Rushabhdasji Ranka - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Shri Rushabhdas Ranka:

The text "Rushabhdasji Ranka" by Atmanandji, published as part of "Z_Arvachin_Jain_Jyotirdharo_001288.pdf," describes Shri Rushabhdas Ranka as a beloved and universally respected figure within the Jain community, both in India and abroad. He is characterized as a person of immense service and gentleness, an "ajātshatru" (one without enemies) known for his humility and his ability to dissolve his own individuality to foster a sense of kinship with the entire Jain society and the broader Indian populace. His life was dedicated to the collective good, making him arguably the most popular individual in the Jain community.

Early Life and Career:

Born on December 3, 1903, in Fatepur village, Khandesh district, Maharashtra, his ancestors hailed from Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
He was the eldest of five siblings (three sisters and two brothers).
The 'Ranka' surname is said to have originated from the family's trade in wool from a high-quality breed of goats called 'Ranku' found in Punjab.
Despite receiving only an eighth-grade education, he began assisting his father in business at the age of fourteen.
Later, he became a partner in "Vachhraj Kheti Limited," a company involved in agriculture and animal husbandry, before retiring from that venture.
He then embraced the insurance business, which became his primary and long-term source of livelihood for several decades, retiring from it in 1971.

Nationalism and Freedom Struggle:

Inspired by the "Swadeshi" movement promoted by Gandhi and Gokhale, at the young age of twenty, he actively engaged in the promotion and distribution of Khadi (handspun and handwoven cloth).
His involvement in nationalist activities deepened over time. He participated in the Salt Satyagraha in 1931, spending four and a half months in jail, and again in Dhulia and Visapur in 1932 for a similar duration.
During the "Quit India" movement in 1942, he was imprisoned for thirteen months in Nagpur jail, demonstrating his commitment as a dedicated freedom fighter.

Association with Great Personalities and Personal Qualities:

He had the privilege of interacting with numerous national leaders before and after India's independence.
His main areas of work were in the districts around Wardha, Jalgaon, and Pune, where he encountered figures like Vinoba Bhave, Mahatma Gandhi, Kedarnathji, Jamnalalji Bajaj, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Prof. Jaju.
He cultivated a discerning eye for character, internalizing virtues such as service, simplicity, transparent honesty, strict personal discipline, noble thoughts, non-violence, selflessness, and the spirit of collective welfare – qualities that transform a person into a "maha-manav" (great human).
Despite his significant contributions to various constructive activities and national movements for over three decades, he never sought position, prestige, or wealth.
After independence, he declined offers of positions like minister or governor, preferring to dedicate himself to social service, relief work, and fostering unity within the Jain community.

Family Life and Resilience:

He had a deep desire to merge his individuality with the collective and showed limited interest in his family life.
His wife, Smt. Rajkumari, was a virtuous, devoted, and service-oriented woman who greatly supported him.
They had three daughters – Varsha, Vimala, and Shashi – and one son, Rajendra.
The untimely death of his only son, Rajendra, from a young age was a profound sorrow that left a lasting impact on him. However, even in this difficult time, Ranka-ji maintained great peace and equanimity, transforming the painful separation into an occasion for devotion. This event showcased the profound wisdom he had gained through his association with good company.

Broad Spectrum of Service:

Innate qualities of service, compassion, and empathy were present in him from birth. He was moved by the suffering of others.
His periods of living with Jamnalalji Bajaj and Vinoba Bhave in Wardha further strengthened his commitment to service.
Before independence, his service manifested primarily through active participation in the freedom struggle, aligning with Gandhi's philosophy, as he believed economic freedom could not be achieved without political independence.
His early service activities included promoting Khadi, various forms of cow protection, upliftment of Harijans, and work for Kasturba Smarak and Gandhi Smarak.

