HISTORY
Though Navnat Vanik Mahajan was established in 1930 in Mombasa, the history of vanik pioneers in
East Africa is deep rooted and goes far beyond that date, much further than we can trace.
It should be noted that there were numerous sub-castes of vaniks in India but there was no Navnat community as such. It is only after arrival of different castes of vaniks in Kenya that the idea of forming a community comprising of nine sub castes was mooted and the first ever Navnat as a community was established in Mombasa.
History of Navnat is more or less linked to the migration of Indians to East Africa at the end of nineteenth century. The British Empire was growing all over the world and they imported Indian labour in 1896 to build the railway from Mombasa all the way to the hinterland to connect with Uganda.
Once the Uganda railway was completed in 1901, Kenya and Uganda become prosperous. It is not an exaggeration to say that Gujaratis, which included the various castes of vaniks, mostly from Saurashtra and Cutch joined in the migration to East Africa for better prospects. These later day immigrants who were from the business community in India migrated for trading and commerce.
In 1890, when a resident of Jamnagar named Shri Muljibhai set his foot in Mombasa there were a few vaniks scattered in various towns in Kenya. However there are no records of these arrivals and hence our history starts from the year 1890.
Shri Muljibhai represented the Sultan of Zanzibar (It should be remembered that the Kenya Coast and Mombasa was under the Sultan of Zanzibar) as the Customs representative for 18 years and controlled even nearby Kipini. After this time an officer by the name Marden arrived and Shri Muljibhai could not work with him and left the job to return to India, but died on the way in a ship.
It should be noted that there were numerous sub-castes of vaniks in India but there was no Navnat community as such. It is only after arrival of different castes of vaniks in Kenya that the idea of forming a community comprising of nine sub castes was mooted and the first ever Navnat as a community was established in Mombasa.
History of Navnat is more or less linked to the migration of Indians to East Africa at the end of nineteenth century. The British Empire was growing all over the world and they imported Indian labour in 1896 to build the railway from Mombasa all the way to the hinterland to connect with Uganda.
Once the Uganda railway was completed in 1901, Kenya and Uganda become prosperous. It is not an exaggeration to say that Gujaratis, which included the various castes of vaniks, mostly from Saurashtra and Cutch joined in the migration to East Africa for better prospects. These later day immigrants who were from the business community in India migrated for trading and commerce.
In 1890, when a resident of Jamnagar named Shri Muljibhai set his foot in Mombasa there were a few vaniks scattered in various towns in Kenya. However there are no records of these arrivals and hence our history starts from the year 1890.
Shri Muljibhai represented the Sultan of Zanzibar (It should be remembered that the Kenya Coast and Mombasa was under the Sultan of Zanzibar) as the Customs representative for 18 years and controlled even nearby Kipini. After this time an officer by the name Marden arrived and Shri Muljibhai could not work with him and left the job to return to India, but died on the way in a ship.
In the year 1895 a vanik resident of Cutch named Shri Samjibhai arrived in Mombasa and he was the philanthropist
who bought the plot of land in Makadara where Hindu Union mandir (present day Shiv Mandir) was erected,
for the then princely sum of Rupees 123/= and this is recorded in the Mandir’s history and for which we all
Navnat community members are really proud.
With him had also come Cutch Bhuj’s residents named Shri Vasanji Bhagwanji and Shri Ratanshi Bhagwanji who both had worked with the well known and famous Sheth Allidina Visram’s business for a number of years.
During this time another vanik - Shri Raghvji Jevant from Cutch Bhuj had come to Zanzibar from where he arrived in Mombasa in 1907. He was very well known for writing accounts (namu) and he was such an expert that he could give the total of nearly 100 figures by just looking at the figures. We are proud of this vanik’s ability.
In 1895 Shri Bhagwanji Hansraj arrived and set up his famous ‘kandoi’ – mistan sweetmeat shops which are still running for over a hundred years and this is no mean achievement.
He gave immense help and support to Navnat and was its Chairman for a year and also a Trustee for 3 years. His social and religious support to many organisations in Mombasa was also remarkable.
In 1896, Dhrol vanik residents –Shri Dosalal Nanchand Mehta and Shri Gopalji Devshi Mehta arrived in Mombasa.
Shri Gopalji Mehta’s descendants –Shri Thakershi Gopalji Mehta, Shri Chatrabhuj Gopalji Mehta and Shri Arvindkumar Mehta established businesses in Mombasa and their descendents are still in Mombasa.
In 1897, Jamnagar’s vanik – Shri Champshi Hansraj arrived in Mombasa and established a business in Mombasa.
With him had also come Cutch Bhuj’s residents named Shri Vasanji Bhagwanji and Shri Ratanshi Bhagwanji who both had worked with the well known and famous Sheth Allidina Visram’s business for a number of years.
During this time another vanik - Shri Raghvji Jevant from Cutch Bhuj had come to Zanzibar from where he arrived in Mombasa in 1907. He was very well known for writing accounts (namu) and he was such an expert that he could give the total of nearly 100 figures by just looking at the figures. We are proud of this vanik’s ability.
In 1895 Shri Bhagwanji Hansraj arrived and set up his famous ‘kandoi’ – mistan sweetmeat shops which are still running for over a hundred years and this is no mean achievement.
He gave immense help and support to Navnat and was its Chairman for a year and also a Trustee for 3 years. His social and religious support to many organisations in Mombasa was also remarkable.
In 1896, Dhrol vanik residents –Shri Dosalal Nanchand Mehta and Shri Gopalji Devshi Mehta arrived in Mombasa.
Shri Gopalji Mehta’s descendants –Shri Thakershi Gopalji Mehta, Shri Chatrabhuj Gopalji Mehta and Shri Arvindkumar Mehta established businesses in Mombasa and their descendents are still in Mombasa.
In 1897, Jamnagar’s vanik – Shri Champshi Hansraj arrived in Mombasa and established a business in Mombasa.
In 1899, Shri Harichand Raghvji had arrived and set up shops in Mombasa and Makindu.
