BHANSALI TRUST

The Bhansali Trust is a Public Charitable Trust registered at Bombay in 1969. It was formed with the aim of working for the benefit of the downtrodden in villages of Banaskantha and Patan districts. Over the years it has set up and runs a number various projects in ongoing fields like medical, education, income generation, de-addiction and other socio-economic fields in different districts of Gujarat and other parts of the country. It has been active in relief and rehabilitation work when natural calamities have struck in states like Gujarat and Orissa. Most of the Trust projects are carried out with family funds, while natural calamity relief projects are carried out with funds from Diamond trade and friends. Also the big eye camp at Bodhgaya in Bihar is carried out in partnership with three other Diamond Merchant Friends. Today it is one of the largest trusts set up and run by the diamond industry with 661 full time and 1724 part time staff.

Among the trustees, Maheshbhai looks after the various projects, Ashokbhai devotes ten days in a month to work at the field level with Maheshbhai and Prakashbhai looks after the work at the Mumbai office.

The Bhansali Trust manages 862 Aanganwadis in North Gujarat and a further 382 in other parts of the state under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme covering education, health and other child related activities.

It runs five High Schools with hostel facilities in the interior and backward area of North Gujarat, and caters to over 3000 students, a third of whom stay in hostels. In addition the Trust is also involved in a number of informal educational initiatives. One such is a programme to educate adolescent girls in matters relating to basic health and personal hygiene, immunisation, family planning and the importance of education and child development. The programme is conducted in 325 villages and has already been offered to over 18,000 girls and has also been extended to cover boys. It has recently set up the “Ujas Yuva Counseling Centre”. The Trust also runs adult education camps.
Another innovative project is the Braille education project for the blind and other physically challenged students from over 400 villages following which they are sent to normal schools. The project has been running since 1992.

Other educational projects include Aanganwadi Workers’ Training Centre since 1991 and the SUVAS project since 2000.

Health Institutions

One of its major projects in the medical field is the 190 bed Gandhi-Lincoln Hospital in Deesa, which was set up in 1982. The hospital currently runs in partnership with Zale Corporation.

The Trust also runs the 55 bed Hospital for women, child and general service in Radhanpur since 1983, which caters to the needs of people of over 200 villages It has a diagnostic centre at Ahmedabad, and a diagnostic centre cum dispensary at Surat, where it also conducts the Jivanshaili Clinic for prevention and treatment of lifestyle disorders.

Operative Camps
The eye camp at Bodhgaya in Bihar is one of the very significant activities of the Trust. It has been organized every year since 1984. Over 55 Ophthalmologists, 130 nursing staff and 350 volunteers take part, with preparations beginning months in advance when doctors and workers visit 365 centres covering 2000 villages and check over 40,000 patients. Those requiring surgery are called to attend the eye camp in November. So far 2,95,997 cataract operations have been carried out in 24 such camps. Three other associates from the diamond trade are also involved in conducting this camp.

The trust also runs two eye clinics at Tharad and Khedbrahma and its fully equipped mobile team conducts smaller eye camps in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar for eight months in a year. So far over 68,000 cataract surgeries have been conducted at these camps. During 2003, 2004 and 2006 the Trust also organized camps in Buzumbura, Burundi in association with Rotary Club of Buzumbara.

Besides it also conducts medical camps in towns and in the rural areas of Gujarat, and peridiocally holds operative camps for the benefit of polio victims and other disabled people at the Gandhi Lincoln Hospital, including five camps for the operative treatment of cleft lip and cleft palate victims in association with the world famous Operation Smile (USA).

Community Health

The Trust also runs a number of community health projects. These include -- Immunization camps for the last 15 years; Distribution of Vitamin A & prevention of Blindness for last 13 years; Safe motherhood programme through a cadre of Rural Health Workers; Dais (Traditional birth attendants) Training Programme; Spacing & Family Planning; Primary health care by paramedical workers for remote villages where neither any doctor nor any over-the-counter medicines are available even for minor illness with 510 part time and 8 full time workers covering 560 villages; T.B. (Tuberculosis) control programme in 1200 villages from 1984 and CHAPT (Community Health Awareness, Prevention and Treatment), started in 2004 with aim of preventing chronic and mainly non-communicable illnesses in the villages.

Income Generation

A number of the projects taken up by the Trust relate to long term development in the rural areas and income generation schemes. Some of these include construction and deepening of wells (over 7000 in Gujarat), encouragement of cottage industry employment through disbursement of Kapas Lodhia machines, sewing machines and activities like woolen carpet and papad making. Loans are also also provided to poor families from small villages to start their own businesses.

De-addiction
A unique project is the Opium De-addiction programme that covers 1100 villages from Gujarat and Rajasthan. 10 workers regularly motivate people to give up opium. So far over 24,963 opium addicts have been cured with a relapse rate of 45%.

Mahila Shakti
Self-help groups are set up among socially and economically backward women, who are encouraged to make small savings each month and then aided through micro-credit. The groups also create awareness among the group members about health, hygiene, education, immunization, de-addiction etc. The Trust already runs 4894 such groups and has a plan to start another 800.

Diamond Cutting Project for Poor & Socially Backward Widows
This unique project was initiated two years ago and aims to help in the upliftment of poor widows living in the small villages of the most backward parts of Gujarat, particularly those at the bottom of the scale in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) group, whose monthly family income is Rs. 600 ($ 15). Widows selected for the scheme are trained in the art of diamond cutting by the Trust.

Today there are 8 units in 8 different villages or small towns. Each unit has 60-70 workers. All units are centrally located – traveling time for all workers from surrounding villages is not more than 1/2 an hour. At present nearly 600 women are covered by this scheme. During the training period the workers are given a stipend of Rs. 1000 / month and their travelling expenses. Those who are very poor, get upto Rs. 2000 / month during training period.
One of the important aspects of the project is that the manufacturing profit from this project is being distributed among the workers themselves for their health, education, house repair etc.

The Trust has total manpower of 661 full time and 1724 part time paid staff.

