It is with deep regret and sadness that we inform you of the passing away of our hero Mahendra Mehta in London at 3.41pm on Sunday 23 February 2014. Mahendra bravely battled with a brain tumour for 6 months, and expressed his desire during that time to raise money, or create a charity, for the research into and treatment of brain cancer.

 

 

His leadership was instrumental in globalising the parent body of the charity Veerayatan India.  He oversaw the opening of the first formal Jain School in London - Shree Chandana Vidyapeeth - which tutored hundreds of young children and teenagers in 'practical jainism', and continues to do so as his legacy carries on.

He was one of the leading pioneers in organising major 'cycling4charity' projects in Holland, London to Paris, Agra to Jaipur and other similar events in Kenya, raising vast sums of money for schools in India and the 'food for life' program in Kenya.

 

Being a prominent member of the Jain community in the UK, Mahendra worked tirelessly to unite the Jain diaspora.

 

Mahendra also worked with many other charities over the years such as Help the Aged, Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund, and as a Trustee in Ratna Nidhi Global Foundation, he oversaw one of the largest mobility camps take place in Gujarat, in the presence of HH The Dalai Lama.

Through his successful business ventures, he went to extraordinary lengths to offer advice and practical support to hundreds of budding entrepreneurs.


Mahendra brought compassion, wisdom and boundless energy to every aspect of his life.  He will be remembered for his devotion to people whether near or far, whose lives he touched through his charitable work, and also for his vibrant personality, generosity and warmth.

 

-----------------------------------------------------------

 

He is survived by his wife Nisha, his son Menal, daughter in law Lavina, daughters Deepa and Chandni, son in laws Shainal and Kevel and three grand children Sai Veer, Saj and Sahil.

He was the son of Late Vijyaben and Late Vadilal Dayabhai Mehta.

He was son in law of Late Sumatiben and Late Harakhchand Nemchand Fulchand Shah (of Uni-plastics Ltd).

He was the brother to Late Kumudben Ratilal Vora, Jayaben Navin Shavdia (Msa), Jyotsana Viryesh Shah, Bhanuben Pravin Shavdia, Lalita Pramod Mehta, Shobhana Jagdish Sanghrajka, Vinod Mehta and Dilip Mehta all of the UK.

He was the brother in law to Late Anupma Vinod Mehta, Bindu Dilip Mehta (UK), Surendra and Hansa, Arun and Vinu (UK), Bipin and Hasu (UK), Shila and Shamji, Jitu and Bharti, Jatin and Anna and Vipul & Meena (UK).

 “And in the end, its not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”