Mr Vivek Chadha, a 26 year old UK-based follower of Mahatma Gandhi has become the youngest donor so far to contribute 100,000 UK pounds to the Gandhi Statue Memorial Trust. Mr Chadha, Director of Nine Hospitality Ltd is a hotel owner, residential developer and major commercial investor in UK real estate. Mr Chadha graduated as a civil engineer in 2010 from University College London where Mahatma Gandhi was part of the University alumni.

Mr Chadha has been interested in Mahatma Gandhi from an early age, and even had his picture in his room at home, to inspire him in his schooldays. He said, ‘I am particularly interested in how Gandhi emphasized the privilege of giving and practiced compassion in creative ways. The fact that Gandhi concentrated all his energy in the service of others is a great example of how all young people should follow this idea in our day-to-day lives.’

Lord Meghnad Desai, chair of the Gandhi Statue Memorial Trust said, “It is very important that young people like Vivek step forward and donate towards this noble cause. He has joined a very important growing group of British Asians who have responded generously for this cause. More than fifty per cent of the money raised so far has come from UK, and 80 per cent of our 180 donors are British.” He added, “Many small donations have come to the charity, more than 90,000 UK pounds have been received so far through the same. This includes mostly UK based, donors who have given anything between 1 UK pounds to 15000 UK pounds.’

The Gandhi Statue Memorial Trust has been able to reach its goal of 750,000 UK pounds within approximately three months. Pledges, however, continue to pour in from the UK and all over the world.