LIST OF ACTIVITIES

• Education
  1. Preschool Education through 900 Aanganwadi (K.G. Schools)
  2. Five High Schools with hostel facilities in remote part of North Gujarat.
  3. Adolescent Girls Awareness Programme
  4. Ujas Yuva Counseling Centre (Sex Education)
  5. Blind students’ education programmefor over 400 villages
  6. Aanganwadi Workers' Training Centre7.
  7. Adult Education Classes
  8. SUVAS – It is a project to promote primary education
  
  
• Hospitals & Clinics
  1. 190 bed Gandhi Lincoln Hospital, Deesa
  2. Woman, Child & General Hospital, Radhanpur
  3. Sahyog Dispensary and Diagnostic Center, Surat
  4. Jivanshaili Clinic, Surat
  
  
• Operative Camps
  1. Big Eye Camp, Bodhgaya, Bihar – for last 26 years (in partnership with three other diaond merchants)
  2. Small Eye Camps and Clinics at other places
  3. Eye operation camps in Buzumbura (Burundi - Africa)
  4. Plastic Surgery Camps for Cleft lip and other problems
  5. Polio Correction Surgery Camps
  6. Laparoscopoic Surgical Camps for Family Planning
  
  
• Community Health Programmes
  1. Immunization in over 700 villages
  2. Supplementary nutrition for large numbers of children
  3. Distribution of 300,000 Vitamin A capsules & Prevention of Blindness
  4. Safe motherhood program
  5. Dais (Traditional birth attendants) Training Programme for over 1800 dais
  6. Spacing & Family Planning
  7. Primary health care by over 500 paramedical workers
  8. Tuberculosis Control Programme in 1200 villages
  9. Opium De-addiction program in 1,100 villages
  10. CHAPT (Community Health Awareness, Prevention and Treatment)
  
  
• Income Generating Activities
  1. Distribution of Vegetable Seeds
  2. Deepneing of 7000 wells
  3. Papad making
  4. Woolen Carpets manufacturing
  5. Sewing Machine Distribution
  6. Loans to over 500 families to start their own small business
  7. Distribution of Kapas Lodhia
  8. New Diamond Cutting Project for widows on no-profit basis
  
  
• Financial Support & Other Activities
  1. Financial monthly help to 3oo poor and needy families
  2. 1300 Self-help groups
  
  

D. NAVINCHANDRA & CO. CHARITABLE TRUST

The Trust makes regular donations to different organizations running medical and educational projects and to panjarapoles set up for animal welfare.

It has contributed to the setting up of an OPD Centre at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Malabar Hill, Mumbai and a ward at the Conwest Jain Clinic Group of Hospitals. The Trust has also set up a medical clinic at Prathana Samaj, Mumbai called the D. Navinchandra Diagnostic Centre. In the field of education, it has donated an auditorium to the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery (IIGJ), Mumbai.

The office room and three rooms in the dharamshala at the Palanpur Jain Yatrik Bhavan, Palitana have been donated by the Trust. It also adopted Chitrod village and conducted a 10-day relief camp to help the victims following the earthquake that devastated the Kutch region in Gujarat in 2001.

The Trust also gives annual donations for the needy through the Van Bandhu Parishad, and one of the Trustees, Mr. Dilip Mehta is the Vice President of that organization.

The Trust is a registered body under Section 80G and accepts donations for its activities.
NAVINCHANDRA D. MEHTA CHARITABLE TRUST


In the educational field it has set up the Kokila Kindergarten and Navin-Kokila Auditorium in the primary section of the Manav Mandir High School, Mumbai and built the Navinchandra Mehta Sashakiya College at Alot, Madhya Pradesh which caters to 400 students.

In the field of health care, the Trust has donated a Medical Department at the BSES M.G. Hospital (Brahmakumaris), Andheri West, Mumbai and two wards at the D.S. Kothari Hospital, C.P. Tank, Mumbai.

Its charitable activities include setting up a dharmshala called the Ayush Bhavan and building the assembly hall – Smt. Kokilaben Navinchandra D. Mehta Sabhagraha -- at the Nageshwar Tirth in Madhya Pradesh. It also donated a hall for the Rotary Club, Palanpur and an auditorium for the Lions Club of Palanpur.

In Palitana it has helped construct the Shramani Bhavan with 27 blocks for sadhvijees.

Mr. Navin Mehta is also the founder director and president of Jain International ? Trade Organization, (JITO) Mumbai and a Trustee of Manav Mandir High School, Mumbai, Shri Pallaviya Parshwanath Trust, Gujarat, Shri Nageshwar Parshwanath Tirth Trust, Rajasthan and the Shri Pallaviya Sarvamangal Trust.

The Trust is a registered body under Section 80G and accepts donations for its activities.

DIWALIBEN MOHANLAL MEHTA TRUST

Founded By - Mr. Mafatlal Mehta

Address
Khatau Mansion, 1st Floor, Oomer Park
95 K, Bhulabhai Desai Road
Mumbai - 400 036
Tel: +91 - 22 - 3691334, 3632
Fax: +91 - 22 - 3633081
Email: diwaliben@bom5.vsnl.net.in



The Diwaliben Mohanlal Mehta Charitable Trust was founded in 1970 by Mr. Mafatlal Mehta in memory of his late mother, Mrs. Diwaliben.

The Trust has been active on a variety of fronts. Some of its important activities include channelising aid from foreign donor agencies in the form of food, medical goods, clothing, and other relief materials to institutions involved in social service and health care, and organizations doing relief work in areas hit by natural disasters. It also provides financial assistance for building and running hospitals, clinics, maternity homes, schools, sanitoriums, medical and surgical camps.
An important sphere of activity has been donations for construction of hostels, dispensaries and orphanages. Some of the important projects that it has been involved in are the construction of a Working Women’s Hostel in Vashi, Navi Mumbai; a dharamshala built and run by the Gadge Maharaj Trust, Dadar, for relatives of outstation patients’ admitted in nearby hospitals; Ma Niketan residential school in Thane district, etc.

Donations have also been given to hospitals catering to the poor and needy in both urban and rural areas for importing advanced medical equipment, and to institutions working for the physically handicapped. The Trust has contributed for Kidney Dialysis Machines and Water Purification plant at the Jeevan Jyot Charitable Trust in Jogeshwari, and for Gymnasium cum Physiotherapy Room, Occupational Therapy Room, facilities of Hydrotherapy by construction of 2 swimming pools at Helen Keller Institute for Deaf & Deafblind, Mumbai.

In the rural areas, relief work has been one of the hallmarks of its activities. It played an important role in the relief activities during drought in Gujarat in 1987. Besides, it regularly organizes distribution of sukhadi to schoolchildren, of buttermilk during summer and blankets during winter to the rural poor. Periodic eye camps with the free distribution of glasses are also held. In Mumbai it organizes a lunch packet scheme, where donors can bulk sponsor food packets to be distributed to beggars and footpath dwellers each day.

The trust has contributed towards various causes in the district of Banaskantha. It sponsored Maa Shravanvani School for Deaf and Dumb run by Vidyamandir Trust, Palanpur.

