Dr. Ashok Mehta, Past International President (2005-2006), passed away on March 17, 2021.  He was 89 years old.

The late Past President Mehta became a member of the Bombay Sion Lions Club in 1963. True to his presidential theme, “Passion to Excel,” he immediately began to sponsor new Lion members and continued to for the next 57 years. The late Past President Mehta organized more than 30 eye camps in India and Africa. He was dedicated to the success of the Lion Tarachand Bapa 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, Mehta served as an International Committee member for South Asia and Africa, contributing to the campaign’s success in raising more than US$150 million.

The late Past President Mehta served the association in numerous roles. He was a regular participant at Lions conventions, Forums, and Lions conferences, 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 numerous awards include the Lions International Key Award for sponsoring 250 new members and 28 extension awards for organizing new clubs, the Friend of Humanity Award, and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, 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, and he was awarded an honorary doctoral degree in humanities from the University of the World in Missouri, USA.

The late 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. His spouse, Kokila, daughter, Sheetal, and extended family and friends mourn his death.