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Canada. He is the most sought out speaker by sixty two jain sanghs of North America to deliver lectures during Paryushan Parva.
I had a good fortune to attend with Kumarpalbhai 'World Parliament of Religions' at Chicago, U.S.A. in 1993 and Captown, south Africa in 1999. His talks on many aspects of Jainism was well received by the attendees. By this time, He was very well recognized as an excellent orator and authority on Jainism.
I had also good fortune to work with his 'Anukampa Trust' which carries out humanitarian activities. I also saw him working hard to help affected families by communal riots in Gujarat in last two years.
It was indeed honour and priviledge to be in this man's company when twenty six of us were awarded “Jain Ratna Award' Presented by Ex-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the occasion of the 2600th Janmakalyanak of Bhagwan Mahavira.
Inspite of all this awards and many more, Kumarpalbhai is always there when you need him. I remember vividly that it was opening ceremony of Sarvajanik Dispensary at Bhadreshwar Teerth, Kutch sponsered by our family in honor of the Great Grandmother Mithibai Monsi who was responsible for last Jirnoddhar of that Teerth 1,500 years ago. I needed a Brochure describing Mithibai's contribution to that teerth and I was in Ahmedabad for only 24 hours and requested Kumarpalbhai's help and to my surpirse, Next morning he handed over me 500 copies of a brochure describing my grandmother's contribution. I could not thank him enough.
To me, Kumarpalbhai has remained unassuming and modest man despite of all the medals, prizes, awards and honours. He has always smile on his face and warmth in his behavior. I consider it as an honour and priviledge to be asked to write few words about him on the occasion of him receiving well deserved Padmashri award by President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
Past President of 'Federation fo Jain Associations in North America'
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A Multifaceted Personality
