Monday Special

 The Pride of Gujarat-9

A Heart full of Gratitude, A Life full of Giving back : Mr Pravinbhai Shah

(A succinct story by Ishvar Prajapati 

 English version by Pallavi Gupta)

(Aiming to assist the poor patients in the remote areas of Aravalli, Pravinbhai Shah has made a significant donation of ₹15 crores for building an advanced hospital, benefiting the entire Aravalli community.)

           The entrepreneurial spirit, imbued with a profound sense of civic duty, is deeply ingrained within the Gujarati ethos. Motivated by aspirations for a more prosperous existence, these intrepid individuals have embarked upon arduous journeys across vast distances, leaving behind the familiar comforts of their homeland to forge new destinies in foreign lands. Through unwavering perseverance and unwavering resolve, they have ascended to pinnacles of success in uncharted territories, establishing expansive and influential enterprises. Despite accumulating substantial wealth and experiencing the finer aspects of life, their affection for their ancestral homeland remains steadfast and unwavering. They consistently demonstrate their commitment to the nation's progress through generous philanthropic endeavors, serving as beacons of inspiration for the wider community.

Pravinbhai Ramanlal Shah exemplifies this noble spirit. His act of extraordinary philanthropy, a substantial donation of fifteen crores towards the establishment of a cutting-edge medical facility in the underserved Aravalli region of Gujarat, is a testament to his compassionate nature. This generous contribution will undoubtedly alleviate the suffering of the underprivileged populace within the region.

Renowned Gujarati author and scholar, Rajnikumar Pandya, has eloquently introduced us to the remarkable life and significant contributions of Pravinbhai Shah.

From Modest Beginnings to a Benevolent Legacy

Born on July 27, 1944, in the historic Manek Chowk district of Ahmedabad, Pravinbhai Ramanlal Shah emerged from a middle-class family with four brothers and two sisters. His formative years were marked by education at the Ahmedabad Municipal School and subsequently, the New Sarvodaya High School. He embarked on a distinguished academic journey, acquiring a Bachelor of Arts (1964) and a Bachelor of Commerce (1965) from the esteemed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College. His intellectual pursuits further culminated in a Bachelor of Laws (1966) from the City Law College and a Master of Commerce (1971) from H.A. College.

Even at the tender age of seventeen, while simultaneously pursuing his college education, Pravinbhai undertook the responsibility of tutoring high school students during his summer vacations. Post-graduation, he began his professional journey in the legal department of the Secretariat, followed by an evening role as a passbook writer at the Union Bank of India. This relentless pursuit of multiple responsibilities underscored his unwavering dedication to his studies and work.

In 1969, he tied the knot and in 1971, upon completing his Master's in Commerce, he immigrated to the United States. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue an MBA from the Island University of New York, which he completed in 1973.

It's noteworthy that his wife, Jyotsnaben, also holds a BA LLB and had dedicated five years of her life to teaching at B.D. Girls' College in Ahmedabad. Together, Pravinbhai and Jyotsnaben are blessed with two children, Nehal and Nipa, and four grandchildren.

Despite immigrating to the US in 1971, life wasn't a bed of roses. He faced numerous challenges before achieving success. After earning his MBA, he started as an internal auditor in a retail firm and quickly rose to the position of controller. He then ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing his own firm providing accounting, financial, and insurance advisory services. Within a short span, he achieved immense success and recognition in this field. After three decades of dedicated service, he voluntarily retired in 2016 at the peak of his career to devote his time to social service. Despite residing in the US for half a century and acquiring American citizenship, his heart remains deeply rooted in India, as evidenced by his actions and inclinations.

*Fueled by Gratitude, Driven to Giving back*

Pravinbhai shared, "Compared to many of my family members and acquaintances, I have always felt exceptionally blessed. As a result, I now feel a profound desire to give back to society, particularly to those who have been less fortunate. I believe this is a way to express my gratitude for all that I have been given. Thankfully, my late wife, Jyotsna, shared my sentiments, providing unwavering support in this endeavor. As a token of our gratitude to our parents who instilled such values in us, I decided to name this state-of-the-art hospital in a remote tribal area as the 'Smt. Shardaben Ramanlal Shah Memorial Hospital."

He further elaborated, "Driven by divine inspiration, I visited the Jalram Arogya Seva Trust in the small village of Meghraj along with my late friend Kanubhai Lakhani and his wife Kumudben. Witnessing the selfless service provided to the tribal population and the underprivileged in this region, I realized that I had found the perfect place to channel my philanthropic endeavors. The decision to build a state-of-the-art hospital here was solidified, and with the support of Dr. Bansibhai Patel and his associates, we embarked on this noble journey."

Pravinbhai remarked, "This is a monumental task, akin to the legendary feat of bringing the Ganga to earth. However, a project of this magnitude cannot be accomplished by a single individual. It demands the collective effort of a generous community. Therefore, through the widely circulated article in the December 6, 2021, issue of 'Chitralekha' authored by the renowned writer Rajnikumar Pandya, and other digital platforms, we are appealing to our relatives and friends in America, Europe, the UAE, India, and beyond for their support."

He further added, "It is our immense fortune that the revered Morari Bapu graced the occasion by performing the Shilanyas(laying of a foundation stone) ceremony for this state-of-the-art hospital. It is an auspicious omen for its success."

The construction of the hospital is now nearing completion. However, there is still a need for donations for medical equipment. But with unwavering faith in the divine, the dedicated trustees are confident that this need will soon be met, and this modern hospital will be inaugurated to serve the underprivileged in the Meghraj region of Aravalli.

Spacial Thanks To : Rajnikumar Pandya.

For more details of hospital contact : Dr. Bansibhai Patel : 9099591159