Charity Saint Shri Meghjibhai Pethraj

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Charity Saint Shri Meghjibhai Pethraj" by Atmanandji:

Early Life and Aspirations:

Shri Meghjibhai Pethraj was born on September 15, 1905, in Dabsang, near Jamnagar, to the devout Jain Oshwal parents, Shri Pethrajbhai and Ranibai. Despite the family's modest economic standing, they were highly respected and deeply religious. Meghjibhai was a bright student, excelling in his village school and even becoming a teacher at the age of 14, earning Rs. 8 per month. However, his ambition extended beyond his humble surroundings. Inspired by the names of foreign cities he taught, he yearned to travel, earn wealth, and uplift his family and homeland.

Journey to Africa and Early Setbacks:

Following parental consent and after his marriage to Monghibai at 14, Meghjibhai, at 15, set out from Saurashtra for Africa, with Mumbai as his transit point. His dream of seeing the world was immediately shattered when his trunk containing his passport, money, and belongings was stolen in Mumbai. This significant setback, coupled with the departure of his ship, left him disheartened and facing his parents' disappointment. However, Meghjibhai demonstrated remarkable resilience and a refusal to be defeated by circumstances. He returned home, learned from his mistake, and with the financial support of his parents, who mortgaged his mother's ornaments, he finally embarked on his journey to Mombasa on July 18, 1919.

Business Acumen and Philanthropic Foundation:

Upon arriving in Africa, Meghjibhai joined a firm as an accountant. Through hard work, discipline, and an innate understanding of business, he quickly mastered his role. His diligence was recognized, leading to a remarkable salary increase. Despite his success and the affection of his colleagues, Meghjibhai felt a calling for independent business. He returned to India, consulted his brothers, and with their collaboration, established "Raychand Brothers." Their initial ventures included buying and selling goods, and manufacturing Vaseline and hair oils. This humble beginning evolved into a vast business empire, with the establishment of 55 limited companies in East Africa and India within 31 years, encompassing industries like aluminum and industrial works, and the extraction of tannin.

Wealth and Wisdom: The Spirit of Trusteeship:

Despite amassing considerable wealth, Meghjibhai remained grounded and simple. He treated his employees with respect and empathy, fostering a loyal and dedicated workforce. A pivotal moment occurred during a plane journey when the turbulence prompted him to reflect on the purpose of his wealth. He decided to delegate his business responsibilities, entrusting them to capable individuals. Meghjibhai firmly believed that wealth was meaningless if hoarded and that true value lay in its purposeful utilization for social good. He advocated for active participation in service rather than mere monetary donations.

Transition to Charity and Social Service:

Meghjibhai's commitment to charity began in earnest around 1936, with significant involvement in drought relief efforts in Saurashtra. He was a secular individual who believed in unifying all Jain sects. He founded a boarding house in Jamnagar, a girls' school in Nairobi, and a lecture hall in Thika, demonstrating a deep attachment to religious service that transcended caste and creed. He recognized the profound need for Jain principles of non-violence and detachment in the modern world, believing Jainism had the potential to be a global religion.

Principled Philanthropy and Impact:

Upon retiring from business in 1944, Meghjibhai's philanthropic wave intensified. He favored creating new institutions or management systems through well-planned, substantial donations, rather than numerous small ones. His charity was characterized by dignity, respect for the recipients, and a focus on his native land, Saurashtra, and its development. He prioritized educational and medical relief, believing in the importance of empowering people and addressing societal backwardness. He preferred to support government plans after ensuring their proper implementation or by establishing institutions according to his vision and then handing them over to the government. His generosity was evident in contributions towards primary and technical schools, boarding houses, maternity homes, hospitals, women's development, children's homes, leprosy hospitals, and various educational institutions, including colleges for arts, science, law, and commerce. He famously donated a lakh of rupees to establish the Kamla Nehru Memorial Hospital and later offered seven and a half lacs for a Cancer Hospital. His total donations for social service in Gujarat and Saurashtra exceeded a crore of rupees, with overall donations in India and Africa surpassing one and a half crores. He also extended his charitable reach to Africa, supporting primary schools, libraries, and scholarships for students. His contribution to the Bengal famine relief and the creation of the Gandhi Memorial Academy in Africa further highlighted his extensive social commitment.

Personal Life and Legacy:

Meghjibhai's personal life was marked by a loving family and a deep commitment to their well-being. He married Maniben after the untimely demise of his first wife, Monghibai. She was a supportive partner who encouraged his philanthropic endeavors. He had six children and emphasized the importance of educating daughters equally with sons. After retiring, he served in the Rajya Sabha, dedicating his time to administering trusts and working for the public good rather than personal gain. He was known for his punctuality, simplicity, and a mild, humorous nature that could diffuse tension.

Final Moments and Enduring Impact:

Shri Meghjibhai Pethraj passed away on July 30, 1964, from a heart attack. He left behind a legacy of immense charitable contributions and a profound embodiment of the trustee-ship principle championed by Mahatma Gandhi. His wife, Maniben, continued his work with determination. The Meghjibhai Foundation pledged a significant donation to Kenya for medical and educational advancement. Meghjibhai's life serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that true greatness lies in selfless service and the enduring impact of one's deeds.