Aafatoni Aandhi Vachhe Samruddhinu Shikhar U N Mehtanu Jivan Charitra

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aafatoni Aandhi Vachhe Samruddhinu Shikhar U. N. Mehtanu Jivan Charitra" by Kumarpal Desai, based on the provided pages:

This biography, "Aafatoni Aandhi Vachhe Samruddhinu Shikhar" (The Pinnacle of Prosperity Amidst the Storm of Calamities), chronicles the life of Shri U. N. Mehta. Authored by Kumarpal Desai and published by Torrent Limited, the book details Mehta's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful industrialist, highlighting his resilience in the face of numerous personal and professional challenges.

Key Aspects of U. N. Mehta's Life and the Biography:

• A Story of Perseverance: The book is a narrative of U. N. Mehta's life and his industrial ventures. It meticulously captures the struggles and challenges he faced in his business and personal life, encompassing a spectrum of emotions from sorrow to joy, highs and lows, grand successes, and significant failures. This portrayal reveals Mehta's multifaceted personality.
• Focus on the Human Element: The author emphasizes that the hero of any biography is truth, and the aim is to capture the vibrant pulse of an individual's life. Consequently, the narrative not only showcases Mehta's strengths but also acknowledges his limitations.
• Inspiration for Overcoming Adversity: The biography is presented not just as a tale of industrial success or wealth creation, but as an inspiring saga of a man's determination against overwhelming odds. It aims to offer a ray of hope to those facing difficulties, despair, addictions, or chronic illnesses, motivating them to persevere without succumbing to disappointment.
• Meticulous Research: Kumarpal Desai conducted thorough research, including interviewing approximately 55 individuals who had interacted with U. N. Mehta, and verifying information from various locations like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Palanpur, Siddhpur, Patan, Chhapi, Visnagar, Surat, Chandisar, and Bhavnagar.
• Early Life and Humble Beginnings:
  • U. N. Mehta was born in Memadpur village in Banaskantha district, a region considered backward at the time.
  • His family, like many Jains in the village, was involved in the money-lending business.
  • The narrative vividly describes the simple, traditional lifestyle of the time, including the daily chores of women, the community's barter system, and the prevalent social structure.
  • Mehta's father, Natalal bhai, was a man of simplicity and humility. His mother, Kanku behen, tragically passed away when U. N. Mehta was only eighteen months old, leaving a profound void in his life.
• Education and Early Struggles:
  • Despite the lack of educational emphasis in his community and the limited facilities available, U. N. Mehta displayed an early aptitude for learning.
  • He completed his primary education in Memadpur and then pursued higher education in Palanpur, a significant journey for him at the time.
  • His matriculation was completed in Bhavnagar, and he later pursued B.Sc. studies in Vadnagar.
  • The journey to Mumbai for higher studies marked a significant transition, where he joined the Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya.
• The Impact of Addiction and Health Issues:
  • A pivotal and challenging phase of Mehta's life involved his struggle with addiction to "Amfethemin" tablets, which he initially used to combat fatigue and enhance productivity. This habit, unbeknownst to many, had severe consequences on his health and financial stability, leading to significant personal and familial struggles for over a decade.
  • He faced numerous health challenges, including chronic digestive issues, the debilitating effects of his addiction, and later, a critical cancer diagnosis. The biography details his arduous journey of fighting these illnesses, highlighting his immense willpower and the support he received.
• Entrepreneurial Journey and "Torrent":
  • The book chronicles his entry into the pharmaceutical business, starting with small-scale production and gradually building "Torrent Laboratories," which was later renamed "Torrent Pharmaceuticals."
  • His innovative approach, particularly in developing and marketing "Trini-Cam Plus," a combination drug for mental health, proved highly successful and revolutionary. He focused on making quality medicines affordable and accessible.
  • The narrative details his strategic expansion into various sectors, including power (Gujarat Torrent Energy Corporation - GTEC) and cables.
• Personal Life and Family:
  • The biography portrays the unwavering support of his wife, Sharda behen, who played a crucial role in his life, especially during his health crises and business challenges.
  • It also highlights his dedication to his children's education and well-being, ensuring they received the best possible opportunities.
• Philanthropy and Social Contribution:
  • U. N. Mehta was deeply committed to social service. He established the U. N. Mehta Charitable Trust and made significant contributions to various causes, including healthcare, education, and religious institutions.
  • The establishment of the U. N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre in Ahmedabad stands as a testament to his vision for accessible and advanced healthcare.
• Principles and Values: Mehta is portrayed as a man of integrity, perseverance, and profound humility. He valued honesty, hard work, and self-reliance, even in the face of immense adversity. His ability to remain positive and his "never-give-up" attitude were central to his success.
• Recognition and Legacy: U. N. Mehta received numerous accolades for his contributions to business and society, including the "Gujarat Businessman of the Year" award. His life story is presented as an inspiration, demonstrating that with determination and strong ethical values, one can overcome formidable challenges and achieve remarkable success.

In essence, "Aafatoni Aandhi Vachhe Samruddhinu Shikhar" is a compelling account of U. N. Mehta's extraordinary life, offering valuable lessons on resilience, integrity, and the power of human endeavor in the face of life's inevitable storms. It celebrates not just his business acumen but also his enduring humanity and commitment to societal betterment.