Mumbai: City-based Memon businessman gets honourary doctorate at UK Parliament

MUMBAI: City-based Memon businessman Parvez Suleman Lakdawala was recently awarded honourary doctorate at the UK Parliament. Given at the House of Lords at "Sorbon International Convention" held by Ecole Supeireure Robert de Sorbon, a French higher education institution that offers degrees for professional experience, the Honourary degree recognises Lakdawala's over three decades' experience and services in the field of real estate and housing infrastructure.


"This is recognition of my work in redeveloping slums through SRA schemes. I have been in this business for over three decades and have built 32 buildings," said Lakdawala.


A prominent member of the Memon community, a traditionally business community, Lakdawala added that he began redeveloping slums and providing affordable homes through the SRA schemes in around 1995 when not many were taking up slum redevelopment projects. "Many people do different things, but I do one thing--make houses --in different ways," he explained. "Dedication, honesty and professionalism count a lot. They put you on the pathway to success and I have tried to follow these principles diligently."


When asked about the honour he received at the UK Parliament, Lakdawala said he felt humbled because he had never imagined that such an honour would come his way. Working hard, Lakdawala brought in innovation in his work and introduced new styles and shapes when he built houses. He says he has been committed to helping slum dwellers move in flats, providing them assets they could feel proud of. "I remember slum dwellers would hesitate to tell others about their addresses as they felt ashamed of their dwelling. But they would take pride in their new homes in buildings with amenities," recalled Lakdawala.


Aware of his humble beginnings, Lakdawala credited his success to the blessings of his parents and support from his loving family and friends.