There was not a single dry eye when I K Patel died on 27 July 1994. People turned up in their thousands to pay respect to one of their own who had done so much to empower the community towards their economic development both here and in East AfrIca. My tribute then was simple. Grown up men cried but tears could not explain why he was taken away at the zenith of his popularity. A slim figure who never sought publicity and yet his presence was always there. He made things happen. His word was his bond. I recall the late Dr.L M Singhvi, the then Indian High Commissioner in Britain describe him as a gentle giant who made the community what it is today. A thriving diverse but loyal British citizens who are a credit to the United Kingdom.
The tragedy has now struck again. I K Patel's best legacy was his son Harish Patel. He was a replica of his father. Last week the community paid its last tribute to Harish.His untimely death deprived us of a genuinely decent friend who followed in his fathers footsteps to carry out the family traditions of charitable work. Two generations of devoted father and son are no longer with us. Our prayers are with his mother Vimlaben his wife Gita and his children Poojan and Janki.
Again sadness of his death may blur our memories of the remarkable contribution Harish made in his short life. We should celebrate his life and his achievements. He had deep religious convictions promoting temples and community centres which would bring people of different beliefs together.
Harish took great pride in supporting the Oxford Centre of Hindu Studies. We often travelled together for our meetings there. He mobilised our young generation towards their understanding of Hindu religion. This Centre has lost a good friend. When we last travelled to Oxford,he confided in me his serious illness and was almost resigned to the fact that he may not be able to complete his dream of the Centre becoming the focus of Hinduism in Britain.
Harish and I K Patel will long be remembered for laying the foundation of a strong, proud and prosperous Indian community in Britain. Memories of their achievements will never fade away. They represent all our values and beliefs enshrined in the way they lived their lives. May they rest in everlasting Peace.
