Book Title: Comtemporary Jain Legends
Author(s): Atmanandji Maharaj
Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram

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Page 167
________________ and two sons and their names were Minal, Jaya, Sumita, Usha, Bipin and Anant in the order of their age. In spite of so much progress in business, Meghjibhai attended towards his family very well. He took deep interest in the study of his children. All the children had good education and they were married in good families. He believed that daughters should be educated to the same extent as sons. He hardly took any interest in business affairs after coming home. He did not stop only at the thinking for providing work and bread to the poor. He knew that these ignorant will misuse money put into their hands and hence he tried to provide for their education and good living habits. He passed about four years in India after retirement from business. In these years, he had been a member of our Rajyasabha. He did not mean retirement as withdrawal from all activities. He worked for the people instead of for the self in this period. He administered very well the trusts created by his donations. He was for absolute punctuality at work. He was always simple in his dress and did not care for his status very much. He used to go to office by underground train in London even though he had his own car. He had mild humorous nature also and could make serious circumstances very light at times. He could get very efficient colleagues like Mr. Gohel and Mr. C.V. Shah. Last Days: Meghjibhai remained physically very well but as if he could foresee his end he said, "I am keeping well now, but how can it be said as to what will happen after 60 years". And it so also happened. On Thursday, the 30-7-1964, he awoke early as usual. He prepared tea by himself and drank it with beloved wife Maniben. He ha some pains at about 10.00 hours. Doctor examined him and gave some medicine. He took coffee at 11.00 hours, but his health suddenly worsened. It was heart attack. Before some more treatment can be given, he breathed last at 11.45 hours. He went, but left great fragrance behind him. Maniben maintained courage and turned to carry on and complete the works left half way by Meghjibhai. She did not allow creating any memorial after Meghjibhai because the works done and started by Meghjibhai were themselves his true memorials. It was declared on behalf of Meghjibhai Foundation to donate one lac pounds to the Government of Kenya for increasing medical and educational centers. The great men become immortal by their deeds and Meghjibhai was such a great, charitable, selfsupporting, industrious and serviceable personality. 167

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