Seven Decades of Public Life Yet Incomplete Besanin 1910Néow 2019 Eternal Engagementy & Invigorated by CONSTRUCTIVE WORK PRISON Coar Father @ Early Years Bomon Apmil 19, 19% Last April I completed 87 years of my life(201 2). Born and early education in a primary teacher's household. in Jesar villas Bhavnagar district. When father retired, a monthly pension of That su explain family’s fir growing up. But father was a man of fine tastes, fond of reading, who insisted on self dependence Instead of formal education, he liked fine arts and creative education.. ly is enough to aces while I was I wore paghdi(turban) earlier but switched to white cap, This was to respect Gandhi Matriculated in 1940. Began studies in Shamaldas Coll Bhavnagar in 1940. College activities drew tows issues. Js national By then was already drawn to Lenin, Mazzini, Garibaldi, Trotsky, Shankaracharya, ‘Tagore and Shanti Niketan, Completed first year studying science in 1940 and in 1942.second year of college studies. 1941 to 2012 : What could I do during those long 70 years of publiclife? Seventy years!Karly Years 9 Born on April 19, 1925, Last April I completed 87 years of fs: OF life(2019). z =i Born and early education in a primary teacher’s household in Jesar village, Bhavnagar district. When father retired, he earned a monthly pension of Rs.37.50, ‘That surely is enough to explain family’s finances while I was growingup. But father was a man of fine tastes, fond of reading, who insisted on. self dependence. Instead of formal education, he liked fine arts and creative education.. I wore paghdi(turban) earlier but switched to white cap. This was to respect Gandhi.. Matriculated in 1940. Began studies in Shamaldas College, Bhavnagar in 1940. College activities drew towards national issues. By then was already drawn to Lenin, Mazzini, Garibaldi, Trots Shankaracharya, ‘Tagore and Shanti Niketan. Completed first year studying science in 1940 and in 1942 second year of college studies. 1941 to 2012 : What could I do during those long 70 years of public life? Seventy years!In all those years, did some writing as well. That came from my love for reading «Seq Ht VB FS Sl Were Aa | am ooh sata are Wa wer a |” After reading Tagore it changed + anther ant Aaty Pree” al“politics yes, but for development” Was drawn to social justice while reading- economics became the focal point of my reading. A new guiding principle *fleonomics yes, but forthe Poor” ‘As went ahead found solutions in Gandhi and Ram Manohar Lohia, Constructive work, prison and ballot box “A Spade, Prison and Ballot Box. It meant seeking social justice but only through democratic means, to struggle and fight for social justice but only through the Gandhian means of civil disobedience Confident that alone power could not deliver, The duo were on a democratic course:ballot box could usher change Only ballot can not bring the transformation. Constructive work Ballot box, Prison, Non violent Civil Disobedience .dO Fall of Kutiana Thakor of Dhrol gave additionay training in use of 810 rifle atthe secong camp. Everyone had the expetience of underground movement Arzi Hukumat under Shamalday Gandh But where would be the government's headquarters? "s leadership came to Rajkot On September 30, we moved with Ratubhai in an armed jeep and took over the Nawab’s bungalow in Rajkot. Kept a constant vigil. Renamed it as Junagadh Bhavan It is impossible at this stage to believe how could, a 22 year old muster the courage to handle a rifle? Sardar Patel had deployed the armed force on the borders and surrounded Jungedh. Between September 24 1947 to October 9 1947, a ragtag bunch of soldiers occupied 106 villages of the Jungadh state Patel had also sent a message; the next move would happen only if the people of Junagadh rebelled During Diwali festivities, we marched to Kutiyana, the second biggest city in Junagadh state early moming with hundreds of Mer farmers. It was quiet ! Acday cartier, the Jamnagararmy army had deserte to Kutiyana, We now also hadautomatic 303 rifles.tional scond ce of das jikot, ent’s with ook kot. tas eve the atel Suryakant, Gajanan and I climbed over the fort. Others followed us. The battle raged an entire day. Wagon load of arms were seized from homes in Kutiyana. Kutiyana surrendered a day after, Almost unbelievable. As word of Kutiyana’s fall spread, thousands of Mer farmers rushed in. Kutiyana used to help Jinnah Saheb. The Jungadh of Nawab fled to Pakistan. On November 13 1947, the New Year day, Sardar came to Jungadh. An hard to believe struggle it was. We had broken locks with 303 rifles too ! Today, everyone sings peals to Somanth. Undertake yatras. But none ever wonders what if Jungadh had acceded to Pakistan? Somnath was very much in Junagadh in those days too. The brave-hearts who took up its liberation in those times are now lost inoblivion. After this, the second event was Gandhiji’s assassination. Gandhi left and his sacrifice saved India from disintegration. 