Advisor to CFI
Mahendra’s motto has always been “to serve”. Over the last 3 decades he has dedicated his time to serve the community. A Proud Guajarati and British Community representative, always looking at how the community can lead a more happy and prosperous life to provide a better future for future generations not just in London but across the UK. With BREXIT on the horizon, Mahendra is working tirelessly to further develop and reinforce the ties between the UK and India.
A much-respected community leader, Mahendra is a National Executive Council Member of the National Congress of Gujarati Organisations of the UK (NCGO UK) and served the maximum term as General Secretary for the NCGO UK. As the national organisation which presides over the various regional organisations, responsible in supporting over 800,000 Gujarati origin community members in the UK. From helping with providing guidance in relation to health to the old and infirm, to careers, helping individuals secure employment.
Fundraising for charitable and special causes have always been close to Mahendra and he has both personally and by lobbying to the many community groups Mahendra served. He is proud to have establish fund raising campaigns for great Ormond street children hospital, BAPS Swaminaran, Loomba foundation for widows. In 2001 when the massive earthquake struck Gujarat in India, Mahendra raised funds to aid the relief efforts. The next big effort starts this year in the Summer of 2017 when Mahendra will be driving from London to Delhi in aid of the Loomba foundation which supports widows.
As well as working with the leading Gujarati business leaders to further enhance community contribution and support to the local community right through to bi-lateral trade development between UK and India. Mahendra led the UK Vibrant Saurasra business delegation to India in 2015 and shared the stage with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and is the Senior Advisor and Board Member for the MakinIndia Organisation, established for the specific enhancement of bi lateral trade between UK and India.
With the Indian originating community living across the UK in particular London and Leicester, Mahendra also spends a lot of time in Leicester and as part of trying to boost the local economy and trade success of the businesses in the region, Mahendra is the Honorary Member of the Leicestershire Asian Business Association.
Serving as National President and the first Asian President of the National Federation of Retail Newsagents, Mahendra transformed the membership by achieving an unprecedented paid membership of over 25, 000 independents and has gone on to become the largest trade organisation in Europe. years. This was a most fulfilling role for Mahendra as he was able to work both at grass roots and national level in assisting the retail outlets to develop a sustainable trade and become part of a pioneering trade membership organisation for the sustainability of their trade and industry.
As a member of Camelot’s advisory panel for corporate responsibility for four years and the Camelot retail panel for six years, Mahendra was able to bring a broader expertise and experience to support the work of Camelot and its collaboration with the independent retail outlets.
Mahendra continuous drive to support and advise on issues of public importance include him carrying out functions of Director of PASS (Proof of Age Standard Scheme) affiliation with the Home Office for four years and the Public Panel member to create National ID card.
Mahendra has spear headed initiatives for the Indian community in relation to access and support from the Indian High Commission in London. He also advises the Indian High Commission in relation to their engagement strategies with the Indian Diaspora in the UK.