Ayodhia Salwan

Shri Ayodhia N. Salwan
It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I inform you that
our Sh. Ayodhia Nath Salwan, left us on February 21, 2020. He was
a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather along with being
a charitable and generous donor to several organizations and
institutions.
Mr. Salwan was born on March 26, 1948 in the village of Chak
Sikandar in District Amritsar Punjab to Pt. Vir Bhan Salwan and
Smt. Vidya Wanti Salwan. He was beloved by his brothers Sh. Sat
Pal & Dharam Pal as well as his sisters Sita Devi and Urmila Devi.
He completed high school and was persuaded to join the family
business of farming and distribution of various goods. He rose to
success as the president of the Young Farmers Association and
Kaumi Naujawan Sabha of their district. He was dedicated to the betterment of his village
and became active politically and served as President of the Youth Congress.
In October of 1977, he emigrated to the United States. He worked hard under in various early
jobs hoping to establish himself and support his family. His wife Prem and young children
Manav and Meenu joined him in 1979 and began their life in the Chicago area. He fondly
recalled his early days in America as he spent time with his family and made new lifelong
friends. He didn’t complain of the struggle or the cold weather but accepted it as a challenge.
He was determined to succeed and pursued his own American Dream. His son Manish was
born in 1986 and brought new excitement to the entire family.
In 1981, he started Star Foods in Hanover Park, IL as one of the first Indian grocery stores in
the Chicago area. He gradually grew the business with help from his family who joined him.
He started a wholesale business in 1986 under Salwan Trading in Schaumburg, IL and began
to import groceries and spices from around the world. He made a strong name for himself in
the business world and forged strong bonds with other businessmen across the globe. Even
people he did not meet, knew about him and his sterling reputation as an honest and fair
businessman. Today, his products are renowned for their quality.
He was a firm believer in education. He took classes at Harper College and completed several
certifications in management. He was instrumental in not only educating his children, but
several family members including nieces and nephews. He helped them with admission to
medical colleges. His father, Vir Bhan Salwan, said he wanted a family of physicians. Today,
he would be proud to see that there are over 20 physicians of various specialties in the family.
Not to be outdone, Mr. Salwan also obtained an MBA degree himself. After he had settled
himself, he helped several relatives to come to America. He not only helped them secure jobs,
but also educated their children. He welcomed them to his home for years until they were
able to establish themselves in the US.
He was very active in promoting his culture and religion. Always eager to donate to causes
that he felt would raise awareness and keep our tradition alive. He helped construct a new
Kali Mata ji temple at Sehnsara Kalan in District Amritsar. He was instrumental in building
a new temple for Satgur Shri Baba Maha Das ji, the supreme seat of the Salwan Family, in the
village of Bal Bawa in District Amritsar. He was avidly involved in the building of the Satgur
Shri Baba Maha Das ji ashram and mandir in Haridwar. He was involved in constructing
gurudwaras in his village of Chak Sikandar and improving other holy sites. He respected all
dharams and was an ardent devotee of Durga Mata as well as a lifetime member of Mata
Vaishno Devi in Katra, J&K.
He found his calling at Hari Om Mandir where he served multiple terms as President as well
as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He was there for the expansion of the building from
an old church to a traditional mandir. As the community grew, he saw the need for Hari Om
Mandir to offer more services. He initiated the process to have a dedicated Pandit present at
all times for ceremonies. He invited several famous Sadhus and Sants to visit and educate
the sangat . He wanted it to be a center for the community to gather and share in each other’s
happiness and sorrow. He went to Jaipur to purchase marble murtis for the main Mandir.
Over the years, several new deities have been added including one of the largest Hanuman
idols in the world. With all these improvements, Hari Om Mandir is considered an innovative
center as well as a source of great pride for the Hari Om Parivar. He eventually earned the
title as the ‘Guardian’ of the Mandir and continued to serve in all capacities.
He enjoyed spending time with his family. He was more of a father to his daughters-in-law
Ashima and Amrit and son-in-law Anuj. He dearly loved his grandkids, Ansh, Arya, Aum,
Anoushka, Anika, Amar, and Anish. They were the light of his life and renewed his vigor and
energy. He loved to talk to them and spoil them with whatever they wanted. It gave him
great pleasure to pamper his wife and children with fancy things. He said it was a matter of
pride for him to do so.
He is best known for connecting with people and making them feel special. He always offered
sage advice and kind words. He was firm when he felt it was appropriate and loving at the
same time. Several people have expressed shock and disbelief at his passing. He touched so
many people with his kind spirit and established a deep relationship. Many feel a void has
been created for the Salwan family, Hari Om Parivar, as well as the community at large, and
across all that were moved by him. His legacy will be carried forward by his family. May he
continue to bless all of us as always. May his soul find eternal peace at the feet of our Supreme
Being.
Jai Mata Di.