January 18 was a special day. Members of the Shri Kutch Leva Patel Community gathered to commemorate their past president Shri Haribhai Murji Halai, who passed away on January 8, at the age of 69. A man's life can be measured by the number of people who arrive to pay him their last respects. Haribhai Halai's final rites were witnessed by over 300 people who flooded the hall of the crematorium to say their final goodbyes. His philanthropy, activism, and passion was well known in the community. His life journey, that began in Nairobi, and ended in London, has inspired many. He, was a man of action who touched many lives before his own was snatched from him.
Born on September 19, 1949, in Nairobi, Kenya, Shri Haribhai had six siblings- five brothers and a sister. His father Late Murji Arjan Halai was a self-educated man of principles, who inspired his children to follow in his footsteps of social work and sewa to the society. His mother Lalbai was a warm and dedicated woman.
After enduring major burns to his body in an accident at the tender age of seven, Haribhai grew up to be a boy with a deep hunger to excel in academia. A leader from a very young age, he shone in everything he did. Haribhai married Kantaben on September 17, 1973, after which they migrated to London, England. The two went on to have three brilliant children- two daughters Avani and Prity, and a son, Navendu. Haribhai was grandfather to six children.
Going back in 1973, Haribhai had made a promise to his father that he would look after his two youngest brothers- Naran and Ashwin. He vowed that both he and his wife would raise them in England as his parents were growing old and were incapable of taking care of the children themselves. It is worth mentioning that Haribhai himself was only 24 at the time. However, his love towards his family prodded him to take on the responsibility of his brothers and parents, before he even had his own children. Without a speck of hesitation, he welcomed his teenager brothers to a new country that was filled with prospects for them. Hurdles of living in a foreign country with a family to support barely even scratched Haribhai; such was his nature, strong, committed, and honorable. He took good care of his young brothers, making sure they always had a home and family, were well fed, clothed, healthy, and most importantly, received the education that he himself had not gotten the opportunity to receive.
Haribhai was not only a big brother to them, he was a much loved father figure. He nephew, Ashwinbhai's son said, “He filled the gap of others” in their lives. The treatment did not shift even after the birth of his own children, and the three brothers, Kantaben and the young children became one big close-knit family. After the Ashwinbhai and Naranbhai finished their schooling, Haribhai gave them jobs in the venture he had started from scratch. He wanted to provide them with financial security while they found the careers they wanted. Fortunately, their temporary roles turned into permanent positions, later leading to the three building the family business together. Haribhai's entrepreneurial skills let him indulge in several businesses with his brothers, including working at a petrol station to selling market stalls, to motor spares shops, and finally the car repair workshop that is currently operating in West Harrow, by Navendu, Yatish, and Devyan, three sons of the brothers. All of this was made possible by the guidance of the late leader, who was the guiding light of the family.
Extent of Haribhai's selflessness reflected when he made sure his brothers first settled into their own homes, before he bought a house for himself. Keep in mind, he had three children and a wife to support and yet, he maintained and dignified the promise he had made to his father and looked after his brothers until and after they could stand on their own two feet. Despite a bunch of blooming businesses and a flourishing life, the pursuit of money was not where his heart lied. He soon involved himself in working tirelessly within the community; handing the reigns of his businesses to his brothers so he himself could continue his social sewa.
Haribhai was an unassuming, quiet and private man. An advocate of independence and equality, he did nothing but what was best for mankind at large. Be it political, religious or within the community with no prejudice to caste, colour or creed, he lived the preaching of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. Not only was he a dedicated and fully committed member of SKLPC UK, but also various other charitable organisations. He was one of the founding members of the Hindu Forum of Britain, where he served as President and one of the trustees. Haribhai was a patron of Self-employed Women Association, and served KMC committee under various roles. He was President of the Kutch Kala Seva Trust and was involved with the SCSC as well. Our dearest Haribhai was also a trustee of the SSGP (UK) and an active member/advisor of the Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh UK.
To write in brief, he was involved in 12 charity organisations for multiple years, rendering his valuable time, guidance, and services. “We have lost great centurion of our faith. We have lost a dedicated, committed considerate gentleman who has given so much to the community. Our prayer and sincere condolence to Halai Family,” said Velji Vekaria Vice President SKLPC UK.
Haribhai was a noble person of great vision, a true and selfless representative of Hinduism and his leadership, august presence and valuable advice will be missed by many throughout the world.