The Trust is one of the widely recognized charitable organizations in India. It has worked closely with the Nobel Peace Prize winner Mother Teresa on various humanitarian projects and programmes. In addition it is affiliated to more than 100 international relief agencies from across the world, and helps channelise their donations to the areas and organizations that require it the most.

Since 1993, it has been presenting the Diwaliben Mohanlal Mehta Awards for excellence and outstanding achievement in different categories like promoting religion, Gandhian principles, science and technology, health care, rural development and the rehabilitation of physically handicapped and visually impaired persons. Some of the well known recipients include Nobel Prize winners such as the Dalai Lama and Albert Schweitzer, and well known Indian social workers like Late Baba Amte, Pandurang Shastri Athavale, Dr Prakash Amte, Dr Luis Jose De Souza, Dr J Mehta and others.

DR. KUMUD PRAVIN MEHTA CHARITABLE TRUST

Established In - 1990
Promoted By - Dr. P V Mehta
Address
Gita-B, Panidta Ramabai Road, Gamdevi Mumbai - 400 007
Tel: +91 - 22 - 2368 5581
Email: mehtakumud@hotmail.com
Contact Person - Dr. Kumud P. Mehta, Chairman (Trustee)

Trustees

• Dr. Kumud Pravin Mehta – Chairman and Managing Trustee
• Dr. Vidya Acharya
• Mr. Chandrakant Mahale
• Dr. Jaideep Tank
• Mr. Bhavin Mehta

The Dr Kumud Pravin Mehta Charitable Trust registered at Bombay was established in August 1990. It was formed with the aim of providing medical services to the needy and the poor, especially in the fields of maternal and child care and family welfare.

The Trust has been actively involved in Preventive Health activity especially aimed at children. It has been regularly holding diagnostic camps in the adivasi areas of Gujarat specially in the Dharampur Taluka and adjoining area of District Valsad in South Gujarat and Thane district in Maharashtra to detect and eradicate diseases like scabies, fungal infections, deworming of intenstinal tract, anaemia etc. This is achieved through medical diagnostic camps, free distribution of clothes, educational material and by nutritional programmes.

In addition, the Trust also conducts spiritual and moral activities for the students, and provides them opportunities to participate in sports and games as well. A Child-to-Child and Child-to-Community health education programme on World Health Organisation guidelines has been started in schools across adivasi areas. Under these unique programmes young doctors are guided in training the community in health and sanitation techniques as per WHO guidelines. It tries to create awareness regarding personal hygiene and sanitation amongst teachers who can impart this knowledge to students and their families.

Various hospitals in Mumbai have also benefited through donations received from the Trust. The Trust helped set up the Dr Kumud Pravin Mehta Paediatric Nephrology Department at the Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children in Parel, Mumbai, and Dr K P Mehta Gynaecology Endoscopic Department has been donated at Nowrosjee Wadia Hospital for Women, Parel to train young gynaecologists and promote free services with modern diagnostic and operative techniques.

The Trust earlier was involved in holding free Laparoscopic Sterilisation camps throughout the country conducted by the trust’s mentor Dr. P V Mehta.

KIRTILAL KALIDAS MEHTA CHARITABLE TRUST

The Kirtilal Kalidas Mehta Charitable Trust was set up in 1990 to initiate and fund a wide variety of social development programmes with a special focus on education and health for the poor and needy in and around Coimbatore and in other parts of the country.

Some of the important projects funded by the trust are:

Relief and rehabilitation work in association with Kovai Aid for Rehabilitation and Motivation (KARAM) among the victims of the Tsunami that struck Tamilnadu and adjoining parts of India in 2005. The trust helped construct 15 houses and also educational infrastructure on Nagapattinam district of Tamilnadu.
In 2007 the trust made a large donation to Rotary International at New Delhi in memory of former trustee, late Dr. Usha K. Mehta

In the same year, the trust also contributed towards the construction of the Dr. Ushaben K. Mehta Research Centre on the campus of the G.D. Modi Vidya Sankul run by the Banaskantha District Kelavani Mandal, Palanpur to aid the poor and needy students in and around Palanpur.

Most recently the trust has helped set up a very modern large Convention Centre – Dr Usha K. Mehta Convention Centre – at Bharathiar University, Coimbatore.

MAHILA MANDAL, PALANPUR

Address
Dineshwar Colony Road
Kalyan Mandir, Near Shashivan
Palanpur - 385 001
Dist: Banaskantha, Gujarat
Tel: +91 - 2742 - 245593 / 253361

Trustees

• Mrs. Sheela J. Sanghani - Managing Trustee
• Mrs. Meera R. Mehta
• Mrs. Rekha A. Kothari
• Mrs. Saryu P. Kothari
• Mrs. Suman R. Kothari

The Mahila Mandal, Palanpur was set up in 1946 by Mrs. Kesarben Bechardas Zaveri with the aim of providing shelter to aggrieved and deserted women, as well as to work for the upliftment of women.

It was the result of two personal family tragedies suffered by Mrs. Zaveri which motivated her to devote her life to social work and causes. Mrs. Zaveri was born in 1895, and became a widow when she was just 22. Some years later she lost her only son, who died at the young age of 19.

Following this, Mrs. Zaveri, who was an extremely well read woman, decided to work for the upliftment of women, as she was greatly upset with the conditions under which they lived in those times.

As a first step she started an Ashramshala in the extremely remote Jasleni village, where there were no facilities for education, and a few years later set up the Mahila Mandal in Palanpur, as a shelter for aggrieved and deserted women. The Mandal was much more than a shelter, and well known public figures were invited to address the inmates to inform them about happenings in the world and to encourage and inspire them to participate in public life.

Mrs. Zaveri also began a library within the premises and with the help of Mrs. Jashudben Mehta started conducting adult education and sewing classes. Medical camps and outings and tours were also organized regularly for the inmates. Subsequently a Bal Mandir was also set up in the Mandal premises.
After a lot of effort, spanning nearly a decade, a plot of government land on Kantheria Hanuman Road was allotted to the Mahila Mandal, and a one storey building was constructed here in 1965. The mandal also started receiving financial help from various quarters which greatly helped it to expand its activities. In 1978-79, the Mahila Mandal got a new piece of land on which a Kalyan Mandir was built in the memory of Smt. Maniben Thakorbhai Mehta.

Today the Mandal conducts a number of projects on both these premises, and has trained many capable and hard working women who have emerged as leaders in the community. It runs two Bal Mandirs, and trains women to develop the skills to start small sewing units and run other cottage industries from their homes. Most recently the Mandal has begun a screen printing course for deaf and dumb students.

