Remembering Mohan Khanna

It is a great honour to feature Mohan Khanna, a former resident of Ashok Gardens and a key member of the committee that created the beautiful landscaping of Ashok Gardens in the month that would have been his 68^th birth anniversary.

Mohan Khanna passed away in Nov 2024 and is greatly missed by the whole community. This article has been written with many thanks to the inputs from his wife - Meera Khanna and his children – Mudita, Priyanka and Udit.

Feature: Mohan Khanna

Profession: Garden landscaping & green spaces entrepreneur

A LITTLE ABOUT MOHAN KHANNA

Mohan came from a simple background and spent his childhood in North India. He completed all of his education (CA, ICWA, ACS) while in Punjab. His parents were simple people who gave him a value system that enabled him to create a strong career in finance, while staying grounded.  

Generous 

Mohan had a penchant for never saying no to those who sought help. Being a finance professional, he would often share advice with friends and family including providing financial support where needed and supporting children in the extended family in pursuing their careers and dreams. 

A family man

In spite of hectic travel and work, Mohan would make time to bring gifts for family and friends. Even if it was a little gift, or a rushed gift, there would always be a gift. He was very involved in his children’s education, spending time teaching them academic as well as practical skills and showing them how to keep a strategic perspective in navigating their careers.

A finance professional 

Mohan went on to become an investment banking professional and had a long career including stints as Managing Director at various organizations @ UTI Securities, @Vadodara Stock Exchange, @Ludhiana stock exchange and @ BNP Paribas. He brought new financial instruments & derivatives like futures and options for the first time to India after studying multiple global stock exchanges.

A gardener at heart 

But his one true love was plants and this prompted him to take the plunge and start ‘Root Bridges’ – his own venture of plants and nurseries. Having no background in horticulture, Mohan built his company out of interest and love.  

Many interests

Mohan loved watching comedy movies and shows, listening to retro music and cooking at times. 'Mushroom do pyaaza" was one of his signature dishes. He also loved to challenge his children and grand children in games like chess to groom them strategically early on.

Fun Fact

He would visit various countries and pick up plants from there.  Whether it be China, Japan, UK, US, or any other country, Mohan would be sure to pick up a plant on his way back home. 

Award Winning gardens

Mohan was a key member of the landscaping development strategy at Ashok Gardens from the beginning. Ashok Gardens has won the 1st Place for the Best Podium Garden in Mumbai in 2025 and has been a top contestant in podium gardens for years. Each plant and bloom in Ashok Gardens somewhere holds a memory of his work. 

Mohan Khanna passed away in Nov 2024. This month would have been his 68^th birthday.