Harish Patel’s untimely death at the age of 60 has left a deep sense of void among those who knew him. He was a fine human being, charming, warm hearted and ever ready to help. Until his father’s equally untimely death he was in his shadow and kept a low supportive profile. After the death of his father, he emerged into his own, taking over his father’s social role and redefining it in his own unique way. He brought people together, helped resolve their differences and sought to create a genuine community among Indians. There was hardly a member of that community, especially the East African Indians, whom he did not know and who did not cherish their friendship with him. His house was open to all as I can say from personal experience, and his hotel too extended its hospitality to all who needed it.
Harish Patel is gone but he has left behind lasting memories among many of us. And so long as these memories last he cannot die.
-Lord Bhikhu Parekh
