Chicago IL: In loving memory of Arvindbhai Thakkar, we are saddened to announce his passing on March 26, Thursday at 10:30 AM. A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. He was 81 years old and will be remembered for his strong selfless service to his family, the Lohana community, and a wide range of non-profit organizations (temples, charities, and Non-Governmental Organizations) based in India and Chicago.
Arvindbhai was born on December 3, 1938 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat to Ramjibhai and Gangaben Thakkar. He was the oldest of seven brothers and sisters. At the age of 5, he memorized the 12th and 15th Adhyayas from the Geeta, and was able to recite them fluently. In 1960, he married, the loving Indiraben Thakkar. In the next eight years they became proud parents of three beautiful daughters – Jagruti, Arti, and Shilpa.
Arvindbhai decided to pursue a degree in Civil engineering and graduated from BVM Engineering College in Gujarat. After coming to the USA in 1978, he completed a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology. Arvindbhai was a well-respected Engineer with Professional Engineering licenses. He provided his valuable service to various companies in India, the Middle East, and the USA. During his career, he helped numerous young Engineers by providing mentorship, connections, and opportunities to them.
Arvindbhai was truly a great social activist. He was selfless, generous, helpful, patient, kind, and giving. With his welcoming smile and humbleness, he was able to connect with people – understand their needs and help fulfill them. Arvindbhai spent more than half of his life giving back to communities.
· He was the founding member of many temples in the USA including – Manav Seva Mandir, Midwest Swaminarayan Mandir, BAPS Mandir, Shree Jalaram Mandir, Gayatri Mandir, Swaminarayan Mandir Vasna Sanstha, and Portland Hindu Temple.
· He initiated free health clinics in majority of the Chicagoland temples for seniors and impoverished people without insurance. These clinics still provide doctor’s consultations, lab results, and medications to all devotees regardless of race or religion – free of charge.
· He started an eye clinic at the Swaminarayan temple in Itasca with free eye check-ups and distribution of eyeglasses.
· He organized a clothing drive in Chicago at 10+ locations. At these clothing drives with 100+ volunteers
Containers full of clothes were collected, organized by size, shipped to India, and personally distributed to the less privileged people across Gujarat.
· He started an NGO in India called ‘Sahiyaru Abhiyan’ in 2010. Within this NGO he continued his
· Mission of helping others:
o Built more than 500 toilets in the rural areas of India
o Provide tuition aid to school children and college students
o Distribute groceries, warm blankets, and shelter to families
o Organize mental and physical health workshops for adults and seniors
Arvindbhai is survived by his three lovely daughters Jagruti, Arti, Shilpa, his three son-in-laws, and six beautiful grandchildren. He will be remembered every day, as his life was a true blessing. He was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the funeral was held on March 28 with immediate family members only.
The family will hold a prayer/besanu service for friends and family at a later date for everyone that would like to pay their respects and celebrate the life of our beloved Arvind Thakkar.
