Last wish: Businessman died in India, cremated in UAE

Last wish: Businessman died in India, cremated in UAE

Mangalore Today News Network

Dubai, February 8, 2025: In a rare and extraordinary case, the final wish of Indian expat businessman Hemchand Chaturbhuj Das Gandhi was fulfilled when he was cremated in Dubai on Friday after he passed away in Mumbai on Tuesday.

As first reported by Gulf News on Thursday, the unprecedented move required special permissions and swift coordination between Indian and UAE authorities, demonstrating the respect and recognition Gandhi had earned over decades for his contributions.

His funeral was attended by people from various walks of life, who had also gathered at his villa in Al Mankhool to pay their last respects before the cremation.

But, who was he? How did he earn so much love and respect from the people and the officials?

Journey of resilience, vision

It turns out that Gandhi’s journey was one of resilience and vision and his heart remained tied to Dubai, the city he called home, for 63 years.

When he took a boat from erstwhile Bombay via Oman and arrived in Dubai in 1962, he reportedly had nothing but a matriculation certificate and Rs300 in his pocket. Determined to succeed, he initially took up work as a radio mechanic before securing a job as a typist at the British Bank of the Middle East, thanks to his acumen in high speed typing.

His ambition, however, extended beyond employment. He saw immense potential in Dubai’s trading sector. Thus, he took up a part-time foodstuff business after the bank closed at 2pm.

After working for 18 years, he left the bank to pursue business full-time.

By 1978, he had founded MH Enterprises, which would go on to become a leading name in food distribution across the UAE and beyond. In the early years, he drove the truck himself to purchase and deliver the food.

In 1986, he opened a shop in Al Ras to facilitate the wholesale and export business in the MENA region. In 1992, a chemical division was established with a massive warehouse for faster delivery of food and industrial chemicals.

Over the decades, his company expanded its portfolio to include major international brands such as Nestlé and Unilever and diversified into various sectors with products ranging from groceries, perfumeries, confectionery, pharmaceuticals and more.

Under Gandhi’s leadership, MH Group grew into a business empire that employs more than 2,500 people and maintains a strong presence in the UAE, Oman, Maldives, and Seychelles. The group also ventured into the duty-free segment in India with Adani Industries eventually taking over a major stake in the company.

Dedicated entrepreneur

Despite his immense success, Gandhi remained deeply rooted in the values of hard work and perseverance and always preferred to keep a low profile.

His employees remember him as a dedicated entrepreneur who maintained a rigorous work schedule, often putting in long hours even at the age of 85.

Wilson Mehta, director of Finance at MH Group, told Gulf News that Gandhi’s presence in the office from morning to evening was proof of his unyielding drive. “He was an inspiration to all of us,” Mehta said. “He built his business empire with sheer hard work. He used to be in the office from 9.30am to 5.30pm six days a week. He was always active and never seemed his age. He gained a strong reputation for the company, building long lasting relationship with our business partners and won many certifications and awards including the Dubai Quality Award,” he added.

Mahesh Dakshinamoorthy, group general manager, MH Enterprises, said everyone across the group was deeply saddened by the loss of their visionary leader. “He treated the employees very well and always gave credit to his team for his success. We will miss him so dearly,” he said.

The last wish

Gandhi’s deep attachment to Dubai never faded. Just days before his passing, he had expressed to his wife his desire to be cremated in the city he had called home for over six decades. When he suffered a fatal heart attack in Mumbai, his son Manish Gandhi faced a major challenge in fulfilling his father’s wish.

Transporting a body from India to the UAE for cremation had no established protocol, requiring numerous approvals from agencies in both countries, including the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Mumbai Police, the UAE and Indian consulates, Dubai Police and Dubai Municipality.

Yet, through persistent efforts and the goodwill of officials on both sides, the necessary clearances were obtained within two days. After his final journey back to Dubai, family, friends, and business associates gathered to bid him farewell. His last rites were performed at the New Sonapur Crematorium in Jebel Ali, according to his last wish.