On a bright summer's day in London, leading lights of the Lohana diaspora gathered at the historic Grim's Dyke Hotel for an exclusive summit bringing together around 50 prominent business leaders from the UK, India and a special delegation from Portugal.
Once home to the celebrated English dramatist Sir W.S. Gilbert, the hotel has witnessed many remarkable occasions. Yet what unfolded in its elegant Music Room could easily have inspired an opera of its own – a story charting the remarkable rise of the Lohana community, not just in Britain or India, but across the globe.
The gathering was a celebration of entrepreneurial success, enduring friendships and the spirit of seva (selfless service) that has helped Lohanas flourish wherever they have settled. It was also a moment to reflect on how the next generation can remain connected and continue building on that remarkable legacy. Throughout the afternoon speakers returned to a common theme: that enterprise, relationships and seva are woven into the very DNA of the Lohana identity.
Subhash V Thakrar OBE, the prominent chartered accountant and business leader, warmly welcomed guests before introducing an impressive line-up of speakers from across the international Lohana network.
Opening proceedings, Bharat Sodha, immediate past president of the Lohana Community of the United Kingdom (LCUK), reflected on the growing international reach of the organisation. Highlighting links stretching from Dubai and Mumbai to East Africa, he praised the volunteers who have helped strengthen international ties through business forums, sporting festivals and overseas delegations. He also celebrated the success of LIBF Expo 2026 – Mumbai Calling, the multi-sector international trade and business networking exhibition which attracted more than 35,000 visitors over three days, paying tribute to the strong UK delegation that participated. "The strength of our community comes from staying connected across the world," he said.
That international outlook was echoed by Jitendrabhai Thakker, Trustee of Lohana Mahaparisad and Director of the International Lohana Business Forum (LIBF) and trustee of several other charitable organisations, who travelled from Nashik, India, for a series of international engagements. Speaking passionately about the ambitions of the Lohana Mahaparishad, he described a vision of a globally connected network that nurtures entrepreneurship, empowers young people and strengthens the Lohana identity across continents. “Name the city, name the country, and the Lohana community is present wherever enterprise thrives,” he said. "Lohana is a brand—and we move forward together," he added, urging delegates to contribute their skills and strengthen the international network.
Building on that message, LIBF Chairman and President of Lohana Mahaprisad (worldwide body ) Satishbhai D. Vithalani looked firmly to the future. Calling for greater collaboration rather than competition between organisations, he outlined an ambitious vision centred on stronger institutions, increased participation from women and young people, and promoting entrepreneurship throughout the global Lohana family. "Over the next five years we must build stronger institutions and an even more empowered community," he said outlining his ambition for his tenure.
He also unveiled plans to harness technology to bring members closer together through Lohana Connect—a digital platform intended to become the central meeting point for the worldwide network. The app aims to include family and business directories, medical professionals, community contacts and events, making it easier than ever for members to connect across borders, eventually attracting sponsorship and advertising.
Expressing his appreciation to LCUK, he reaffirmed that LIBF's doors remain open to everyone willing to contribute. He also highlighted flagship initiatives already bringing members together, including international business forums, educational support programmes, sports festivals and the forthcoming LIBF Expo & Convention 2027, which will promote trade, industry and investment opportunities across the globe. "Business runs in our blood," he remarked. "Wherever the Lohana community settles, it creates opportunity, enterprise and prosperity."
The emotional high point of the afternoon came with the recognition of Satish Chatwani, Internatio-nal President of Anoopam Mission and Director of Kanta Enterprises, whose leadership has helped drive the development of the UK's first purpose-built multi-faith crematorium. Led by Anoopam Mission UK, the project has received strong backing from volunteers, donors and business leaders from across the Hindu community. Designed to accommodate the funeral rites and traditions of different faiths, it aims to provide modern, compassionate facilities where families can bid farewell to loved ones with dignity and respect." This landmark project will be the first multi-faith crematorium of its kind, ensuring that families from all backgrounds have a dignified place to say their final goodbye to loved ones," he said.
Satish and wife Hansa Chatwani received a special memento and a standing ovation in recognition of their service. "We need your prayers so we can start operations in October," he told the audience. The project has required years of planning, fundraising and engagement with local authorities, alongside significant public support. More than 5,000 people signed a petition backing the proposal. Speakers described it as a powerful example of seva in action—providing an essential public service rather than simply constructing another religious facility.
Business leader Kamlesh Madhvani , Managing director of the renowned Madhvani Group, praised the energy and ambition evident throughout the gathering. "It is wonderful to see the dynamism of today's leadership," he said, before emphasising the importance of investing in younger generations. "The future belongs to our young people," he said.
Our very own publisher/editor CB Patel reflected on the extraordinary achievements of what remains a relatively small community globally. "The Lohana community has shown what is possible through wealth creation and enterprise despite not being a very large community," he observed. He exhorted leaders to share their experience with other Sanatani organisations, helping them build similar success stories around the world. In return, Subhash Thakrar warmly acknowledged CB Patel's longstanding friendship and support, jokingly declaring him to be an honorary Lohana—the only non-Lohana guest among the distinguished speakers. Mr Patel also congratulated and praised businessman Utkarsh Thakkar whose wife Shivani Raja, Member of Parliament for Leicester East, was celebrated in the gathering as one of the youngest MPs, who is also a member of the Lohana community. Rashmi Chatwani, Director of LIBF and the Kanta Group, was also one of the speakers who spoke passionately about the importance of community and shared inspiring words with the audience.
Talking of the younger generation – Shyam Kanani, President of the Young Lohana Society (YLS), spoke passionately about carrying the legacy forward while creating new opportunities for young people. Under his leadership, YLS has launched a range of successful initiatives promoting cultural heritage, professional development and meaningful social connections. From careers fairs and City Talks to social events and cultural celebrations, he believes today's generation has a responsibility not simply to preserve tradition, but to build upon it. He highlighted the success of youth led Garba celebrations that attracted more than 700 children. "Our responsibility is to build on the legacy we have inherited," he said. "It is a privilege to stand among so many inspiring leaders."
After lunch, the formal speeches gave way to the very activity that had underpinned the day's message – networking. One by one, delegates introduced themselves and their businesses, representing sectors as diverse as finance, hospitality, property, technology, logistics and trade. New introductions quickly turned into conversations, and conversations into opportunities, illustrating precisely why personal relationships remain the foundation of successful enterprise.
As guests departed the historic Grim's Dyke Hotel, there was a palpable sense that the afternoon had been about far more than celebrating past achievements. It had strengthened friendships across continents, forged new business relationships and reaffirmed a shared belief that enterprise, generosity and seva remain the cornerstones of the Lohana story. The architects of this remarkable legacy seem determined to keep making history—across the world and across generations—an ambition that perfectly reflects the spirit of the Lohana community.
Among the other distinguished guests were Vinu Bhattessa OBE, Trustee of BAPS and a renowned hotelier, accompanied by his wife Sudhaben; Vinubhai Nakarja, President of Anoopam Mission UK; Nish Thakrar; Krishna Pujara, an active community leader; Shardaben Madhvani, wife of the late Manubhai Madhvani; Hasu Manek; entrepreneur and investor, Pratik Dattani; and motivational speaker Paresh Rughani, whose speech was very well appreciated by the audience.
