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Chapter 33. Achievements, Awards and Honors
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Honors
Devshi Mepa Shah, the senior partner of the firm of Vershi Mepa & Co., of Thika, was honored by the British government as M.B.E. (Member of the Order of the British Empire) on the occasion of the Queen's birthday in 1960 for his distinguished services in business, social and government bodies and because of his unselfish devotion and hard work for the betterment of not only the Oshwal but the entire Indian community of Thika. He was a very popular leader among the Indian community of Thika.
Keshavlal P. Chandaria who is a member of the Rotary Club is actively involved in activities of various religious and social Indian organizations in Toronto Canada. Keshav Chandaria was honored by Providence of Ontario, Canada with the Order of Ontario in 1999 and in 2002 he was recipient of Queens Golden Jubilee Medal from Government of Canada.
Manu P. Chandaria, in 1982 received the International Award for an outstanding Gurajar for his achievement in International Business Sector. This award is given every year to a person whose origin is from the State of Gujarat and who has done outstanding work in a social, business or other sector. He was named "Most Respected Chief Executive Officer (CEO)," in East Africa for three consecutive years. In year 2003, he was honored by (1) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of United Kingdom as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.), (2) the Government of Kenya as an Elder of the Burning Spear (E.B.S.) and (3) he received Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award from the Indian Prime Minister. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards have been instituted by the Government of India to recognize and reward the meritorious contributions made by Indian citizens and people of Indian origin in the furtherance of India's interests and causes. In addition Government of South Korea also honored him.