Venkat Raman
Auckland, December 24, 2020
The Commonwealth of Kentucky, a State in the Southern region of the United States of America has appointed popular businessman Harish Lodhia of Auckland, a ‘Kentucky Colonel,’ for his services to the community.
The Certificate, signed by Andy Beshear, Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, USA, was presented by Transport, Workplace Relations & Safety Minister Michael Wood to Mr Lodhia at a reception held at the Heritage Cuisine of India in Kingsland, Auckland yesterday (Wednesday, December 23, 2020).
As well the Lodhia family comprising Harish and Jyothi Lodhia and their sons Vishal and Viraj, the event was attended by Mr Lodhia’s friends from across communities.
Acknowledgement of Service
Minister Wood said that the conferment of the title of ‘Kentucky Colonel’ is an acknowledgement of the service that Mr Lodhia renders to people.
“Harish Lodhia is known to us in New Zealand not only as a successful businessperson but also as a man of compassion, love and care. He is connected with many community service organisations and serves people without seeking any publicity. As Honorary Consul for the Republic of Fiji in Auckland and as a Trustee of charitable organisations, he has been involved in offering assistance and support to people over the years,” he said.
Radio Tarana Managing Director & Chief Executive Robert Khan said that Mr Lodhia has been a source of strength in times of need.
Relief to cyclone victims
“When Cyclone Yasa caused havoc in Fiji last week destroying houses and properties, Mr Lodhia was among the first to spring into action. He quickly organised four containers of essential supplies, two each in Auckland and Wellington. to be sent to Fiji. He arranged several such containers when Cyclone Winston hit Fiji in 2016. He also inspires other people to rally around and help,” he said.
(Picture by Narendra Bedekar)
Opportunities to serve
Mr Lodhia said that he was humbled by the title of ‘Kentucky Colonel’ conferred by Governor of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky Andy Beshear.
“I am fortunate to have been born and raised in a family that has shown leadership, initiative and service, not only in business but also in the communities in which I have lived and worked for more than three decades. My parents taught me the importance of looking beyond the self and family, to the community and its people; more importantly, serve people who are less privileged and perhaps more vulnerable than most others,” he said.
Mr Lodhia said that he was also fortunate to be involved in a number of community organisations such as Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust (as a Trustee) and The Dame Jane Foundation (as Deputy Chairman and Trustee) as Honorary Consul for Fiji in Auckland and as a Justice of the Peace.
“These assignments provide me opportunities to serve people- those in need and those who are elderly and vulnerable. Year 2020 has been tough and challenging,” he said.
Mr Lodhia said that he keeps new blankets and essentials in his car and distributes them to homeless and other needy people as he drives around the city and sees them.
About Kentucky Colonel
The Citation from Governor Andy Beshear says that the Honourable Order of Kentucky Colonel is a voluntary philanthropic organisation.
It says that the Title is in recognition of a person’s noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to the community, state and nation.
“Kentucky Colonels are unwavering in devotion to faith, family, commonwealth, and country. Community service has the highest appeal in this Honour,” it says.
The Title ‘Kentucky Colonel’ was formalised in 1813, but it was previously used informally to refer to people with honoured reputations, often related to military service in the American Revolution.
It was also often associated with landowners respected in their communities.
The narrative has undergone several changes for more than 200 years.
But one aspect has remained constant: it recognises community engagement and emphasises and encourages community service.
Pictures by Narendra Bedekar, Creative Eye Fotographics
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