MOHINDRA Dhall MBE, founder and president of the Scottish Indian Arts Forum (SIAF) has passed away aged 84.
Mohindra, originally from Pakistan, was a pillar in the South Asian community in Edinburgh and helped to found Edinburgh’s Diwali celebrations, which occur in November each year.
He spoke often of his experience migrating from Pakistan to India in 1947, due to the Partition of India.
Tributes have been flooding in to commemorate Mohindra and his legacy, which “laid the foundation” for the SIAF in Edinburgh.
Mohindra passed away last week at the age of 84, and was a “beloved husband, father, and grandfather”.
The SIAF posted on social media soon after, saying: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sad demise of our beloved Founder President of the Scottish Indian Arts Forum, Mr. Mohindra Dhall.
“His vision and dedication laid the foundation for our organization, and his legacy will continue to live on through the cultural bonds he helped create.
“May his soul rest in peace. We will share further details about the funeral arrangements soon”.
Over 130 users commented on the post, remembering his impact on them and the city.
One user said: “RIP. We are indebted for what he has done for us fellow Indians.
“May his legacy continue.”
Another commented: “Our heartfelt and deepest condolences to uncle’s family. Om Shanti.”
A tribute page has been created by SIAF, in order for people to “share their thoughts, memories, and condolences.”
Sandra Brown, president of The Edinburgh Rotary Club, of which Mohindra was a member, said: “As current Edinburgh Rotary Club president, I send my personal condolences to Mohindra’s family and I am sure many of our members will endorse my sentiments that Mohindra will be truly missed and they are likely to leave their own thoughts and memories of him here in turn.
“Just a few months ago, he received a special Long Service Award for decades of dedication and as a recognition of projects he helped initiate within the city – many promoting harmonious community activities to aid good relations and enhance cultural links.
“I am glad that the certificate meant a great deal to him.
“We were joined at Christmas lunch by both himself and Aruna and they enjoyed the company at their table, with Mohindra taking the opportunity to ask our special guest a question on future plans for Edinburgh Airport.
“Over 20 of our members also shook hands with Mohindra – wishing each other a Happy New Year – at lunch on the day he passed away.
“As he was in good form, none of us thought for a moment that he would be gone later that same evening.
“It is still hard to accept he has departed, and if it is a shock for us, his rotary colleagues then I cannot begin to imagine how this sad blow has hit his wife and family.
“My kindest regards to you all at this hard time.
“Sandra Brown OBE”.
Mohindra spoke to the BBC in 2017 about fleeing Pakistan in 1947, saying: “My father decided to come out of the train and we stayed back, only to hear the next day that the whole train was completely butchered.
“Half of our friends from the village, who were on the train, got butchered.”
Mohindra’s family have asked for people to donate to a JustGiving page instead of giving flowers, where proceeds will be sent to Sightsavers – a charity that they say is “close to uncle and aunty’s hearts”.
 has passed away aged 84. ){kind=link}