| Shree
Satyavrat Patel (Satubhai) |
The past students of V. N. High school of Dharmaj fondly remembers one name and
that is of Principal R. K. Patel sahib. The eldest son of Shri R. K Patel Sahib
Satyavratbhai alias Satubhai was born on 1st Sept 1931 at Valsad. Originally a
true Dharmajian, Satubhai had the quality of modesty, fearlessness and was brave
enough never to compromise on any issue at the cost of character and all these
traits came to him in heredity. After getting his L.L.M.degree in 1955 from
Bombay Universities, he joined the Law department of M. S. University of Baroda
as a professor. Here he rendered his services until his untimely death on 15th
February 1981. He authored 16 books over a life span of 49 years. His books
written on various topics are still very popular. One of his book named “The
Soul of India” depicting the great culture of India and contribution of India
towards the world is considered to be his best work. His books on law are
internationally recognised and taught in Law Schools and Colleges even today. |
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| Dr.
Amritaben Patel. |
Born on 13th November 1943 Dr. Amritaben Patel earned her Veterinary Science &
Animal Husbandry degree in 1965 with Honors from the Bombay University. Then she
got advanced training in Animal Nutrition in England from 1966 to 1968. She was
associated with Amul as nutrition officer from 1965 to 1971. Later she joined
the National Dairy Development Board. After serving different departments with
great efficiency she finally presided as the chairman of NDDB on 27th November
1998.
Presently she is actively associated with various institutions as its chairman.
She is contributing considerably towards the field of environment, education and
health. She is serving as the Director of the Reserve Bank of India. She is also
a Trustee of prestigious trust of TATA family. She has earned various awards
like the Padma Bhashan, Charotar Ratna, Indira Gandhi Award for Environment and
many more. She is also awarded with Dharmaj Ratna in 2007. A multifaceted
daughter of Dharmaj has inherited the great qualities of her father Shri H. M.
Patel. She is also doing great work in field of Social service. |
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| Late
Shree Arvindbhai Rambhai Patel |
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Shree Arvindbhai was born on 5th September 1947. He completed his graduation
from The M. S. University at Baroda following which he took up employment at a
bank in Baroda itself; but gradually shifted to his hometown Dharmaj. He engaged
himself in the business of Tobacco production. He was actively involved in the
business but also dedicated himself for social causes. From 1992 he completely
devoted himself to Virakatashram and Jalaram Janseva Trust. With total social
dedication and active participation he started various activities and excelling
in them all.
He was influenced by Shree Satyanarayan Goenka’s “Vipasyaana”. Shree Arvindkaka
had cordial relations with Shree Indukaka “Ipcowala” and so they were
instrumental in setting up “The Vipasyaana Centre” at Dharmaj. He was totally
engrossed in his devotion towards Vipasyaana upto his death. He used to set up
monthly camps for Vipasyaana. |
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He
personally took care of the functioning of all the hospital, education units,
the eye hospital and Vipasyaana centre. Shree Arvindkaka was the basic founder
of innumerable institutions - Jalaram Eye Hospital, Indubhai Ipcowala Santram
Medical Complex, Prabhuleela Sadhana Dham, Ipcowala Santram Meditation Hall,
Prabhuleela Physiotherapy Centre, Mahila Gruh Udyog (Small scale unit),The
Sharda Maternity Home (Set up by the help from NRI’s from London) Urmilla Polio
Hospital, Pushpadeep Children Hospital (Neonatal Care Department).
The sudden death of Shree Arvindkaka has left everyone with a great sense of
loss and deprivation. He believed in simple living and high thinking. He was
very humble. He used to take care successfully of all institutions but humbly
used to report that “This was going to happen, I am just the stepping
stone”. He would always be in the background and would never crave for
fame. Dharmaj Society of London has donated money for providing pure water
‘Reverse Osmosis (“R.O.”) Technology in water purification’ so that filtered
water could reach households of Dharmaj at subsidised rates. This donation
amounted to Rs. 35 lakhs. At such a crucial time, his sudden death has caused a
vacuum but following his words we believed “Show Must Go On” and proceeded with
the water purification project.
The real homage to this great leader will be by following his footsteps of love,
dedication and sacrifice. |
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| Dr
Rasikbhai Patel |
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Dr. Rasikbhai Patel was born on 15th October 1930 at Nairobi, Africa. He
migrated from Africa to India in the year 1933. He completed his matriculation
in 1948 from the V N High School, Dharmaj. In the year 1950 he passed ‘Inter’
and shifted to Jamnagar Ayurvedic College where he secured the ‘DASF’ Degree in
the year 1956. In the same year, He joined as a Doctor in “Gujarat Netra Rahat
Mandal “at Bochasan, with a meagre Salary of Rs. 150 /- per month. He worked in
this institution for 10 Long Years. |
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During
these years he came in contact with Shree Ravishankar Maharaj, his son Dr.
Panditji Shree Babalbhai Mehta. He was deeply influenced by their carefree life
as they were Bachelors but they had laid down for themselves. He was deeply
moved by the work of Dr. Doshikaka for the eye patients. He travelled to
different places like Madhi, South Gujarat, Dahod, Jameshedpur at Bihar and
other areas serving people.
