Paresh Ratilal Mehta
Managing Director, Skyworld Travel and Tours Ltd
Director, Downtown Investments Ltd & Jwala Fireworks
Kampala, Uganda
Janam Bhumi:
Chalala, Gujarat, India
Dharma Bhumi:
Saurashtra, India
Karma Bhumi:
Kampala, Uganda
India’s Son and Global Ambassador
The ‘Paresh’ Factor: “I believe the world is one family, and whatever we do, whether in India or abroad, should bring happiness and well-being to everyone.”
THE MAN
Paresh Ratilal Mehta believes that there is nothing more life-affirming than being of service to others. It is a belief that was ingrained in him since his birth in 1982.
Born in the quaint Chalala village, Gujarat, Paresh learned the value of service from his parents, Dr Ratilal and Manjulaben Mehta, who dedicated their lives to Gayatri Parivar, a spiritual and social movement in India that promotes ethical living, self-discipline, and service to society.
Paresh grew up watching his parents working tirelessly for community welfare, running and supporting institutions that included hospitals, schools, colleges, orphanages, old-age homes, and regular medical camps across rural Gujarat. They were both awarded the Mukhyamantri Ropya Chandrak by the Gujarat government for their work.
“I grew up watching my parents live for others. That becomes your normal,” he says, and it is a value that has guided him from his early years in India to his present life as a business and community leader in Uganda.
THE JOURNEY
Paresh’s foundations were cemented in a traditional gurukul and later the village school. He then pursued engineering at Government Polytechnic, Gujarat. Starting his career with Apollo Tyres and later with the ABB Group, contributing to large-scale electrification projects across Gujarat and Rajasthan. Paresh was the model employee, who soon became a trusted professional known for his discipline, dedication, and leadership. Recalling his early career days, he admits, “Even in those early years, I knew leadership was not about comfort; it was about commitment.”
Commitment to being the best version of himself led him to Uganda in 2006. Paresh worked with his mentor and father-like-figure, Babulal Ruparelia at his Forex Exchange. “It was my ‘university education’ in entrepreneurship. I not only gained business acumen but also developed sharp leadership instincts under my mentor.” Paresh is also close to Babulal’s nephew, Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, and considers him a valuable guiding force. “He has always believed and trusted in my ability to succeed.”
When Babulal passed away in 2018, Paresh decided to embark on his own entrepreneurship journey. “In 2019, I launched a travel bureau and began investing in various businesses, including electronics trading and edible oil production. Each step brought success,” he shares. His integrity made him a trusted business associate. “People know they can trust me with closed eyes,” he says proudly. Today, Paresh leads Skyworld Travel and Tours Ltd. and Downtown Investments Ltd., along with other manufacturing and real estate ventures. More recently, he launched Jwala Fireworks.
Paresh has become a leading figure in the Indian-Ugandan business community, earning respect for his approach to business that emphasises ethics, sustainability, and long-term growth. “Everything I do as a businessman is grounded in trust and ethics. That has allowed me to grow selectively and sustainably,” he explains. His global engagement includes the 2019 Religions for Peace World Assembly in Germany, inaugurated by the Vice President of Germany; the Multi-Stakeholder Partnership for Peace and Development in New York; the 2017 multinational speakers’ meet in Chicago; and the 2016 Partnership Dialogues in Nigeria. In 2025, he participated in the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar and addressed Ugandan-origin expatriates at the UK–Africa Business Summit in the UK Parliament, while serving as Acting Chairman of the Indian Association Uganda since April 2025, reinforcing his role as an Indian–Ugandan entrepreneur and humanitarian.
THE SPIRIT WITHIN
“If I don’t help someone each day, the day feels incomplete,” says Paresh, who has devoted himself to philanthropy through his business and community leadership. He has channelled diaspora resources into life‑changing humanitarian initiatives, including large‑scale support for heart surgeries for Ugandan children born with congenital heart defects—coordinating efforts that have seen hundreds of children flown to India for critical treatment and raising significant funds through cultural events like India Day, which he described as “a celebration with a heartbeat.” He has also supported the construction of a primary school in Wasswa village for orphans and children with disabilities.
Under his leadership, the Indian community has also donated over 65,000 units of blood to local hospitals and driven outreach that aligns cultural pride with social purpose. Among his most significant initiatives is his awareness campaign to make homeopathy an accepted form of medical treatment in the Ugandan community. He has ensured that people continue to receive treatment at no cost.
