As the first Indian American to serve as Mayor for West Windsor, Hemant Marathe reflects the diversity of our community.

After Mayor Marathe’s meet and greet at South on Oct. 29, he became well known among students. During his visit at South’s library, he believed many high school students to be involved within their community and understand local government as that makes the biggest difference in their day to day lives.

Marathe believes that high school students “should be aware of everything that’s going within their surroundings” taking initiatives as communities can build a high schooler more skills than
anything else.

Mayor Marathe was born and raised in India, before finishing college in the United States for his graduate studies. He had spent many years developing his leadership qualities, “I’ve always been interested in public service” he explained his previous roles as a sports secretary, a council member of both his colleges, and then eventually a college secretary member in the University of Washington. After moving to West Windsor in 1994, he involved himself in the school board, and then became a council member, before ultimately becoming a mayor.

Mayor Marathe emphasized that “what the mayor does has far more impact on you than what
the governor does or president does,” explaining the direct impact that mayors carry.

Although students can’t vote to make a difference, Marathe encourages them to build better habits. “Habits are formed in this age,” he said, urging students to get involved in their communities and stay aware of any issues around them.

In the end, he urged students to get involved, learn more about the government and quoted Gandhi to remind students “to be

PHOTO BY TEJAS RAMDASI
(‘27).