In 1956, he joined “Sadvichar Samiti” at Nadiad. During the said period ‘The
Seat of Honour ‘at Santram Temple was occupied by Shree Jankidas Maharaj shri,
Due to the constant efforts of Pujya Jankidas Maharaj Shree, an eye Hospital was
started at Chaklashi in one of its ‘Dharamshala’, This hospital was working
under the experienced hands of Dr. Shree Ramanbhai, but he could visit the
hospital only once a week, So for the rest of the days Dr. Rasikbhai Patel took
charge. During the same period, Nadiad Ayurvedic College offered a special
condensed course through which Dr. Rasikbhai transferred DASF degree to LMP
(Allopathy).
He joined 1 ½ Years course of M. B. B. S at Ahmedabad but after successful
completion of one year, he suffered from cataract and could not give final
examination. He could not become ophthalmologist which he dreamt of.
Due to religious upbringing and positive bent of mind he did not lose heart but
continued his purposeful activities at Nadiad. During that time “Sant Shree
Jankidas“ faced some eye disease and this propelled Rasikbhai to pioneer an eye
hospital in Nadiad which would be fruitful to the people.This Eye hospital took
a final shape in the year 1971, and by 1972 a permanent Doctor was appointed.
Years passed by, Dr. Rasikbhai was at the threshold of entering fifty one years
of age and just prior to this event he seeked blessings and guidance from ‘Pujya
Saint Shree Narayandasji’ to guide him through his future endeavors. The saint
presented the guidance in the from of a shlok emphasising the need of the hour
to accumulate enough wealth which would be sufficient to for old age
requirement, but excessive craving for wealth does not give true bliss and
happiness.
These enlightening words of Swamiji gave way to the establishment of a private
clinic at Nadiad. He purchased a flat and a car. He completed 51 grand years of
success and dedication but his attraction towards money and wealth did not
decrease. But God had decided a new course of action for this learned man. All
of a sudden his father residing at Dharmaj became ill and so he decided to shift
to Dharmaj.
In the year 1983 he came back of Dharmaj and served his parents with utmost
dedication. He also acquired the blessings of “Shree Akhandanand Sagarji
Maharaj” and went on pilgrimage with him to South India. He also visited “Char
Dham” with “Pujya Shri Ramdasji Maharaj”.
The next three to four years were full of religious acquaintances which enhanced
his knowledge and experiences. “Pujya Shri Ramdasji Maharaj shree“ blessed him
to start an eye hospital at “Viraktashram“ which is at Dharmaj Station Road. He
also benedicted him to start activities of ‘service’ and ‘help’ to others, The
three trustees of Jalaram Mandir and trustees of Viraktashram decided to form a
new trust.
Here we would also like to mention about the effects of Shree Bachukaka who was
the immediate President of Jalaram Mandir Trust. Due to his constant effects and
perseverance, his zeal and activeness a new trust “ Jalaram Janseva Trust “ was
formed by the year 1988 Dr. Rasikbhai started Eye-Checkup and by December 1989
Eye-Operations were performed. Kanubhai Rabari and Neelaben Dalwadi agreed to
become Compounder and Nurse.
The neighbouring owner of land Shree Kantikaka was quite impressed by the
operations done and as a gesture of love and sacrifice he decided to donate his
land to the Eye-Hospital and also permitted for construction prior to
accomplishment of documentation procedure. In the year 1992 the hospital was
ready. Eye-Checkups and operations were done free of cost and food and shelter
were provided free.The spiritual enlightenment is carried out here through
‘Vipasyana‘ which taps the inner doors of our soul. Yearly 10 to 12 seminars are
organized on this discipline.
To provide employment opportunities to the women folk cottage industries have
been developed. Physiotherapy has also started here. A step further was taken in
by providing facilities to children who are mentally challenged, lame, blind,
dumb, deaf etc. They are looked after here and their enrollment has increased to
2000 students. They are provided all facilities in the form of books, compass
box, uniform etc. free of cost.
The whole unit of the trust combines all facilities of medicine, physiotherapy,
ENT surgery & Check-up, Eye-Checkups, Skin Specialist etc. at one place. This
helps the public as they don’t have to commute to other areas for basic medical
treatments.
The Government Hospital at Dharmaj did not have Doctors to cater to the needs of
pregnant ladies who had to go to Nadiad or Petlad at odd hours at the time of
emergency.
This problem was solved by “Dharmaj Society of London “in the year 2004, as
“Sharda Maternity Hospital“ has been set up with latest facilities. The
Gynaecologists are appointed to provide best services to the needy at low cost.
There is yet another feather in the cap through the establishment of
“Orthopaedic Hospital” in the year 2004. This hospital is also well equipped.
There are latest equipments to carry out bone operations ‘Orthopaedic Surgeons
‘come on weekdays from Monday to Friday and give free facilities to patients.