In the same year a well known vanik named Shri Rupchand Gopalji Mehta set his foot in Mombasa and had established business in Thakangu and was called the king of Thakangu and even the Liwali of Thakangu greatly admired him and used to ask for his advise in running the affairs of the coastal town.
Shri Rupchanbhai was not only famous but was very philanthropic and several times used his ships to bring the wood used for cremating in the Hindu crematorium free of charge.
His son – Shri Laxmichand Rupchand Mehta continued to run Thakangu Trading Co and was so famous that even the natives and Arabs and infact all our community used to call him ‘bana’. His descendents are in UK.
In the year 1900, Shri Hansraj Raghvji, Shri Kanji Devji and Shri Morarji Devji had arrived and resided in Nairobi and later Nakuru.
In the same year Shri Ravjibhai Amershi had arrived and after initially trading in Zanzibar shifted to Mombasa where he gave immense support and help in the interest of the community. He was one of the substantial donors who helped to purchase the first plot for Navnat in Makupa.
In 1903, Shri Damodar Karsanji Parekh arrived. He established his business as soon as he arrived and later on called his several relatives from India. He was one of the most respected and active member of Navnat and supported whole heartedly in all the community work and projects and always looked forward as to how Navnat would progress. He was a Trustee of Navnat for 14 years and its Chairman for 4 years. His support to the Navnat community cannot be described in words and suffice to say that his contribution was immeasurable.
In the same year a well known vanik named Shri Rupchand Gopalji Mehta set his foot in Mombasa and had established business in Thakangu and was called the king of Thakangu and even the Liwali of Thakangu greatly admired him and used to ask for his advise in running the affairs of the coastal town.
Shri Rupchanbhai was not only famous but was very philanthropic and several times used his ships to bring the wood used for cremating in the Hindu crematorium free of charge.
His son – Shri Laxmichand Rupchand Mehta continued to run Thakangu Trading Co and was so famous that even the natives and Arabs and infact all our community used to call him ‘bana’. His descendents are in UK.
In the year 1900, Shri Hansraj Raghvji, Shri Kanji Devji and Shri Morarji Devji had arrived and resided in Nairobi and later Nakuru.
In the same year Shri Ravjibhai Amershi had arrived and after initially trading in Zanzibar shifted to Mombasa where he gave immense support and help in the interest of the community. He was one of the substantial donors who helped to purchase the first plot for Navnat in Makupa.
In 1903, Shri Damodar Karsanji Parekh arrived. He established his business as soon as he arrived and later on called his several relatives from India. He was one of the most respected and active member of Navnat and supported whole heartedly in all the community work and projects and always looked forward as to how Navnat would progress. He was a Trustee of Navnat for 14 years and its Chairman for 4 years. His support to the Navnat community cannot be described in words and suffice to say that his contribution was immeasurable.
In 1904, Shri Madhavji Nagji arrived and gave a lot of support to the Navnat.
He had established a ‘kandoi’ -sweetmeat shop and for a number of years his sons – Shri Trambakbhai and Shri Dayalji
carried on the same business.
In 1907, Shri Motichand Hirachand arrived and gave immense help and support to Navnat, being its Chairman for a year. He was a leading Navnat member, always helping in all its activities.
His brother – Shri Amratlal Hirachand arrived a few years later and both of them contributed greatly towards Navnat, calling their relatives from India and opening a business in Mombasa.
Most of these early vanik immigrants to Kenya were from the ‘dasha’ and ‘visha shrimali’ caste and the others were from several different smaller sub-castes allied to the vaniks. Being from the same caste and having common traditions and religion and having settled in businesses, these vaniks became friends and would arrange programmes together. Those were the days when our elders were quite content in eating Kichdi, rotlo, marcha or rotli, dar, bhat shakh, thus there was no feast of menu as we have today.
In the year 1929, Shri Ravjibhai Amershi, Shri Bhagwanji Hansraj, Shri Motichand Hirachand, Shri Jechandbhai Gandhi, Shri Damodar Karsanji Parekh, Shri Mohanlal Makanji Doshi and Shri Dosalal G. Mehta got together and managed to collect a sum of shs 13,000/=.
Then with the help and advice of others they managed to purchase the first plot at Makupa for shs 20,000/=. It is indeed most surprising to note that according to records this transaction was completed at midnight! We must salute these pioneers who always had the communal feeling in their hearts no matter whether it was day or night.
The roots for forming a community were thus sown and in 1930 and our community ‘Navnat Vanik Mahajan’ was established in Mombasa with Shri Motichandbhai Batavia as the first Chairman. This was the first ever Navnat community established anywhere in the world.
In 1907, Shri Motichand Hirachand arrived and gave immense help and support to Navnat, being its Chairman for a year. He was a leading Navnat member, always helping in all its activities.
His brother – Shri Amratlal Hirachand arrived a few years later and both of them contributed greatly towards Navnat, calling their relatives from India and opening a business in Mombasa.
Most of these early vanik immigrants to Kenya were from the ‘dasha’ and ‘visha shrimali’ caste and the others were from several different smaller sub-castes allied to the vaniks. Being from the same caste and having common traditions and religion and having settled in businesses, these vaniks became friends and would arrange programmes together. Those were the days when our elders were quite content in eating Kichdi, rotlo, marcha or rotli, dar, bhat shakh, thus there was no feast of menu as we have today.
In the year 1929, Shri Ravjibhai Amershi, Shri Bhagwanji Hansraj, Shri Motichand Hirachand, Shri Jechandbhai Gandhi, Shri Damodar Karsanji Parekh, Shri Mohanlal Makanji Doshi and Shri Dosalal G. Mehta got together and managed to collect a sum of shs 13,000/=.
Then with the help and advice of others they managed to purchase the first plot at Makupa for shs 20,000/=. It is indeed most surprising to note that according to records this transaction was completed at midnight! We must salute these pioneers who always had the communal feeling in their hearts no matter whether it was day or night.
