Born in Tanzania but with roots in Saurashtra, British businessman Ashok Jivraj Rabheru was knighted by the Queen, Monday. The 70-year-old’s paternal side hails from Keshod while his maternal links go back to Bilkha in Junagadh district. The family still owns residential property in Junagadh.
This knighthood is part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations to mark the Queen’s rule. A host of other businessmen and social entrepreneurs were honoured with the title for their contribution to the British Isle. This award confers the “Sir” or “Dame” prefix on the awardee. Sir Ashok, as he will henceforth be known, is a prominent member of the Asian community in the UK and known for his social work toward community upliftment.
Rabheru was born in Morogoro, Tanzania, and his family emigrated to the UK when he was 15. He earned his degree from University College London in (B.Sc.) and later, pursued an M.Phil. from Royal Holloway, University of London, in Applied Mathematics.
His IT career started with Genisys Group in 1985, with just five employees. Today, the company has grown to be a global IT services provider with 1000+ employees. Over the last three decades, the company has helped enterprises reimagine their businesses in the digital world, by offering comprehensive IT solutions backed with experience, commitment and strategy.
Rabheru served as a Trustee for DofE (Duke of Edinburgh) from 2000 till 2010 and was the core member of the steering group to raise funds for the DofE’s Golden Jubilee anniversary in 2006. He still works as its chairman, Joint Funding Board for the UK and international engagements. This program supports young people between the ages 14-24 and empowers them to learn and grow through informal education. His work is also significant in charities like Combat Stress and Debra.
A reason for all Gujaratis to be proud, Sir Ashok’s knighthood was perhaps just a matter of time. Earlier too, he has served as Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in the 2011 New Year Honours and as Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) in the 2022 Birthday Honours.
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