Sheikh Kanaksi, head of Khimji Ramdas family, passes away

Kanaksi Gokaldas Khimji, the patriarch of the illustrious Khimji Ramdas (KR) family died on February 19. He was 85.

As the senior-most Director of one of Oman’s largest business conglomerates Khimji Ramdas, Sheikh Kanaksi was instrumental in developing strong ties between Indian and Omani business communities.
Sheikh Kanaksi, well known for his philanthropic activities in India as well as Oman, was a recipient of many accolades and honours from the governments of India and Oman as well as other international organisations.

He was born in 1936 in Muscat and completed his education in Mumbai. Known as the man behind the consolidation of early trade in rice and dates between India and Oman, Sheikh Kanaksi was spearheading the KR Group’s businesses for almost five decades. Through his admired entrepreneurship, KR today has a formidable presence in Oman, the UAE and India. He was also the founding member and chairman of Oman Cricket.

In a statement issued by Indian School Muscat said: “We are deeply grieved to inform you that Shri Kanaksi Gokaldas Khimji, the Sheikh of the Indian Community and the founder of the first Indian School in Oman, passed away. As a mark of respect for the departed soul and to express solidarity with the bereaved Khimji family, all Indian Schools will remain closed today (Thursday, 18 February 2021).”

Indian Schools in Oman were saddened by the demise of their founding father Sheikh Kanaksi Gokaldas Khimji. All Indian Schools across the Sultanate remained closed as a mark of respect for the departed soul. “Sheikh Kanaksi Gokaldas Khimji has been the godfather of Indian Schools in Oman.

“On behalf of the Board and the entire Indian Schooling system, I offer our deepest condolences to his family at this time of irreparable loss,” Dr. Baby Sam Saamuel, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman said in his obituary message.