SMT. MANJULA BAGMAL PARIKH MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

Address
611, Panchratna, Opera House,
Mumbai - 400 004
Tel: +91 - 22 - 23634565
Email: ketan@mahendrabrothers.com, vikram@mahendrabrothers.com
Contact Person - Mr. Ketan B. Parikh
Dr. Vikram M. Mehta Trustees

• Mr. Ketan B. Parikh
• Mr. Hiten B. Parikh
• Mr. Milan K. Parikh
• Mr. Ashvin K. Kothari
• Dr. Vikram M. Mehta

Mr. Bagmal Laxmichand Parikh, a dynamic leader in the diamond trade and industry and fondly known as Babushah created this Foundation in the year 1993 and named it as Mrs. Manjula Bagmal Parikh Memorial Foundation to commemorate the memory of his wife, who was the driving force behind his success.
The purpose of creating this noble Foundation by Babushah was to ensure that this spirit is institutionalized and continues unabated by his future generations. This Charitable Trust created by Babushah has always endeavored to fulfill the needs of the less fortunate members of society.

The Foundation awards scholarships on a regular basis to needy and deserving students from poor families for higher education in the field of medical studies since 1994 in the following medical colleges:-

1. T. N. Medical College, (B.Y.L. Nair Hospital), Mumbai
2. G. S. Medical College, (KEM Hospital), Mumbai
3. L. T. Medical College, (Sion Hospital), Mumbai

The Foundation also awards scholarships in a similar way for higher education in the field of engineering studies in the following engineering colleges:-

1. IIT, Mumbai
2. VJTI, Mumbai
3. Institute of Chemical Technology, Autonomous, Mumbai

In addition, loan scholarships are provided at highly concessional rates of interest to deserving students for higher studies within India and abroad.

In terms of tangible assets, the Foundation has provided a fully air-conditioned ICU Ward with 25 beds in B.Y.L. Nair Hospital at Mumbai so that highly subsidised advanced treatment is made available to those poor people who can ill-afford to get treated in private nursing homes. It is the first ICU in city which has got ISO 2000 certification for its extraordinary set-up.

B.L. Parikh Institute of English Language is financed by the Foundation and run by Vidyamandir Trust, Palanpur. This has helped improving the standard of teaching and learning English language.

The Foundation has also liberally contributed towards creation of two state-of-the-art operation theatres for eye surgery at Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai.

Swaroop Wardhinee Nursing Institute has been created at Pune for providing training in home nursing for 25-30 students per year. These students are well received and get monthly income of Rs. 2000 – 4000.

Ekal Vidyalayas are being run in tribal and remote areas to provide basic education to the tribal children.

Contributions are also made to Happy Home School for the Blind.

The Foundation also provides funds to Thelma J.R.D. Tata Anand Kendra Trust for providing aid to orphans and street children.

The Foundation has set up Shri Bagmal Laxmichand Pustak Sahaya Granthalaya for commerce students of Banaskantha Kelvani Mandal, Palanpur.

SHREE PALANPUR MAHAJAN PANJARAPOL

Managing Committee Members

• Mr. Arunkumar Ramniklal Mehta - President
• Mr. Hasmukhbhai Vinodlal Mehta - President
• Mr. Shirishbhai Mayachandbhai Modi - Vice President
• Mr. Chandrakantbhai Chimanlal Gandhi - Vice President
• Mr. Himmatlal Lallubhai Mehta - Secretary
• Mr. Pravinchandra Laherchandbhai Shah - Secretary
• Mr. Ashwinkumar Ratilal Shah - Member
• Mr. Sureshbhai Keshavlalbhai Bhansali - Member
• Mr. Vardhmanbhai Cheljibhai Parekh - Member
• Mr. Dilipbhai Chunilal Shah - Member
• Mr. Vijaykumar Hiralal Mehta - Member
• Mr. Anilkumar Popatlal Mehta - Member

It’s a charitable institute with a difference, caring for the neglected, injured, lame and aged animals of Banaskantha district.

In a backward agricultural economy, it has been found that animals which are unable to do proper work due to injury or old age are not taken care of by the owners, often because of the costs involved in looking after such cattle. Such animals are either let loose in the wilderness or sent for slaughter.

The Shree Palanpur Mahajan Panjarapol, set up in 1982 to ensure that such animals receive proper care and attention, recently completed 25 years of selfless service. The animals in the care of the institution are housed in specially constructed sheds, and provided with food and water. They are also given check ups and treatment by doctors who visit the institution on a regular basis.

Over the last 25 years, Panjarapol has managed to complete the levelling of 50 acres of land for cultivation of fodder, build sheds of different sizes and materials for cattle and other animals, construct five check dams with government help to ensure a steady water supply, and develop a system of underground tanks and pipes to provide drinking water facilities within the animal sheds.



Today the institution has in its care 723 animals (including cattle, rabbits, pigeons, peacocks, cuckoos etc). It has a permanent staff living in specially constructed quarters on the campus.

SHRI PALLAVIYAJI SARVAMANGAL TRUST, PALANPUR

SHRI PALANPUR YATRIK BHAVAN, PALANPUR
Trustees

• Mr. Shantibhai Mangalji Mehta - Managing Trustee
• Mr. Babubhai Jivrajbhai Shah
• Mr. Dhirajbhai S. Parikh
• Mr. Navinbhai D. Mehta
• Mr. Nileshbhai N. Shah
• Mr. Jitendrabhai Chimanlal Parikh
• Mr. Dineshbhai Chimanlal Shah
• Mr. Hasmukhbhai Vinodlal Mehta
• Mr. Shaileshbhai Saralal Mehta
• Mr. Sudhirbhai Rasiklal Mehta
• Mr. Bharatbhai Rasiklal Saraiya
• Mr. Kiritbhai Jormalbhai Shah

The newly constructed Yatrik Bhavan at Gathaman Gate, Palanpur is an aesthetically designed building that offers modern lodging facilities to people visiting Palanpur. The well-furnished, self-contained suites are comparable to those found in foreign countries which the Palanpuri NRIs are used to. The Yatrik Bhavan was formally inaugurated by Mr. Anupbhai Vrajlal Mehta of Mohanlal Raichand & Sons, Mumbai & Mr. Arunbhai R. Mehta of Rosyblue, Mumbai.