With the Sharda Maternity Hospital we are also starting the Neonental Section
and necessities would be available thereof. For that purpose M/s Sandhyaben,
Daughter of Shree Rameshbhai Revabhai Patel (of Dus Gharas) as well as her
husband Shree Dr. Sanjivanbhai is taking keen interest. This whole project would
be estimated to be worth Rs. 50 Lakhs and all the necessary activities are being
finished. |
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| Shree
Jashbhai Gordhanbhai Patel |
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Shree Jashbhai Patel is addressed with love and respect as “Bapu” by one and
all.
He is the pioneer in establishing the “Jawahar Cricket Club” in 1937, this was
his first step towards social service and village development. Through various
sporting activities like football, table tennis, cricket and much more he tried
to organise the youth into healthy teams and instilled co-operation in them.
This also supported and developed youth power. It is surprising to know that he
himself was skilfully playing cricket until the age of 65 yrs. Shree Bapu is an
active ardent leader on the cricket ground but very simple caring loving at the
home ground. |
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He
stepped into the industrial field in the year 1967 through Tobacco, pioneering
in establishing 100% export oriented units of Tobacco.
He played a crucial role in “Go char” development plan – Fodder scheme. It was
his dream accentuated through the setting up of an English Medium School. It was
the excellent duo of Shree Jashbhai Bapu and Shree Chimankaka that brought about
a remarkable change in the village of Dharmaj. A great figure respected and
recognised throughout the village. He constantly thinks about the progress and
development of the village. |
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| Late
Shree Chimanbhai Kishorebhai Patel |
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Late, Shree Chimanbhai K. Patel was fondly addressed as ‘kaka’ by near and dear.
He was a graduate from the science faculty. His excellent organisational ability
was depicted when he was elected as the ‘sarpanch’ (Village head) of Dharmaj
village for a period from 1968 to 1982. He also served as a director of The
Dharmaj Peoples Bank from 1969 to 1986. He also had to his credit a lions share
in the ‘Gochar’ scheme food for cattle programme. Under the chairmanship of
respected Shree H. M. Patel Sahib, he excelled in various spheres. He served for
Dharmaj Co-operative & Consumers Stores and also Dharmaj Seva Sahakari
Mandali.On the religious front he was the trustee of Shree Matharanathji
Vaishnav Temple. |
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He was
the Secretary of Dharmaj Kelavni Mandal from 1966 to 1986. It is during his
leadership that The H. M. Patel English Medium School Complex was established.
Shree Chimankaka adored simplicity with traditional attire. His name brings
before our eyes the true profile of a social worker, someone with high ideals
and calm attitude. With his excellent organisational skills he could easily
solve problems.
His work will always speak louder than words.
These profiles of some of Dharmaj personalities have been put together by some
Trustees, people from Dharmaj, research articles and other members of DHASOL.
Any mis-statements or omissions are not deliberate. |
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| Late
Shree Indubhai Maganbhai Patel – (Ipcowala) |
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Indubhai Maganbhai Patel or affectionately know as “Indukaka” latterly known for
his generosity towards establishing better educational establishments and other
fields of knowledge; was a visionary business man and entrepreneur.
Indukaka was born on 7 September 1928 in Dharmaj. He did his schooling at V. N
High School in Dharmaj.
In his earlier years, whilst the majority of his fellow students studied the
Arts, he pursued a career in Pharmacy ; graduating in B.Pharm from L M College
of Pharmacy – Ahmedabad ; the first such college in Gujarat. |
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Perhaps
his most famous venture is the establishment of the ‘creamy stuff’ - a better
form of “snuff “ ( nicotine extract) having developed a special formula for the
paste; thus “IPCO” was born!
Ipco stands for Indubhai Patel & co. Indubhai patel founder of creamy snuff felt
the need for developing a product which is less harmful than tobacco. He started
ASHA INDUSTRIES on 13th October 1958. He introduced Ipco Creamy snuff which is
less harmful then chewing tobacco without losing taste of tobacco. And several
years later Shree Santram Gruh Udyog evolved, presenting Ipco Snuff to be used
as a dentifrice in a slightly modified version. The two companies together
worked with more concerted efforts towards confirming our Corporate mission.
Indukaka was awarded the Charotar Ratna award on 8 July 2006 for his services to
charitable causes. He had been instrumental in the establishment of a number of
educational institutions, public halls, libraries, medical complexes, temples,
providing educational professional and medical help to both institutions and
people in general.
He had established “the Ipcowala trust”; well associated with the activities of
social nature in Anand and Kheda districts as well as Vadodara , Ahmedabad and
Saurashtra. He has donated money for every good cause that had come to his
notice; giving away money to charity without even keeping records!
Indukaka called all his employees as IPCO Parivar. He used to share profit with
his employees, helped evry employee to build his/her own house, helped each of
them to educate their children and also helped in marrying their children.
Initially Indukaka kept 20% for charity and at the end of life the ratio
reversed to 80% for charity and 20% for personal use.
The sad demise of Pujya Indukaka in July 2007, has resulted in loosing a great
human being, a visionary businessman and a pious saint. |
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