THE LEGACY
Paresh strongly believes, “Charity begins at home, but its impact multiplies when you lead by example.”
Be it establishing schools, providing vital healthcare facilities for newborns, providing vegetarian meals during the pandemic, or managing the sensitive affairs of crematorium services and repatriation, Paresh is there whenever and wherever help is needed. Everyone knows that if they come to Paresh for help, they will not return empty-handed.
Paresh has little interest in recognition, but his dedication to business, philanthropy, and community service has not gone unnoticed. In October 2024, he was awarded the Golden Jubilee Medal by the President of Uganda, one of the nation’s most prestigious honours, in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian work and contribution to Uganda’s socio‑economic development. He has also been felicitated by multiple diaspora and cultural organisations, including East African, and several Indian regional and community-based associations in Uganda. Paresh feels that these achievements are not his alone. “Any award I get belongs to the entire community because it is a collective endeavour.”
Paresh also accepts that his success would not have been possible with his wife and steady anchor, Ankita. “Whenever I’m confused or stuck on a decision, she’s the first person I talk to,” he shares. Their joint decisions have guided him through many challenges. Paresh and Ankita got married in 2011 after virtually communicating with each other across continents.
She lived in Karnataka, but her family’s roots were in Gujarat. She pursued her education and career in banking and finance and worked her way up to a managerial position, all the while supporting him. Once their daughter, Nrupali, was born and Paresh’s ventures started taking off, Ankita also joined him and together they have perfected the fine art of work-life-service balance.
Their daughter, Nrupali is being raised to embrace Indian heritage with pride, participating in festivals, cultural events, and traditions that connect them to their roots.
Paresh says, “Our daughter might call herself Ugandan, but she is very much Indian in spirit.” She sees her parents and follows their lead.
Paresh is clear about who he is. “My passport is Ugandan, but my identity is that of an Indian-Ugandan.”
An Indian, a Ugandan, a businessman, a philanthropist, Paresh continues to uphold his Gayatri Parivar values to create a legacy that is enduring and will be a guiding light to the next generation.
MAPPING THE INDIA WITHIN
Bharat: Then and Now
“I grew up in a small village and now that village has evolved with schools, hospitals, and services that now empower rural communities. Small beginnings have become large-scale impact, showing that progress can thrive without losing India’s roots.”
Bharatiya Values that Travelled
“Indian values travel wherever we go—belonging, respect for elders, and cultural continuity shape our identity. Children abroad learn heritage and responsibility, sustaining the Bharatiya spirit across generations while staying connected to India.”
Generations Abroad: A New Bharatiya Identity
“Diaspora children carry India in their hearts, embracing culture while engaging with the world. By bridging homeland and global exposure, they honour tradition and adapt confidently, keeping Bharatiya values alive far from home.”
Pride, Progress, and the Spirit Of Bharat
“Indian pride comes from courage, resilience, and hard work, thriving not just in cities but in villages. Progress is rooted in culture, guided by values, and sustained through dedication and service.”
Dreams for the Youth and Future of Bharat
“I dream of vibrant rural India that preserves culture and livelihoods. I urge the youth not to get distracted and instead focus on their passion, purpose, and community service. That is the best way to achieve success for yourself and others.”
BACK TO THE FUTURE – IN FIVE MOMENTS
Food Cravings
THEN
I grew up eating traditional ‘bajra rotla’, ‘baingan bharta,’’ gud’ and buttermilk at home.
NOW
I enjoy Ugandan meals because they are very healthy. But, I ensure that at least one of my meals is the same traditional thali as it was back home.
Sport Spirit
THEN
I rarely played sports as a child, always busy helping my father.
NOW
I support kabaddi and cricket teams, encouraging others, though I don’t actively play.
Music Tastes
THEN
I listened to poet Pradeep, singers Jagjit Singh, Mukesh.
NOW
I am a ‘tabla’ player. Music is integral to me. So, I enjoy both classical and modern music.
Holiday Life
THEN
I travelled to religious places in India with the family during holidays.
NOW
I travel internationally for work, but always find time to explore places with my family.
Leisure Habits
THEN
Leisure meant helping at home and community work.
NOW
I find peace and calm in helping others. Of course, I also balance family and cultural commitments.
AKA
Paresh Mehta Managing Director Skyworld Travel and Tours | Paresh Mehta Director Downtown Investments | Paresh Mehta Director Jwala Fireworks