The roots for forming a community were thus sown and in 1930 and our community ‘Navnat Vanik Mahajan’ was established in Mombasa with Shri Motichandbhai Batavia as the first Chairman. This was the first ever Navnat community established anywhere in the world.
Much later similar communities were established in Nairobi, Dar es salaam and Kampala. Also, after the great
exodus when several of the Navnat members from Kenya emigrated to UK, that Navnat was formed in 1970 in London.
It should be remembered that the Visha Oshwal Community in Mombasa was already in existence for over 25 years then.
The nine vanik sub-castes who were invited to become members were from: Dasha Shrimali, Visa Shrimali,
Dasha Sorathia, Visa Sorathia, Kapol, Modh, Porwad, Khadaita Lad, and Vanik Soni.
The first Trustees for Navnat, who all served for ten years – till 1944, were elected in 1934 and these were : Dr. M.T.Shah, Shri Mithalal R.Vora and Shri Ravilal M.Shah.
In 1949 this plot in Makupa was sold for shs 100,000/= and a similar plot for shs 94,000/= was obtained in the centre of town, on Mwembe Tayari Road, where the present Navnat is situated (Plot No. XVI -334). It was not as big as the present one, since there remained a vacant plot in front of Navnat, up to the main road. However, all credit goes to these pioneers and hard working Navnat elders who had the foresight to form a community and purchase a plot.
The new plot was purchased with guidance and help of Shri Veljibhai Meghji Shah, Shri Kanjibhai Meghji Shah, Shri Ratilal Hirji Shah, Shri Velchand Fulchand Shavadia and Shri Somchandbhai Premchand Shah.
It has been recorded that amongst others, the following members were very active in all community affairs, since inception of the Navnat community in 1930 and the purchase of the new plot in 1949 : Shri Jamnadas B.Dhruv, Shri Manilal Devchand Mehta, Shri Fulchand Narbheram Khanderia, Shri Maganlal Gulabchand Shanghvi, Shri Ratilal Manekchand Doshi, Shri Ravilal Makanji Shah, Shri Mithalal Ramji Vora, Dr. M.T.Shah, Shri Popatlal Trikamji Punater, Shri Hargovind Shakarlal Rupani, Shri D.D.Meghani, Shri Kantilal Sakerchand Shah, Shri Nanalal Dhirajlal Kothari.
The first Trustees for Navnat, who all served for ten years – till 1944, were elected in 1934 and these were : Dr. M.T.Shah, Shri Mithalal R.Vora and Shri Ravilal M.Shah.
In 1949 this plot in Makupa was sold for shs 100,000/= and a similar plot for shs 94,000/= was obtained in the centre of town, on Mwembe Tayari Road, where the present Navnat is situated (Plot No. XVI -334). It was not as big as the present one, since there remained a vacant plot in front of Navnat, up to the main road. However, all credit goes to these pioneers and hard working Navnat elders who had the foresight to form a community and purchase a plot.
The new plot was purchased with guidance and help of Shri Veljibhai Meghji Shah, Shri Kanjibhai Meghji Shah, Shri Ratilal Hirji Shah, Shri Velchand Fulchand Shavadia and Shri Somchandbhai Premchand Shah.
It has been recorded that amongst others, the following members were very active in all community affairs, since inception of the Navnat community in 1930 and the purchase of the new plot in 1949 : Shri Jamnadas B.Dhruv, Shri Manilal Devchand Mehta, Shri Fulchand Narbheram Khanderia, Shri Maganlal Gulabchand Shanghvi, Shri Ratilal Manekchand Doshi, Shri Ravilal Makanji Shah, Shri Mithalal Ramji Vora, Dr. M.T.Shah, Shri Popatlal Trikamji Punater, Shri Hargovind Shakarlal Rupani, Shri D.D.Meghani, Shri Kantilal Sakerchand Shah, Shri Nanalal Dhirajlal Kothari.
After purchase of the plot, a hall and other buildings were constructed thereon, at a cost of shs 131,000/= by
Mistri Ruda Limba, the Architect being Shri Vallabhbhai.
The following members played a leading role in the new construction : The Managing Committee – Shri Navnitlal Champshi Mehta (Chairman), Dr. Shantilal Laxmichand Parekh (Vice Chairman), Shri Hatishang Premji Patel (Treasurer), Shri Vanmalibhai Premji Desai (Secretary) Shri Chimanlal Motichand Dhruv (Asst. Secretary), Shri Popatlal Trikamji Punater, Shri Laxmichand Purshottam Mehta, Shri Jethalal Dahyabhai Mehta, Shri Daylaji Jivraj Kothari, Shri U.K.Doshi. Shri D.D.Doshi, Shri Mayachand Motilal Damani, Shri Chhabildas D.Patel, Shri Maganlal Jadavji Doshi, Dr. N.C.Mandalia, Shri Dosalal G.Mehta, Shri Muljibhai Gulabchand Sheth, Shri Chhotalal Motichand, Shri Jivrajbhai Kastur Shah, Shri Vallabhdas Pokaldas, Shri Shivlal Jinjabhai Parekh, Shri Ramniklal Ratilal Kothari, Shri Babulal Laxmichand Shah, Shri Shantilal Chhaganlal Varia, Dr. A.U.Sheth, Shri Damodar Karsanji Parekh, Shri Maganlal Gulabchand Sanghvi, Shri Maganlal Navalchand Shah.
It was recorded that Mistri Ruda Limba was extremely helpful in the construction.
The opening ceremony of the new plot and the buildings was made on the ‘Dhanteras’ – 19.10.1949.
The following were the main donors : Shri Ratilal Dhanji Vora and Smt. Taraben R.Vora gave a magnificent donation of shs 11,111/= and also performed the opening of the premises. Shri Amratlal Hirachand gave shs 4001/= to build the perimeter wall and Shri Chhatrabhuj Gopalji Mehta, Shri Nanchand Fulchand Shavadia, Smt. Prabhakuvar Amratlal each gave shs 3001/= for the four rooms.