The Shri Palanpur Yatrik Bhavan is run by Shri Pallaviyaji Sarvamangal Trust, Palanpur. It is managed by an efficient and courteous staff who ensure high levels of maintenance, cleanliness and good service.

SHRI PALANPUR YATRIK BHAVAN, PALITANA

The long felt need of the Palanpuri Jain Samaj for a modern dharmshala to cater to the needs of community members visiting Palitana on pilgrimage to Shri. Shatrunjaya Tirth was finally realized on January 6, 2001 when “The Yatrik Bhavan, Palitana” was formally inaugurated by Mr. Mahendrabhai Chimanlal Parikh (Antwerp) and Mr. Shaileshbhai Jayantilal Mehta (USA).
The aesthetically appealing complex with its ultra-modern facilities came up thanks to the efforts of a few prominent members of the Samaj. It has 50 well-furnished, self-contained spacious flats and three big common halls which cater to the needs of large visiting groups as well as for the religious discussions and discourses (vyakhyans). It also has full-fledged kitchen facilities that offers hygienic food to visiting pilgrims and also to the large body of Jain Sadhus and Sadhvis.

Thanks to a courteous staff, an alert management and personal interest taken by the Trustees in running this institution, visitors get the highest quality of service here.

The Yatrik Bhavan is run by the Shri Pallaviyaji Sarvamangal Trust, Palanpur.

PARIKH FOUNDATION, MUMBAI

Address
611, Panchratna, Opera House
Mumbai - 400 004
Tel: +91 - 22 - 23634565
Email: kavin@mahendrabrothers.com, vikram@mahendrabrothers.com
Contact Person - Mr. Kavin C. Parikh
Dr. Vikram M. Mehta
Trustees

• Mr. Kavin C. Parikh
• Mr. Jitendra C. Parikh
• Mr. Ketan B. Parikh
• Dr. Vikram M. Mehta
• Mr. Vinod M. Mehta

Parikh Foundation was created and registered as a Charitable Trust in the year 1982 by Mahendra Brothers Exports Pvt. Ltd., a leading business house in diamond imports and exports. The Parikh Foundation’s charitable activities can be categorized in the following fields:-

1. Education
2. Health Care
3. Social Rehabilitation

Education

The Foundation has contributed in a big way to set up the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery sponsored by The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council which is located in Bagmal Laxmichand Parikh Campus at Mumbai. This is a state-of-the-art institute which provides training to students in all aspects of jewellery manufacturing with the help of a highly experienced international and local faculty.

The Foundation has also contributed to the Shri C.L. Parikh College of Commerce. This is the only Commerce college located in Palanpur and has a capacity of 1000 students. The Foundation has recently donated generously towards the establishment of BBA college at Palanpur. .Both these colleges are run by Banaskantha District Kelavani Mandal.

Mamta Mandir is an institute for the training and rehabilitation of hearing and speech impaired students run by Manav Kalyan Trust at Navsari. This institute provides education, lodging and boarding to 600 hearing and speech impaired and 50 mentally challenged children to enable them to be self-employed. The Foundation has donated towards this institute.

The Foundation has created Sanskar Bharati School at Navsari and Akhil Hind Mahila Parishad Primary School at Navsari.

The Foundation has planned to create a world class Central Library ideally suited to the requirements of the school children of Vidyamandir Trust, Palanpur.
The Foundation has contributed towards setting up a special Harijan Sevak Sangh Girls Hostel at Palanpur where boarding and lodging facilities are provided for 50 girl students from tribal areas.

B. L. Parikh Boys Hostel at Sanali, Dist. Banaskantha has been sponsored by the Foundation where boarding and lodging facilities are provided for 30 boy students from tribal areas.

Health

The Foundation has donated for a modern hospital named Shri L.L. Parikh & Shri C.L. Parikh Hospital at Palanpur (Mahajan Hospital) which was earlier Zaveri Mangalji Vamalshi Dispensary. The dispensary has been modified into a full-fledged 70 Beds hospital and the Foundation has been regularly upgrading and modernising it since 1970.

‘Ba’, Smt. Lilaben Chimanlal Parikh Cancer Care Centre is being constructed at Navsari. This Centre will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment along with advanced technology for detection of cancer and providing therapy at extremely subsidized rates to the patients of South Gujarat.

KEM Hospital at Mumbai has been renovated and gifted with 65 Bed Paediatric Ward creating a child friendly atmosphere and providing modern medical equipment.

At K.D.N. Gohil Hospital, Navsari, the Foundation has established a 6 bed ICCU and 30 bed General Ward with state-of-the-art equipment.

At Conwest Jain Clinic Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, it has upgraded the second floor.

Hira Monghee – Navneet Hospital, Mumbai. The Foundation established a well equipped E.N.T. Department.

Established Parikh Fitness Centre at Mumbai for the physically handicapped managed by National Society for Equal Opportunities for the Handicapped, India. (NASEOH)

Established modern Pathological & Blood Component Laboratory at Indian Red Cross, Navsari.

Donated for a modern ICCU at Shree Mahavir Health & Medical Relief Society, Surat.

Shree Kandivali Hitwardhak Mandal Medical Centre, Mumbai. The Foundation has contributed for 2 Dialysis machines at this Medical Centre.

Opthalmic Mission Trust Eye Hospital, Dahod. The Foundation has contributed towards construction of 2nd floor of the Eye Hospital.

Established Pathological Laboratory at B.S.E.S Hospital, Mumbai managed by Global Hospital & Research Centre.

Donated to Bhagwan Mahavir Seva Samiti, Palanpur towards a full fledged blood bank.

Social Rehabilitation

The Foundation has undertaken complete rehabilitation of Ramnagar & Leelagram villages including school, community hall and all infrastructural facilities like roads, water supply and drainage system, after the earthquake of the year 2001.

Shree Anjar Jain Bhookampidit Rahat Samiti, Anjar. The Foundation has contributed for construction of new earthquake proof houses for the affected people in Anjar.

RAJMAL RIKHAVCHAND MEHTA CHARITABLE TRUST

BHANUCHANDRA K. BHANSALI CHARITABLE TRUST

The R R Mehta Charitable Trust and the Bhanuchandra K. Bhansali Charitable Trust have been set up by the B Arunkumar Group to provide help to the poor, needy and backward classes in the educational, medical and social sphere. They also provide financial assistance to various other institutions working towards these aims.

The Trusts has helped in setting up and aiding hospitals and other health care institutions in Mumbai, Palanpur, Rajkot, Surat and various other parts of Gujarat. Some of the hospitals have been provided with costly machines and equipment, while need based assistance to individuals in deserving cases is also sanctioned.

