Mumbai: Memon Businessman Receives Honorary Doctorate at UK Parliament for Real Estate Achievements
MUMBAI: City-based Memon businessman Parvez Suleman Lakdawala was recently awarded an honorary doctorate at the UK Parliament. The prestigious award was given at the House of Lords during the 'Sorbon International Convention,' organized by Ecole Superieure Robert de Sorbon, a renowned French higher education institution. The honorary degree acknowledges Lakdawala's over three decades of experience and service in the field of real estate and housing infrastructure.
"This is recognition of my work in redeveloping slums through SRA schemes. I have been in this business for over three decades and have built 32 buildings," said Lakdawala. A prominent member of the Memon community, a traditionally business-oriented community, Lakdawala began redeveloping slums and providing affordable homes through the SRA schemes around 1995, when few others were taking up such projects.
"Many people do different things, but I do one thing—make houses—in different ways," he explained. "Dedication, honesty, and professionalism count a lot. They put you on the pathway to success, and I have tried to follow these principles diligently." When asked about the honor he received at the UK Parliament, Lakdawala expressed his humility, stating that he had never imagined such an accolade would come his way.
Working hard, Lakdawala brought innovation to his projects, introducing new styles and designs when building houses. He has been committed to helping slum dwellers move into flats, providing them with assets they can be proud of. "I remember slum dwellers would hesitate to tell others about their addresses as they felt ashamed of their dwellings. But they would take pride in their new homes in buildings with amenities," recalled Lakdawala.
Aware of his humble beginnings, Lakdawala credited his success to the blessings of his parents and the support of his loving family and friends. His dedication to improving the lives of slum dwellers through affordable housing has earned him respect and recognition not only in Mumbai but also on an international stage.
Lakdawala's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one person can have on their community. His work in real estate and slum redevelopment continues to inspire others to pursue similar paths of service and innovation.
