An Irving resident is among the nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize, which is set to be announced on Friday, Oct. 8.
Raveen Arora, who moved from Arizona to Irving this year to be close to his daughter and grandchildren, is one of the nominees for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. The winner will be announced in Oslo, Norway, on Friday. Arora was nominated for his global humanitarian work.
“I am simply grateful that I could go from being a refugee to being a refuge for others,” Arora said. “I’m touched and humbled by this nomination.”
Arora was born and raised in Calcutta, India. His childhood in India shaped his work as a philanthropist, entrepreneur, accountant, and international humanitarian worker.
Through Arora’s assistance, entrepreneurs got their start at the India Plaza in Tempe, Arizona. Arora opened the India Plaza in 2004. Arora also led food and water drives and donated meals from his restaurant. In the past, Arora has worked with numerous non-profits.
Arora said his work is inspired by Mother Teresa and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., both of whom he met as a boy. He also said his work is driven by the mantra “lead with humility because what we do for ourselves dies with us, but what we do for others will outlive us.”
Arora was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in Arizona and across the world by various international service organizations. Arora also got an endorsement from President Jimmy Carter, community and service organizations, and elected leaders.
Arora said he plans to continue his good work in Irving and North Texas. He is also planning to join the North Texas Food Bank and other local anti-poverty organizations.
“It’s not just about giving people food. It’s about treating them with respect and dignity,” he added. “This is both my passion and my purpose.”
According to the Nobel Committee, Arora, alongside former White House adviser Jared Kushner, former member of Georgia House of Representatives Stacey Abrams, Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, and over three hundred other individuals.