The following members played a leading role in the new construction : The Managing Committee – Shri Navnitlal Champshi Mehta (Chairman), Dr. Shantilal Laxmichand Parekh (Vice Chairman), Shri Hatishang Premji Patel (Treasurer), Shri Vanmalibhai Premji Desai (Secretary) Shri Chimanlal Motichand Dhruv (Asst. Secretary), Shri Popatlal Trikamji Punater, Shri Laxmichand Purshottam Mehta, Shri Jethalal Dahyabhai Mehta, Shri Daylaji Jivraj Kothari, Shri U.K.Doshi. Shri D.D.Doshi, Shri Mayachand Motilal Damani, Shri Chhabildas D.Patel, Shri Maganlal Jadavji Doshi, Dr. N.C.Mandalia, Shri Dosalal G.Mehta, Shri Muljibhai Gulabchand Sheth, Shri Chhotalal Motichand, Shri Jivrajbhai Kastur Shah, Shri Vallabhdas Pokaldas, Shri Shivlal Jinjabhai Parekh, Shri Ramniklal Ratilal Kothari, Shri Babulal Laxmichand Shah, Shri Shantilal Chhaganlal Varia, Dr. A.U.Sheth, Shri Damodar Karsanji Parekh, Shri Maganlal Gulabchand Sanghvi, Shri Maganlal Navalchand Shah.
It was recorded that Mistri Ruda Limba was extremely helpful in the construction.
The opening ceremony of the new plot and the buildings was made on the ‘Dhanteras’ – 19.10.1949.
The following were the main donors : Shri Ratilal Dhanji Vora and Smt. Taraben R.Vora gave a magnificent donation of shs 11,111/= and also performed the opening of the premises. Shri Amratlal Hirachand gave shs 4001/= to build the perimeter wall and Shri Chhatrabhuj Gopalji Mehta, Shri Nanchand Fulchand Shavadia, Smt. Prabhakuvar Amratlal each gave shs 3001/= for the four rooms.
At the time of the opening of these new premises the population of Navnat was 1000 in 1949,
which rose to around 1500 in 1970s, before the exodus began.
The premises, which was called ‘shamba’ when bought is still called by the same famous name.
Navnat became extremely useful in holding festivals, weddings and the ever popular annual ‘Anand Bazaar’
fete (mela) held during Janma Ashtmi.
This fete has been organised annually for the last 60 years and has been an attraction for all the other communities,
especially for the delicious food dishes in Mombasa.
Further, a library was opened and a Vyayamsala called ‘Bajrang vyayamsala’ was established, where numerous Navnat youngsters used to go every evening to do exercises and play games. The instructor was Shri Rathod called ‘Bhai’ and those of us who had joined in this Vyayamsala can still remember the hard exercises we did daily followed by a game of football or ‘hu tu tu’. We used to walk daily from the town to shamba to do the vyayam after reciting prayers. Vyayamsala really developed not only our bodies but we were inculcated strict discipline and punctuality in all our activities. Every year we would perform a show for the whole Navnat community with laziums and other vyayam articles. All of us who were in the class of vyayamsala (late fifties and sixties) are always highly thankful to the training given to us and whenever we meet we reminisce how we used to sweat.
After Shri Rathod left, Shri Zaveribhai Shah took over for a few years. Unfortunately this did not last long and the vyayamsala was closed in late sixties and the vyayam equipment and Laziums were donated to Shakha.
Further, a library was opened and a Vyayamsala called ‘Bajrang vyayamsala’ was established, where numerous Navnat youngsters used to go every evening to do exercises and play games. The instructor was Shri Rathod called ‘Bhai’ and those of us who had joined in this Vyayamsala can still remember the hard exercises we did daily followed by a game of football or ‘hu tu tu’. We used to walk daily from the town to shamba to do the vyayam after reciting prayers. Vyayamsala really developed not only our bodies but we were inculcated strict discipline and punctuality in all our activities. Every year we would perform a show for the whole Navnat community with laziums and other vyayam articles. All of us who were in the class of vyayamsala (late fifties and sixties) are always highly thankful to the training given to us and whenever we meet we reminisce how we used to sweat.
After Shri Rathod left, Shri Zaveribhai Shah took over for a few years. Unfortunately this did not last long and the vyayamsala was closed in late sixties and the vyayam equipment and Laziums were donated to Shakha.
Volleyball and cricket were also played regularly for a number of years in the Navnat vadi.
Elderly members played cards in the evenings in the vadi.
This new plot had five large mango and one huge ‘jambrao’ (jambu) trees and everyone enjoyed the luscious
mangoes and jambu fruits in its seasons.
Those of us who used to come to Navnat daily for ‘vyayamsala’ remember the good times we all had in
climbing these trees and enjoying the delicious fruits.
Our ladies formed Navnat Bhagini Utkarsh Kendra which was run under the able leadership of Smt. Rasikaben H.Mehta for over 15 years consecutively since its inception. Smt. Rasikaben worked tirelessly for the benefit of the Navnat ladies and she is credited with bringing in unwritten rules like visits to families mourning deaths, families celebrating occasions etc. During Diwali the Kendra would draw a large rangoli with a different theme each year and this was an attraction in Mombasa for several years.
Bhagini Kendra with their various programmes had brightened the name of Navnat amongst all other communities.
‘Navnat Prakash’, the gujarati newsletter for the community giving all the news and happenings, was first published in the fiftees by Shri Vanmali Premji Desai and others and was distributed to all households. This was the main news letter for the members of Navnat Vanik Mahajan not only in Mombasa, but also in Nairobi, Dar es salaam and was also regularly sent to UK.
This newspaper continued with the help of several other editors for over fifty years until 2004, when unfortunately it had to be stopped because of the new Kenya Government stringent regulations relating to press and publishing of newspapers.
Shri Mansukhlal N. Galani also published for a number of years in the late nineties a ‘Navnat Newsletter’ which also gave detailed news about the happenings in the community to Navnat members.
