OC Press Release Jan 2022
Oshwal Connect Global New Year Honours (OCGH)
High-achieving Oshwals honoured for community work
Twenty members of the Oshwal community from around the world have been honoured for their achievements in fields as varied as wildlife photography, charity work, commitment to LGBTIQ+, organ donation and the media, in the first ever Oshwal Connect Global New Year Honours.
These high achievers have encouraged diversity, inclusion and equality in their respective fields and have been highlighted as inspirational peers to other members of the community.
Oshwal Connect was founded by cousins Bunty & Chaitan Shah in March 2021. The purpose of the group was to unite, connect and highlight the Oshwal Community globally. While Oshwals are often Jain and Hindu in origin, this group goes beyond any political or religious affiliations.
Oshwals beginnings can be traced back as early as 457BC in India. Since then the presence of Oshwals are now rooted worldwide. The earliest Oshwals recorded in the UK were in the 1950’s.
Oshwal Connect has a primary presence on Facebook, where a group set up in the pandemic has seen accelerated organic growth with more than 7,000 members joining in the first nine months. The group is intergenerational but has a particularly active younger audience seeking to connect with others from their community. The founders say: “We feel the success of growing the group is that we focused on creating a stronger united community by being more inclusive and open, by not involving religion and politics.”
On 1 January 2022, twenty Oshwals from around the globe were awarded an OCGH in recognition for their work. This ranged from areas such as helping the community through the current Covid Pandemic to raising awareness of important issues in the Oshwal community. We were overwhelmed at the responses from our members who wanted to help promote and recognise these individuals in a positive way. We are fortunate to have Oshwal members who reside across the globe, all contributing big or small to their respective communities they are part of, some going above and beyond their normal duties. These awards are special, as unlike other awards, nominations were received from the community and showcase the talent of the Oshwal community.
Background on Group Founders – Bunty Shah and Chaitan Shah
Bunty Shah
For many years Bunty Shah has immersed himself in Charity, community projects and good causes, such as food banks and encouraging other communities to hold food bank collections at their events. In 2019 his local community work did not go unnoticed as Hertsmere Borough Council awarded Bunty a Civic award.
Chaitan Shah
In 2011 Chaitan co-setup the London Photo Festival which provides amateur and professional artists a way to exhibit their work. Due to covid19 they have managed to run virtual galleries and have been curating exhibitions outdoors. He also runs an acting talent agency working closely with many UK and US based production companies, working on Film/TV and commercials. He has branched out to securing acting talent for comic cons worldwide. As covid19 has interrupted some events, Chaitan and his partner changed their model to run events virtually which benefited many charities and good causes.
Here is the full list of the 2022 New Year Oshwal Connect Global Honours:
Suresh Shah Nairobi, Kenya – Recognition for his hard work for the Visa Oshwal Community in Nairobi.
Birju Shah Nairobi, Kenya – Recognition for his hard work in promoting the sport of Cricket to School children.
Sheena Shah Nairobi, Kenya – Recognition for her work with Permaculture – the development of agricultural ecosystems intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient.
Syna Tejesh Shah Nairobi, Kenya – Recognition for her work in singing and raising awareness of Albinism.
Pareet Shah – Cheka Kenya – Recognition for his work in Wildlife Photography.
Krishna Dalal & Vatsal Khimasiya Mumbai, India – Recognition for their hard work for entertaining the community during lockdown.
Kirti Shah San Diego, USA – Recognition for her work with Charities and Good Causes.
Vinod Dodhia Toronto, Canada – Recognition for his work in promoting Yoga.
Bindi Shah Sydney, Australia – Recognition for her work with Charities and Good Causes.
Tanvi Shah Wardojo Perth, Australia – Recognition for her work in helping people with Stress Management.
Arjun Haria Melbourne, Australia – Recognition for raising awareness of the LGBTIQ+ community.
Usha Shah London, England – Recognition for her work with Kidney Research and Organ Donation Charities.
Binita Shah-Patel London, England – Recognition for her work with Charities and Good Causes.
Keshavji Columbo Shah, Hounslow, England – recognition for his hard work for the Oshwal Community in the West Area.
Jayanti Shah Southampton, England – Recognition for his hard work on Anti-Racism
Havitt Shah London, England – Recognition for volunteering his time during the pandemic at a Community Response Kitchen.
Nitu Shah London, England – Recognition for her work with Charities and Good Causes.
Vishal Shah London, England – Recognition for his work in Meditation.
Dhruti Shah Hillingdon, England – Recognition for her work in Media.
Arti Shah Hertfordshire, England – Recognition for her Acting work in Film and Television.
If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact us by email or visit our website.
Email: oshwalconnect@gmail.com
Twitter: @oshwalconnect
Follow OC on:
