Sheth Kasturbhai Lalbhai

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Sheth Kasturbhai Lalbhai in English:

This text, "Sheth Kasturbhai Lalbhai" by Atmanandji, details the life and contributions of a prominent Jain industrialist and philanthropist from Ahmedabad.

Family Legacy and Early Life: Kasturbhai Lalbhai hailed from a lineage of esteemed Mahajans (merchant class). His ancestor, Shanti Das Jeweller, was appointed Nagarsheth of Ahmedabad by Emperor Akbar, a testament to his royal honor, wealth, and devotion to religion. This tradition of prominence continued through generations, with his father, Lalbhai, establishing the Raipur Mill in 1896. Kasturbhai was born on December 19, 1894, in Ahmedabad, receiving strong foundational values of industry and textiles from his upbringing. His father, Lalbhai, was highly respected for his discipline, orderliness, and humility.

Education and Early Career: Kasturbhai had two brothers and four sisters. He enjoyed childhood games with his younger brother, Narottam bhai. He completed his matriculation from R. C. High School in 1911, where he was influenced by nationalistic teachers. His childhood was marked by strong religious traditions, including pilgrimages with his grandmother and siblings. His education at Gujarat College was interrupted by his father's death in 1912 when Kasturbhai was only 18. At this young age, and with the advice of his relatives, he stepped into the world of business to manage the extensive family affairs and a large household. He had also pursued private studies to improve his English, which would later be crucial for international travel and business expansion.

Business Acumen and Marriage: Kasturbhai began his business career in the mill, initially as a timekeeper and then in the stores department. His aptitude for identifying the quality and grades of cotton, a critical task at the time, made him an expert. He traveled extensively to different villages and districts, honing his skills and becoming one of the leading cotton experts in the country within a few years. The outbreak of World War I in 1914 spurred the textile industry, and Raipur Mill began producing high-quality fabric under Kasturbhai's leadership. He established foundational principles for his business:

1. Maintaining the highest quality of goods.
2. Planning for long-term benefits.
3. Using the best quality raw materials like cotton.
4. Entrusting management of departments to experts and allowing them independent operation.
5. Ensuring fair compensation and maintaining amicable relationships with brokers, merchants, shareholders, and associates. These principles led Raipur Mill to gain recognition as one of India's best mills. In May 1915, he married Sharadaben, daughter of the prominent Ahmedabad jeweler Shri Chimanlal Vadilal, marking his entry into married life with a simple ceremony.

Engagement with National Leaders: Kasturbhai's interaction with national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Dada Mawlankar, and Diwan Jeevanlal significantly shaped his outlook. Key events that fostered these connections included:

• The mill workers' strike in 1918.
• The famine situation in Gujarat.
• The Congress session in 1921.

In these instances, Kasturbhai demonstrated his practical wisdom, diligence, honesty, generosity, foresight, and dedication. His sharp intellect and capabilities impressed leaders, and at just 27 years old, he gained confidence in his own abilities, inspiring him to undertake new ventures. This led to the establishment of Ashok Mill with a capital of twelve lakh rupees. Despite initial challenges, the mill stabilized and continues to produce high-quality fabric.

During the 1921 Congress session, leaders like Motilal Nehru stayed at Kasturbhai's residence, providing him with valuable proximity and insight into their lives. Witnessing their daily routines, Kasturbhai resolved to make his own life significant and further strengthened his nationalistic sentiments. In 1921, Vallabhbhai Patel became the President of Ahmedabad Municipality, and the Lalbhai family generously donated Rs. 50,000 for the development of primary education. These years highlight Kasturbhai's growing nationalism, his initiation into philanthropy, and his skill in stabilizing and strengthening industry through astute management.

Legislator and Advisor: In 1922, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel nominated him as the representative of the mill owners' association to the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi. Through considerable effort, Kasturbhai won the election. This position provided him with valuable experience in parliamentary proceedings. He was appointed to various British government committees related to industries, cotton procurement, and textile policy. Even after India's independence, at the suggestion of Jawaharlal Nehru, Kasturbhai served in various capacities related to industry, banking, public sector undertakings, and the Reserve Bank, earning widespread acclaim for his foresight, integrity, and commitment to national interest. Experts believed that in matters of cotton procurement and formulating textile policy, few men in India could match his expertise.

Diversification into New Industries: After his father's death in 1912, Kasturbhai's economic activities were primarily confined to the textile industry until India's independence. However, the need to accommodate family members within a single industry and the broader goal of industrial diversification in India led him to explore new avenues. While his interest in the chemical industry began in 1937, it was his trip to America in 1946 that led to discussions with the American Cyanamid Company. This collaboration resulted in the establishment of Atul Products in 1949, with 800 acres of land acquired near Valsad. Shri B. K. Majumdar, a trusted associate, was entrusted with the planning and development of this venture, which he executed commendably. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated this exemplary industrial complex on March 17, 1952. The company grew rapidly, especially after receiving a Rs. three crore loan from the Government of India in 1956. Atul Products now exports millions of rupees worth of goods and provides employment and housing for thousands, producing a wide range of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and dyes. Beyond its industrial output, Atul's significant social contributions are noteworthy, including affordable canteen meals, an open-air theatre, sports facilities, educational programs for over two thousand children, and healthcare services. The dedicated efforts of Shri Majumdar, Shri Siddharthbhai, and his wife Smt. Vimalaben in the all-round development of the region, especially for tribal communities, are truly commendable and exemplary. Atul can be considered the realization of Kasturbhai's highest dream.

