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CHAPTER 25
FAMINE IN HALAR
In 1936 A.D. due to drought and failure of harvest a killer famine spread all over India. The state of Saurastra was affected worst. For several consecutive seasons in many parts of India including Halar there was very little rainfall. The rivers, wells and even some lakes had completely dried up. There was no harvest. There was not enough food for the people and domestic animals. The buffalos, cows and oxen were dying. Many people did not have enough to eat. The land could not be ploughed. Unemployment went up as the businesses went down. Farmers could not meet payments on borrowed money. Poverty and hunger was evident all over.
The news of the famine reached East Africa. As most of the Oshwals had gone through a similar experience in the past they understood the plight, which their fellow brothers were going through in Halar. They had nothing but sympathy for them. As this time the community was financially in a better position a desire to do something was in everyone's mind. The Nairobi community accepted the challenge. Meghji Pethraj Shah took the initiative and called an emergency meeting, which was held on the premises of the firm of Premchand Raichand & Co. The people in attendance included Premchand Vrajpal Shah, Bharmal Raishi, Popatlal Karman, Vershi Mepa, Somchand Meghji, Hemchand Meghji, Maganlal Popat Chandaria, Virji Narshi, Amratlal Bharmal and other community leaders, unanimous decision was made to provide aid to the people of Halar. A committee was formed under the name Halari Visa Oshwal Mahajan Mandal. Meghji Pethraj was elected as the president and a famine relief fund was established. Every one donated money willingly and generously. An amount of 175000 shillings was collected in a short period
