Gujarati literature offers numerous timeless metaphors, one of which comes from Umashankar Joshi’s renowned poem "Bhomiya Vina Mare Bhamva ta Dungara…". The protagonist yearns to wander barefoot with an open mind, fully connected to nature. This image powerfully conveys how courage and conviction can motivate a person to venture alone into unknown territories.
Determination in the heart enables one to journey far, sometimes even solo. However, not every journey must be solitary. For collective growth, shared progress, and reaching common goals, embracing the spirit of "sabka saath, sabka vikas" is vital. At such times, leadership extends beyond simply pointing the way; like a lighthouse shining in the darkness, it shows the way forward for many.
Yet history demonstrates something deeper: when a community aspires to break new ground, challenge limits, and achieve greater heights, mere guidance falls short. What becomes essential then is visionary and courageous leadership—leadership that combines wisdom with creativity, and balances steadiness with ambition to guide others through unfamiliar challenges.
We are seeing this reality unfold today. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India has reached new heights on the world stage. This pride is felt not only within India but also among Indians and the diaspora globally. National leadership often reflects leadership at the community level, which is especially visible among overseas Indians who maintain strong ties to India even as they integrate into their adopted countries.
Lohanas, achieving success around the world
India comprises a diverse array of communities, each shaped by distinctive traditions and strengths. While all communities have evolved over time, those with strong leadership and well-established networks have achieved remarkable success, especially internationally. When shared vision, encouragement, and unity are present, communities can accelerate their development and accomplishments. The Lohana community, which traces its heritage to the Raghuvanshi lineage of Lord Shri Ram, serves as a prime example of this phenomenon. Despite numbering fewer than one million globally, Lohanas have made notable contributions in business, education, healthcare, philanthropy, and public service.
To appreciate their history, it is instructive to examine Gujarat, where ports such as Khambhat, Bharuch, Surat, and Mandvi have, for centuries, linked Saurashtra and Kutch to Africa and the Middle East. Surat, at one time, functioned as a major international trading centre. In that period, Jain Shah merchants dominated commercial activity, while the Lohana community began to discretely establish its own enduring legacy.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the entrepreneurial spirit of the Lohana community became increasingly prominent. Individuals from Porbandar, Jamnagar, and Veraval were among the first Gujaratis to venture overseas, with Africa, particularly Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as their primary destination. Demonstrating significant resolve, they worked diligently to establish stability and achieve success through sustained effort and perseverance.
When I think of Lohana entrepreneurs, some prominent figures come to my mind: Shri Nanji Kalidas Mehta, Shri Vinod Dayalbhai Vadera and Shri Manubhai Muljibhai Madhvani. All established extensive business empires throughout Africa. Their remarkable achievements earned them respect and recognition well beyond just the Gujarati or Indian communities—in fact, they were celebrated across Africa as a whole.
Their achievements extended far beyond financial gain; their leadership was rooted in empathy. They offered support not only to their families and the wider Indian diaspora but also made meaningful contributions to African communities. The stories of their lives show how they began with nothing, faced tremendous challenges, and turned adversity into opportunity—a trait now closely associated with the Lohana spirit. Today, groups such as Mehta, Madhvani, and Vadera continue to be major forces in African economies.
This enduring impact did not happen by chance. It is a testament to unwavering commitment to values, ethical standards, and social responsibility.
That recognition took formal shape on 26 December 1952, with the first Lohana Parishad convention at Azad Maidan, Mumbai. Seeking unity, the community unanimously placed its trust in Shri Nanji Kalidas Mehta’s leadership. Despite his many professional commitments, he accepted the responsibility and went on to broaden the organisation’s vision and impact, leaving behind a legacy of service.
Lohana Mahaparishad and their International Business Forum
A strong foundation supports robust growth. Over the years, successive leaders have enhanced the Lohana Mahaparishad, fostering greater unity within the community. Under the leadership of its 14th President, Shri Satishbhai Vithalani, both the organisation and its members continue to advance with renewed assurance. Strong foundations invite strong structures. It reminds me of the timeless lines of the song from the movie Naya Daur: “Saathi haath badhaana… Ek akela thak jaayega, Milkar bojh uthaana…”
The importance of collaborative effort has been integral to the community’s ability to overcome numerous challenges. Today, the Mahaparishad is recognised as a prominent global organisation. In the UK, more than twenty active units—including Lohana Community North, East, London, UK and others—work diligently to pursue common objectives that promote inclusive progress.
As the parent body for the global community, Lohana Mahaparishad has grown from seven zones within India to fifteen, further dividing into numerous sub-divisions. Internationally, it now operates across twenty-five zones. Its mission is clear: to ensure that no member of the Lohana community, anywhere in the world, feels isolated. Through the efforts of twenty-seven specialised committees focused on areas such as education, healthcare, legal and financial professions, matrimony, youth, women and sports, the Mahaparishad positively impacts individuals across generations.
A recent and notable project is the Lohana International Business Forum (LIBF), established to bring entrepreneurs together and support the younger generation. LIBF has quickly become a dynamic hub for mentorship, collaboration, and global networking, with events held from Uganda in 2023, Gandhinagar in 2024, Dubai in 2025, to the renowned Jio World Centre in Navi Mumbai.
The Lohana community’s strength stems from its insightful leadership and compassionate values. Generous sharing of knowledge and kindness drives every initiative, offering valuable lessons for other communities to reflect on.
The Mahaparishad’s vision—to respect tradition, foster unity and inspire future generations—captures this ethos perfectly. While individuals may start their journeys alone, true progress comes from collective effort. Guided by strong leadership, a shared sense of purpose, and empathy, the Lohana community demonstrates how far one can go—across boundaries, eras, and ideas—while staying true to their path. This enduring spirit stands as perhaps their greatest accomplishment.
