About Debesh
My name is Debesh Sarkar. I am a first-generation immigrant. I was born in Calcutta, India and graduated with a Civil Engineering degree from Calcutta University. Shortly after, I moved to the United States, green card in hand, and began my career. I went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Architectural Technology from Columbia University in New York.
My career allowed me to work in the building industry, energy, and automobile industries. I designed office buildings, a stadium in Philadelphia and power plants around the country. I am proud to have worked for NCDOT since 2000.
I eventually became a US citizen, married my wife, and became the proud father of two daughters. Of all my achievements, my family is the one of which I am most proud. I have been married over 42 years. I have two grandsons and when they grow up, I want them to have a chance to live in a safe neighborhood and have great opportunities. I hope they live in a world with peace and prosperity, clean air to breathe, and clean water to drink.
Education
Education is very important to me and I believe that education can provide endless opportunities to individuals regardless of race, gender, or class.
I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to volunteer for several organizations in Wake County. One of those organizations is Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N). I am able to draw on my engineering skills in math and science to tutor those who have struggled academically. The students I work with have dropped out of high school before and nothing makes me happier than seeing them obtain their GED or high school diploma after a long struggle.
Education opens doors. Education is timeless and has no limit. My education gave me a greater chance of success and I want to share that opportunity with others.
Service
Almost 40 years ago, I moved to Madison, Alabama for a job. With the help of a Reverend from a Unity Church, we started a Teddy Bear and Comforter program with the local police department in Madison. Many people participated in this project. A few years ago after a long effort, we started the same Teddy Bear and Comforter program with the City of Raleigh Police. Being able to bring comfort to children has shown me how special it is that God has given me the opportunity to help others.
Together with friends and family, I also spent many years volunteering at a rescue mission in Huntsville, Alabama. There, I cooked food for the homeless every month.
Another project I was involved in was outreach at a nursing home. Every month, my children and I would visit with residents. During Christmas time, we would sing Christmas carols and my wife would make wreaths for residents to hang on their doors.
I am very grateful for the sacrifice our service men and women make to serve our country, so every year I collect clothes for Vietnam veterans. I work with church organizations and dry cleaners in our community to help keep up this effort.
Service gives me an opportunity to work and interact with many people with many different backgrounds. As an engineer, I have learned to solve problems while also creating long term solutions.
Appreciations
Almost 12 years ago, I started to actively become involved with the Republican Party. I became Vice Chair of my Precinct and organized efforts to get Republicans elected. I have also worked at the Wake County Election Commission and became a Judge at the polling place where I live.
