Ek Bhagyavan Vyapari Arthat Hargovinddas Ramji Shah

This document is a biography of Hargovinddas Ramji Shah, a successful Jain businessman. The book, titled "Ek Bhagyavan Vyapari arthat Hargovinddas Ramji Shah" (A Fortunate Merchant, Meaning Hargovinddas Ramji Shah), was written by Shankarrav Karandikar and published by Bharatiya Vidyabhavan.

The biography highlights Hargovinddas's journey from a humble beginning to becoming a prosperous merchant. It emphasizes his strong moral character, his commitment to truth, simplicity, and righteousness, and his dedication to knowledge and charity. The book also delves into his personal life, including his early education, his spiritual leanings which led him to explore asceticism, and his eventual return to business.

The author uses principles of palmistry (Samudrik Shastra) to explain Hargovinddas's success, pointing out auspicious lines and mounts on his hands as indicators of his good fortune, intelligence, and business acumen. The book also touches upon his views on social issues, his involvement in national movements, and his philosophy of life, which prioritizes knowledge, service to humanity, and personal integrity.

Key themes and aspects covered in the biography:

• Humble Beginnings and Rise to Success: Hargovinddas was born in a village near Bhavnagar. He lost his father at a young age and had to leave his home to find work in Mumbai at the age of thirteen. Despite financial struggles, he persevered.
• Quest for Knowledge: Throughout his life, Hargovinddas had a deep thirst for knowledge. He pursued education, studied various scriptures (including Jain texts, the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Yoga Shastra), and learned multiple languages. He believed in the importance of "Gyandan" (giving knowledge).
• Business Acumen and Integrity: He was a skilled and ethical businessman. The book emphasizes his commitment to truthfulness, honesty, and fair dealings in all his commercial activities. He believed in "driving your business" rather than letting it drive you.
• Philanthropy and Charity: Hargovinddas was a generous philanthropist. His charity focused on knowledge dissemination, followed by food and clothing donations. He had a unique approach to clothing donation, making multiple items for the price of one and distributing them.
• Spiritual Inclinations: In his youth, he was drawn to spirituality and even considered becoming an ascetic. He sought guidance from religious figures and spent time in spiritual pursuits, though he ultimately chose to channel his energy into his business and social contributions.
• Personal Virtues: The biography portrays him as a man of discipline, contentment, and strong moral values. He lived a simple life, practicing physical exercise, renouncing certain luxuries, and adhering to his principles.
• Social Views: He held progressive views on certain social customs and was involved in some social reform efforts. He believed in supporting the families of those who sacrificed for the country.
• Family Life: He valued his family, particularly his mother, and ensured her comfort and well-being. He also advised his children on the importance of knowledge and good conduct over material wealth.
• Palmistry Analysis: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to palmistry, with detailed analysis of Hargovinddas's hands to explain his success, character, and destiny, particularly highlighting the influence of Mercury and the Sun lines.
• Inspiration for Others: The book aims to present Hargovinddas as an exemplary figure for businessmen and individuals, encouraging them to follow his path of integrity, knowledge, and service.

In essence, "Ek Bhagyavan Vyapari" is an inspirational account of a Jain merchant who achieved success through hard work, ethical practices, a thirst for knowledge, and a compassionate heart, demonstrating that true fortune lies not just in wealth but in character and contribution to society.