Ketlak Sansmarano - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Ketlak Sansmarano" by Sukhlal Sanghavi, focusing on the life and work of Shri Mohanlal Dalichand Desai:

This collection of memories, titled "Ketlak Sansmarano" (A Few Recollections), written by Sukhlal Sanghavi, is a tribute to the late Shri Mohanlal Dalichand Desai, a dedicated patron of literature. The author aims to offer these reflections as a homage to Desai's departed soul, highlighting various facets of his personality and his tireless work ethic.

The author's first encounter with Mohanbhai was in 1917 at a Upaashray in Walkeshwar, Mumbai. Mohanbhai was visiting with his father's friends, Vadilal Motilal Shah and Nathuram Premiji, to meet Muni Shri Jinavijayji. This initial meeting deeply impressed Sanghavi, and his admiration grew with further acquaintance and observation of Desai's work.

Key Qualities of Mohanlal Dalichand Desai:

Appreciation for Merit (Gunpakshapat): Desai possessed a profound ability to recognize and appreciate merit wherever he found it. However, this appreciation was not blind; he could remain objective and critical, even towards those he admired. If he observed significant flaws in someone he held in high regard, he could distance himself, as seen in his eventual neutrality towards Vadilal Motilal Shah, despite initially being deeply influenced by his writings and ideas.
Enduring Friendship: In contrast, his friendship with Nathuram Premiji remained steadfast until the end, and even deepened over time. Desai valued Premi's simplicity, unconventional historical perspective, sincerity, and literary/historical pursuits.
Dedication to Muni Shri Jinavijayji: Desai had immense respect and affection for Muni Shri Jinavijayji, which only grew as he became more familiar with the Muni's character and his literary and historical research. He would often visit Muni Jinavijayji and consider him his guest whenever in Ahmedabad. He would even travel to meet him wherever he was, expressing a desire to spend time with him during his travels, as it provided him with opportunities to learn and engage in his beloved pursuits. Desai even accompanied Muni Jinavijayji on a journey during the Belgaum Congress in 1924, staying with him at historical sites.
Enthusiasm for Scholarly Activities: Desai was deeply enthusiastic about and actively involved in the various academic activities of the Gujarat Puratatva Mandir, the Sindhi Series, and especially the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. As a mark of his appreciation and to honor his father, he edited "Anandrazirit" for the Sindhi Series and wrote a detailed, informative English preface.
Humility and Diligence (Vinamra Karmathta): Desai attributed his dedication to work and his humility to his humble upbringing and the support he received from his maternal uncle during his studies. He believed his awareness of his modest beginnings kept him grounded. He did not let his profession as a lawyer or the trappings of modern civilization prevent him from engaging in even the most basic tasks. A notable example is his willingness to personally clean ancient inscriptions covered in dirt and mud at the Vimal Mantri temple in Kumbhariyaji, working alongside Muni Jinavijayji and making light of the effort with a humorous remark. He was incredibly hardworking, unafraid of long journeys, and always eager to contribute.
Passion for Scholarship Beyond Profession (Vidyavritti): While practicing law was a means of livelihood, Desai's true passion lay in subjects outside the legal field, particularly literature, history, and archaeology. He dedicated all his spare time and energy to these pursuits. He personally visited numerous libraries in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Patan, Bhavnagar, Palanpur, Bikaner, and other places, requesting catalogs and manuscripts from afar. He would meticulously copy anything he found useful or noteworthy, even if it wasn't directly relevant to his father's work. He often worked late into the night to compensate for daytime interruptions, embodying the spirit of the Gita verse: "What is night for all beings, the self-controlled man is awake in it."
Discovery and Enthusiasm: An anecdote highlights his deep immersion in his research. Once in Ahmedabad, while exploring a library, he discovered a rare and significant manuscript, the life history of Upadhyay Yashvijayji written by his disciple. He was so engrossed that he missed dinner and returned late. He excitedly presented the fragmented manuscript to Sanghavi, who had been searching for it for years. This discovery was celebrated with great joy, and Desai was rewarded with a sweet treat.
Adaptability and Generosity: Even in his cramped Mumbai residence, Desai was accommodating. He would ensure there was space for visitors and would work outside or in a way that minimized disruption. He was eager to meet Sanghavi whenever he visited Mumbai from Ahmedabad or Kashi, engaging in discussions on literature, history, and philosophy. He and his friends would readily travel to meet Sanghavi, regardless of distance or time. Desai always brought his work with him and would dedicate time to it when alone.
