Hong Kong and India pay tribute to late philanthropist Hari Harilela

Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Kowloon Tong mansion of the Harilela family to pay tribute to philanthropist, hotelier and family patriarch Hari Harilela.

The businessman, long one of the most prominent members of the city's Indian community, died on Monday at the age of 92. His body lay in repose at the family home yesterday for people to pay tribute, and will do again today, with the home open from 3pm to 8pm.

Among the visitors yesterday was Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, who said: "Dr Harilela was a successful entrepreneur and devoted much effort to the development of the hotel and real estate sectors in Hong Kong. He was also a renowned philanthropist and made tremendous contributions to the tertiary education sector."

Born in Hyderbad, Sindh - then part of British India but now in Pakistan - his family moved to Guangzhou in 1930. Having started out as a tailor, Harilela became a self-made millionaire after branching out from textiles into property and the hotel business, entering the market as others pulled out after the 1967 riots. Now led by his son, Aron, the family's Harilela Group has a portfolio of 19 hotels worldwide.

Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah and Education Secretary Eddie Ng Hak-kim also paid respects to Harilela, a keen supporter of educational causes.

Diplomats also paid tribute. The British consul general hailed Harilela's "wonderful contribution" to connecting the city and his native India.