Jelal Kalyanji Natali

Jelal Kalyanji Natali QSM (17 August 1899 – 28 March 1993) was an Indian-New Zealand shopkeeper, Indian community leader and anti-racism activist.[1]

Born in Surat, Gujarat, Natali arrived in Auckland in 1920 via Natal, South Africa, and established himself as shopkeeper, first in Waimiha in the King Country[2] and then in Taumarunui in the central North Island. After investing in Taumarunui properties and businesses he moved to Browns Bay in Auckland, where his descendants still live.[3]

As early as 1937 Natali was actively engaged in campaigning against racist laws.[4] In the 1986 New Year Honours, he was awarded the Queen's Service Medal for community service.[5]

References

  1. ^ "Natali, Jelal Kalyanji - Biography - Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand". teara.govt.nz. 2011. Retrieved 15 December 2011. Natali, Jelal Kalyanji
  2. ^ "Papers Past — Evening Post — 26 January 1940 — INDIAN'S MESSAGE". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 2011. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  3. ^ "New Zealand Companies Register entry for NATALI INVESTMENTS LIMITED". business.govt.nz. 2011. Archived from the original on 24 July 2012. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  4. ^ "Papers Past — Evening Post — 17 June 1937 — THUMB-PRINT IDEA". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 2011. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  5. ^ "No. 50362". The London Gazette (2nd supplement). 31 December 1985. p. 31.