Our ladies formed Navnat Bhagini Utkarsh Kendra which was run under the able leadership of Smt. Rasikaben H.Mehta for over 15 years consecutively since its inception. Smt. Rasikaben worked tirelessly for the benefit of the Navnat ladies and she is credited with bringing in unwritten rules like visits to families mourning deaths, families celebrating occasions etc. During Diwali the Kendra would draw a large rangoli with a different theme each year and this was an attraction in Mombasa for several years.
Bhagini Kendra with their various programmes had brightened the name of Navnat amongst all other communities.
‘Navnat Prakash’, the gujarati newsletter for the community giving all the news and happenings, was first published in the fiftees by Shri Vanmali Premji Desai and others and was distributed to all households. This was the main news letter for the members of Navnat Vanik Mahajan not only in Mombasa, but also in Nairobi, Dar es salaam and was also regularly sent to UK.
This newspaper continued with the help of several other editors for over fifty years until 2004, when unfortunately it had to be stopped because of the new Kenya Government stringent regulations relating to press and publishing of newspapers.
Shri Mansukhlal N. Galani also published for a number of years in the late nineties a ‘Navnat Newsletter’ which also gave detailed news about the happenings in the community to Navnat members.
In 1980, the family of Shri Popatlal Kapurchand Doshi had organised the first ever ‘naukarshi’ lunch in
Navnat vadi for all the Jains in Mombasa, during the wedding of Shri Lalitbhai and Neelamben’s daughter – Sanjita.
Later on the family of Shri Chandulal K.Vora had also organised another ‘navkarshi’ bhojan.
In 1958, the upper hall was built. In 1979 the old social hall was demolished and a new one built. New toilets in the vadi were also built. In 1984, the ground floor canopy and verandah on which ‘garbas’ are being played during Navratri was built together with a new kitchen.
The empty plot in front of the vadi was also purchased and Navnat as a community had the largest premises with parking facilities in Mombasa. In 2001, the new Board Room was built. Thus Navnat kept on progressing well to cater for the new generation.
However it was not plain sailing for the Chairmen and the Executive Committees all the time as records show that there were petitions and court cases raised by community members against them. Fortunately, in the end reasons prevailed and amicable solutions were found.
A ‘bahuman’ ceremony of presenting a ‘saal’ to anyone hosting a dinner or luncheon for the whole Navnat community was also started and which is still in existence.
For several years in the fiftees, sixtees and seventies, the Chairman of the community with Secretary, Treasurer and elders of the community would on Diwali/New Year’s days visit shops and businesses owned by Navnat brothers to wish them festival’s greetings and to collect funds for the community.
Most of the shops were then located in the old town – Nehru Road and everyone would contribute something. This practice ceased and later on evening functions were arranged on the New Year’s day in the Navnat when the whole community was invited so that everyone could wish festival’s greetings at a central place and also give donation to the community.
In 1958, the upper hall was built. In 1979 the old social hall was demolished and a new one built. New toilets in the vadi were also built. In 1984, the ground floor canopy and verandah on which ‘garbas’ are being played during Navratri was built together with a new kitchen.
The empty plot in front of the vadi was also purchased and Navnat as a community had the largest premises with parking facilities in Mombasa. In 2001, the new Board Room was built. Thus Navnat kept on progressing well to cater for the new generation.
However it was not plain sailing for the Chairmen and the Executive Committees all the time as records show that there were petitions and court cases raised by community members against them. Fortunately, in the end reasons prevailed and amicable solutions were found.
A ‘bahuman’ ceremony of presenting a ‘saal’ to anyone hosting a dinner or luncheon for the whole Navnat community was also started and which is still in existence.
For several years in the fiftees, sixtees and seventies, the Chairman of the community with Secretary, Treasurer and elders of the community would on Diwali/New Year’s days visit shops and businesses owned by Navnat brothers to wish them festival’s greetings and to collect funds for the community.
Most of the shops were then located in the old town – Nehru Road and everyone would contribute something. This practice ceased and later on evening functions were arranged on the New Year’s day in the Navnat when the whole community was invited so that everyone could wish festival’s greetings at a central place and also give donation to the community.
In 1988, the first four day sports and cultural festival during Easter holidays was organised under the
Convenorship of Shri Ramniklal R.Patel, who was the initiator of the festival,
when Dar es salaam Jain Sangh (which included Navnat) was invited.
The purpose of the festival was not only to have healthy competitive sports with our brothers and sisters across the border, but to give them a chance to come to Kenya (there were severe exchange control restrictions in Tanzania for travel etc.) and mingle with Mombasa youths for the purpose of finding suitable candidates for marriage.
This first ever sports festival and cultural show between two Navnat/Jain Sangh communities in different countries proved to be very popular and subsequently several more such festivals were organised in Mombasa, Dar es salaam and Nairobi. These festivals also resulted in several marriages between youths from both countries. Shri Ramniklal R.Patel was a great sportsmen at that time – being a very good cricket fast bowler and also a smashing volleyball player, he remained a Convenor for these festivals for a number of years, and played a leading role in its organisation and setting up rules & regulations.
On 11th Dec, 2004, during the Navnat dinner at the wedding of Dhansukh P.Doshi’s daughter – Pinky, the Chairman, Shri Bhogilbhai D. Sheth suggested that a fund should be launched to build a new modern hall. The Trustees, within minutes solicited pledges of donations totalling shs 4.5 million.
The General Meeting of Navnat elected a 7 person committee consisting of Shri Lalitbhai P.Doshi (Convenor of the New Buildings Project), Shri Praful G.Shah (Hon. Secretary of the Project), Shri Ashok L. Doshi, Shri Chandulal K.Vora, Shri Maganbhai Shanghavi, Shri Rajni Vora (Chairman –Navnat), Shri Pramod Kothari (Hon.Secretary –Navnat) to go ahead with the development in the vadi. The committee co-opted more members into the Project : Shri Ramniklal R.Patel, Shri Manoj Shah, Shri Pravinchandra C.Shah, Shri Dipak J.Mehta, Shri Mahesh Shanghrajka, Shri Bhadresh T.Shah and Shri Bhogibhgai D.Sheth.
