Lilavaikaha

Author(s): K R Chandra, Ramniklal M Shah
Publisher: Prakrit Text Society Ahmedabad

Page 8

Sheth Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai
Life-span of Sheth Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai extended from the last decade of the last century to ninth decade of the current one. The last luminary in the galaxy of great business magnates of Gujarat, Kasturbhai scrupulously practised professional ethics with propriety and integrity. As he initiated modernization in the field of industry, he was regarded as the founder of modern era in the industrial world. His attitude to art and education was progressive. In business he placed national interest above personal gains. He enjoyed a pride of place among the foremost industrialists of India. In collaboration with the foreign companies, he initiated the production of synthetic colours in India. By virtue of his unique business talent, he established himself as a pillar of Indian economy. In the international field also, he solved difficult problems pertaining to economy and industry with astute sense of discretion and judgement. He has secured unique place of distinction in the world history of textile industry. He invariably extended a helping hand to his employeesall and one without restraint, which speaks of generous and humanitarian trait of his personality.
Kasturbhai was born on December 19, 1894 in Ahmedabad, in the reputed family of Sheth Lalbhai Dalpatbhai, which was educated, cultured and committed to social service. Once upon a time, Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India, moved by the aesthetic appeal of the sculpture and architecture of the Delvada temples on Mt. Abu, proposed to requisition the property by the state archaeological department for the purpose of preserving the art. Lalbhai, who happened to be the President of the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi, which looked after the preservation and repairs of the temples, strongly resented the move. In order to establish that the Pedhi was competent enough to provide for repairs etc. of the temples, he managed to keep several artisans engaged on the spot continually for 8 to 10 years. In 1908, he prevailed upon