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CONVENTION 2007 CHIEF GUEST
SHRI DEEPCHAND SAVRAJ GARDI
JAINA welcomes Shri Deepchand S. Gardi from Mumbai.
Shri Deepchandbhai has mastered the art of giving. Growing up without a father in his childhood in very modest circumstances, he dreamed at age 11 to become capable to donatel, 000 Rupees ($25) every day. After becoming a successful lawyer at age of 47 he revised his resolve to donate at least 100,000 Rs. a day. This intense desire and commitment to give made him a shining example of what a strong will and purpose can achieve.
Today at the age of 92, he is in an excellent physical and mental health. Scores of charitable institutions in India - colleges, dispensaries, orphanages, blood banks, animal shelters, Temples and Dharmashalas exist today because of support provided by "Gardi Saheb". His philanthropic works are conducted by six charitable trusts established by him.
He is President of several institutions including All India Swetamber Conference, Gujarat Mahajan Panjarapol and Gaushala Federation, Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya (Hostels), Bhagwan Mahavir 2600th Janma Kalyanak celebrations National Committee, and many others. He has been a member of the governing council or trustees of dozens of charitable institutions. In recognition of his philanthropic works, he has received many honors and awards including Gujarat Garima Award in 2005 by the Chief Minister of Gujarat. In a book titled "Vardhman" published by the Times of India and released by Prime Minister Vajpayee describes him as a "MILLENIUM SAINT"
His motto in life is that every living creature has a right to peaceful existence and therefore, we should help them to better their life. He says that as a satisfied person he does not seek MOKSHA. "I am here to serve the people. If I have a choice I would like to be born again and again to serve the people"
14 Biennial JAINA Convention 2007
PEACE THROUGH DIALOGUE
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