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The Bhatia adventurers who initially took up overseas journeys: Bhatia Jeram Shivaji, originally from Manvi-Kutch had sailed for Oman and Zanzibar during 18th century wherein he had started running banks. The Kutchi Bhatia were operating trading and banking businesses across Mandvi, Mundra, Mumbai, Muscat and Zanzibar during 18th and 19th century. Quite interestingly, even European businessmen had to depend upon these Kutchi bankers- merchants. When, Jeram Shivaji passed away in 1867, he had to repay a huge debt worth
Rs 600,000 dollar to the Sultan of Oman but with the help of a political agent John Kerk, this debt was reduced to $200,000 only, which was later paid up in full. Basically business-centred, the Bhatia community settled down along the coastal areas of Mandvi, Mundra, Veraval, Ghogha, Porbandar and Surat. The Bhatias are originally believed to be Rajput Kshatriya and are well-known for their wisdom. This community follows Vaishnav. Influenced by a warm and welcoming approach of Bhatia people, the Sultan of Oman
had even built a Shreenathji’s citadel in Oman-Muscat. After that, the replica of this structure was also erected in Dubai. Khimaji Ramdas’ family members work wonders even today in Oman: Yet the family of another Bhatia tycoon, Khimji Ramdas, have expanded their wings across Oman. The Khimji Ramdas Group today has penetrated into many verticals that include, infrastructure, telecommunications, retailing, designer watches, luxury lifestyle accessories, international restaurant
Top Kutchi businessmen in Britain
Laxmanbhai Raghavani
Manubhai Ramji
Shashi Vekaria
Sailing to foreign lands with a view to making good fortunes, there exist perhaps the 4th or 5th Kutchi generation in the UK. Most of these generations having worked tremendously hard in East Africa finally settled down in the UK. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, they have always remained Kutchi; true to their hearts and culture and thereby, they have inculcated such values in their next generation. Kutchi are a step ahead not only in business or trade but they have also made a mark in British politics and government services. For instance, Manjibhai Kara is a Conservative Counsellor in Harrow who has been well appreciated for his good work. The other one is Bhimaji Vekaria who is chairman of the Metropolitan Police Hindu Association and also a Detective Constable of New Scotland Yard.
Below is the list of the top Kutchi businessmen in Britain: Lexcon Construction-Laxmanbhai Construction Ltd has its wings spread across UK, Kenya, Sesals and in India as well. The founder of this company is Laxmanbhai Raghwani. Now this company is being managed by Kalyanbhai Raghwani , Naranbhai Raghwanii and Harishbhai Raghwani. Laxmanbhai construction has notably performed in Kenya-Nairobi. Vascroft Contractors Ltd’s directors Shashibhai Vekariya, Late Arjanbhai Vekaria and Mitesh Vekaria. Manubhai Ramji, director of Kings Kitchen Ltd: MP Brothers - Suresh Rabadia, Tough Glaze - Bharatbhai and Ashokbhai Varsani, Super Toughened Glass Karsanbhai and Devjibhai Meghani, Crystal Unit Pankajbhai and Vijaybhai, Amaging Tiles - Govindbhai Kerai, Kenford - Mavjibai Vekarai, Jaysam Contractors
Bhimji Vekaria
Mavji Vekaria
- Shamjibhai Patel (Dabasia), Elecmec Purushottambhai Gami, Durga Timber - Shantibhai, Stayfix - Devashibhai, Kingsburry Construction Arajanbhai Varshani, Ro Green Construction Parbatbhai and Dineshbhai, Acre Construction Pravinbhai Jesani, Interior Ltd - Nanji Jasani, Devendra Jasani, K.P Building Construction - Devaji Karashan Mayani and Manshukh Mayani, Euro Deluxe Govindbhai Raghvani, Pindoria Association Ltd Khimaji Pindoria, Haley Builders Merchant - Nathabhai Halai, In Toto Kitchens - Shantilal Mulji Panchani, Weatherwell Ltd - D. Kara, Saloria Architect - Laljibhai Saloria, Protoprint - Nareshbhai Raghvani, Perfect Double Glaze - Jadavji, Ashokbhai, Dipakbhai, Prizma Windows - Jitubhai Halai, Cricklewood Timber -Vijay Kara,Vaspa Double Glazing - Hirjibhai, Meera Catering - Narendra Bhai, Chandani Sweet Mart -Lalaji Kara and Pravin Kara, SK Panipuri and Catering - Kishorbhai Tank, Om Transport and Logistics Ltd - Pravinbhai and Dineshbhai Varshani, Twinstar Logistics Ltd - Narendra Kunverjee, K & K Builders - Vinodbhai and Pravinbhai Gajparia, Kingsbury Fruit and Veg - Hirjibhai Kunvarji, Kerai Construction Ltd - Rasik and Pravin Kerai and Hiraji Vagjiyani, Pindoria Solicitors - Bharatbhai Pindoria, Saiynay - Ravajibhai Hirani, Neasden Hardware - Karsanbhai Varshani (Kera), Hendon Fruit and Veg - Devajibhai,West Hendon Fruit and Veg Nanjibhai Asani Jyoti Jeweller Jyotiben and Dipakbhai Kondhia - Ashokbhai Patel, Interpharm, Dinesh and Jay Miyani - Allbees Ltd , Mayur's Caterers - Naranbhai and Devshi bhai - Burntoak Building Material suplies, Lakmanbhai Murji Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar - 2014
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