The purpose of the festival was not only to have healthy competitive sports with our brothers and sisters across the border, but to give them a chance to come to Kenya (there were severe exchange control restrictions in Tanzania for travel etc.) and mingle with Mombasa youths for the purpose of finding suitable candidates for marriage.
This first ever sports festival and cultural show between two Navnat/Jain Sangh communities in different countries proved to be very popular and subsequently several more such festivals were organised in Mombasa, Dar es salaam and Nairobi. These festivals also resulted in several marriages between youths from both countries. Shri Ramniklal R.Patel was a great sportsmen at that time – being a very good cricket fast bowler and also a smashing volleyball player, he remained a Convenor for these festivals for a number of years, and played a leading role in its organisation and setting up rules & regulations.
On 11th Dec, 2004, during the Navnat dinner at the wedding of Dhansukh P.Doshi’s daughter – Pinky, the Chairman, Shri Bhogilbhai D. Sheth suggested that a fund should be launched to build a new modern hall. The Trustees, within minutes solicited pledges of donations totalling shs 4.5 million.
The General Meeting of Navnat elected a 7 person committee consisting of Shri Lalitbhai P.Doshi (Convenor of the New Buildings Project), Shri Praful G.Shah (Hon. Secretary of the Project), Shri Ashok L. Doshi, Shri Chandulal K.Vora, Shri Maganbhai Shanghavi, Shri Rajni Vora (Chairman –Navnat), Shri Pramod Kothari (Hon.Secretary –Navnat) to go ahead with the development in the vadi. The committee co-opted more members into the Project : Shri Ramniklal R.Patel, Shri Manoj Shah, Shri Pravinchandra C.Shah, Shri Dipak J.Mehta, Shri Mahesh Shanghrajka, Shri Bhadresh T.Shah and Shri Bhogibhgai D.Sheth.
This Buildings Project Committee awarded the contract to Mistry Jadva Parbat and appointed
Shri Bharat Chhaniyara as the Architect.
The ground Breaking Ceremony was performed on 6/11/05 by the family of Shri Mahendrabhai F.Gandhi
who donated shs 7.2 million.
After 52 meetings of the committee and several site visits, the new hall was ready.
Not only a most modern grand hall with stage and changing facilities, but an underground cellar large enough to store all the furniture, tables, chairs etc. under the stage, an upper level conference hall and offices, new servants quarters and gents toilets, new main gate were all built.
The kitchen area was re-layed with proper drainage system, garrano flooring was done under the canopy and the tiles on the upper canopy roofing were replaced, kitchen store was refurbished.
The whole parking ground was developed with proper parking and kerbs with garden plants and flowers and landscaping throughout.
The special lighting on the grounds has entirely changed the whole atmosphere and it looks more like a five star hotel deco. The perimeter wall and outside parking bays were also rebuilt.
Shri Ashok L. Doshi had not only given several donations of items required during the construction, but ensured that each and every item needed for the project was purchased at the lowest possible price and also contracts etc were negotiated to the lowest and best rate advantageous to Navnat. During the construction, he would visit the vadi everyday, sometimes several times in a day to check on the progress and ensure everything was properly done.
The Building Committee had managed to solicit donations from all over, thus ensuring that the project was self sufficient and not a single penny from the Navnat coffers was spent on the project costing about 60 million.
After 52 meetings of the committee and several site visits, the new hall was ready.
Not only a most modern grand hall with stage and changing facilities, but an underground cellar large enough to store all the furniture, tables, chairs etc. under the stage, an upper level conference hall and offices, new servants quarters and gents toilets, new main gate were all built.
The kitchen area was re-layed with proper drainage system, garrano flooring was done under the canopy and the tiles on the upper canopy roofing were replaced, kitchen store was refurbished.
The whole parking ground was developed with proper parking and kerbs with garden plants and flowers and landscaping throughout.
The special lighting on the grounds has entirely changed the whole atmosphere and it looks more like a five star hotel deco. The perimeter wall and outside parking bays were also rebuilt.
Shri Ashok L. Doshi had not only given several donations of items required during the construction, but ensured that each and every item needed for the project was purchased at the lowest possible price and also contracts etc were negotiated to the lowest and best rate advantageous to Navnat. During the construction, he would visit the vadi everyday, sometimes several times in a day to check on the progress and ensure everything was properly done.
The Building Committee had managed to solicit donations from all over, thus ensuring that the project was self sufficient and not a single penny from the Navnat coffers was spent on the project costing about 60 million.
The Opening Ceremony of the hall was performed on 23/9/06 with a pomp and colourful ceremony by the
family of Lalitbhai Popatlal Doshi, who donated shs 7 million.
The opening of the Stage in the Hall was performed by the family of Shri Ashok Labhshankar Doshi, who donated shs 2 million.
Over 750 people including the Chairmen and their spouses of all the Hindu communities in Mombasa and other well known personalities filled up the hall in a banquet style ceremony. After the programme and dinner live music was provided by music group of Amar and Sodhi from Nairobi. Everyone was full of praise for the new hall and the parking facilities and Navnat facilities are now the best in Mombasa envied by all other communities.
As envisaged the whole project has now created an annual income from the hire of the premises to outsiders.
After establishment of Navnat and purchase of the vadi (‘shamba’), the following Trustees and Chairmen, apart from all the above mentioned elders, have played a leading role in developing and running the affairs of the community in the ensuing years.
They sacrificed their time and energy and gave much needed monetary support so that the present day Navnat can be enjoyed by modern generation for years to come.
The opening of the Stage in the Hall was performed by the family of Shri Ashok Labhshankar Doshi, who donated shs 2 million.
Over 750 people including the Chairmen and their spouses of all the Hindu communities in Mombasa and other well known personalities filled up the hall in a banquet style ceremony. After the programme and dinner live music was provided by music group of Amar and Sodhi from Nairobi. Everyone was full of praise for the new hall and the parking facilities and Navnat facilities are now the best in Mombasa envied by all other communities.
