Bhai was a very strong willed person with a clear sense of purpose. He always put education at front and always helped us in whatever way he could to push us harder and get better grades. There would be joy in him when we succeeded and bitter disappointment when we did not!

He joined Government Primary School in 1954 in Central Nairobi and then went to City Primary School in Nagara. As the student population was growing fast and new schools were being built, Bhai moved to Eastleigh Primary School in 1957. I distinctly remember us three elder brothers going to watch Elvis Presley's movie 'Jail House Rock' there in 1958. It was a sheer novelty to see that movie.

Also I recall him playing a role (probably Little John) in a play on Robin Hood organised by his 7th Class teacher at Eastleigh Primary. We used to go and watch him when they were practising on a Saturday afternoon in the school playing fields.

Right from young age Bhai liked to dress smartly. He would ensure all his clothes were ironed to perfection. No creases! In those days the iron was heated by burning coal!

After primary education, Bhai joined Eastleigh Secondary School in 1959. This is where he came on to his own! He joined the Scouts group, the Scoutmaster being Mr. Shant. As all brothers went to Eastleigh one after another, Bhai's name kept on cropping up. "You know your brother, Davy Crockett (as he was nicknamed by Mr. Mendonca) was very able and studious…." Meaning that he had set the standards for all of us to follow! Bhai excelled in Physics and Geography and came top of his form in these two subjects in his second year. He also enjoyed the Chemistry lessons with Mr. PA Patel who too would remind us of Bhai's Character!

He enjoyed his scouting days very much as this gave him an opportunity to explore the environment. His love of nature and adventure would inspire him to do lots of things in his later life. He enjoyed his scouting days with his good friend Narinder Luthra. In 1963 Bhai became a Queen Scout and later in the year on Kenya's independence day on 12th December, he was awarded the Duke of Edinburghh's Gold Medal by the Duke of Edinburghh who had come to Kenya as the queen's representative for the independence day celebrations. Bhai's picture appeared in the Battian the official magazine for Scouts in Kenya. To this day we will not forget that moment as we were glued to a small television screen in our neighbour's house watching the event unfold! He was the first Oshwal to shake hands with Royalty!

Written by Ashvin Shah

- From www.devendrabhai.com