From Struggle to Service: The Life and Legacy of Mr G
In the heart of East London, a remarkable story of resilience, community spirit, and unwavering faith unfolds through the life of Mr G. Born into a Gujarati family in Uganda, his early years were shaped by hardship when his parents, like many Gujaratis, migrated to East Africa in search of opportunity, only to face the brutal expulsion under Idi Amin’s regime in the 1970s. Forced to flee with little more than hope, the family lived through displacement and uncertainty across Europe. Mr G recalls spending nearly two years in Austria surviving with what felt like a begging bowl, having lost his home, community, and sense of belonging. These experiences left a lasting imprint on his life and values.
Arriving in East London in the late 1970s, Mr G began rebuilding his life from scratch. At the age of 28, his arranged marriage to Geeta marked a turning point, which he describes as his bhagyodaya—the dawn of good fortune. He spent the next decade working tirelessly as a salesman, learning the rhythms of British commerce while staying deeply connected to his cultural roots. By 1992, he entered retail and property, not merely as a business venture, but as a means to support a larger vision. Inspired by his Lohana heritage and the teachings of Jala Ram Bapa, he believed that fighting hunger and serving humanity is not charity, but a duty.
Mr G’s journey from observer to organiser led to the establishment of the RAMA Trust (Raghuwanshi Association of Mutual Aids), focused on creating sustainable community support systems. This vision took shape in December 2004 with the purchase of Sudbury Hall and Temple, a 5.5-acre centre that has since served over 250,000 meals without discrimination of colour, creed, or caste, with plans to reach half a million. Guided by dignity, sustainability, community ownership, and cultural integration, his work continues to expand. Now planning a knowledge hub to pass on values of hard work, compassion, and unity to future generations, Mr G stands as a powerful British success story with global roots. This profile is based on extensive interviews with Mr G and members of the Lohana community in London and is edited and verified by The Hindu Today consulting editor Mr. Vinod Bhai Kotecha, with trustees including Mahendrabhai Gokani, Dhiran Gadhia, Dhiran Popat, and the Lohana Mahajan (UK) Trust.