As envisaged the whole project has now created an annual income from the hire of the premises to outsiders.
After establishment of Navnat and purchase of the vadi (‘shamba’), the following Trustees and Chairmen, apart from all the above mentioned elders, have played a leading role in developing and running the affairs of the community in the ensuing years.
They sacrificed their time and energy and gave much needed monetary support so that the present day Navnat can be enjoyed by modern generation for years to come.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF NAVNAT SINCE ITS INCEPTION
| Date | Trustee |
|---|---|
| 1934 - 1944 | DR. M.T.SHAH |
| MITHALAL R. VORA | |
| RAVILAL M. SHAH | |
| 1944 - 1947 | DAMODAR K. PAREKH |
| BHAGWANJI H. SHETH | |
| POPATLAL T. PUNATER | |
| R.M.DOSHI (ADVOCATE) | |
| 1947 - 1951 | DAMODAR K. PAREKH |
| MAGANLAL G. SANGHAVI | |
| HATHISANG P. PATEL | |
| DR. N.C.MANDALIA | |
| LAXMIDAS P. MEHTA |
| Date | Trustee |
|---|---|
| 1951 TO 1953 | DR. N.C.MANDALIA |
| DAMODAR K. PAREKH | |
| HATHISANG P. PATEL | |
| LAXMIDAS P. MEHTA | |
| 1953 - 1957 | LAXMIDAS P. MEHTA |
| KASALCHAND J. DOSHI | |
| DAMODAR K. PAREKH | |
| ZAVERCHAND J. SAVADIA | |
| 1957 - 1960 | DR. N.C. MANDALIA |
| HATHISANG P. PATEL | |
| ZAVERCHAND J. SAVADIA | |
| KASALCHAND J. DOSHI |
| Date | Trustee |
|---|---|
| 1960 - 1963 | DEVCHAND J. SAVADIA |
| DAYALJI J. KOTHARI | |
| RAVJIBHAI A. PATEL | |
| JADAVJI K. PAREKH | |
| 1963 - 1964 | POPATLAL G. MEHTA |
| DAYALJI J. KOTHARI | |
| RAVJIBHAI A. PATEL | |
| JADAVJI K. PAREKH | |
| 1964 - 1965 | AMRATLAL BAVISHA |
| NAVNITLAL K.SHETH | |
| RASIKLAL P.SHANGHAVI | |
| BABULAL L. SHAH | |
| HIMATLAL C.MEHTA | |
| NAGINDAS C. SHAH |
| Date | Trustee |
|---|---|
| 1965 - 1966 | HIMATLAL C. MEHTA |
| NAGINDAS C. SHAH | |
| AMRITLAL BAVISHA | |
| BABULAL L. SHAH | |
| 1966 - 1969 | HIMATLAL C. MEHTA |
| NAGINDAS C. SHAH | |
| AMRITLAL BAVISHA | |
| RASIKLAL P. SHANGHAVI | |
| 1969 - 1971 | CHHABILDAS V.PATEL |
| NAGINDAS C.SHAH | |
| HEMATLAL N.SHAVDIA | |
| RASIKLAL P.SHANGHAVI |
| Date | Trustee |
|---|---|
| 1971 - 1973 | RASIKLAL P.SHANGHAVI |
| CHHABILDAS V.PATEL | |
| HEMATLAL N.SHAVDIA | |
| HIMATLAL C.MEHTA | |
| 1973 - 1981 | BABULAL L. SHAH |
| LALITRAI P.DOSHI | |
| MOHANLAL H.SHAH | |
| 1981 - 1985 | DR. HIMATLAL J.MEHTA |
| CHANDULAL G.SANGHVI | |
| LILADHAR T.MEHTA | |
| GORDHANDAS KAMDAR | |
| SURYAKANT L.MEHTA | |
| SAMJIBHAI B.VORA |
| Date | Trustee |
|---|---|
| 1985 - 1991 | LILADHAR T. MEHTA |
| GORDHANDS KAMDAR | |
| SURYAKANT L. MEHTA | |
| CHHOTALAL L. MEHTA | |
| 1991 - 1994 | RAMNIKLAL R. PATEL |
| MANSUKH M GALANI | |
| PRAFUL G. SHAH | |
| PRAVINCHANDRA DOSHI | |
| DR. HIMATLAL J. MEHTA | |
| 1994 - 1998 | LALITRAI P. DOSHI |
| GAJENDRA J. BATAVIA | |
| KUMARPAL M. DOSHI | |
| CHANDULAL K. VORA | |
| HEMATLAL N. SHAVADIA |
| Date | Trustee |
|---|---|
| 1998 - 2001 | LALITRAI P. DOSHI |
| CHANDULAL K. VORA | |
| HEMATLAL N. SHAVADIA | |
| RAMNIKLAL R. PATEL | |
| ASHOK K. VORA | |
| 2001 - 2004 | LALITRAI P. DOSHI |
| RAMNIKLAL R. PATEL | |
| HIMATLAL N. SHAVADIA | |
| CHANDULAL K. VORA | |
| MAHENDRA F. GANDHI | |
| 2004 - 2007 | LALITRAI P. DOSHI |
| CHANDULAL K. VORA | |
| PRAFUL G. SHAH | |
| ASHOK L. DOSHI | |
| MAGANBHAI SANGHAVI |
| Date | Trustee |
|---|---|
| 2007 - 2010 | PRAFUL G. SHAH (upto 2008) |
| ASHOK L. DOSHI | |
| BIHARI PAREKH | |
| MANOJ C. SHAH | |
| MAGANBHAI SANGHAVI | |
| ASHOK VORA (from 2009) |
CHAIRMEN
| Date | Chairmen |
|---|---|
| 1930 | MOTICHANDBHAI BATAVIA |
| 1931 | DAMODARBHAI K. PAREKH |
| 1932 | BHAGWNJIBHI H. SHETH |
| Date | Chairmen |
|---|---|
| 1933 | RATILALBHAI M. DOSHI |
| 1934 | DR. M.T.SHAH |
| 1935-1936 | MAGANBHAI G. SANGHVI |
| 1937 | KESHAVLAL SANGHRAJKA |
| 1938-1939 | JAMNADAS DHRUV |
| 1940-1942 | POPATLAL PUNATER |
| 1943-1945 | DAMODARBHAI K. PAREKH |
| 1946-1947 | POPATLAL PUNATER |
| 1948-1952 | NAVNITLAL C. MEHTA |
| 1953 | HATISHANGBHAI PATEL |
| 1954-1955 | ZAVERCHANDBHAI SHAVDIA |
| 1956 | CHHABILDASBHAI PATEL |
| Date | Chairmen |
|---|---|
| 1957 | HATHISANGHBHAI PATEL |
| 1958 | BABULAL L. SHAH |
| 1959 | DEVCHANDBHAI SHAVDIA |
| 1960 - 1961 | NAVNITLAL K.SHETH |
| 1962 | DEVCHANDBHAI SHAVDIA |
| 1963 | AMRATLAL BAVISHA |
| 1964 | NAVNITLAL K. SHETH |
| 1965 | PRABHAKAR BAVISHI |
| 1966-1970 | NAGINBHAI SHAH |
| 1971 | BABUBHAI SANGHVI |
| 1972 | RASIKBHAI P.SHANGHAVI |
| 1973 | VINAYCHANDRA SAVADIA |
| Date | Chairmen |
|---|---|
