Admirers of Late Arunbhai R Mehta, who passed away suddenly in June 2020, have come together to honour his memory by initiating the Arun R Mehta Memorial Fund. The aim is to do something meaningful in his memory, around two issues that were close to him: education and healthcare.

One of the most widely respected diamantaires of the last few decades, Arunbhai has been described as the “Doyen of the Indian diamond industry”. He was one of the pioneers of its modernisation and rapid growth phase during the late 1970s with an uncanny business acumen rooted in an ethical and humanitarian approach.

In addition, Arunbhai was always a firm believer in the upliftment of the community and giving back to society. He spent countless hours and resources for this work.

On his passing, condolence messages poured in from far and wide. In an unprecedented move, the entire diamond industry in Mumbai and Surat remained shut for a day as a mark of respect.

In recognition of the immense contribution he made to the diamond industry and community in general, friends and admirers have come together to coordinate an Arun R. Mehta Memorial Fund. It will help continue his vision by initiating projects in his name related to issues he was deeply involved with. 

A group of eminent community members and diamantaires have already begun coordinating commitments to the cause. Once this is complete, a committee of around 3-5 donors will be formed to evaluate different projects. They will be joined by one or two family members to help in this process. The group may invite proposals from existing Trusts and will identify project/s based on Arunbhai’s interests and lifelong work. Preference will be accorded to projects in Mumbai city and Banaskantha related to Education and Healthcare, and also to organizations where Arunbhai was associated, or has contributed in the past.

The fund will not have any formal structure and will only help connect donors with the identified trust or project. As of 01st August, 2020, the fund had garnered a mix of small and large commitments, totalling to above Rs 10 crore.