Velji Vekaria was born in 1961 in Kutch, Gujarat. He migrated to Kenya in 1970 where he completed his studies. In August 2000 he migrated to London with hopes of working in the construction industry. Velji went to university to upskill himself in IT and construction management. He has had a very successful career in the construction industry. When he arrived to UK, he joined a temple to do charity work. He also joined SKLPC(UK) under the guidance of the late Arjanbhai Vekaria who were struggling at the time. Arjanbhai asked him to join as Secretary and then General Secretary.
Arjanbhai was his mentor and encouraged Velji to join the Hindu Forum of Britain. He became a committee member and was part of the team that organised Diwali @Houses of Commons.
1. Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
India Gujarat, Mombasa, and London. India as I was born there. Mombasa as I spent most of my youth there. London is where I have now spent a lot of time raising my family and developing relations with the community.
2. What are your proudest achievements?
I was awarded Best Boy in 1981 in my secondary school. I was Honorary secretary of Religious, Social and Educational Departments with a surprise appointment by the British High Commissioner in Nairobi in 1992 as an Honorary Correspondent. I became Chair of Diwali @House of Commons under the umbrella of the Hindu Forum of Britain and President of SKLPC (UK)
3. What inspires you?
I like working for the community and I feel united by working together, especially with the younger generation. I enjoy seeing the community grow from strength to strength and it makes me feel immensely proud to be part of this.
4. What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
One of the many challenges is the criticism given by others. However, I learnt how to deal with this by using feedback to develop and improve myself. I slowly learnt that you can't always please everyone.
5. Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
Firstly, my loving parents followed by Late Arjanbhai Vekaria and Late Haribhai Halai. Without their encouragement and help, I would not have achieved what I have today. They had faith in my ability, and they mentored me. Furthermore, with engagement with wider community, I have come across inspiring people from all ages, who have supported me in achieving what I have done so far.
6. What is the best aspect about your current role?
Driving the project forward for the construction and completion of our new India Gardens project with the support of members of the community.
7. And the worst?
When working together as a team and some look at the overall perspective for their own individual benefits as opposed to the wider community. This then disrupts the team dynamics and affects the outcome of the goal. However, having said this, I have not encountered this too often in my current role.
8. What are your long-term goals?
Continue to see my community grow and flourish not only for the younger generation but also to make sure that members of the Senior Citizens are being looked after.
9. If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
Charity begins from home. I would concentrate more on the Country. Based on what we have encountered following Covid-19 and the efforts put not only by NHS Staff but also all the frontline staff, I would give one off bonus for their selfless services over past year.
10. If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Mahatma Gandhi. To speak to him about what drove him to do the things he did for the betterment of India during extremely critical times.
