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auspicious occasion. It is indeed heart-warming for us that we have been able to see my father
Gordhandas Dharamshi Kantaria's vision come true.
He did not at that time know how this would
materialize but his vision is amply evidenced in the letter he wrote to you,
Chairman, imploring you not to dispose of these Sports Grounds and also showing optimism on the fund raising prospects. We are fortunate and happy that we have been able to give form to his vision in our small and modest way.
Now, I say this because such tasks as pertain to communities are never achieved single-handedly. Indeed,
ideally these should not be undertaken by one man without the support of others. We have gathered here today an array of RCT donors who have given generously. You the Trustees of RCT have
organized this function to mark this generosity. May I take the liberty to thank you on behalf of all the donors for this splendid function. We are "overwhelmed".
My father was born in 1914 at Escarpment in Kenya to Shri Dharamshi Kala Kantaria and Shrimati Raliatben
Kantaria.
He attended the local school at Limuru for the first two years of his schooling. He later attended the Indian Boy's School in Nairobi. During his training he
learned English, Gujarati and the Kikuyu languages. he learned a lot of Kikuyu and African customs and he spoke Kikuyu proficiently. He joined his father's business in Limuru at the tender age of fourteen and four years later upon his father's retirement took over the management of the business with his three younger brothers
Jamnadas, Nanalal and Chhotalal.
The four brothers in unison expanded the business and established many more. Whilst his business acumen being engaged in these various economic activities his desire to promote the Lohana and Hindu Community was equally nurtured. He had embarked on community service and within a short time earned the love and respect of all and sundry.
He was widely known as "Motabhai" not only by his brothers and his sons but
eventually by the entire community. He spearheaded the establishment and construction of the Lohana Community
Centre in Nairobi. He was its President continuously for thirteen years and one of its Trustees for thirty five years prior to his demise. His
commitment to the community inevitably led him to being involved with
the Hindu Council of Kenya
from its very inception and with
Shree Kutchhi Gujarati Hindu Union which he served for several years.
He was instrumental in founding the Parklands Nursing Home which later became the M.P.Shah Hospital under the Social Service League. Our family made a
substantial donation to the hospital in recognition of which a hospital wing is named after my
granddaughter.
Motabhai was also associated with and supported many social, religious and charitable institutions and
societies. Motabhai was reputed for being a counsellor in many domestic and family matters. As an elder in the community he advised many families in case of family
disputes. Of course, I could go on talking about my father interminably but that is what he was in short.
I would like to thank particularly the dignitaries who have
flown in from Kenya, Lisbon, Nairobi and all over the
world to attend today's function.
It should go on record that RCT trustees have worked really hard to bring the project to fruition.
This includes both the fund raising and then the actual building works. Finally may I once again express my family's gratitude for the reception given to us and the wonderful arrangements made for an interesting
function. And indeed I express these sentiments not only from my family but also from all the Donors who have made the completion of this project possible.
Let us not feel complacent at this juncture as we have but only made a beginning. We have a long way to go yet. Thank you everyone !
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