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Chapter 33. Achievements, Awards and Honors
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in 2003, and (3) by Chicago Arts Circle a special honor for overall contribution of Gujarati literature in 2003.
Education
Amratlal Virpar Gada was born in 1900 in the village of Khara Beraja, Navanagar State in Saurastra. After finishing elementary school in Khara Beraja he went to Jamnagar for high school education. While studying there he also worked in his maternal uncle's shop. When he was 17 year of age he came in contact with Gordhandas Mehta, a lawyer who used to work for His Highness Ranjit Sihnji, the ruler of Navanagar State. Mr. Mehta was impressed by the way Amratlal conducted himself. Mr. Mehta took him under his wing. Amratlal stayed with him for five years as an apprentice and learnt about the practice of law. On the advice of Mr. Mehta, Ranjit Sihnji declared him a lawyer and gave permission to Amratlalbhai to practice the law in his State. Amratlalbhai was the first person of the Halari Visa Oshwal community to practice law. During his lifetime he was always helpful to the village people and always gave them the right advice. In the legal matters he would work for them without charging any fees. After the death of Ranjit Sinhji, Digvijay Sinhji, became the king. Amratlalbhai was put in charge of making all the arrangements during the wedding of Digvijay Sinhji. He passed away in Jamnagar in 1970 at the age of 70 years.
Professionals
As a result of the opportunities offered by educational institutions, which were started by Oshwal visionary leaders, there is probably a higher percentage of the Oshwals with a college or university education than in any other community. The Oshwals have excelled as actuaries, biologists, chartered accountants, computer scientists, medical doctors, dentists, engineers, librarians,