65 years have passed since. India remains intact even today. The world’s largest democracy !!! +With Aruna - Life Parmer Aruna - True Life Partner Attained freedom in 1947. That changed life forever. I was then immersed in the socialist movement. Communism’s draw waned due to Russia’s dictatorial ways, Acharya Narendra Dev, Achyut Patwardhan and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia were more trustworthy for democracy and social justice. Assassination had removed Gandhi from scene. On other hand, the simplicity and selfless work of Sane Guruji and Dada Dharmadhikari attracted. By sheer accident, in 1949 I landed in Baroda. Baroda. As a city—with my yen for fine arts, music suited my temperament. The experience of commune was still fresh in my mind. My first stay in city Was near a gurudwara and later moved in Babul’s office. Navnit also moved in Babul. Loved living this bohemian aspect in leading a public life, Manohar Nadkami was very active in the socialist movement. That led me to Aruna. After living together for a long time, we decided to marry in 1955, “4Aruna experienced her family’s Fesistance on this count. Aruna gota job — liked this association with education. Spending pennies, marriage was just a civil ceremony. Did not invite parents or even siblings. After marriage, needed a home! Needed basic stuff ! 1 would take just Rs 150 every month from the party and eat in a hotel. Lived in the office. Babubhai Shah of the Municipal Servants’ Union gave us the basics for ahome. Aruna was not just a wife, but life partnerin every sense. For years, we lived in Brahme’s one room, cooking ourselves. Aruna had melodious voice — so our meetings would begin with her songs. We formed asinging troupe. And staged plays. In 1958 Aruna was elected councilor with me in Vadodara Municipal Council. It was not easy to be in opposition and yet survive in Nehru’s era. Yet we struggled together. It was during those times, that Jeevan Sadhana(Trust/School) resulted from the urge to do something constructive. Aruna nurtured it. And lived a life too. And that too with a spotless tenure in Public life. Aruna left at the age of 78ro Jayprakashii and we four years. Her words echo even today. “Sanat by nature is like coconut. Hard from exterior but inside creamy- you get water, you get peace. Always compassionated towards the poor, | have never seen him getting perturbed or angry with either a midnight knock or a one at six in morning. He has lived with the poor and deprived till date.” “afer gat wat at, TS war 7” (Ordeals many we faced, that they tured easy on us) Thisisthe essence of life. SLast Glance on Budget Elective Politics It was impossible to toe anyone’s line in politics. Some said Lam too proud. Some said, ‘He cannot be a blind follower.” “He is non-conformist.” Leaming, skill building and analyzing. Even if I could shortcut my way up, I wouldnot doit. Fortunately, I never was qualified for caste-based politics. Either had no courage courage or the heart ever to indulge in changing parties. As aresult, from 1940 to 1947 independence struggle, 1949-1970 a socialist, after 1971 in Congress because of Indira Gandhi, after 1999 gave up electoral politics. Thus, I reached 75th year of my life Constructive work in 21st century : Till then had done enough of thinking, writing and work experience. For 20-21 years held various offices as an elected member of Vadodara Municipal Corporation. Grass-root training for 20-25 years in the Gujarat state assembly: before this was electedPardi Land Struggle Thousands participate to the Mumbai Legislative Council also Cabinet minister of the state twice, first in 1972-1974 and late in 1980-1985 First as a labour minister. Second time finances, planning and labour. While Prohibition portfolio too both times. 1988-1991 and 1993-95 chairman of the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam. 1996-98-99: MP- Golden Jubilee celebrations of Independence in Lok Sabha. Two elections remained politically controversial; first when contested against Balwantrai Mehta, my political guruin 1963 forthe Sihor by polls. Second time for the Baroda Lok Sabha: contested against my good friend Maharaja Fatehsinhrao Gaekwad inl972, in the backdrop of 1969 communal riots, Electoral politics and labourmovement together forhalfa decade. After being part of the 1942 Quit India movement, it was impossible to be away from struggles. After Independence, when the princely States dissolved and Bhavnagar state merged leading to formation of Saurashtra State, my first Jail yatra happened in 194 Independence. Son eve of Spend amonth in Bhavnagar jail forthe a a2 With Sharad Pawar Tail roko agitation. Thereafter Pardi Agitation happened: first farmers! agitation in Independent India Tribal farm labourer versus Mumbai's buffalo ahuge satygraha It turned into a national issue under Ishwarlal Desai’s leadership. A determined Morarji Desai finally yielded. A month in the Navsari Jail. Brief month long visit to Vadodara Jail during all Indiarail strike. Mahagujarat agitation 1958-60: a month in Sabarmati Jail. And lastly tops the farmers’ agitation in 2011-12 against Nirma in Mahuya. 