Renowned educationist and father of Arvind Ltd CMD Sanjay Lalbhai, Shrenik Kasturbhai Lalbhai (89) passed away on Thursday early morning. Lalbhai, who had been instrumental in the education scene of the city, succumbed to prolonged illness at his Koteshwar residence on the outskirts of Ahmedabad.
Known as a Jain philanthropist, educationist and businessman, Shrenik Lalbhai made considerable contribution to the fields of education, business and Jain pilgrimage places.
Shrenik saw his father Kasturbhai Lalbhai start all the current companies of Lalbhai Group – Arvind, Atul, and Anil Starch while the former carried the baton along with other Lalbhai family members. Offering his condolence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only tweeted from his personal Twitter account stating ‘Shri Shrenik Lalbhai left a distinguished mark through his service to society. May his soul rest in peace. Offered condolences to his family’, but also spoke to his son Sanjay Lalbhai, CMD of Arvind Ltd on phone. A widower, Shrenik Lalbhai had lost his wife Pannaben a few years ago. The couple is survived by son Sanjay Lalbhai and his family, and daughter Kalpanaben (married).
Having graduated from MIT and Harvard University, Shrenik Lalbhai went on head Lalbhai Group’s textile business, apart from being actively associated with several education institutes. Shrenik Kasturbhai Lalbhai served as the Chairman of Deepak Nitrite Ltd. until 1998, apart from serving at Lalbhai Group companies for several years.
