Washington: The US Senate paid tribute to Indian-American businessman and philanthropist Sunil Puri. Senator Dick Durbin recalled Puri’s journey from arriving in the US with $150 to becoming a leading businessman and civic leader in Rockford, Illinois.

Puri immigrated from India in 1979 at the age of 18 and supported himself through college by working odd jobs. After graduating with an accounting degree, he founded First Rockford Group, later First Midwest Group, which transformed neglected properties into productive commercial and residential spaces.

Beyond business, Puri donated millions to community initiatives including the Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza, the YMCA, and the Salvation Army Puri Family Disaster Services Center. Durbin highlighted Puri’s advocacy or US–India ties, noting his participation in delegations with Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama to strengthen bilateral engagement.