Indian businessman Dr Ram Buxani passed away in Dubai. He was 83. He died following an incident at his home around 1am on Sunday.
A full-time nurse who was there to help his wife – Mrs Buxani – was present at the time of the incident. She rushed to his help and called for the doctor.
The veteran businessman had landed in Dubai in November 1959 by sea when he was just 18 years old. A well-known business personality and a philanthropist in the UAE, Dr Buxani was chairman of the ITL Cosmos Group. Hailing him as an inspiration for the Indian and business community, tributes poured in from prominent figures.
The Indian ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, mourned the loss of “a guide, a role model and a mentor” to the community.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
“He will remain an inspiration for generations of Indians who call the UAE home. He was one of the most prominent Indians in the UAE whose hard work, entrepreneurial spirit and service to the community will always be remembered,” Sudhir said.
The ambassador recalled the “warmth, optimism and passion” that Dr Buxani showed during their meetings.
“I pray to God to bestow eternal peace to the departed soul and may his family and friends find the strength to bear this sudden and irreplaceable loss,” he added.
Bharat Chachara, CEO of India Club, expressed his deep sorrow over Dr Buxani’s passing. “It is a big loss for the Indian community. He belonged to the generation of individuals for whom making money was not everything; they gave back to the community. Visionaries like him were instrumental in establishing institutions such as the Indian High School and the India Club.”
Chachara, a prominent Indian expat, said Buxani was one of the founding members of the India Club and served as chairman for two terms. “He had a very dynamic personality and was very passionate about Sindhi culture. Retaining the community’s art was a project close to his heart.”
Kamal Vachani, group director and partner at Al Maya Group, extended his condolences to Dr Buxani’s loved ones.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr Ram Buxani. He was a prominent figure in the UAE business community and will be dearly missed. I extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Dr Buxani held various positions at different companies in UAE.
Apart from serving as the President of the Rotary Club of Jumeirah (Dubai), he was a passionate advocate of education – having served as the Chairman of Indian High School – an institution that he helped found, including in sourcing land and funds.
Dr Buxani was the founder chairman of the Overseas Indians Economic Forum (UAE), a prime NRI organisation in the region until its merger with ‘Indian Business and Professional Council’ in 2003. Consequently, Dr Ram Buxani played a proactive role in bridging the gap between the Government of India and the NRIs.
His group’s first showroom of Cosmos was opened in Deira in 1969. Later, Dr Buxani’s group ventured into the hospitality sector, acquiring stakes in Ambassador Hotel, Deira, and Astoria Hotel.
ITL Cosmos Group later also forayed into the F&B sector and launched Kwality Ice Cream.
Dr Ram Buxani was the recipient of several honours in the UAE. He received the Shield of Honour from the then President of India, the late Shri Giani Zail Singh, at the Vishva Sindhi Sammelan (World Sindhi Conference) for services to the community, in 1983.
He is ranked as one of the most influential Indians in UAE by Forbes Middle East and is also listed as one of the richest Indians.
Dr Buxani was the recipient of the Shiromani Award by the Association of Shiromani Awards, New Delhi, presented by Dr Shanker Dayal Sharma, the then Vice President of India in 1987.
Dr Buxani also won the Bharat Gaurav Award by the Indian Merchants’ Chamber, Mumbai presented by Balasaheb Vikhe Patel, the Union Minister of State for Finance, Government of India, in 2002.