Lilavaikaha

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

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the Government to disallow construction of bungalows of individual ownership on the Samet-shikhar hill. He also worked as Chief Secretary of Jain Shvetambar Conference. Meritorious social service earned him the title 'Sardar' from British Government. Sheth Lalbhai had seven children, three sons and four daughters. Kasturbhai was the fourth child. All the children were brought up under strict discipline of father, Lalbhai and affectionate care of mother, Mohinaba.
Kasturbhai received primary education in one of the Municipal Schools. He passed his Matriculation examination in 1911 from R. C. High School. During school days, he was deeply impressed by the Swadeshi Movement. He joined Gujarat College in the beginning of 1912, but, in consequence of Lalbhai's sudden demise, he had to give up studies, to join his brother in the management of his father's textile mills. He gradually acquired proficiency in the administration of all departments of the textile mill, after going through the experience of working at the lowest range like time-keeper and store-keeper under the supervision of his uncle. Kasturbhai, with his far-sighted talent and extra-ordinary organising capacity, brought the level of production of Raipur Mills to that of the best textile mills of the country. In course of time, during the three decades of 1921-1950, he established one of the foremost Industrial Houses of India, known as Lalbhai Group, comprising Ashok Mills, Arun Mills, Arvind Mills, Nutan Mills, Anil Starch, Atul Industrial Complex etc.
In addition to professional work, Kasturbhai, following the footsteps of his father, evinced keen interest in social welfare activities. In 1921, at the instance of the then municipal President he and his brothers donated Rs. 50,000 to Ahmedabad Municipality for primary school. In the month of December of the same year, at the convention of the Indian National Congress in Ahmedabad, he came in close contact with Pt. Motilal Nehru, which turned into lifelong friendship. In 1922, on Sardar Vallabhbhai's advice, Kasturbhai contested election to the Central Legislative Assembly from the constituency of millowners of Ahmedabad and Bombay. When Swaraj Party was formed he