Pioneering Relief Work:

His contributions to various relief efforts were exemplary and unique. He readily assisted the distressed during famines, earthquakes, excessive rainfall, and floods.
He played a leading role in relief operations during famines in Maharashtra and Bihar, floods in Gujarat, and the severe drought in Rajasthan.
During the Bihar famine, in response to an appeal by Jayaprakashji, he, along with many volunteers, established the Mahavir Kalyan Kendra in Mumbai. This organization provided unprecedented and historic support in terms of food, clothing, and shelter to millions, spreading his unique spirit of service throughout India and establishing the organization as a leading service institution.

Leadership in Jain Organizations:

He became involved with the Bharatiya Jain Mahamandal (an important Jain organization) from 1946.
He harbored a strong desire for Jain unity. In 1948, he took over the editorship of "Jain Jagat," a publication previously managed by Chiranjilal Badjatya.
His enthusiasm, efficiency, and dedication were so impactful that he was soon appointed as the Prime Minister of the organization.
He was elected President at the Mandal's Madras session in 1949 and actively worked to recruit new general and life members, collaborating with many social workers.
Under his leadership, "Jain Jagat" attracted good writers, quickly becoming a leading, authoritative, mature, promotional, and non-sectarian Jain monthly. Its presentation also became artistic and appealing.
Through 15-17 years of persistent effort and hard work, he earned the unwavering support and affection of the affluent and talented Jains residing in Mumbai. His permanent move to Mumbai in 1958 facilitated this work significantly.

Mahavir Nirvana Mahotsav (2500th Death Anniversary of Lord Mahavir):

The environment of mutual goodwill among Mumbai Jains, fostered by his efforts, coincided with the 2500th Nirvana Mahotsav of Lord Mahavir.
His efforts for Jain unity resulted in a unified approach to collectively celebrate the 25th centenary of Lord Mahavir's Nirvana by 1971-72. Committees were formed at district, state, and national levels.
A significant outcome of this celebration, inspired by Vinoba Bhave, was the presentation of the universally accepted Jain scripture, Saman Sutta, to Indian society and the world.
Shri Ranka-ji was instrumental in generating enthusiasm and undertaking extensive field work for the Mahotsav, serving diligently as the secretary of the Mumbai Mahotsav Committee.
The Mahotsav received wide publicity through the generous vision of Shri Shantiprasad Sahu and Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai, leading to its recognition by the Government of India, both within India and abroad.
This resulted in a grand celebration, with support and goodwill from central and state governments. Activities included the publication of literature, education, service, temple restoration, creation of monuments, issuance of commemorative coins, and the production of artistic photographs and albums.
The publication of literature and the propagation of Lord Mahavir's principles abroad were particularly significant achievements of this Mahotsav.

Student and Women's Welfare:

He initiated various programs to provide comprehensive educational facilities for bright Jain students.
He also organized initiatives to make poor and helpless women self-reliant, with the organization "Jan-Griha Udyog" playing a significant role in women's development.
He was exceptionally passionate about the upliftment of students and youth, holding a strong belief in their potential.
Through his book "Dhan Kama Ni Kala" (The Art of Earning Wealth), he provided valuable guidance to the youth on livelihood generation.
He facilitated the establishment of institutions like Jain Vidyaprakashak Mandal in Pune, Chichwad, and Chandvad near Ahmednagar, providing educational facilities, scholarships, and guidance to students.

Anuvrat Movement:

He made significant and timely contributions to the Anuvrat movement.
During Acharya Shri Tulsi's chaturmas in Ahmedabad in 1967, he was requested to lead the Anuvrat movement. He agreed to serve as Vice-President if Shri Ravishankar Dada took on the presidency.
Shri Ravishankar Dada accepted, and Shri Ranka-ji began his responsibilities.
From 1968 to 1971, as Vice-President, he gained widespread recognition for the Anuvrat movement across India.
Concurrently, he edited the "Ashuvrat" fortnightly with popularity and authority, elevating it to a respected and widely accepted publication, a testament to his versatile efficiency and persistent drive.

Demise:

After living a dedicated and exemplary life of service to the nation, society, and Jain unity for five decades, Shri Ranka-ji peacefully passed away on December 10, 1977, in Pune.
Through his life, he paved the path of service for the present generation of youth.