Dr. Ram Buxani, a prominent Indian businessman and philanthropist, has passed away in Dubai at the age of 83. He died following an incident at his home around 1am on Sunday.
A full-time nurse, who was present to assist his wife, Mrs. Buxani, was there at the time and immediately called for medical help. Dr. Buxani had arrived in Dubai by sea in November 1959 when he was just 18 years old. He was the chairman of the ITL Cosmos Group, a well-known business conglomerate in the UAE.
Bharat Chachara, CEO of India Club, expressed his profound sorrow over Dr. Buxani’s demise. “It is a big loss for the Indian community. He belonged to the generation of individuals for whom making money was not everything; they gave back to the community. Visionaries like him were instrumental in establishing institutions such as the Indian High School and the India Club.” Chachara also highlighted that Buxani was one of the founding members of the India Club and served as its chairman for two terms. “He had a very dynamic personality and was very passionate about Sindhi culture. Retaining the community’s art was a project close to his heart.”
Dr. Buxani held various esteemed positions, including President of the Rotary Club of Jumeirah (Dubai) and Chairman of the Indian High School, an institution he helped establish by sourcing land and funds.
He founded the Overseas Indians Economic Forum (UAE), which later merged with the Indian Business and Professional Council in 2003, playing a crucial role in connecting the Government of India with NRIs.
The first showroom of Cosmos, part of Dr. Buxani’s group, was opened in Deira in 1969. His group later expanded into the hospitality sector, acquiring stakes in the Ambassador Hotel, Deira, and the Astoria Hotel, and ventured into the F&B sector by launching Kwality Ice Cream.
Dr. Buxani received numerous accolades in the UAE. He was honored with the Shield of Honour by the then President of India, Shri Giani Zail Singh, at the Vishva Sindhi Sammelan (World Sindhi Conference) for his services to the community in 1983.
Dr. Buxani also received the Shiromani Award by the Association of Shiromani Awards, New Delhi, presented by Dr. Shanker Dayal Sharma, then Vice President of India, in 1987.
In 2002, he was awarded the Bharat Gaurav Award by the Indian Merchants’ Chamber, Mumbai, presented by Balasaheb Vikhe Patel, the Union Minister of State for Finance, Government of India.