400 kms march from Mahuva to Gandhinagar.In between, both injured and jailed on charges of looting oil shops during the groundnut oil price rise. In Vadodara. In short, always struggled, in small or big way. After the labour movement in the initial period of freedom struggle, a strenuous journey across Vidhansabha and Lok Sabha. After Independence jail yatra in Bhavnagar, Navsari, Vadodara and Sabarmati.. Inspite all these, continuous constructive work, that can be listed longest.. isConstructivism - A Major Aspect Of Life The first towards constructive approach was a small one. A small effort; after college hours every evening bathed, played and taught Valmiki children in the Jamana Kund Harijanvas in Bhavnagar. No to untouchability. Thereafter invited Harijan friends, Jairam Chayda and Kanji Kalivada home and cooked ameal for them: Earned parents’ ire. Both me and my younger brother together. Harijan in a Brahmin’s home!!! Just, a step ahead ! And then it went on. In between it was along life in electoral politics. But constructive work amidst all that, In the fifties, started Jeevan Sadhana School with few socialist friends. In a tin godown, The school is now 55 years old. Aruna had taken it over. Education remains a family legacy. Father, elder sister, Jee kaka, younger brother, maternal uncle, all were primary school teachers. During my ministerial tenure, had resolved to visit an inaccessible area, that could not be reached by any a asIn 1985 electoral career ended. To take up work on permanent basis, laid the foundation of Shram Vikas Sansthan (SHRAVIS), a non-governmental organization... motorable road. SHRAVIS means “ Foundation for the Development of the Poor”. Today SHRAVIS has grown up like a sprawling banyan tree. Before undertaking any project, first indepth study:. And then seminars and publications for initiating detabe.. In a short period, initiated work to develop Bhal area, for the tribals, seminar for the onion growers Also for PANCHAL while headlong started work amongst the salt pan workers of little Rann of Kutch. + With project affected persons on River BankAdministrative Experience It was an adventurous trip through the power corridors. While being on cither side, the treasury or the opposition bench. But it is for sure that I worked with dedication during my career in electoral politics. And in it the period between 1967-72 with Manoharsinh Jadeja was my best Could introduce several reforms as labour minister. But the most memorable time remains the association with the Gandhi Labour Institute and its well equipped campus: Computerization of work of treasury, rate differentials in sales tax management and several processes of the directorate of employment as the finance minister proved to be useful. As finance and the planning minister, scored over Maharashtra in per capita allocation for Five Years Plan. Setting up the ship breaking Industry at Alang is amentionable achievement. Ensured the first ever approval in the country from the World Bank for the Ahmedabad-Vadodara express highway witha toll tax,‘Taking over as Chairman Narmda Corporation Similarly learnt planning worth ® ofrupees during the Narmada project. Automatic concrete lining of the Narmada canal; cableway for concreting the Narmada dam. Raised Successfully Rs. 300 crores through the bond issue after World Bank withdrawal, a first ever for a infrastructure project in India; The most important work though remains successful rehabilitation work which earned World Bank's appreciation; its worldwide recognition through World Bank board in Washington wasa remarkable event. Invaluable administrative experience through these endeavours. It was enriching experience in the administration with able guidance by worthies like Dr. 1.G. Patel, H.T. Parekh and R.S. Bhatt to implement projects with deft and skill. Compelled the union finance minister Pranab Mukherji to enhance royalty for finds of oil and natural gas in Gujarat through imaginative step of enactment of the Land Cess Act It was legal battle within the party in Power. Formation of machinery to battle with scarcity and famine during with Rajiv Gandhi regime was a notable achievement °@O Similarly