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21 Apr 2025

Veteran Diamantaire and Visionary Philanthropist Kavinbhai C. Parikh Passes Away

Kavinbhai C. Parikh

Kavinbhai Chimanlal Parikh, highly respected in the diamond industry and among the Palanpuri Jain community for his contributions to business and to society, passed away in Mumbai on April 7, 2025 at the age of 90. He is survived by his son Milan, daughters Rina Anujbhai Mehta, Meeta Ashitbhai Mehta, Sonika Nikhilbhai Shah, daughter-in- law Archana, and their families.

As news of his passing spread among the industry and the community, tributes poured in from close friends and associates, industry leaders, trusts and organisations he had worked with and a vast number of many whose lives he touched in myriad ways.

One tribute paid to him described him as a “man of exceptional character. His deep love for his native place Palanpur, Banaskantha, was the cornerstone of his life’s work. He had an unwavering commitment to the land and people he loved so much, and he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to improving the lives of many in the community.”

At the office of Mahendra Brothers in Mumbai

A Successful and Ethical Businessman

Born in Palanpur in 1934, Kavinbhai lost his father when he was just five, but was brought up by his mother Lilaben, along with his uncle Bagmalbhai Parikh’s family. He moved to Mumbai after completing his SSC from Palanpur High School and joined his uncle in the diamond business, later moving to Kolkata, though only for a short period.

In 1965, Kavinbhai, along with his brothers Mahendra and Jitu, co-founded a diamond manufacturing and trading company, Mahendra Brothers. The company, which was headquartered in Mumbai, with primary manufacturing facilities in Navsari, quickly developed a reputation for excellence, ethics and integrity and has continued to be a leading name in the diamond industry ever since. From the early days, Kavinbhai focused on systems and sound accounting policies; this foundation helped MB grow into an agile and solid organisation.

In addition to his involvement in operations within India, Kavinbhai also travelled across the world to key centres of the industry and played an important role in developing the company’s network. He was one of the pillars of MB and was known for his business acumen and attention to detail, which helped the growth of the business while also creating opportunities for many others along the way, as well. Alongside, Kavinbhai was always known for being ever-smiling and caring for all people across all ages and background.

At the inauguration of Parikh Hospital in Palanpur in 2019

Deep Commitment to Education

In addition to his intense involvement in business, Kavinbhai was also deeply committed to giving back to society. His philanthropic activity was based on four pillars: education, healthcare, animal welfare and rehabilitation in case of natural disasters.

Education and healthcare were most dear, especially in, but not limited only to, the city of his birth. One of the earliest organisations he was involved with was with Vidyamandir trust, Palanpur, as one of the first trustees of Vidyamandir Trust, a responsibility he shouldered for nearly 45 years. In that period, he was closely involved with guiding the growth of the institution, providing strategic direction and financial support, all of this rooted in his unshakable belief in the power of education to uplift people.

Even after stepping down as a Trustee, Kavinbahi continued to be a lifelong well-wisher of the Trust. He and his family have made generous donations for numerous institutions over the years including the Shri Bagmal Laxmichand Parikh Central Library, Shri Bagmal Laxmichand Parikh Institute of English Language, Shrimati Kamlaben Ratanchand Parikh Balmandir (Kindergarten), and Parikh Foundation Diploma College for Special Education.

Kavinbhai was also closely associated with other key educational institutions in the city, particularly the Banaskantha District Kelavani Mandal (BDKM) under which various degree colleges like Shri C. L. Parikh College of Commerce and Shri B. L. Parikh College of Business Administration and Mrs. Lilaben Chimanlal Parikh Audio Visual Centre, were set up. His aim was to ensure that students in Banaskantha district had access to quality education, regardless of their background or financial circumstances.

Kavinbhai also contributed generously to bodies like the Rotary Club and others for improving facilities in government run educational institutions in the city.

Other notable initiatives in the field of education were his endowment for the Shri Bagmal Parikh Campus at Indian Institute of Gem and Jewellery, Mumbai, and his work as a trustee of Shri C. L. Parikh Mamta Mandir (school for the hearing impaired) and B. L. Parikh & Manjula Bagmal Parikh Boys and Girls Hostel run by Manav Kalyan Trust, Navsari.

A Focus on Healthcare

In the field of healthcare, Kavinbhai’s support for the establishment of Shri L. L. Parikh and Shri C. L. Parikh Hospital, Palanpur (Mahajan Hospital) run by Zaveri Mangalji Vamalshi Dispensary stands out. Along with his own contributions, and those from the Parikh family, Mahendra Brothers, relatives and friends, he aided the transformation of the small, older 35-bed hospital into a modern, well-equipped facility with 100 beds.

Historically the hospital is recognised as a key facility in Palanpur, offering healthcare services to thousands of people who otherwise would have had to travel long distances for medical attention. Along with the best equipment and impeccable service, Kavinbhai also ensured that the hospital maintained the highest standards of care, compassion, and professionalism.

Kavinbhai also was a Trustee of Navsari Cancer Care Foundation and the vice chairman of the executive committee of Smt. Lilaben Chimanlal Parikh Cancer Centre, Navsari run by it.

He was the major donor for setting up an operation theatre complex in the hospital run by Navsari Lions Public Charitable Trust, in the establishment of the Smt. Lilaben C. Parikh ENT Department at Hira Monghee Navneet Hospital, Mumbai and in setting up the NASEOH Parikh Fitness Centre, Mumbai. In addition, he regularly supported eye camps, cataract surgery and polio camps in Bihar run in collaboration with Bhansali Trust. He renovated & furnished the second floor at Conwest & Manjula S. Badani Jain Hospitals (Jain Clinic).

He also contributed towards a full-fledged blood bank with Bhagwan Mahavir Seva Samiti, Palanpur; towards construction of a full-fledged Eye Hospital, Opthalmic Mission Trust Dahod Gujarat; and donated the B. L. Parikh ICCU ward at Mahavir Health & Medical Relief Society Heart Hospital, Surat. He also contributed two new state-of-the-art Operation Theatres at Sankar Netralaya Eye Hospital in Chennai.

Concern for Community

Kavinbhai was also involved with a number of projects for community welfare. He played a key role in the reconstruction and modernisation of Ramnagar and Lilagram villages in Saurashtra which were destroyed in the 2001 Kutch earthquake and was the major donor for establishment of a housing colony for the Jain Community at Anjar in Kutch.

He was also a major donor to Gem and Jewellery National Relief Foundation which carried out massive rehabilitation projects in many different states like Orissa, Gujarat, Maharashtra etc. which were devastated by natural disasters.

Other noteworthy projects include his support to the Anarde Foundation, which constructed houses for the needy in Banaskantha district under Sardar Awas Yojana, and his contribution to building a modern aviary with a veterinary and bird treatment center at Navsari. He was a founder Trustee of Bhagwan Mahavir Vishvakalyan Trust Navsari Panjrapole.

Preserving History: A Lasting Legacy

A lasting legacy that Kavinbhai has left for future generations is his contribution to the documentation of the history and culture of Palanpur which was published as an amazing book, ‘Fragrant Folios, The Palanpur Story’. The volume is a testimony to Kavinbhai’s firm belief in the importance of remembering and honouring the past, as it shapes the future. It will be a valuable resource for current and future generations, ensuring that the stories, traditions, and accomplishments of Palanpur are not lost to time.

In addition, Kavinbhai will always be remembered as a deeply compassionate, most caring family person and community-oriented personality. He went out of his way to support those who needed it, whether through the Trust, at a personal level or just by offering guidance and strength. He will always be an inspiration to all who knew him.

Click here to view A Tribute in Pictures