Nationalism and Public Service: Immersed in nationalistic ideals since 1921, Kasturbhai maintained contact with numerous national leaders through various contexts – labor disputes, relief efforts during natural calamities, Congress sessions, and industrial policy debates. While always considering the welfare of all stakeholders, he prioritized the nation's interest, even at the cost of personal gain or potential loss. He was committed to safeguarding the interests of laborers, staff, and shareholders, fostering a sense of deep connection with them, which earned him their respect. He actively promoted the production and consumption of Swadeshi goods, participated in relief efforts, maintained close ties with national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, and Motilal Nehru with reverence, and continuously strived to ensure the success of the national movement.

Kasturbhai was central to the development of Kandla as a major port. He took the primary responsibility for raising fifty million rupees from industrial houses for the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi and served as its trustee for many years. He was an advisor on numerous economic initiatives. In 1954, he led an industrial delegation to the Soviet Union (Russia). He also represented India as a distinguished guest at several conferences in America, Japan, and Western European countries.

Life's Goals and Their Fulfillment: In his later years, Kasturbhai articulated four key aspirations:

1. Renovation of Jain temples.
2. Modernization of Premabhai Hall in Ahmedabad.
3. Establishment of an Engineering College in Ahmedabad.
4. Preservation and research of ancient Jain manuscripts. The fulfillment of all these goals during his lifetime brought him a profound sense of accomplishment. His donation of Rs. 25 lakh facilitated the establishment of L.D. Engineering College in Ahmedabad in 1945. He served as the President of the renowned Anandji Kalyanji Trust for many years, undertaking significant work. He successfully resolved critical issues such as the entry of Harijans into Jain temples, the Taranga temple dispute, and the renovation of historical Jain pilgrimage sites like Ranakpur, Delwada, Shatrunjaya, and Taranga. His personal involvement in the artistic and modern renovation of these temples was remarkable and showcased his unique insight. For the Delwada temples, he personally arranged for marble from the Danta mines. He meticulously restored the original art of the Taranga temples, which had been obscured, and made necessary modifications to enhance the overall artistic appeal of the site, demonstrating his aesthetic vision. He also oversaw the renovation of temples at Girnar, Kumbharia, Dhandhuka, and the Shantinath Pol in Ahmedabad with his characteristic foresight. The efficient and exemplary management of Jain temples by the Anandji Kalyanji Trust was so admired that Sir C. P. Ramaswami, chairman of the committee investigating religious trusts, recommended other Hindu trusts to adopt similar practices.

Promoter of Modern Education and Research: To promote the study of Indian ancient history and the research and publication of Jain scriptures, he, in collaboration with Muni Shri Punyavijayji, established the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bharatiya Sanskriti Vidyamandir opposite Gujarat University in 1955. Inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1963, this institution houses 45,000 manuscripts and a museum of artistic works donated by various institutions and individuals from West India. Its new building was inaugurated in 1985. This institution is invaluable for scholars and researchers of Indian culture. Under the directorship of the esteemed scholar Dr. Dalsukhbhai Malvania, the institution was recognized by Gujarat University for Ph.D. studies. The total cost of Rs. 2.2 million for this institution, provided by Kasturbhai Lalbhai's trust, reflected his deep interest and dedication to ancient Indian culture, which is highly commendable.

The renovation of Premabhai Hall in Ahmedabad, a project spanning seven to eight years, cost Rs. 55,70,000. Architect Balkrishna Doshi brought his architectural vision to life, creating a modern hall with 975 seats. The Lalbhai Group of Industries contributed Rs. 32,15,000 towards this project.

Advocate of Modern Education: Kasturbhai embraced education relevant to the modern era, focusing on science and technology. He had previously donated Rs. 2 lakh to an Arts College in 1929. In 1935, he founded the Ahmedabad Education Society, with Anandshankar Bapubhai Dhruv as its President and Kasturbhai as the head of the management committee. This committee played a pivotal role in the establishment of Gujarat University. Approximately 625 acres of land were acquired for the university at a cost of around Rs. 70 lakh. Kasturbhai's contribution to the construction of university buildings and research institutions was significant.

He also played an active role in the establishment of several other internationally renowned institutions in Ahmedabad:

1. ATIRA (Ahmedabad Textile Industries Research Association): Established in 1947, this research institution focuses on textile industry research. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai served as its esteemed director. Its grand building was completed in 1954, and it is managed by scientists themselves.
2. PRL (Physical Research Laboratory): Founded by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai in 1948, Kasturbhai provided all possible support.
3. Indian Institute of Management
4. School of Architecture
5. National Institute of Design
6. Vikram Sarabhai Science Centre

Personal Loss and Later Life: On February 9, 1950, Kasturbhai's wife suffered a sudden severe stomach pain, was hospitalized, and underwent surgery. She passed away on February 14, 1950, leaving Kasturbhai deeply grief-stricken. Following this tragedy, he stopped celebrating Diwali in Ahmedabad, instead choosing to visit pilgrimage sites for quiet contemplation.

Final Departure: At the mature age of 86, Kasturbhai experienced difficulty speaking. He passed away in Ahmedabad on January 20, 1980. News of his death spread rapidly. His funeral rites were performed simply, with his body clad in a dhoti and covered with a shawl. In his honor, other mills remained closed, but his own mills, as per his wishes, continued to operate. Thousands of people from across the country and abroad paid their respects to this multifaceted personality, visionary, magnanimous soul, great proponent of education and culture, unparalleled industrialist, and humble great person. His passing left a void, deeply saddening everyone, from his family to the nation and humanity as a whole. The virtues that were integral to his character continue to inspire all to lead a better life.