learnt planning worth crores of rupees during the Narmada project. Automatic concrete lining of the Narmada canal; cableway for concreting the Narmada dam. Raised successfully Rs. 300 crores through the bond issue after World Bank withdrawal, a first ever for a infrastructure project in India; The most important work though remains successful rehabilitation work which earned World Bank’s appreciation; its worldwide recognition through World Bank board in Washington was a remarkable event. Invaluable administrative experience through these endeavours. It was enriching experience in the administration with able guidance by worthies like Dr. I.G. Patel, H.T. Parekh and R.S. Bhatt to implement projects with deft and skill. Compelled the union finance minister Pranab Mukherji to enhance royalty for finds of oil and natural gas in Gujarat through imaginative step of enactment of the Land Cess Act It was legal battle within the party in Power. L Formation of machinery to battle sith scarcity and famine during with Rajiv Gandhi regime was @ notable achievementOrganized Oil and Gas Workers Seven decades of Labour Movement Public life began with labour movement: Worked with various trade unions for 70 years. Earned through it the impression of constructive and creative approach. Organized workers who had initiated the exploration work for oil and gas at the Cambay basin oil fields, Ankleshwar, Mehsana. Remained president of their recognized union for fifty years. Went to Chennai and ‘Assamas well. Consequently was invited to the International Oil and Gas Workers Organisation in CARACASS - Venezuela. Similarly organized power sector employees in Gujarat and remained president of the unions of workers, staff and engineers for years together. ‘Also was the president of the Surat Electricity and Ahmedabad Electricity workers union.Worked for workers in Atul, Sarabhai, and Indian Rayon. Was General Secretary of Hind MazdoorSabha. Once as Gujarat state minister for labour , presided over the legislation committee of the Tripartite Indian Labour Conference. It was memorable,more so its report went on to be named the Sanat Mehta labour Committee report. Was member of the empowered committee of the National Renewal Fund initiated by Manmohan Singh, The long association with the labour movement in India drew attention of the National Productivity Council and USAID provided opportunity to study at the Harvard Business School for a Trade Union Program. Later was invited to deliver keynote address at the Harvard Institute for International Development in 1994 for an international seminar. This was the golden phase of experience building. Petrole ddressing International um asic Conference: Carcass, VenezuelaAgricotton: Producerg Company Dr. Yogendra Alagh as Union Agriculture Minister createg opportunity for corporatisation of agriculture through amendment to the Companies Act while I was in Lok Sabha in 1996-98. The Companies Act was amended on the Cooperative lines to liberate the cooperative sector from governmental or political interference Agro companies could have stocks but not as open marketable stocks, No dividends were payable but share in profits. Only one vote againstall stocks held. Stocks could not be sold, But the amendment was not put to use for long. Inspired by Dr. Amrita Patel, chairman of the National Dairy Development Board, ventured in formation of a company of farm producers Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Saurashtra branch came forward and after wide consultations company was formed Mahagujarat Agri Cotton Producers’ Company. With a view to provide agricultural inputs such as quality — seed, a insecticides and a Se AgriCotton organise: Tike Urban fabulous Mall butaformof / Krishi service centre, Company woul buy these inputs in bulk and pass over large portion of commission to illo edhe Kesar Mango Canning Plant at SURVA farmers. makin iny ‘ openmarket, PMS cheaper than oe Cotton operates such at Amreli; Bhuj, Jamna Junagadh. Each having tum sver ofRs Two Crore or more. Bhuj Mall also ventured pooling of cotton grown by BTOUup of farmers, got it ginned and Pressed. The first effort touched 2000 bales which got the farmers best price ofcotton in the area, Krishi Malt Authorised Capital of AgriCotton is Rs.Three Crore;119 Lac are already subscribed. Thus it is one of the biggest Producers Company. It is now being raised to Rs. 30 million. The Agricotton assisted Kesar mango growers of Talala Gir region of Junagarh district with canning-ripening plant facilities. Farmers raised capital of Rs, sixty lakh for the purpose. Plant with outlay of Rs. 17.5 million was: erected on plot purchased with Rs. 2.6 millions. The mango growers used to seek agents for canning for their produce in private plants. