Vardhaman Book on Jainism

Author(s): Jayshree Menon
Publisher: Bennete Coleman & Co Ltd

Page 79

Mafatkaka's sons (I to r): Mahendra, Ashwin and Narendra
Gandhi. Open to everyone, the hospital conducts eye operations free of charge.
"Self-sufficiency is the key," says Mafatkaka, his deeds speaking louder than words. Once a blind man from Bihar approached Mafatkaka. With his brief knowledge of music, he sought a harmonium for a living. Not only was he provided with the instrument, Mafatkaka introduced him to a noted musician who accepted him under his tutelage without charging a fee.
"It's not always money," smiles Mafatkaka. "Small things make all the difference." His charity organisation meanwhile regularly sets up polio correction surgical camps. Its projects to install the Jaipur Foot have resulted in a large number of self-reliant amputees.
Mother Teresa took Mafatkaka with her to London to attend her award function, Progress in Religion. Mafatkaka came away inspired by the ceremony. He realised that recognition of any good done by a person is the most effective way for motivating one's self and others to do better. Since 1993, his Trust has presented ten awards of its own - to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in various fields such as religion, environment, social work and human rights. The award is for individuals who have benefited a large number of people through their selfless efforts.
Each award comprises a cash prize of Rs. 300,000, a medallion and a citation.
Among the illustrious list of awardees are Pandurang Shastri Athavale, Baba Amte, Sunderlal Bahuguna, Maneka Gandhi, Anna Hazare, Ushaben Mehta and the Dalai Lama.
In response to Mother Teresa's concern for girls born of unwed mothers, Mafatkaka set up an orphanage for 525 girls called Ma-Niketan in Thane. The Smt. Kamala Mehta Dadar School for the Blind was established for 175 blind girls in addition to another in Pune called the Smt. Kamala Mehta Andh Kanya Chhatralaya. No recommendation is ever required for admission. "The uneducated are open to exploitation from all corners," believes Mafatkaka.
"An educated woman is more likely to understand the importance of family planning, vaccination etc." So following the construction of hostels for blind girls, Mafatkaka created the facility to educate them.
Once on his way to Belgium, Mafatkaka spent some time at the airport restaurant with his daughter. When it was time to leave, he asked for the bill and was surprised to find that it had been paid, that too by the cashier!
On enquiry it was revealed that the cashier was a product of Ma-Niketan. As a young girl, she had lost her mother at an early age and her father had insufficient means to support her. The school had equipped her with enough education and confidence to be able to draw a monthly salary of Rs. 12,000 and to stand on her feet. "I'm your daughter," she said to Mafatkaka even as his eyes welled up.
This then is Mafatkaka, the small big man who sports a divine virtue - the virtue of giving - a virtue that spawns a nobility of soul - a nobility that leaves in its wake a feeling of goodness - a feeling that as long as such men walk the earth, there is hope.
79 VARDHAMAN
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