UAE business community remembers Ram Buxani, 'Man of Ideas'
The community has lost a guide, role model and mentor: Indian Ambassador
Dubai: The passing of UAE business doyen Dr Ram Buxani on Sunday is being mourned as an irreparable loss to the country’s Indian community. Indian Ambassador to the UAE Sunjay Sudhir and prominent Indian business leaders have paid heartfelt tributes to Buxani, who had lived in Dubai for over six decades. Throughout his illustrious career, Buxani became Chairman of Cosmos ITL Group and a highly respected figure in the UAE community.
The Ambassador said, “Whenever we met, the warmth, optimism, and passion he exuded always left me inspired. I pray to God to bestow eternal peace to the departed soul and may his family and friends find the strength to bear this sudden and irreplaceable loss.”
Buxani was one of the most prominent Indians in the UAE, and his hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and service to the Indian community will always be remembered
“In his passing, the community has lost a guide, a role model and a mentor. Buxani has made the Indian community in the UAE proud. He will inspire generations of Indians who call the UAE home.” Sudhir said, “He was one of the most prominent Indians in the UAE, and his hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and service to the Indian community will always be remembered.”
'Ram was always full of ideas'
Dr Buxani was a role model for the business community. As the founder-chairman of the Overseas Indians Economic Forum in the UAE, Buxani’s involvement extended to institutions such as the India Club, Dubai, where he has been chairman since 2012.
Paras Shahdadpuri, Chairman of Nikai Group of Companies, said, “Dr Buxani’s most untimely demise is shocking. It’s an irreparable loss to the entire community and diaspora. He was an iconic figure for all but specifically to the Sindhi community across the globe.”
Shahdadpuri met Dr Buxani in 1987, soon after he arrived in Dubai. “We talked about creating a representative body of Indian businessmen and professionals. Thus, the body Overseas Indians Economic Forum was born with him as Chairman,” said Shahdadpuri.
“I found Ram full of ideas. He was a versatile human being, a leader, and an astute businessman; he played a lead role in many dramas and plays full of life. In Ram, we lost a great personal friend and a sense of pride for the community,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, said, "Dr Ram Buxani has been a role model for many Indian entrepreneurs who aspired to achieve their dreams in UAE. As a visionary leader and a cherished friend over the years, we deeply mourn his passing. His legacy and commitment to the community will be remembered for decades to come.”
One of Dr Buxani’s strongest attributes was bringing people together wherever he went, whether in business, community activity or philanthropy
Dr Buxani was also a stalwart of the electronics industry and a founder of TEG (The Electronics Group), an industry body for those who sell electronics, said Ashish Panjabi, COO of Jacky’s Electronics.
He added, “One of Dr Buxani’s strongest attributes was bringing people together wherever he went, whether in business, community activity or philanthropy. He set an example for many aspiring leaders to do good in many facets of life. He will be dearly missed, but his lessons will live on.”
"Buxani was a pioneer when it came to the electronics industry in Dubai. He guided TEG (The Electronics Group) and created a strong cohort of leading electronics brands,distributors and retailers. Apart from being a visionary businessman he was a philanthropist and worked tirelessly for the welfare of the Indian community," said Neelesh Bhatnagar, Founder of NB Ventures.
A great philanthropist
"Ram Buxani's profound impact in our community, especially in strengthening UAE-India bonds, reflected his unwavering commitment to mutual understanding and his enduring legacy shall continue to inspire us," said Faizal Kottikollon, Chairman, UAE India Business Council UAE Chapter and KEF Holdings.
Dr Buxani was a visionary leader and a well-known philanthropist, said Dr Dhananjay Datar, Chairman and Managing Director of Adil Group of Supermarkets. “Not only was he a well-known business personality, he was also a great philanthropist. He was known for his sharp business understanding and the ability to overcome challenges very proactively,” he said.
Meanwhile, Vijay Gandhi, Regional Director EMEA for Korn Ferry, said, “Ram Buxani was an exceptional individual whose profound contributions to the business community and society at large, particularly through his leadership at Indian High School and Al Noor, leave an indelible mark.”
A thought leader and mentor to many, he tirelessly advocated for social contribution, embodying the essence of service and inspiration
He added, “A thought leader and mentor to many, he tirelessly advocated for social contribution, embodying the essence of service and inspiration. His legacy will continue to resonate, influencing generations to come.”
“Dr Ram Buxani was a very good man. A stalwart and leader of the Indian Community in Dubai for over six decades. The world will miss him, and so will l," said Avi Bhojani, CEO of BPG Group.
Kamal Vachani, Group Director and Partner of the Al Maya Group, said, “I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Ram Buxani. He was a prominent figure in the UAE business community and will be dearly missed. I extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
'End of an era'
"With a heavy heart, I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Ram Buxani, a towering figure in the business world and a dear friend. His demise marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable achievements and unwavering integrity," said Joy Alukkas, Chairman – Joyalukkas Group.
"As chairperson of ITL Cosmos Group, Buxani’s leadership was transformative, inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs. Personally, he was a confidant, whose wisdom and encouragement were invaluable. His contributions extended beyond business - he was a compassionate humanitarian dedicated to improving lives. In mourning his loss, My thoughts are with his family. May they find solace in his extraordinary legacy."
Shamlal Ahamed, MD-International Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, said: "Ram Buxani, a stalwart of the Indian business community in the UAE, was a remarkable individual whose six-decade-long career touched countless lives. As one of the first wave of expatriates to the UAE, he established a resoundingly successful organization, inspiring thousands of entrepreneurs and leaders who followed.
"Through his advice and assistance, Buxani had also been a major supporter of Malabar Gold & Diamonds since our inception in the UAE. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this time of sorrow. His presence and wisdom will be dearly missed by the UAE expatriate and business community."
Biju Ninan, Founder & Editor, Gulf News-Gray Matter Super 100, said: "On behalf of the Indian Super 100 fraternity and a personal loss to myself, we deeply grieve the loss of Dr Ram Buxani - business icon, humanitarian and philanthropist. He has been a pillar of support in promoting talent and entrepreneurship in the UAE."
Buxani's contributions to the concept and making of the 14 years of Indian Super 100 volumes are immense. Dr Buxani will remain a searing Legend and his memories will keep inspiring all of us.