Ramesh Vala is an ultimate example of how a single person can make such an impact to uplift the lives of so many, while wearing these initiatives lightly.
Losing his mother during his childhood in Nairobi he became a parental figure to his three siblings when he was just a child himself. However, his dream of becoming a lawyer, his tenacity, his intellectual prowess and his ‘can do’ attitude led him to being a super achiever. With the limited financial availability and a lady benefactor, he came to the UK and studied Law at the LSE. Ramesh’s many fundraising initiatives are truly inspiring. He is also a role model and an advocate for the unique and proud role of the British Indian community in our country.
Ramesh is also a global ambassador for the UK advocating for British law firms and businesses. He has received various accolades and in recognition of his OBE (in 2001), the Indian Government honoured him with a Videsh Samman as a token of appreciation for contributing to the enhancement of human welfare and Indo-British understanding. Having met Her Majesty The Queen, His Royal Highness Prince Charles, and other world leaders, Ramesh’s biggest inspiration remains Mother Teresa.
In his own words, “I am both deeply humbled and honoured to have been appointed a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in Her Majesty The Queen’s 2022 Birthday Honours list. I am so thankful to so many, my incredible wife (Ella), family and friends, clients and colleagues. I have been lucky to have been able to spearhead has been a blessing and the funds we have raised (over £2m) for various causes have often left me speechless. My most recent memories stem from being able to make a difference during Covid-19 in many different areas. I take this opportunity to reaffirm my continued commitment to working tirelessly to serve the public and the communities in which I live and balancing this with my professional life."
