23-03-2021
With deep regret we must inform you that Dr. Ashok Mehta, Past International President (2005-2006), passed away on March 17, 2021. He was 89 years old.
Past President Mehta became a member of the Bombay Sion Lions Club in 1963. True to his theme, Passion to Excel, he immediately began to sponsor new Lion members for the next 57 years.
Past President Mehta organized more than 30 eye-camps all over India and Africa. He was dedicated to the success of the Tarachand Bapa Lions Hospital, and mobilized international support during major catastrophes, including earthquakes and super-cyclones in India. His peace mission to Pakistan, promoted by Lions of the two nations, added to the spirit of building bridges between the people of these countries. During Campaign SightFirst, he served as an International Committee member for South Asia and Africa, contributing to the campaign’s success in raising over US$150 million. He also presented papers on sight conservation and other topics at Lions international forums and conventions.
Past President Mehta served the association as Club Membership Chairperson, Club President, Centennial Action Committee Member, and Campaign SightFirst II International Committee.
Past President Mehta was a regular participant at Lions conventions, Forums and Lions conferences in far eastern countries. He served as a member of the faculty at 10 District Governors-elect Schools and was chairperson of the District Governors Orientation program at the 75th International Convention in Hong Kong.
His outstanding leadership and contributions were recognized with numerous awards including the Lions International Key Award for sponsoring 250 new members and 28 extension awards for organizing new clubs, the 50 and 55-Year Monarch Chevron, the Silver, Gold and Diamond Centennial Lion award, The Second Century Ambassador Award, Friend of Humanity Award, the Life Membership Award, 24 International Presidential awards, and the Ambassador of Good Will, the highest award the association gives to its members. He was also a multi-level Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.
The Jaycees of Mumbai declared him “Man of the Year” in 1986. The government of Maharashtra appointed him to the Senate of Mumbai University where he served on committees for awareness and prevention, as well as Sheriff of Mumbai for a one-year term in 2001. He was awarded an honorary doctoral degree in humanities from the University of the World in Missouri, USA.
Past President Mehta enjoyed a successful career as chairperson and managing director of a company in India and was actively associated with more than a dozen major medical, educational, welfare, social and cultural institutions.
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