Vardhaman Book on Jainism

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

Page 92

Gem
A
OF MAN
A STAUNCH ADVOCATE OF JAINISM AND VEGETARIANISM, THE KHADI-CLAD SURENDRA MEHTA. IS A FAR CRY FROM WHAT YOU'D EXPECT A DIAMOND
MERCHANT TO LOOK LIKE
TEXT SHIVANI MAHESHWARI PHOTOGRAPHS: RICHARD PEREIRA
is rise may not have been as meteoric that one can walk into the Mehta Jewellery showas Dhirubhai Ambani. He may not have room in Chennai blindfolded and not be hoodset up an empire as big as the Birlas. winked.
However, in his line of business, he Mehta's simplicity and reticence has kept him stands leagues above the rest. His name glows away from the media blaze all these years. In fact, unparalleled
the 77-year-old jeweller timidly confesses that this Surendra Manilal Mehta's reputation glitters like would be one of his first interviews where he would the diamonds he deals in. With a wealth of experi- delve so deeply into his personal life. Dressed in ence and goodwill earned over 60 years, this busi- white khadi dhoti and kurta, which he has spun nessman and philanthropist has set new standards himself, he looks more of a freedom fighter than in the diamond trade and nurtured the values that a jeweller. The only trace of his trade is the 1.6has made Mehta Jewellery a household name carat diamond ring on his finger.. among discerning buyers of jewellery. It is believed Born in 1923 at Palanpur in Gujarat, Mehta had