deepak initially aspired to work in the automobile industry, inspired by the autobiography of Lee Iacocca. He joined Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO) in Jamshedpur, where he was offered a role in software development rather than mechanical engineering. Despite limited exposure to computers–his college had only acquired computers in his fourth year–he embraced the opportunity.
At TELCO, Deepak worked on management reporting systems, inventory management, and machine maintenance scheduling. He quickly developed a passion for software development, recognizing its potential to transform industries and improve efficiency.
Immigration and New Beginnings in the United States
In the early 1990s, Deepak was recruited by a U.S.-based company that had secured a contract with the New York State Insurance Fund. His experience with Unisys mainframe systems at TELCO made him an ideal candidate. After securing a visa in Mumbai, he traveled to New York–his first international flight–and began a new chapter in his life.
Initially housed in Edison, New Jersey, Deepak soon found shared accommodation in Jersey City. However, the area was plagued by crime, and he experienced racial harassment at a time when the Dotbusters hate group was targeting Indian Americans in the city. His apartment was burglarized, and he lost all his belongings, including his passport. These early challenges were traumatic but did not deter him from pursuing his goals.
Deepak later moved to Rahway and then to Edison, where he found a safer and more welcoming Indian American community. He continued working on software projects for clients such as the New York State Insurance Fund and later for a company in Fair Lawn, New Jersey.
Entrepreneurship and Business Growth
In 1994, Deepak founded his own software company, initially as a one-person operation. He began by developing custom software solutions for clients in publishing, finance, insurance, and pharmaceuticals. Clients included Scholastic Publications, J.P. Morgan, Hoffmann-La Roche, and various insurance firms. His work ranged from telemarketing support systems to profitability reporting and claims management.
Deepak’s business philosophy evolved over time. Initially focused on fulfilling client specifications, he gradually shifted toward offering strategic solutions that anticipated client needs. In 1999, during the dot-com boom, he launched Greetingtown.com, a platform for sending paper greetings and gifts via the Internet. Although the venture was innovative, it succumbed to the dot-com crash and was eventually shut down.
Despite setbacks, Deepak’s core business continued to grow. Today, his company specializes in Oracle ERP and EPM managed services, custom AI solutions using Microsoft and OpenAI technologies, and tailored software development. His focus remains on staying ahead of technological trends and delivering high-value solutions to clients.
Personal Life and Community Engagement
Deepak’s marriage to Arti was arranged by their families and took place in India. The couple shares a deep bond, and their relationship has been a source of strength throughout their journey in the United States. They have two sons, and Deepak has remained committed to balancing his professional life with family responsibilities.
He has also been active in community service, volunteering with the Red Cross and participating in blood donation drives. In his early years in the U.S., he contributed to the construction of local temples.
Legacy and Vision
Deepak’s immigration journey was marked by both opportunity and adversity. He experienced racial discrimination, particularly in the early 1990s and after the 9/11 attacks, but he also found support and mentorship in the professional world. He credits the United States with offering unparalleled freedom and opportunity, especially for entrepreneurs.
He has helped friends and family navigate the immigration process and has built a global team, with development operations in India and client services in the U.S. His experience underscores the importance of resilience, adaptability, and community support in the immigrant experience.
As Deepak looks to the future, his vision is clear: to continue building innovative software solutions that solve complex problems and give clients a strategic edge. He remains committed to lifelong learning, ethical business practices, and giving back to the community.
His journey–from a small-town boy sitting on a rug in a classroom to a tech entrepreneur in the United States–is a powerful reminder that with determination, humility, and a willingness to learn, anything is possible.