Nayan Shah:
An Inspiration

Nayan Lalji Kachra Shah was born in Kampala, Uganda in December 1951. 

His early years were in Mombasa, Kenya and then he attended secondary school at Eltham College, UK. 

In 1974, he graduated from the University of Sheffield with an honours degree in Chemical Engineering. In 1975 he went on to complete a post graduate diploma in Business Studies at the University of Sheffield. 

After tertiary education, Nayan joined his family’s multigenerational business, which spans across many parts of the world (Shah Family Enterprise). He initially worked in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, and then settled in Hong Kong with his wife, Hansa. 

In Hong Kong, Nayan was the company director of Datum Limited since the early 1980s. He had loyal and committed staff members, some of whom worked with him for over 30 years. 

Nayan and Hansa, raised 2 children, Amrish and Shreena, while being actively involved in many community organisations. In 2021, they became grandparents to Arjun who has been joined by his sister Palomi in 2024.

Nayan was a founding member of the Rotary Club Admiralty, in Hong Kong and remained an active member for over 30 years. 

In 1995 he was the president of the same Rotary Club. 

For 38 years, from 1983 until the end of his life, Nayan was a committee member of the Gujarat Samaj, Hong Kong. A few days before he passed away in November 2021, he was still actively involved in the annual Diwali Ball hosted by the Gujarat Samaj.

He was often the life of the party and an avid people connector. He gave support, empathy and guidance to all family members and friends. 

Nayan was also an active member of India Association Hong Kong and contributed to strengthening ties within the Indian diaspora.

Also,as Honorary Treasurer and Director of Non-Resident Indian Association of Hong Kong Limited he worked tirelessly to promote the welfare of the Indian community.

Nayan believed in life long learning and encouraged his own children, his wider family and community members to pursue higher education. He took the time to support anyone in need, through philanthropy, education and in being fully present in all his communications. He truly listened when anyone spoke to him.

As a father, grandfather, uncle, company director and a well respected member of the community, Nayan has touched many lives and may his legacy live on through this Foundation.