Ahmedabad 19th June, 2014
The torch bearer of Gujarati tradition and culture Shree Shrenikbhai Kasturbhai Sheth passed away this morning at the age of 89. He was the well-known heir of the Gujarat Mahajan heritage, a leader, industrialist, trustee and director of countless institutions and organisations.
Shree Shrenikbhai graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology [MIT] and joined the world famous Harvard University in the USA to get his post-graduate MBA.
He joined the family business which comprised of famous brands such as Raipur, Saraspur, Ashok and Arvind Mills. Anil Starch Limited and Atul Products Limited were also part of his portfolio. He displayed the skills of management established by his ancestors and achieved success in the financial, human relations and operations of the cotton mill industry.
Shrenikbhai made great effort to establish institutions of higher learning in Gujarat and chaired many industrial, educational, social and socio-religious organisations with dedication that brought unprecedented advancement in these organisations. He was chairman of the Ahmedabad Education Society and on the executive committees of Sept, Issro, Nirma University, Plasma Research, IIM and Atira to all which he contributed generously in all manner.
He was also involved with Gujarat Vishwakosh Trust, Gujarat Vidya Sabha, and Gandhi Ashram Trust. National Institute of Design, Gujarat Museum Society, L D Institute of Indology. He had been a founder Trustee of the Institute of Jainology, India. Similarly many such other organisations received support and services of Shrenikbhai.
Shrenikbhai followed the simple life style of his father, Shree Kasturbhai Lalbhai, and adopted the life of spirituality and service. He was President of Seth Shree Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi for over 30 years and managed the restoration, maintenance and upkeep of the popular Jain tirths of Shatrunjaya, Ranakpur, Kumbhariaji, Makshiji, Girnar, Taranga, Sherisa and others totalling 1200 plus places of Jain worship. He was also President of Shree Shankheshwar Tirth Pedhi. His style of management was totally transparent; he insisted on dedicated workers and purity of all materials used for rituals. Shrenikbhai’s life reflected his deepest faith in Jain philosophy and he had compassion for all, including the animals in sanctuaries.
Simple and religious life-style, truthful persona, modesty, straightforwardness, and other such virtues that glorify the Gujarati culture and tradition always remained with Shrenikbhai during his lifespan. With his departure, the nation in all walks of life: social, industrial, educational and religious ~ has suffered a loss that is irreplaceable.
We pray for the eternal bliss of the departed soul.
Aum Shanti! Shanti!! Shanti!!!
Click here to read his obituary in Gujarati