Subhash V Thakrar, former Chair of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honour List for his services to British Trade and Investment in Africa. A warm felicitation ceremony was held at the Anoopam Mission Denham on 21 June 2024. Sant Pujya Ashvin Dada specially graced the event. He honoured Subhashbhai with a wooden replica of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, which was specially sent by the spiritual head of Anoopam Mission Pujya Saheb ji.
On being recognised in the King’s Birthday Honour List and felicitated by the community, Subhash Bhai Thakrar OBE said, “I am truly humbled and thankful to Pujya Sahebji, Ashwin Dada and the whole Anoopam Mission organisation. Friday night I got confirmation of the honour and on Sunday, Pujya Sahebji called me and said, Subhashbhai if you can give 10-15 or whatever time you can spare, please come to this Friday’s Prarthna Sabha at Anoopam Mission. Ashwin Dada is coming. I thought it would be only a Prarthna sabha but what I observed is true hospitality, love, and affection for a human being. I am not a Swaminarayan follower, I am Sanatani. I follow Thakorji. But in the way I was greeted and honoured, it’s a big thing for me.
“I have had a relationship with Pujya Sahebji for many years and I am attached to him spiritually. I think we don’t do anything, Thakorji is behind every step. First, this award is because of Thakorji. Secondly, this award belongs to my wife Rekha. She has been a rock for me and allowed me to do all the work. I am truly blessed. She gave me a wonderful daughter Kavita and a son Ravi. My son-in-law Rikin, my grandson and my granddaughters are here to share the award with me. This award also belongs to my grandmother Ganga Ma. She was truly a spiritual person 101 years of age. Her blessings are still with me. If there is anything that came in the spiritual part of my life, it was she who brought it into me. I remember my parents Vithaldas Thakrar, Lalitaben, my adha motabha Nathalal Thakrar and Ramilaben who looked after me. My Mama Kishorbhai, Mami Madhumami and Vijaya Mami.”
He continued, “This award goes to our Lohana community. This award is for the Raghuvanshis. This award is for Uganda where I was born, this award is for Jinja where I was educated. This award is for Kakira where I did my primary education. This is the award for all of you, the Asian community, the Raghuvanshi community, the wider Indian community, Hindu community. It goes for all of us because such recognition is not for individuals but they add value for our community.”
Subhashbhai further added, “There may be many more things to come in my life and I am ready to devote more time and energy to the betterment of society. This is what I learned from the Bhagwat Gita- perform your tasks and not worry about the results. This is what our Prime Minister Mr Rishi Sunak proclaimed recently. He is the true lover of the Nation and he is performing his tasks without the expectation of any fruits.”
Sant Pujya Ashwin Dada said, “It is our honour that we got a chance to honour Subhash bhai. It’s an honour for all of us and we are grateful to him for his service to the community. I also want to express my gratitude towards his wife Rekhaben, because of her Subhashbhai was able to perform his all-around duties. It is an honour for Subhash bhai’s family, the Raghuvanshi community, Gujarati, Indian and all Hindu communities.
“You are an inspiration to all segments of society. Pujya Saheb Dada inspired us to arrange this honour for you and he specially selected a wooden model of the Ram Temple. Today it’s a moment for joy, celebration and devotion.” Said Ashwin Dada.
He also expressed gratitude towards CB Patel for giving golden advice- Eat less, get proper sleep and don’t unnecessarily worry about others.
CB Patel, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar said, “Subhashbhai is my friend, philosopher and guide. We have been in an association since 1983-84. His calibre is extraordinary, he has a sharp and progressive vision of a Lohana.
"Last year when we celebrated 50 years of service to the community, I requested Subhashbhai to prepare a book focusing on the past 50 years and keeping an eye on the next 50 years and he prepared the book- Eyes of Tomorrow. As you all know, to celebrate 52 years of Gujarat Samachar, we are going to publish a book within a month or two. We have prepared an article about Subhash Bhai Thakrar for this special book.
“Today Anoopam Mission captured the opportunity and honoured Subhashbhai. You know how to grab the opportunities. I have given some advice to Pujya Ashwin Dada and Sahebji, though it is not in my capacity, we as a community need torch-bearers like you to guide us for a long time. My first point is to take maximum care of your health and for that control on diet. Learn to say no when someone is offering more food. Secondly, proper sleep will boost health. The third point is don’t worry about Anoopam Mission UK, here we are in capable hands.”
Satish Chatwani the International President of the Anoopam Mission welcoming all said, “In the Shiksha Patri (Religious Text) Sahajanand Swami indicated to always recognize and honour those people who are making efforts for the betterment of the community. To honour such people is our Bhakti and Seva. Pujya Sahebji insisted that the honour of Subhashbhai should be done in the presence of Gunatit Sant and that’s why Ashwin Dada is here to bless.
“Subhashbhai always makes a differentiator in any work or project he is involved in. He wants to bring changes for the betterment of the community.” Added Satishbhai.
Compere Bhavisha Tailor honoured Subhashbhai’s wife Rekhaben Thakrar and CB Patel, Satish Chatwani, Himat Swami and Vinod Nakarja honoured Subhashbhai while Vinodbhai Patel presented a few bhajans.
A vote of thanks was given by Vinodbhai Nakarja.
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Sahebji to reach London in end of July
Talking about the upcoming events, Bhavisha confirmed that Guruhari Sahebji will reach London in end of July. Guru Purnima celebrations will be held on Sunday 28 July.
