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30 Nov 2024

Nikhilbhai Shah - A Unique Personality, Always Smiling and Ready to Serve

Nikhilbhai Shah

Nikhilbhai Navinchandra Shah, who passed away suddenly at a very young age, was a simple, yet astute man, a unique personality whose warmth and positive approach touched numerous lives across a very wide spectrum.

He was closely associated with the family diamond business as well as a vast number of social, cultural and sporting activities through different organisations and associations. In Mumbai, he was closely associated over a very long period with Palanpur Samaj Kendra, where he was recently named Hon. Secretary, and the Priyadarshini Park (PDP) Committee. His activities extended to Palanpur too, as an Invitee Trustee of Zaveri Mangalji Vamalshi Dispensary & Shri L.L. Parikh & Shri C.L. Parikh Hospital, Palanpur and a Trustee of Shree Palanpur Mahajan Panjrapol and Shree Mahajan Dahela Palanpur, among others. Nikhilbhai also served as Secretary, and later Chairman, of his housing society, Ashoka Apartments, in Mumbai, for the last 20 years.

Close associates describe him as having lived up to his name (Nikhil in Sanskrit means complete and perfect) and as a rare individual with special qualities that endeared him to young and old, rich and poor, business and social associates, friends and family.

With ex-Indian cricketer Karsan Ghavri and Mehul Shah
at a PSK Sports event

The PDP Committee members describe Nikhilbhai as ‘always smiling, and a ‘workaholic’ who led from the front and made sure a job was done. He would be fully involved in any project or programme organized by PDP over the last 15 years or more, and took care to look into every small detail that was required to make it a success. The range of contacts he had was phenomenal - “from a roadside vendor to a five-star hotel” he could organize anything that was needed.

The PSK Committee members remember him as a person with a “selfless approach” who was committed to “dedicated service” to the community through his tireless work in organizing multiple religious, social, cultural, and sports activities under the banner of PSK and other bodies.

Nikhilbhai was known as one who could “swiftly turn ideas into action, and bring people together in a way that created bonds of unity and mutual support. He approached every challenge with a calm head and an infectious smile, diffusing even the most difficult situations with grace, they recall. He was also highly praised for his time management skills and ability to multitask.

During an entertainment programme at PDP

His contribution to society during Covid-19 is widely remembered. Over the 18-month period that shook the world, he was always available to help people. In association with PSK and other charitable organisations, he helped in arranging Oxygen concentrators, medication kits, thermometers and pulse oximeters, vaccines, access to Remedesivir, ambulances, ICU beds or admissions for isolation, while always ensuring that authentic information was spread widely to all in his contact. Many fondly describe him as a “3 am friend” who could be called upon at anytime of the day or night. Nikhilbhai also extended help to families in the diamond trade and the community in organizing the last rites and cremation for their loved ones.

One of his most widely known contributions was the creation of the community WhatsApp group, a platform that became the most timely and powerful means of communication for sharing community news, death announcements and information about events. Nikhilbhai dedicated countless sleepless nights to ensuring that information reached everyone promptly and effectively, a testament to his commitment to keeping the community connected. His efforts created a real sense of unity and bonding.

Nikhilbhai, who was born in Kolkata and later moved to Mumbai, was also an astute business person who contributed to building the family business, Star Brillian, from small beginnings into a well-respected company. Despite all he did for the community and society, he was also always there for his family – a respectful and supportive spouse, a proud father, always guiding, encouraging and yet providing a calming influence to his children, and well-loved among the larger families on either side.

While his loss leaves a huge void for many, his memory will also inspire present and future generations to continue to work for larger good at all times.

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