Shreshthivarya Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text about Shreshthivarya Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai, drawing from the provided pages:

The text highlights Shreshthivarya Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai as a prominent figure, continuing a lineage of respected individuals in Ahmedabad, dating back to Shri Shantidas Zaveri who was granted the title of Nagarsheth by Emperor Akbar. Kasturbhai was the son of Sheth Lalbhai, who established the Raipur Textile Mills in 1896. Kasturbhai inherited a rich textile industry background and was instilled with values of discipline, good behavior, respect for elders, and dedication to work by his father, who passed away when Kasturbhai was studying at Gujarat College.

Despite his father's early death in 1912, Kasturbhai took over the family business at a young age. He diligently worked his way up, starting as a timekeeper and then in the stores department. His keen eye for quality cotton earned him recognition as an expert across India. During World War I, the textile industry boomed, and Raipur Mills flourished under Kasturbhai's leadership, guided by his principles of maintaining high quality, long-term planning, using the best raw materials, employing skilled experts, and ensuring fair treatment and satisfactory returns for all stakeholders.

Kasturbhai's life was marked by significant interactions with national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel. Events such as the 1918 mill-workers' strike, a Gujarat draught, and the 1921 Congress General Conference brought him into contact with these figures, where he demonstrated his efficiency, patience, honesty, broad-mindedness, foresight, sincerity, and devotion. His success in navigating these challenges, even at a young age of 27, led him to establish another successful venture, Ashok Mills. He was also deeply impressed by the routines of leaders like Motilal Nehru, which inspired him to dedicate his life to greater causes and national issues. He was a significant philanthropist, exemplified by his family's donation of Rs. 50,000 for the expansion of primary education in Ahmedabad.

His civic and political involvement included a term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, representing the Mill Owners Association. In this role, he gained valuable parliamentary experience and served on various committees related to industry and textile policy. He continued to contribute in similar capacities even after India's independence, advising on industry, banking, public enterprises, and the Reserve Bank under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. His foresight, honesty, and patriotism were hallmarks of his service.

Recognizing the need for industrial diversification beyond textiles, Kasturbhai ventured into new industries. In 1946, he initiated talks with the Cyanamid Company of America, leading to the establishment of Atul Products near Valsad. This industrial complex, inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1952, became a major producer of medicines, chemicals, and colors, with significant exports and employment opportunities. Atul also prioritized educational, cultural, and social welfare, providing amenities for its staff and the surrounding community, and contributing to the development of the tribal area of Valsad.

Kasturbhai was driven by a strong national fervor, prioritizing national interests even at the cost of personal advantage. He fostered good relations with his workforce and shareholders, encouraging the use of Indian goods and actively assisting during natural calamities. He played a crucial role in the development of Kandla Port and spearheaded efforts to collect funds for the Gandhi Memorial Fund. He also represented India in various international conferences and was a leader of an industrialist delegation to the Soviet Union.

His goals in the last years of his life included the renovation of Jain temples, modernization of Premabhai Hall, establishment of an Engineering College in Ahmedabad, and the research and protection of old scriptures. All these aspirations were fulfilled during his lifetime. He served as President of the Anandji Kalyanji firm for many years, overseeing significant works related to Jain holy places, including resolving disputes and personally supervising renovations with artistic craftsmanship. He also secured marble from Danta for the Delwada temples and ensured the renewal of artful work at Taranga. His efforts in renovating temples at Girnar, Kumbharia, and other locations were so commendable that they influenced other religious trusts to adopt similar management patterns.

He was a passionate sponsorer of modern education, contributing to the L.D. Arts College and playing a pivotal role in the establishment of the Gujarat University. His contributions were also instrumental in the founding of renowned institutions like the Ahmedabad Textile Industries Research Association, Physical Research Laboratory, Indian Institute of Management, School of Architecture, National Institute of Design, and Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Science Centre.

Kasturbhai's personal life was marked by the tragic death of his wife in 1950, a loss that profoundly affected him. He passed away at the age of 86 on July 20, 1980. His demise was mourned by many, with textile mills closing in his honor, though his own mills continued to operate as per his final wish. He is remembered as a multi-faceted personality, a visionary, a liberal, an ardent supporter of education, an unparalleled industrialist, and a dedicated great man, whose virtues serve as an inspiration.