If you wish to see a saintly man not in saffron robes but in a suit and boots, you should meet Prakash Bhai Shah. Truly, I say your life will be enriched.
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We have a well-known subhashita in our Sanskrit tradition:
"विद्वत्वं च नृपत्वं च न एव तुल्ये कदाचन्।
स्वदेशे पूज्यते राजा विद्वान् सर्वत्र पूज्यते॥"
That is, a scholar and a king can never be compared, because a king is revered only in his own country, while a scholar is revered everywhere. During my Dubai trip on April 23rd, I especially remembered this subhashita, and I could understand its truth. The particular reason for remembering this subhashita was that on April 23rd, the highly respected Prakashbhai Shah was scheduled to arrive at the Dubai Airport from America. Amin and I were fortunate to go to the Dubai Airport to welcome him. We reached the airport earlier than the scheduled time and were waiting for Prakashbhai Shah. The plane landed on time. Our anticipation to welcome him was growing more intense. Dubai Airport was unfamiliar to us, so another fear was also bothering us: would Sir come out from the same gate where we were standing, or would he arrive from some other gate? Amidst this dilemma, our moments of waiting were being counted. Then, my gaze fell upon a familiar, majestic personality coming from the front. Through the transparent lenses of the golden-framed glasses, my eyes fixed on his bright, radiant eyes. Seeing Prakashbhai Shah being grandly welcomed by Dubai's professional security at the Dubai Airport, my head rose high with immense pride. Prakashbhai Sir, an Indian who has been settled in America for years, commands special respect in America and India. But even in an unknown country, such a magnificent welcome for an Indian naturally makes one's head bow in reverence.
The Dubai Airport Authority escorted Prakashbhai Sir to the VVIP lounge and accorded him due respect. Simultaneously, they welcomed us into the VVIP lounge as well and arranged for tea and snacks. I was simply stunned watching all this. As soon as we freshened up, a special car was sent by the Sheikh Prince of Dubai to take Sir to his hotel. A brand-new Rolls Royce, a luxurious car unparalleled in the world and of the kind used by kings and emperors for their grandeur, was waiting for Prakashbhai Sir. The honor and respect that Prakashbhai Shah Sir was receiving from the Dubai royal family was equivalent to that accorded to a country's prime minister. The joy of accompanying Sir on the historic Rolls Royce ride was extraordinary. My heart was deeply moved witnessing all of this.
The accommodation arrangements for the esteemed Prakashbhai Sir were also made in a palatial hotel that would leave us utterly astonished. He was staying at the seven-star Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel, situated on the Dubai coastline, which is considered one of the most expensive hotels in the world. It's surprising to learn that even the entrance fee for an ordinary citizen to enter this hotel is beyond our means. The cost for a single night's stay is in the millions. It was only because we were with Prakashbhai Sir that we were able to enter this hotel. The sight inside the hotel was breathtaking. The world's greatest personalities consider it an honor to stay in this hotel. The most striking thing was that everything that appeared yellow in this hotel was made of gold. Forget everything else, even the faucets in the hotel bathrooms were made of gold.
It was solely due to the association with the respected Prakashbhai Shah Sir that we were able to witness such opulence. After seeing all this, a question certainly arises in one's mind: why would a foreign country bestow so much respect and love upon an Indian man? If we delve into the root of this question, the answer we find is that Prakashbhai Shah Sir, having lived in America for the past five decades, has earned immense love and respect through his honest and relentless hard work.
Prakashbhai holds a respectable place in the hearts of both American presidents, like Trump and India's successful Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Today, his name alone facilitates work in any country of the world. His Gandhian, unassuming, sincere, and simple personality has allowed him to remain without enemies. His heart is as tender as a flower; even while listening to someone else's sorrow, tears well up in his eyes.
If you ever happen to visit Gandhinagar, do make it a point to see the public toilet in Sector 19's Punit Van! You wouldn't be surprised to be amazed by the cleanliness and tidiness of a public restroom! A public toilet in India so neat and clean? It's natural to not believe it. But this miracle has been brought about by the respected Prakashbhai Shah Sir, an exceptional Indian settled in America for years! Whenever he comes to Gandhinagar, he regularly goes for a morning walk in Punit Van! At that time, the dilapidated condition of the public toilet deeply saddened him. How can such a state of affairs exist in the land of Gandhi? He felt that he travels all over the world, but perhaps no other aspect shows us to be as backward compared to developed countries as cleanliness! And from that day on, he took complete responsibility for the cleanliness of that public toilet. He regularly visits in person to check the cleaning. Before long, the entire look of the toilet changed. Public toilets in India can also be like this. This is an example of the magical results one person can achieve if they are determined.
