Ramesh Vala, a Kenyan-born philanthropist who grew up in Ngara, Nairobi, made headlines for his kind venture that changed the fate of a whole village in India.
The Kenyan-born Briton, who was one of the recipients of the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) during Queen Elizabeth II's 2022 Birthday, raised Ksh51 million in record a four hours that was used to rebuild a village of 335 homes, as well as three schools.
This was during the January 26, 2001 earthquake in the Gujarat region of India that left families homeless and kids without schools.
The London School of Economics graduate started school at Nairobi River Primary before completing his A-levels at Jamhuri High School, where he was recognised as the top all-round student.
According to Ince London, a company in which he is listed as a consultant, Ramesh has devoted his life to changing the lives of different people all over the world.
The company noted that Ramesh has raised over Ksh277 million towards helping different people in the world.
"His fundraising experience includes climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya (twice), running the London and New York marathons, numerous half-marathons, cycling from Nairobi (Kenya) to Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)," a statement by Ince read in part.
In one of his charity ventures, Ramesh cycled from Nairobi to the Ngorongoro Crater, covering 263km in three and a half days.
He used the expedition to raise Ksh29 million which he channeled towards saving 15,000 children in Nairobi.
In a previous interview, Ramesh revealed that when his mother passed, he became the sole provider for his family and thus developed the virtue of kindness.
Other than being feted by the Queen, Ramesh has also been recognised by the Indian government for his philanthropic acts.
"In addition to his CBE, Ramesh has been nominated for various awards, including the prestigious Dadabhai Naoroji Award inaugurated by the last coalition Government to honour those who have helped to improve UK/India relationships," Ince described him.
"I take this opportunity to reaffirm my continued commitment to working tirelessly to serve the public and the communities in which I live and balancing this with my professional life," Ramesh stated after being honoured by the UK.
