The 100 NRIs – 2026: Lekhu Thakurdas Pagarani, Chairman, Choithrams
LEKHU THAKURDAS (L.T.) PAGARANI
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This article forms part of The 100 NRIs, a special edition by Entrepreneur Middle East spotlighting the most influential non-resident Indians shaping business, innovation, and investment across the region.
As the Chairman of Choithrams, Lekhu Thakurdas Pagarani stands as the driving force behind Choithrams, one of the UAE’s leading supermarket chains with a formidable presence across the GCC. As a thirdgeneration family member at the helm, he has successfully steered an enterprise rooted in tradition yet firmly focused on strategic growth.
Founded by his father, Thakurdas Choithram Pagarani, the business traces its origins back to Sierra Leone in 1944, with its first UAE store opening in 1974. Today, under Pagarani’s leadership, Choithrams boasts around 85 supermarkets across the GCC, employing tens and thousands of staff, with over 500 distributed brands, cementing its position as a key player in regional retail.
The brand delivers a seamless hybrid shopping experience, with a strong online platform at Choithrams. com, and a mobile-first delivery network. Partnering with Instashop, Talabat, Deliveroo, El Grocer, and Noon, it ensures fast, convenient access across multiple channels. The ‘Green Goodness’ initiative highlights its commitment to organic and eco-friendly products, reflecting a focus on health and sustainability.
Beyond his role in retail, Pagarani chairs the Choithram International Foundation (CIF), the group’s philanthropic arm. He has overseen a wide array of initiatives spanning healthcare, education, and sustainable agriculture. These efforts include partnering with organisations such as Médecins Sans Frontières and the UN World Food Programme to deliver millions of school meals, establish hospitals, and run vision clinics. His commitment to addressing food waste and supporting community health demonstrates a genuine dedication to social responsibility.
Pagarani’s leadership exemplifies a seamless blend of commercial acumen and social consciousness. Through strategic expansion and philanthropic endeavours, he remains dedicated to fostering sustainable growth that benefits both the business and the wider community.
Related: Entrepreneur Middle East Reveals “The 100 NRIs” List
This article forms part of The 100 NRIs, a special edition by Entrepreneur Middle East spotlighting the most influential non-resident Indians shaping business, innovation, and investment across the region.
As the Chairman of Choithrams, Lekhu Thakurdas Pagarani stands as the driving force behind Choithrams, one of the UAE’s leading supermarket chains with a formidable presence across the GCC. As a thirdgeneration family member at the helm, he has successfully steered an enterprise rooted in tradition yet firmly focused on strategic growth.
Founded by his father, Thakurdas Choithram Pagarani, the business traces its origins back to Sierra Leone in 1944, with its first UAE store opening in 1974. Today, under Pagarani’s leadership, Choithrams boasts around 85 supermarkets across the GCC, employing tens and thousands of staff, with over 500 distributed brands, cementing its position as a key player in regional retail.
