Subhash Vithaldas Thakrar, OBE, stands as a living embodiment of the profound principle that "In serving others is my seva". His illustrious journey, a testament to unwavering humility, boundless kindness, and tireless dedication, offers an inspiring narrative of how one individual's steadfast commitment to societal advancement can profoundly shape the world around him. Indeed, his accomplishments transcend personal achievement, becoming a cherished source of collective pride for the Lohana, Raghuvanshi, Asian, Indian, and Hindu communities, and a guiding light for all who aspire to excellence and positive impact.
This exemplary spirit finds its apotheosis in his recent investiture as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE), announced in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List 2024. This distinguished accolade was bestowed for his exceptional services to British Trade and Investment in Africa. The recognition was met with a heartfelt felicitation ceremony at the Anoopam Mission Denham on June 21, 2024, an occasion graced by Sant Pujya Ashvin Dada and celebrated by the community with immense gratitude and love. Mr. Thakrar, though a follower of Thakorji and Sanatani, deeply appreciated the welcome from the Anoopam Mission.
A cornerstone of his distinguished career lies in his profound professional acumen. A chartered accountant with over 35 years of experience, Mr. Thakrar carved a pioneering path, becoming the first Asian partner at Blackstone Franks in 1983, a firm then esteemed for its capabilities in taxation, corporate finance, and wealth management. His strategic foresight culminated in the seminal merger of Blackstone Franks LLP with CBW in 2013, establishing a top 50 tax, accounting, and business advisory firm in the UK, where he continues to contribute his invaluable expertise as a consultant. Beyond the realm of finance, his intellectual breadth is recognized through his status as a Life Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). He holds a BCom (Acc) from Birmingham University and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (FCA).
Mr. Thakrar’s vision extends far beyond domestic shores, charting an impressive course as an international businessman. With astute prescience, he discerned the burgeoning potential of India's economy in the early 1990s, proactively spearheading significant investment activities and joint ventures across the subcontinent for the best part of two decades. His notable initiatives include:
Subhash Vithaldas Thakrar, OBE, is a living embodiment of the profound principle “In serving others is my seva.” His journey of over three decades reflects unwavering humility, boundless kindness, and tireless dedication to both professional excellence and community upliftment. His recent investiture as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List 2024 stands as a crowning achievement, recognising his exceptional services to British Trade and Investment in Africa. This prestigious accolade was celebrated at a felicitation ceremony hosted by Anoopam Mission Denham on June 21, 2024, and graced by Sant Pujya Ashvin Dada. Mr. Thakrar, though a follower of Thakorji and Sanatani traditions, expressed deep appreciation for the warmth and honour extended by the Anoopam Mission.
Professionally, Mr. Thakrar is a chartered accountant with over 35 years of experience. He made history in 1983 by becoming the first Asian partner at Blackstone Franks, a firm recognised for its leadership in taxation, corporate finance, and wealth management. His visionary leadership culminated in the strategic merger of Blackstone Franks LLP with CBW in 2013, creating one of the UK’s top 50 tax, accounting, and advisory firms, where he continues to serve as a consultant. He is also a Life Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (FCA), and holds a BCom (Acc) from Birmingham University.
Mr. Thakrar's foresight extended globally. In the early 1990s, he identified India’s rising economic potential and led several transformative initiatives. He promoted India Value Investments Ltd (INVIL) in 1996, a Mauritius-based equity fund that has consistently outperformed Indian indices. He founded ICS Infrastructure Ltd, pioneering international joint ventures in India’s ‘sunrise’ industries, including toll roads (with Intertoll of South Africa), real estate services (with Old Mutual), architectural design (with Bentel Associates), and parking consultancy (with Secure Parking, Australia). He exited ICS in 2010 to focus on other ventures. In 2008, he co-founded the Triangle Real Estate India Fund, listed on the Mauritius Stock Exchange, focused on India’s growing retail real estate sector.
His vision today is firmly set on Sub-Saharan Africa, which he views as a new economic frontier mirroring India’s 1990s trajectory. His family businesses in Uganda span FMCG, electronics, and education. He is also developing 1,200 affordable homes in Mozambique through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Signature Group of Dubai. His strategic insight and experience have led him to advise investors and join multiple prime ministerial trade missions to India and Africa, advancing international economic cooperation. In addition, he remains active in residential real estate development in London.
Mr. Thakrar’s life and legacy are a source of pride and inspiration for the Lohana, Raghuvanshi, Asian, Indian, and Hindu communities. His accomplishments are not merely personal milestones, but shared symbols of what dedication, vision, and service can achieve. His story continues to inspire all those who aspire to blend professional success with meaningful social impact
He was honoured with the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List for his exceptional contribution to British trade and investment, particularly in Africa.
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