A socially responsible organization in the socio economic development of Eastern Africa.
History
Formation of the Oshwal Education & Relief Board
It was the middle of the 2nd World War, when leaders of the Oshwal Community, mainly in Nairobi and Mombasa, thought of establishing a central board which would unite Oshwals throughout Kenya. They looked towards Nairobi to form a body which would enhance the unity of Oshwals in East Africa.
After informal discussions amongst leaders of Shree Visa Oshwal Halari Mahajan Mandal in Nairobi, an initiative was taken and a conference was organized. Invitations were sent to various elected representatives in the major towns of Kenya to attend the conference which was planned during the Easter Holidays at the Jainshala Hall Nairobi.
21 Oshwals from 10 different centres got together to discuss and chart out the future of Oshwals in East Africa. The Chairman of the Nairobi Visa Oshwal Community, Shree Popatlal Karman Malde, chaired the conference. The Chairman’s speech drew loud applause. The day was Friday 11th April 1941 and these courageous Oshwals who had tremendous foresight and vision dared to dream. This dream materialized in the formation of the Oshwal Education & Relief Board (OERB).
The first President of the OERB was the man who played a vital role in its establishment and commanded a great deal of respect amongst Oshwals. He was none other than Shree Popatlal Karman Malde and he had a very able Secretary in Shree Raichand Karamshi Shah.