In the field of education the Trusts have helped a wide range of institutions from small rural schools to large colleges in Palanpur, Mumbai, other parts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

Contributions have been made for Bird and Animal Welfare projects to institutions like panjarapoles in different parts of Gujarat and those concerned for the welfare of stray animals in cities and towns. The Trusts have been actively involved in some of these projects.

Various rural development projects run by different bodies like ANaRDE Foundation, Lok Niketan, Gujarat Lok Samiti have also been helped both financially and in other ways by the Trusts.

In the sphere of religious activities a number of Jain bodies working on projects like research, restoration and renovation etc have been aided.

The Trusts also extend a helping hand to bodies like the Sangam Kala Academy for the promotion of Fine Arts and Music, sponsors various cultural activities and other functions and helps promote various sports, especially cricket.

RATNA NIDHI CHARITABLE TRUST

Address
5th Floor, Vasant Vilas
31, D. D. Sathe Marg
Mumbai - 400 004 India
Mobile: +91 - 9820083240
Tel: +91 - 22 - 23898930 / 23821901
Fax: +91 - 22 - 23821969
E mail: mehtaasha@hotmail.com , ratnatrust@gmail.com , mgmehta@rediffmail.com
Website: www.rnct.org
Contact Person: Mr. Mahendra G. Mehta

Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust co-ordinates and implements humanitarian projects for the poor and underprivileged sections of society with special emphasis on children and physically handicapped.

Among its various projects are:

• Food for Education which provides a free meal to 7000 children daily in Mumbai if they attend school. This has helped arrest the drop out rate in schools and also led to a better performance in studies for these poor boys and girls
• Mobility Camps for children all over the country with special focus on Gujarat and Maharashtra. In these camps free callipers are provided to polio affected children, Jaipur foot to amputees and tricycles, wheelchairs and crutches are distributed free as per individual needs.

Hearing Impaired children undergo an audiology test and are given appropriate hearing aids totally free which helps them in relating better to their teachers in school.

With hundreds of thousands of physically handicapped, the need for rehabilitation is acute and funds are scarce.

All donations to the trust are exempted under Sec 80G of the Income Tax Act in India.

HELP HANDICAPPED INTERNATIONAL

Address
5th Floor, Vasant Vilas
31, D. D. Sathe Marg
Mumbai - 400 004 India
Mobile: +91 - 9820083240
Tel: +91 - 22 - 23898930 / 23821901
Fax: +91 - 22 - 23821969
E mail: promain@vsnl.net, hhiindia@gmail.com, mgmehta@rediffmail.com
Website: www.hhiindia.org
Contact Person: Mr Rajiv M. Mehta

Help Handicapped International (HHI) works for the rehabilitation of landmine and other amputees in several conflict areas of the world with special focus on Africa and Asia through fitment of the Jaipur foot prosthetic - an artificial limb designed and developed in India. This prosthetic facilitates squatting, cycling, working in the fields and hence has found greater acceptability in these regions. It is also very cost effective and thus a larger number of patients can be rehabilitated within available resources.

HHI is associated with Jaipur foot centres in Kenya, Sudan and Burundi. It has also organized camps in Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Honduras and Dominican Republic.

Amongst its forthcoming projects is a major Disability Hospital at Palanpur which would be the first of its kind in Gujarat.

With hundreds of thousands of physically handicapped, the need for rehabilitation is acute and funds are scarce.

All donations to the trust are exempted under Sec 80G of the Income Tax Act in India.

SHREE BANASKANTHA PALANPUR JAIN ASSOCIATION, CHENNAI

The Shree Banaskantha Palanpur Jain Association, Chennai was founded in December 1967 with the aim of uniting families from Palanpur and the surrounding areas of Banaskantha district who have settled in Chennai since many decades.

The activities of the Association are focused on social service and upliftment of the downtrodden and needy.

Among the ongoing projects of the Association in various fields are distribution of grain, medical relief, clothes, blankets, school uniforms, special aids like wheel chairs, hearing aid kits, spectacles, artificial limbs, aid in education and sports, training in sewing and computer applications as well as ‘manav seva’ like blood donation, camps, medical screening camps and veterinary camps.


Earlier activities

Blankets, clothes, sarees and dhoties were distributed to thousands of needy people in cyclone-affected areas like Sullurpet, Cuddalore, interiors of Chennai etc. On different occasions the association has constructed houses for cyclone-hit families in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry border and in Banaskantha Dist., North Gujarat. It also constructed the Kasturba Vidayala at Koot Road and renovated a hall in the old age home, Monegar Choultry, Chennai.

The association runs medical dispensaries in villages, and aids patients in cataract surgery at Sankara Nethralaya, Udhi Eye Hospital and Hindu Mission Hospital.

Veterinary camps have been organized in villages and medical care including surgery provided for farm and domesticated animals with the help of honorary doctors of veterinary hospitals.

Camps are also conducted for school children in the villages where free notebooks, uniforms etc. are distributed. From time to time sports activities are also organized in these schools.

The association mobilized donations to contribute to the relief projects for the affected families in the aftermath of the Gujarat earthquake of 2001. It funded the reconstruction of schools in Bhabhar taluka and Deodhar taluka, Banaskantha in association with the Rotary Club of Palanpur and in Kankrej taluka, Banaskantha in association with Sri Abhinav Bharti Trust. In Ramdevpeer village, Bhachau taluka and Kutch district construction of earthquake proof houses was carried out with Sri Karuna Setu Trust, Vadnagar with funds donated by the association. Besides, six individual houses were rebuilt in association with Sri Vardhaman Social Trust, Thara, Banaskantha.

In the aftermath of the Tsunami which hit Tamil Nadu in December 2004, the association mobilized essential items for distribution to families and individuals in the affected areas. A truckload of relief items like vessels, clothes, blankets, tarpaulins, lanterns, bleaching powder, candles, matches, cooked food, biscuits, rice, dal and cooking oil was dispatched with the supervision of volunteers of Shree Tamilnadu Jain Mahamandal, Chennai for distribution in Nagapattinam and surrounding areas.

In 1991, the association purchased new premises at Vaibhav Apartments, Vepery, Chennai so as to increase and improve its work. Patients coming to Chennai from outstation for surgery and medical treatment are allowed to stay here.

It publishes a quarterly newsletter ‘BANAS MITRA’ which covers news and information of interest to the members pertaining to Gujarat, Jain temples and personalities. The newsletter has a wide reach within India and abroad.

