The Pride of Gujarat - 6
Kusumben Rasiklal Shah and family, the compassionate souls residing in the United States, have shown their love for their homeland by donating a substantial sum of one million dollars as a tribute to their family.
(A succinct story by Ishvar Prajapati
English version by Pallavi Gupta)
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To truly understand the extent to which a family can sacrifice for the dreams of their community, one must look no further than the family of the late Rasikbhai Manilal Shah, a beacon of humanity. His wife, Kusumben, and their son, Tusharbhai, along with the rest of their family, currently reside in a town near New York City. This family has set an extraordinary example by donating a substantial sum of one million US dollars, equivalent to over eight and a half crore rupees, to establish a mental health center in Arvalli. This is an unprecedented event in the history of Arvalli, where a single family has contributed such a significant amount.
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This family, renowned for their philanthropic endeavors that have benefited countless individuals, has been firmly established in the United States for decades. However, their roots remain deeply embedded in the soil of Aravalli. Rasikbhai hails from the village of Saathanba, situated in the Bayad taluka of Aravalli district. His father, Manilalbhai, was a prosperous businessman and the patriarch of a large family comprising ten children. A brilliant student, Rasikbhai consistently topped his class and eventually became an engineer.
During a visit to his relatives in Sardoi village, Modasa taluka, he encountered Kusumben. It was love at first sight, and their bond deepened over time, culminating in a lifelong partnership. Kusumben's ancestral home was in Timba village near Godhra, where her father was employed in Madhya Pradesh. Their union was a testament to their profound connection, as they became inseparable, their souls intertwined as one.
While Rasikbhai was still pursuing his studies, he deeply understood the value of education. Driven by a desire to provide his siblings with a quality education, he ventured to Mumbai. Far from home, in an unfamiliar city with an extended family to support, life presented a new set of challenges. To make ends meet, he tirelessly worked day and night. Often, he would stand in long queues for affordable rations, sometimes returning empty-handed due to shortages or closed shops. There were periods when he and his family had to endure hunger.
Meanwhile, a few of Rasikbhai's friends had migrated to the United States and regularly wrote to him. Recognizing his exceptional abilities, they encouraged him to join them, assuring him of a brighter future. As Rasikbhai struggled to make a living in Mumbai, he began to contemplate their suggestion. Finally, he decided to take a chance and migrate to the United States. Leaving his wife, Kusumben who was pregnant at that time to her mother's home, Rasikbhai boarded a flight to America in 1967.
Thousands of miles from his homeland, Rasikbhai found himself confronting a new set of challenges in a foreign land. Juggling both his studies and a demanding job that required him to stand for eighteen hours a day, he also had to contend with extensive travel. His body was often weary and exhausted, yet his indomitable spirit kept him going. With a steadfast determination to achieve something extraordinary, he pressed forward. Meanwhile, in India, Kusumben was blessed with the birth of a daughter, filling their home with joy. Eventually, Rasikbhai was able to bring both Kusumben and their daughter to the United States.
The initial period in America presented numerous challenges. A significant obstacle was the scarcity of essential Indian groceries. Due to the limited availability of pigeon peas(i.e. toor daal), they had to utilize split peas as a substitute. Gram flour, a crucial ingredient for Indian curries, was also difficult to procure. Adapting to these circumstances and making the best use of available resources became essential. Rasikbhai successfully completed his degree and secured employment with an American oil and gas company. Within a few years, he had established himself as a highly skilled expert in his field, gaining widespread recognition throughout the United States. Every refinery sought his expertise. His relentless work ethic became an integral part of his character, and his unique skills in the field garnered him both prestige and wealth. In 1971, they welcomed the birth of their son, whom they named Tushaar.
With toil and truth, they forged a kingdom in the New World in but a few years. Still, their homeland remained etched in their hearts. Once they had secured their own footing, they opened their hands to their native land, offering their bounty without hesitation. Their son, Tushaar, a distinguished physicist, now holds a directorial position and partnership in a renowned American firm.
The passage of time, like a flowing river, brought changes to Rasikbhai's vision. A diagnosis of cataracts stirred a deep empathy within him. As he contemplated the advanced medical care available to him, he couldn't help but think of the countless elderly in his homeland who were forced to live in darkness due to untreated cataracts. A profound sense of duty compelled him to aid these impoverished souls.
The very next day, Rasikbhai contacted Dr. Bhushan Punani of the Ahmedabad-based Blind People's Association, requesting an eye camp in his native village, Saathanba. He pledged to cover all expenses for cataract surgeries for any patients identified during the camp. Dr. Punani readily accepted the proposal, and his team set to work organizing the eye camp in Saathanba. Jitu Bhai Shah, Dharmendrabhai, and Hasmukhbhai of the Samata Trust, renowned for their philanthropic endeavors, also lent their support to ensure the success of this initiative. Approximately 100 patients were diagnosed with cataracts during the camp, and Rasikbhai generously covered all the costs associated with their surgeries.
A continuous stream of donations flowed from him, dedicated to various philanthropic endeavors in his homeland. His love for his native land was profound. With a compassionate heart, Rasikbhai dreamt of alleviating the suffering of the underprivileged and the poor. He envisioned a world where he could provide comprehensive healthcare to those in need, particularly those in his homeland.
After a prolonged illness, Rasikbhai succumbed to his ailment, leaving behind a legacy of compassion. His wife, Kusumben, and son, Tushabhai, were determined to carry forward his vision. Inspired by Ramesh Shah, a renowned philanthropist based in the United States, they envisioned a mental health center in the Aravalli region. The K K Shah Health Trust generously donated land for this noble cause, and with the support of the Blind People's Association and the Samatā Vikas Trust, the dream seemed within reach.
The idea took root in Kusumben and Tushabhai's minds. They imagined the unimaginable: the anguish of a family grappling with a loved one's mental health decline. The thought was deeply distressing. They became acutely aware of the need for accessible mental health care, believing that with proper treatment and support, individuals could overcome their challenges and reclaim their place in society.
In a collective act of generosity, Kusumben, Tushabhai, and their daughter-in-law pledged a substantial donation of one million US dollars to support this humanitarian project. The cornerstone for the mental health center was laid by Kusumben on December 20, 2024, at the Shrimati Belaben Patel and Yogeshbhai Patel Eye Hospital in Vatrak, signifying the beginning of a new chapter in mental health care.
There is no doubt that this state-of-the-art mental health center, which will soon grace the Aravalli region, will prove to be a boon for countless families. We offer our heartfelt gratitude to Kusumben, Tushabhai, and their daughter-in-law for their generous donation made in memory of their beloved Rasikbhai. Could there be a more fitting tribute to such a selfless soul?
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