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Arko Mukherjee

Biography

Highlights of Young Scholar Experience: Aside from academics and giving Arko Mukherjee an opportunity to participate in several scientific, pre-medical, environmental and civic programs around the country (and to attend a prestigious prep school near his home in San Jose), Young Scholar status nurtured his other talents as well. Always inclined toward music, Arko wanted to learn how to play the guitar but didn’t have the means.  The Foundation stepped in and obliged him with private lessons.  He became a polished guitarist and now mentors youngsters in his neighborhood for free.  

Profile: Arko came to the United States from Calcutta, India when he was two years old. The American dream was anything but in his early years.  His mom and he were forced to strike out on their own with little support.  Arko’s mother became a successful professional and Arko became a successful student.  The pair survived the initial shaky start in the U.S. and are working to make sure the dream becomes a reality.  Along the way Arko distinguished himself at the Harker School, a prestigious college preparatory institution in the South Bay.  Arko loved every minute of his time at Harker, even calling the community there his “second home.”  He was an outstanding honor student, football player, artist, musician, community volunteer and all-around good guy.  

Inspiration: Arko’s mother has always had a large influence on him. “Raising me by herself, my mother created a nurturing environment at home and provided the best education for me. She always had a goal and worked doggedly toward it. I’ve tried to follow my mother's example and work toward my own goals with utmost determination. I am proud that her values are ingrained in the bedrock of my character.” 

Aspiration: His goal is to become a physician. 

Making a Difference: Arko worked in a research lab at New York for two summers as an intern for Dr. Paul Pevsner, a noted expert in biomedicine. “It was a great experience for me and I learned firsthand from the experts in the field of radiology and mass spectrometry.” 

Accolades: The National Merit Scholarship Program recognized Arko for his performance on the PSAT/National Merit Qualifying Exam and the Harker School presented Arko with its Art Award for sculpture. 

Interesting Fact: In 1972, two decades before Arko was born, a British rock group named Deep Purple recorded a song called “Smoke on the Water,” which had some great guitar licks.  Knowing nothing about the instrument as a youngster, one day Arko borrowed a friend’s guitar and tried to play that song.  The rest is history. He was bitten by the music bug, started taking lessons and mastered that song and hundreds of others.

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