Dinesh was born in Uganda and at the age of ten, during the tyranny of Idi Amin, went to India where he did his studies. He came to England with just 50pence in his pocket! He overcame struggles and grasped opportunities to be what he is today. He is an award-winning Independent Mortgage Broker with over 32 years’ experience and is the Proprietor of Major Estates, providing mortgage solutions, property sales and lettings in the Harrow & surrounding areas.
Dinesh is currently the President of Lohana Community North London, Trustee of both the Lohana Charitable Trust and Raghuvanshi Charitable Trust and Director of Dhamecha Lohana Centre. He is also Patron of the Hare Krishna Temple and past Regional Chairman, Zone Chairman and President of the Lions Club of Kingsbury. Dinesh is a massive cricket fan and a big supporter of Nottingham and proud to see them promoted to the Premier league.
1) Which place or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I was born in Uganda, studied in India and I have been living in England for the last 40 years. I count England as my home…phir bhi dil hai Hindustani.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
My proudest achievements in the industry include: Mortgage Champion of the Year award (two years in a row), Diamond Award with Network Mortgage Power, Prestigious Best Mortgage Adviser award at Claridges by Mortgage Times, Regular guest on Zee Companion TV speaking and taking viewer questions on business topics.
Over the last 32 years, I have helped more than 10,000 families to get their first homes. Some were complex and difficult, but in most cases, we managed to find a way. I was also proud to be elected as President of the vibrant Lohana Community North London, which was a personal dream come true for me.
3) What inspires you?
It gives me great satisfaction to help and see so many families’ dreams come true for their first house purchase and to be part of this achievement.
To also be able to help those less fortunate than us through the Lions Club and see how the funds go a long way in improving lives of the needy.
4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
None..although there have been many challenges, I have overcome rather than worry about the obstacles, with the mindset of always move on to the next opportunity.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
Too many to name any one person. At various times of my life, I have always been fortunate to find someone whether it be my work, my community or the Lions Club, I have been grateful to God for sending someone at the appropriate time.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
Meeting people and having the chance to effect positive change that will help them through their life. As a Mortgage Advisor, helping many people in various ways to achieve their goals. As a community leader, to bring people together to connect with the community and get everyone involved. I am grateful to my family and staff for their on-going support.
7) And the worst?
There is no worst aspect, I feel proud to undertake all aspects of my role…the good, bad and ugly.
8) What are your long term goals?
To play my part in the betterment of the community, to retire at the age of 80, to be happy, healthy and make sure everyone is happy as well.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
So many things come to mind, reduce over regulation of the Mortgage sector, build more affordable homes and help those struggling with the cost of living.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
The late Brian Clough; he won the football league title and two European cups with limited resources. I take inspiration from him in that “you can achieve great success with little resources on a shoe-string budget”. To ask and learn from him how he coped with struggles and achieved success against all the odds.