Most recently, the association has adopted a hostel for visually challenged, destitute girls. It also provides rations every month to over 2000 families in Chennai as well as in Sulurpeta, Andhra Pradesh and has a Cashless Medical Benefit Project covering one individual from each identified family.

Projects at a Glance

R J Mehta Grain Project
Rajnikant Manilal Mehta Anaj Vitran Project
Nagindas Revchand Jogani Medical Relief Project
Kantilal Nagindas Shah Educational Project
Navnitlal Surajmal Mehta Cloth Distribution Project
Chandulal Raichand Mehta Sports Project
Lilaben Kantilal Kalidas Spectacles Project
Mahendrabhai Nagidas Jogani Hearing Aid Project
Kantilal Kalidas Mehta Cataract Project
Noble Hardware Mart Learn & Earn Project
Madhukanta Rameshchandra Mangalji School Uniform Project
Chimanlal Laxmichand Parekh Blanket Distribution Project
Sunandaben Nanalal Mehta Artificial Limb Project
College Scholarship Project
Veterinary Camp
Blood Donation camp
Wheel chair /Tricycle
Computer Centre
Last rites
Dialysis

SHREE PALANPUR JAIN SOCIETY, MUMBAI

Address
C/o Mr. Pravinbhai Shantibhai Kothari,
10, Aryavrat,
20, Narayan Dabholkar Road,
Mumbai 400 006.

Contact Person - Mr. Pravinbhai Shantibhai Kothari

Trustees

• Mr. Pravinbhai Shantilalbhai Kothari (President)
• Mrs. Vasumatiben Chandulal Bhanshali (Hon. Secretary)
• Mr. Rameshbhai Mangaljibhai Mehta (Founder Member)
• Mr. Rameshbhai Thakorebhai Mehta (Founder Member)
• Mr. Jagdishbhai Chimanlalbhai Modi (Hon. Member)
• Mr. Nileshbhai Rameshbhai Mehta (Hon. Member)
• Mr. Bharatbhai Pravinbhai Mehta (Hon. Member)

About fifty years ago, a few esteemed members of the Sthanakvasi Jain community came together and set up the Shree Palanpur Jain Society to provide scholarships and medical assistance to the needy children of the community. The body was registered under the Mumbai Public Trust Act and Mumbai Societies Registration Act on December 29, 1958.

The founder members of the trust were Mr. Mangaljibhai Manilalbhai Mehta, Mr. Thakorlal Keshavlal Mehta and Mr. Shantibhai Nanchandbhai Kothari.

Every year since its inception the Trust gets applications from needy students and disburses financial help to them.

SHREE BANASKANTHA PALANPUR JAIN ASSOCIATION, CHENNAI

The Shree Banaskantha Palanpur Jain Association, Chennai was founded in December 1967 with the aim of uniting families from Palanpur and the surrounding areas of Banaskantha district who have settled in Chennai since many decades.

The activities of the Association are focused on social service and upliftment of the downtrodden and needy.

Among the ongoing projects of the Association in various fields are distribution of grain, medical relief, clothes, blankets, school uniforms, special aids like wheel chairs, hearing aid kits, spectacles, artificial limbs, aid in education and sports, training in sewing and computer applications as well as ‘manav seva’ like blood donation, camps, medical screening camps and veterinary camps. Earlier activities

Blankets, clothes, sarees and dhoties were distributed to thousands of needy people in cyclone-affected areas like Sullurpet, Cuddalore, interiors of Chennai etc. On different occasions the association has constructed houses for cyclone-hit families in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry border and in Banaskantha Dist., North Gujarat. It also constructed the Kasturba Vidayala at Koot Road and renovated a hall in the old age home, Monegar Choultry, Chennai.

The association runs medical dispensaries in villages, and aids patients in cataract surgery at Sankara Nethralaya, Udhi Eye Hospital and Hindu Mission Hospital.

Veterinary camps have been organized in villages and medical care including surgery provided for farm and domesticated animals with the help of honorary doctors of veterinary hospitals.

Camps are also conducted for school children in the villages where free notebooks, uniforms etc. are distributed. From time to time sports activities are also organized in these schools.

The association mobilized donations to contribute to the relief projects for the affected families in the aftermath of the Gujarat earthquake of 2001. It funded the reconstruction of schools in Bhabhar taluka and Deodhar taluka, Banaskantha in association with the Rotary Club of Palanpur and in Kankrej taluka, Banaskantha in association with Sri Abhinav Bharti Trust. In Ramdevpeer village, Bhachau taluka and Kutch district construction of earthquake proof houses was carried out with Sri Karuna Setu Trust, Vadnagar with funds donated by the association. Besides, six individual houses were rebuilt in association with Sri Vardhaman Social Trust, Thara, Banaskantha.

In the aftermath of the Tsunami which hit Tamil Nadu in December 2004, the association mobilized essential items for distribution to families and individuals in the affected areas. A truckload of relief items like vessels, clothes, blankets, tarpaulins, lanterns, bleaching powder, candles, matches, cooked food, biscuits, rice, dal and cooking oil was dispatched with the supervision of volunteers of Shree Tamilnadu Jain Mahamandal, Chennai for distribution in Nagapattinam and surrounding areas.

In 1991, the association purchased new premises at Vaibhav Apartments, Vepery, Chennai so as to increase and improve its work. Patients coming to Chennai from outstation for surgery and medical treatment are allowed to stay here.

It publishes a quarterly newsletter ‘BANAS MITRA’ which covers news and information of interest to the members pertaining to Gujarat, Jain temples and personalities. The newsletter has a wide reach within India and abroad.

Most recently, the association has adopted a hostel for visually challenged, destitute girls. It also provides rations every month to over 2000 families in Chennai as well as in Sulurpeta, Andhra Pradesh and has a Cashless Medical Benefit Project covering one individual from each identified family.

Projects at a Glance

R J Mehta Grain Project
Rajnikant Manilal Mehta Anaj Vitran Project
Nagindas Revchand Jogani Medical Relief Project
Kantilal Nagindas Shah Educational Project
Navnitlal Surajmal Mehta Cloth Distribution Project
Chandulal Raichand Mehta Sports Project
Lilaben Kantilal Kalidas Spectacles Project
Mahendrabhai Nagidas Jogani Hearing Aid Project
Kantilal Kalidas Mehta Cataract Project
Noble Hardware Mart Learn & Earn Project
Madhukanta Rameshchandra Mangalji School Uniform Project
Chimanlal Laxmichand Parekh Blanket Distribution Project
Sunandaben Nanalal Mehta Artificial Limb Project
College Scholarship Project
Veterinary Camp
Blood Donation camp
Wheel chair /Tricycle
Computer Centre
Last rites
Dialysis
Click Here to Download latest issue of Banas Mitra

ATAMDEEP CHARITABLE TRUST / TARACHAND DOLATCHAND SHAH CHARITABLE TRUST

A leading diamond exporter, the Asian Star Group runs two charitable trusts in Mumbai – the Atamdeep Charitable Trust and the Tarachand Dolatchand Shah Charitable Trust.