| 1974-1975 | BABUBHAI SANGHVI |
| 1976 | DR. HIMATLAL J.MEHTA |
| 1977 | BABUBHAI SANGHVI |
| 1978 | VINAYCHANDRA SAVADIA |
| 1979 | LALITRAI P.DOSHI |
| 1980-1981 | BABUBHAI SANGHVI |
| 1982 | VINAYCHANDRA SAVADIA |
| 1983 - 1984 | LILADHARBHAI MEHTA |
| 1985 | VINAYCHANDRA SAVADIA |
| 1986 | DEVENDRABHAI MEHTA |
| 1987 | VINAYCHANDRA SAVADIA |
| 1988 | CHANDULAL K.VORA |
| Date | Chairmen |
|---|---|
| 1989 | BIHARIBHAI PAREKH |
| 1990 | ASHOKBHAI K.VORA |
| 1991 | CHANDULAL K.VORA |
| 1992 | PRAVINCHANDRA SHAH |
| 1993 - 1994 | MAGANBHAI SANGHAVI |
| 1995 - 1996 | PRAMODRAI KOTHARI |
| 1997 | VINAYCHANDRA SAVADIA |
| 1998 - 1999 | PRAMODRAI KOTHARI |
| 2000 - 2001 | PRAVINCHANDRA SHAH |
| 2002 - 2003 | BHOGILAL D.DOSHI |
| 2004 - 2005 | BHOGILAL SHETH |
| 2006 - 2008 | RAJNIKANT C.VORA |
| 2008 | PRAVINCHANDRA SHAH |
These records show that Shri Babubhai Shanghavi and Shri Vinubhai Savadia had both served as
Navnat Chairman for 6 years. Shri Lalitbhai Popatlal Doshi served as a Trustee for a total of 21 years.
Shri Pranlal V.Parekh served as a Treasurer for 13 years, Shri Pramodrai Kothari served as
the Hon. Secretary for 12 years.
There are several other Navnat members whose names may not appear in any records or may not have served on any committees, but these silent workers have given immeasurable support to Navnat members for years and years.
Shri Chimanbhai Shah has for several years supervised in the preparation of food in the kitchen coming early in the morning and leaving only after all others had eaten. He has for several years taken the responsibility in preparing the final journey of all departed Navnat souls from their homes, in mortuaries and in ‘samshanbhumi’.
Shri Shivlal Manekchand Shanghvi was a Joint Secretary for 3 years, published the ‘Navnat Prakash’ for several years and also handled the Navnat library for years and years. There have been several such other silent workers and other pioneers of Navnat to whom we will always be thankful for their foresight.
There was a time in the seventies, eighties and nineties that Navnat boasted to having the largest professionals in the community as compared with all other communities in Mombasa – we had the most Doctors, Dentists, Lawyers and Accounting professionals!
Several Navnat members became Chairmen of such well known organisations like the Lions and Rotary Clubs, Round Tables, Saturday Club and Hindu Council of Kenya. Our youths, too, outshone in various sporting events in Kenya and outside Kenya, bringing glory to the community.
Even now our community is considered as one of the most affluent, literate and advanced community in Mombasa and having top business groups in Mombasa.
Due to emigration of members to other countries, the present population of Navnat has dwindled to around 520 only.
There are several other Navnat members whose names may not appear in any records or may not have served on any committees, but these silent workers have given immeasurable support to Navnat members for years and years.
Shri Chimanbhai Shah has for several years supervised in the preparation of food in the kitchen coming early in the morning and leaving only after all others had eaten. He has for several years taken the responsibility in preparing the final journey of all departed Navnat souls from their homes, in mortuaries and in ‘samshanbhumi’.
Shri Shivlal Manekchand Shanghvi was a Joint Secretary for 3 years, published the ‘Navnat Prakash’ for several years and also handled the Navnat library for years and years. There have been several such other silent workers and other pioneers of Navnat to whom we will always be thankful for their foresight.
There was a time in the seventies, eighties and nineties that Navnat boasted to having the largest professionals in the community as compared with all other communities in Mombasa – we had the most Doctors, Dentists, Lawyers and Accounting professionals!
Several Navnat members became Chairmen of such well known organisations like the Lions and Rotary Clubs, Round Tables, Saturday Club and Hindu Council of Kenya. Our youths, too, outshone in various sporting events in Kenya and outside Kenya, bringing glory to the community.
Even now our community is considered as one of the most affluent, literate and advanced community in Mombasa and having top business groups in Mombasa.
Due to emigration of members to other countries, the present population of Navnat has dwindled to around 520 only.