Dubai - The Bhatia family has been in Dubai for over 100 years and is one of the oldest families residing in Dubai sharing close relations with the UAE leaders.
Published: Thu 28 May 2020, 3:31 PM
Updated: Fri 29 May 2020, 2:48 AM
Veteran NRI Vijay Uttamchand Bhatia - son of Uttamchand Bhatia also popularly known as 'Uttrabha' - passed away after prolonged illness on May 21, 2020 in Mumbai.
The Bhatia family has been in Dubai for over 100 years and is one of the oldest families residing in Dubai sharing close relations with the UAE leaders. The family has also been instrumental in acquiring the land from late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum for Indian High School, Dubai, India Club and the Krishna Mandir (Temple) in Bur Dubai.
The late Vijay Bhatia, MD of Uncle's Shop was responsible to carry forward the legacy of 'Uttrabha' who started Uncle's Shop brand in Dubai in 1922. Uncle's Shop is one of the longest established and largest manufacturer's representatives for building materials in the region.
"There is an indescribable amount of grief after losing a father. Losing a father often means losing a protector, a guiding hand, a best friend, and a superhero. He was my father and a mentor who guided me to the right path always. But focusing on all the incredible memories he shared with me and my family, and the amazing man he was, full of love and energy. His aura never left his children see the darkness." said Deepak Bhatia, son of Vijay Bhatia, and MD of Uncle's Shop.
"Our family has always contributed for the welfare of the community residing here, and I would surely carry this legacy ahead. I am indebted to the Royal Family for always standing with us in all our times for generations and even today during this difficult time of grief. A father hold his children's hand for just a little while, but he holds them in his heart. He is physically gone, but his memories and love will be cherished forever, Will always miss you dad," added Deepak.
Tributes have started pouring in from local as well as expat community to the grieving family. Dr Ram Buxani, chairman of ITL Cosmos Group, said: " Vijay Bhatia - who was extremely low profiled - and stayed in India for medical reasons, belonged to a very celebrated family among Indians here, which had a very rare access to royal household. Bhatia will be remembered for the great conribution to Indian community's development and legacy he left behind will surely be a guiding factor for young entrpeneurs and business community."
Expressing his condolence message to Deepak Bhatia, Vipul, Consul General, CGI, Dubai, said: "I was very sad to hear about the demise of Vijay Bhatia, who has been among the most prominent Indians in Dubai and who would have taken many stories of Dubai with him. It is also distressing that he passed away during the time of Covid-19 and you could not go back to Mumbai for the final rituals. I hope God will give you the strength to bear with this big loss. Please accept my sincere condolences."
Former Indian Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, said: "We lost a leading light of Indian Diaspora in the UAE in passing away of Vijay Bhatia. He will be remembered as a person who not only was successful business man but was a builder of institutions. He was towering figure and helped many important social causes. We are fortunate that this family legacy is carried forward by Deepak so ably to keep his forefathers memories alive and to build on that goodwill, we offer our deep felt condolences."
Vijay Bhatia was an active member and on the managing committee of the Indian Association Dubai. He was also instrumental in getting on board the UAE Nationals as Patron in the Indian Business Council (IBC) during the earlier times. - sandhya@khaleejtimes.com
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