Karson Bhai Measuria

Karsanbhai, born in India, lived in Kenya, Africa for some years, ultimately moved to Ashton in 1965. Ashton, many will recall, had a handful of immigrant families at that time.  The community of Indians, mainly arriving from various African nations.

Initially finding work to support his young family, his first job was in an engineering firm in Guide bridge where he was happy to work as the brew person and sweeper up person. He had come from working in a very large engineering firm where he was in charge of a vast store house, managing over 50 staff.

Here in Ashton, he soon settled moving from this job to other factory work, a bus conductor then a bus driver, eventually with a little support from valued friends and family he set up a Photographic and Indian clothing business on Penny Meadow in 1972.  The name “Karsons” was coined and became synonymous with Karsanbhai.  The business remained In operation, until May 2010, when a new road was built in its place. Karsons became a family name not only in Tameside but throughout the Northwest and as far away as Leicester and London.

At the time, Karsanbhai and other Indian families in Ashton saw was that there was a total lack of any centre where Indian culture and the Hindu religion could be practised and celebrated. This led to the formation of the Hindu Cultural Society known as Shree Bharatiya Mandal on Union Road, Ashton. This was an old school building which was shut down. The building was bought with donations from the community and devoted effort by the trustees to establish a new Mandir (Temple). Karsanbhai was until very recently, due to his failing health, remained one of the Trustees. Through these activities he worked along with Polcial members, being a personal friend of the Late Sir Robert Sheldon, various members of the Indian High Commission as well as Hindu Parasad council which included many religious leaders from around the globe.

Within the Indian, Pakistani and Bengali community Karsanbhai was regarded as the source of all answers to all problems. He would be out most nights helping others who were experiencing difficulties within their lives. Be they social, family, financial or work related, he would guide and help them.  Many will remember him for his help and guidance, which he freely gave to everyone.

It would be impossible to count the numbers he has helped through his life. He was a friend to all.

As a legacy of his work in the Community, he leaves the Temple on Union Road in Ashton, and the name “Karsons” which is now used by his children and grand-children in their own business endeavours. Most of all are the many thanks from the many families he helped in Tameside.

 

Karsanbhai leaves his five children, Nine grandchildren and Nine great grand children, many still continuing his social voluntary work in Tameside.

Thank you to the Ashton community for all the continuous support they have given to Karsanbhai and family over the years.