Sunil Paingol

A BEACON OF GOODWILL TO HIS COMMUNITY

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Jessica Laine Photography

Sunil Paingol’s approach to his real estate business distinctively parallels his philosophy in life: Live life with uniqueness by creating an identity in such a way that people undoubtedly realize that ignoring or leaving you is their loss. His firm belief to put kindness above everything else has made him successful in real estate, in his Indian American community and in life.

In addition to his work as a real estate agent with Keller Williams Home Realty in Farmington Hills and West Bloomfield, Sunil devotes his time supporting the Detroit Malayalee Association (DMA). The main objective of the organization is to preserve and maintain the culture and heritage of Kerala, India, among Detroit Malayalees. This initiative was realized more than 30 years ago to serve a growing Indian American community in Detroit and the neighboring area while also fostering friendships, goodwill, moral, social, educational, literary, artistic and philanthropic opportunities.

Sunil has been a member of DMA for over 12 years, actively volunteering his time in outreach programs and cultural events. In 2014, he served as president and initiated an adopt-a-road program with the support from the Michigan Department of Transportation. Currently, Sunil is an executive member, helping with food drives and fundraising events that aid in flood relief and medical assistant programs in India.

“This organization was started with like-minded people who wanted to bring together and support the Indian community in all parts of the world,” Sunil explained. “It is the group’s intention to give back to communities within the United States and underprivileged families in India.”

Sunil believes everyone comes into this world with nothing and leaves the world with nothing; therefore, he is motivated by offering others intangible gifts that live on forever. “Giving provides the ultimate satisfaction in life,” he said. “Life is a choice between a process of aging and growing: Aging is adding years to your life, while growing is adding life to your years.”

An example of DMA’s charitable work that greatly impacted the lives of others was its involvement in helping flood victims in India. In 2018, one of the worst floods in nearly a century hit Kerala, India. Over 480 people died, and 140 others went missing. Nearly a million people were evacuated, leaving close to one-sixth of the total population of Kerala directly affected by the floods and related incidents. “These were folks who lost their homes in no time and were left with nothing,” Sunil shared. “As a group, we organized a fundraiser event to help rebuild homes, provide medical supplies and other necessary donations.”

As a result, DMA was able to raise $108,000. “To reach this success, the community came together as a whole — committee members, their families and other generous supporters. The reaction of seeing the smile on the faces of the people who were able to get shelter was immeasurable,” Sunil said.

Every year, DMA hosts a high-profile event where they invite celebrities and movie stars from India. It is a ticketed event that generates nearly 1,500 people in attendance. The annual fundraising affair is supported by local community members and business sponsors with a goal to raise a minimum of $50,000. This year, they are planning to raise enough money to support the educational needs of children in underfunded areas in India.

Sunil’s decision to align himself with DMA is simply a part of who he is and what he believes in. “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence,” he explained. “I have encouraged a few of my friends to join the organization because I want my sphere of influence to have a positive impact on others.” Additionally, Sunil wants to be an example to his children by showing them the benefits of helping others, especially in a leadership role. “I want to teach them the purpose of life,” he said.

One of Sunil’s children, his daughter Navya, has already taken her father’s causes to heart and is a leader among her peers. A 12th-grade student at West Bloomfield High School, she is the president of the Interact Club and DMA’s Youth Forum president. This fall, she plans to study medicine in college so she can continue to help more people.

As someone who unconditionally gives and respects others, Sunil wants to keep on inspiring others to do the same. “As long as I am physically and mentally able to bring about change in my work and charitable activities, I will continue to do so,” he said. “This will for sure bring a positive impact to my community.”

Sunil and other ambassadors of DMA aim to bring a healthy fusion of their culture and harmony while consciously increasing focus on charitable and social activities carried out by their members.

“I have made a lot of friends in this organization,” Sunil said. “They are more than family to me now.”

For more information about activities, events or how to support DMA, visit dmausa.org. An online version of Dhwani magazine can also be found on the website.

Sunil Paingol - Making a Difference