During my writing journey, I have had the good fortune to meet many distinguished personalities from various fields. Among them all, the indelible impression of one rare and exceptional individual is etched in my heart! And this unique personality is none other than the respected Prakashbhai K. Shah Sir!
The simplicity, success, and sincerity of a person who has reached the pinnacle of achievement are truly touching. From the Prime Minister of India to the President of America, he shares a close personal rapport with them. Yet, when you sit with him, he doesn't let you feel the weight of his position even in the slightest.
Prakashbhai loves his homeland with all his heart. He is always ready to help the development of his native place with his body, mind, and wealth. He constantly worries about the poor students studying in the village's high school. Seeing his eagerness to transform the village's high school into a world-class school makes one want to bow their head in reverence.
The encouragement he has provided to my literary pursuits, a person from a remote corner like myself, is immense. In my forty years of life, I had never seen Mumbai. If anyone showed me Mumbai, it was the respected Prakashbhai Shah Sir. Not only that, but he also arranged all the travel and accommodation for my trip to Dubai, making my first overseas journey possible. For that, I will remain indebted to him for life. He has infused life into my work. He has bestowed new energy within my soul and deepened my faith in God.
The esteemed Prakashbhai Shah Sir also has many debts upon this earth. The Aravalli region will perhaps never be able to repay the debt of the Vartak Hospital, which was established by the staunch Gandhian Shri K. K. Shah Sir. The Vartak Hospital is a ray of hope for the poor patients in Aravalli and the surrounding areas! If anyone has made a lion's contribution to revitalizing this hospital, which was on its deathbed, it is Prakashbhai Shah Sir. He has not only given generously in charity himself but has also guided his friends to contribute to this stream of donations. Even today, residing in America, he continuously worries about providing better facilities and advanced medical treatment to the patients. He has left no stone unturned in realizing the grand dream seen by his father. The blessings of millions of poor patients continue to be bestowed upon his family.
Under the umbrella of the charitable trust named after his Gandhian father, K. K. Shah, he continues to engage in various service activities. He has empowered thousands of women living in the remote villages of Aravalli by forming self-help groups. Today, these women have become self-reliant. What broad vision! If any natural disaster strikes the country, his team immediately engages in relief work without waiting for anyone. Dedicated workers in his team, such as Nishaben Shah, Vinaybhai Shah, Pankajbhai Patel, Arunbhai, Hemantbhai, and Bharatbhai, readily carry out his every command.
Prakashbhai Shah Sir has wholeheartedly showered his generosity in transforming the lives of hundreds of the downtrodden. Whether it's a daughter's wedding, children's higher education, purchasing a new home for someone, or an unexpected medical expense, he extends help in numerous ways, yet Prakashbhai never lets anyone know. Once he holds someone's hand, he never lets go.
The sights witnessed while taking a morning walk with Prakashbhai Sir on Juhu Beach swell one's chest with pride! Dressed in a simple white kurta and pajamas, one would never believe the extent of power this man holds!
So many people on Juhu Beach greet Prakashbhai with respect. Youngsters make the meeting memorable by taking selfies with him. Prakashbhai Sir has received immense love from the people in Mumbai as well. If anyone praises him even slightly, he says, "I am merely a speck of dust awaiting the passage of time." Prakashbhai attributes the credit for all his work to Thakorji (Lord Krishna) and remains detached.
If you wish to see a saintly man not in saffron robes but in a suit and boots, do meet Prakashbhai Shah Sir once. Truly, I say your life will be blessed. Those who have received the shelter of Prakashbhai Shah Sir consider him akin to God. I also consider it the grace of Thakorji that I have had the good fortune to flourish under his guidance.
Ah, today marks a truly auspicious occasion, the very day upon which the remarkable Prakashbhai Shah graced this world! From the depths of my being, I offer my most fervent prayers at the divine feet of Thakorji, beseeching boundless health and a life that stretches long and joyously before him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear Sir! May your special day be overflowing with untold happiness, and may the coming years shower you with countless blessings and joyous returns!
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- An article by: Ishwar Prajapatati
Translation in English: Pallavi Gupta
Email: khudishwar1983@gmail.com
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