Founding Members
Hansa Shah
Hansa Shah was born in Kenya, where she spent her early childhood. She later went to the UK for her university education, earning a Pharmacy degree from King’s College, University of London. After marrying Nayan Shah in Kenya, they initially lived in Africa and then moved to Hong Kong, where they spent the majority of their married life. Throughout their time in Hong Kong, Hansa fully supported her husband and family while also immersing herself in community and cultural activities.
She served as an active member of the Gujarat Samaj of Hong Kong and was President from 1999 to 2001. In addition, she taught Gujarati to young children on a volunteer basis, reflecting her dedication to preserving and sharing her cultural heritage. Beyond this, she pursued her love of arts and crafts and performed with an Indian choir, participating in two charity events and singing at the Indian Consulate to celebrate India’s Independence Day.
Following the passing of her husband, Hansa moved to London, UK. There, she continues to contribute to the community by helping to teach yoga weekly at a local community center, as well as regularly participating in cultural events at the center.
Arun Kulkarni
Mr. Kulkarni holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and an MBA from the University of Saskatchewan. In the 1970s, Mr. Kulkarni purchased a small company and has since turned it into a multi-million dollar corporation operating globally including in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Hong Kong. Mr. Kulkarni’s business interests range from manufacturing and distribution of thermoelectric coolers to injection-molded goods servicing the horticulture industry in Canada and the United States. Mr. Kulkarni and his various affiliated business concerns employ over 3,000 people worldwide.
Samir Kulkarni
Mr. Kulkarni is an experienced entrepreneur and is the Chief Executive Officer of a large retail chain called Showcase. Under his leadership, the Showcase chain has expanded to over 160 stores across English Canada and the United States, employing over 1,000 people. He has served as a member of the board of advisors of various privately-held companies in the manufacturing, distribution and technology industries in North America. Mr. Kulkarni is a member of the Young Presidents Organization and The Indus Entrepreneurs. He holds a bachelor’s degree from York University and an MBA from Yale University.