Commitment to Jain Scholarship: Desai's dedication to scholarship significantly contributed to the Jain community. His works were foundational for anyone writing on Jain history, literature, royal dynasties, castes, guilds, and ancient cities. His contributions include articles in the Jain Herald, a concise history of Jain literature, and three volumes on Jain Gurjar poets. He also provided literary works, notes, and commentaries for other publishers and editors. His passion for research and editing was so intense that he would readily take on additional work if asked for assistance. He single-handedly edited the substantial "Atmanand Jain Shatabdi Smarak Granth." While few publicly acknowledged his help, Desai always made a point of crediting those who assisted him.
Respect for Scholars and Unconditional Support: Desai actively sought opportunities to meet and learn from scholars and esteemed individuals, irrespective of their age, caste, or sect. He took pride in honoring scholars. He was not financially driven by his academic pursuits; he invested a significant portion of his father's earnings into creating and sustaining literary works, often without expectation of reward. He also provided financial assistance to encourage education and literature, including supporting a friend studying abroad and aiding Pandit Darbarilal, whose reformist and revolutionary ideas Desai admired, when he faced financial difficulties in publishing his work. This support was clearly based on understanding and selfless dedication.
Social and National Consciousness: Desai served as the editor of the Jain Herald, the mouthpiece of the Jain Shvetambar Conference, for a considerable period. He was actively involved in almost all the Conference's activities and consistently attended its annual sessions. He participated in any matter concerning the Shvetambar or the broader Jain community. Despite his social engagement, he held a deep sense of nationalism. In 1919, he expressed his interest in the Indian National Congress, stating that he wouldn't have traveled to Punjab in harsh winter if he weren't interested in its goals. He considered Congress, under Gandhiji's leadership, a pilgrimage. He acknowledged his inability to work directly for Congress but found strength in attending its sessions. His strong nationalistic sentiments were evident during his journey to the 1931 Karachi Congress.
Reformist Tendencies: While he associated with and worked alongside conservative and moderate individuals in social activities, making it seem as though he followed tradition, those who knew him well recognized his strong reformist inclination. He believed that running lecture series was important and facilitated their establishment in Mumbai after experiencing them in Ahmedabad. Even when critically ill during Paryushan in 1944, he attended these lectures, and his presence was a regular feature. He didn't openly oppose every meaningless tradition but advocated for reform. He felt that venerating and supporting mere ascetics without true understanding was an insult to intellect. He continued to respect Pandit Darbarilal's work and provided assistance, even when Darbarilal's revolutionary ideas led to his dismissal from Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya.
Humorous and Sociable Nature (Vinodpriyata and Milansarpanu): Desai enjoyed both making and hearing jokes and found pleasure in any form of amusement. Laughter was a core element of his personality, with his laughter being as unrestrained as his voice was loud. A humorous anecdote recounts his participation in a running race with his father's friend, Seth Hargovinddas, where, despite his age and attire, he ran with enthusiasm but fell. Undeterred, he defended his position with renewed vigor. His sociability was remarkable; he could easily connect with anyone. While he might express disagreements with friends in a loud voice during discussions, he could quickly reconcile with them with disarming sincerity. When complimented on his extensive writings, he would humbly deflect, stating he wasn't a prolific writer like some others.
Love for Food and Hospitality: Desai enjoyed eating and hosting. He would say he couldn't host events as successfully as his friends but was not greedy. He had an excellent digestive system and could handle rich food. He never refused good food and would partake in meals whenever offered on special occasions. He humorously remarked on Sanghavi's inability to develop such a robust digestive system.

In their last meeting in January 1944, Desai mentioned that his book "Na Purnar Vi' (likely a scholarly work) was nearly complete, and he intended to write a detailed preface. Sanghavi suggested he retire and dedicate his life to his cherished pursuits. Desai agreed, planning family arrangements to reduce his expenses in Mumbai and live peacefully pursuing his scholarly interests without seeking external aid. Witnessing his health during Paryushan in 1944 filled his friends with concern.

Conclusion:

Shri Mohanlal Dalichand Desai's activities were diverse, but all were rooted in his Jain identity. His association with the Jain Shvetambar Conference and Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya was particularly strong, and he was deeply invested in their development. The Conference has established a memorial fund in his honor, which has already garnered significant contributions. Sanghavi urges the Conference organizers and Desai's friends to actively promote this fund to enable the Conference to initiate a meaningful literary publication or editing project in his memory. The author expresses hope that the Conference secretaries and other well-meaning individuals will promptly consider this suggestion.