These trusts grant donations to people in need of financial assistance for educational, medical and other charitable purposes.

TRIBAL INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION TRUST (TIDE)

The main objectives of the Trust:

1. Health
2. Education
3. Income Generation& SHGs (Self Help Groups)
4. De-addiction (through Satsang Mandal etc)
5. Preserving their culture and heritage
6. Promotion of Rural Technology
7. Help to Needy

First four years the progress was slow as the work was in very remote places in different states and the trust collected only 22% of the promised fund. At present the work has expanded and TIDE has projects in 19 states all over India.Most of the projects run very well. At present the trust is short of funds and there is a need to take new members. In 2012, 4-5 new members have joined and hopefully another 8-10 members may join in the coming year. All the members contribute equal amount every year.

Mr. Ashok Bhansali – Bhansali Trust, supervises the project and travel to various states, his wife Shital also travels during most of the trips. The most poor and needy part of each state is identified and enough care is taken see that the project is economical as well as effective and there is no misuse of funds.

The states covered are:

Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Karnataka, Kerala, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Goa, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Nepal.



Donors from year - 2010

• Asian Star Pvt. Ltd (Mumbai, India)
• Mr. Shishir B Mehta (Shainy Diam, Antwerp)
• Mr. Kumar R. Mehta (Shairu Gems, Mumbai)
• Harikrishna Charitable Trust (Harikrishna Exports, Mumbai)

Donors from year - 2011

• Mr. Lalit Chunibhai Adani (M. Suresh & Co, Mumbai)
• Mr. Chandravadan Desai (CD Equifinance Pvt. Ltd.,Kolkata)
• Mr. Kailash K. Agarwal (Mumbai) in memory of his mother Late Smt. Rajabai Agarwal
• Arpan and Anshul Mehta (Arjav Diamonds, Antwerp)
• Mr. Vallabh Bhanshali (Enam Securities Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai)
• Mr. Akshay T Mehta (Diajewel, Antwerp)

Donors from year - 2012

• Smt. Manjulaben Bagmalbhai Parikh (Mumbai)
• Mr. Dhanesh Shah (Mumbai)
• Aroni Charitable Trust (Mr. Ashwin Kothari, Mumbai)
• A Well-wisher (Mumbai)
• Smt. Chandraben Piyushbhai Kothari (Mumbai)
• Smt. Gigibai S. Deora, Rural Dev. & Research Foundation (Mumbai)
• D & J Foundation. Mr. Ramesh Jain – Rishab Apparel Pvt. Ltd (Mumbai)
• Mr. Rakesh Jhunjhunwala (Mumbai)

Donors from year - 2013

• Mr. Harshadbhai Ramnikbhai Mehta (Mumbai)
• Smt. Pushpaben Sureshbhai Bhansali (Mr. Snehal and Mr. Bobby Bhansali – Chicago)
• Shri Jayantibhai V. B. Narola (Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd – Mumbai)
• Neeta & Kumar Javeri Foundation (New York)
• Shri Vijaykumar Jain (Mumbai)
• Smt. Shardaben & Shantilal Bhanjibhai Doshi (C/o. Yogesh & Ashok Doshi – Dubai)
• Shri V. C. Shah, Pravinbhai Shah, Dilipbhai Soni (Ankit Gems – Surat)

UVASSAGHAR PARSHVANATH JAIN TIRTH NADIAD

The Uvassaghar Parshvanath Tirth lies on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai National Highway No.6 at Gutal Chokdi, about 6 kms from Nadiad.

The tirth is promoted by the Bhaikaka Charitable Trust and Smt. Kalavatiben Popatlal Shah Charitable Trust and has a derasar, dharamshala, vihardham, hospital, bhojanshala, library, etc. within the premises.

Adjacent to this tirth is the Bhaikaka Resort which has a swimming pool, children’s park, gymnasium and walking track.

Bhaikaka Trust was established by Dr. Naresh (Nanalal) Ratilal Shah in memory of his father Ratilal Kalidas Shah (fondly called `Bhai’) and two uncles Vadilal Kalidas Shah and Shantilal Kalidas Shah (Kaka). The Trust has sponsored the bhojanshala, hall, day hospital, new dharamshala, library, gurumandir and accommodation for Mahasatijis.

The tirth started originally as a vihardham for traveling Sadhus-Sadhvis. Over the years it has added various facilities. The trust plans to add new facilities like ambulance, Subvahini, mobile hospital, Parab, etc. in the future.

VADIL VISHRANTI GRUH – PALANPUR (SENIOR CITIZENS HOME)

A community should display its gratitude to its aged older members by taking care of them and enabling them to live honorably in the winter of their lives. It was this thinking that led some of the senior members of the Palanpuri community to come together and set up the Vadil Vishranti Gruh or Senior Citizen’s Home in Palanpur.

The institution became operational on March 21, 1983, and has the capacity to accommodate about 70 senior citizens. The rooms are spacious and large enough for two to three persons, though if a husband and wife come to stay then they are allotted a room to themselves.

Every resident is made to feel comfortable in the homely atmosphere of the institution. Rooms are well furnished and four nutritious meals, almost like home cooked food, are provided each day. Special care is taken to ensure that the diet is suited to the needs of senior citizens. The entire complex is kept meticulously clean

The Gruh has a prayer room for use by the inmates, though there are no mandatory requirements to follow a particular system. The building also has a temple which makes it easy for the residents to carry out Pujas.

Medical requirements are also taken care of by a doctor who visits the institution, and the inmates are provided medicines and medical attention, including hospitalization where necessary, free of cost.

Staff members are trained to treat the residents as their own family and are courteous in catering to their requirements. In case of need due to illness, a special attendant is allotted to the individual who takes care of their needs like a ward boy.

Residents who can afford are charged a monthly fee of Rs.300/-, while there are also part freeship and full freeship schemes for those who require.

The day to day affairs of the institution are managed by the local trustees Mr. Hasmukhbhai V. Mehta and Mr. Harshadbhai A. Mehta with the support of the Board of Trustees.