| "Some
are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness
thrust upon them". Shamjibhai who achieved this towering
status was born into the Datta family in the district of Porbandar,
India in 1899. The eldest son of Shri
Juthabhai Datta. |
| In
his youth he studied and mastered the Sanskrit and English language.
Through his reading Shamjibhai had a profound in-depth knowledge
of all major religious epics. He was also very fond of religious
discourses, which he hosted whenever holy men visited Nairobi.
Through persuasion he managed to introduce collective religious
prayers. He firmly believed that a family who prayed together stayed
together. To him reward was God's pleasure and to work incessantly
hard is one's duty. If you are rewarded then thank God. If not try
again without bitterness and hope for the best. Without hard work
one can achieve nothing.
Meanwhile, Shri Shamjibhai decided to go to Africa to internationalise
and expand further the already flourishing family business in the
Middle East and Shipping. |
| Shamjibhai
decided to settle in Zanzibar where he opened a Ghee manufacturing
industrial unit. It is from this venture that the family obtained
its surname. In late 30's Shamjibhai settled in Nairobi.
Here he expanded and diversified his operations to include manufacture
of consumer durables and agricultural equipments, international
trade, property and real estate development thus contributing to
Gheewala family's prosperity.
Shri Shamjibhai enjoyed playing sports
especially tennis. He was Kenyan Tennis Champion in the 30's. He
also appreciated Indian Classical Music especially the works of
Shri Omkarnath and Vilayat Khan who were habitually present at this
residence.
In Community matters Shamjibhai was always willing to help and promote
the welfare of the Lohanas. His greatest contribution was in negotiating,
raising funds and building the Lohana Mahajanwadi in Nairobi in
conjunction with Shri Gordhandas Kantaria. This tradition has been
continued by his children who have contributed to the community
in many forms and in many cities such as Nairobi, Kampala, Bombay,
Porbandar, Jamnagar, London and Leicester to name but a few.
As was the custom at the time, Shamjibhai
married early to Ramkuverben Purshottam Kurji, the only
daughter of JaJamnagrian family. After the passing away of Shamjibhai
she became the pillar of strength for the family. Ramkuverba who
in spite of being a mother of 7 sons and 7 daughters was deeply
involved in social work and in helping the needy irrespective of
creed, colour or class. She was also the
founder member and 1st Chairperson of Lohana Mahila Mandal in Nairobi.
Manubhai and Kirtiben Gheewala have
very generously donated 10,000 pounds in Loving Memory of Late Shri
Shamjibhai and Late Shrimati Ramkuverben towards RCT building project.
|
