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Part IV. Rise and Glory
that those Asians living in Kenya who were holding British passports would not be freely admitted to the United Kingdom. Also after Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania became independent in 1963 A.D., the three governments introduced exchange controls and work permits for noncitizens. The government of Kenya also pushed for participation of Africans in commerce. The business community was in a dilemma. They had to have a trading license for their businesses; there was a problem when the licenses were not renewed. The government wanted the local African people to take over the businesses and they were given licenses instead. Therefore, a mass exodus of Asians including Oshwals started in 1962 A.D. Some went to India. But as most of the people were British subjects they opted to go to England.
The second exodus came when the British Government introduced an immigration law in 1969 A.D. Many young people left East Africa in a hurry to legalize their entry to England by the end of year the 1969 A.D. As they had to leave most of their property back home and there were restriction as to the amount of money individuals could repatriate, for several years they experienced a lot of hardship. They took whatever work they found in the new, and at times harsh, environment.
As the population of Oshwals in U.K. increased a few community leaders took the initiative to form an organization called the Oshwal Association for the Welfare of Halari Oshwals. The first president elected was Kishorilal Bharmal Nagda (Virani). A constitution was drafted in 1972-73 A.D. under the chairmanship of Ratilal P. Chandaria. In 1974 A.D. it was registered as a charitable organization.
In 1979 A.D. an 80-acre parcel of land was purchased north of London in the Potters-Bar area of Northlaw, Hertfordshire. A fund was established. £600,000 was collected and the land was purchased at a cost of £500,000
