Santbal A Saint with a Difference

Author(s): T U Mehta
Publisher: Navjivan Prakashan Mandir

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the nation to achieve political freedom and since it had recently came to power, it should be given full opportunity to implement its ideas through Government machinery.
Similarly one conference of Bhal area villages was held at Bagodara.
In 1949 “Khedut Mandal” established by him saved hundreds of acres of land from lying fallow by supplying rice-seeds of 240 tons at the reduced price of 50 Paise (1/2 rupee) to the needy farmers of the area.
Such conferences were held for the first time in all the areas and one direct impact thereof was to inculcate the sense of unity and social responsibility among people who had developed a servile mentality under a feudal set-up. But this was not the only activity undertaken by him.
In 1944, during his Chaturmas at Sanand he established a charitable dispensary with the help of Dr. Shantibhai and Kashiben, the daughter of his close follower Chhotubhai, both of whom rendered selfless and voluntary lifelong services. This Kashiben is presently presiding over the Prayogik Sangh established by Santbalji.
Work of Social Reconstruction :
The basic concept of the constructive work started by Santbalji was to bring about social reconstruction on ethical lines. But this cannot be achieved without individual approach, removal of illiteracy and economic well being of the people. So during his Chaturmas stay at Sanand he moved from house to house and saw that meat-eating and alcoholism was significantly contained. He organised seminars and conferences for that purpose and about 2880 persons belonging to different classes and castes took
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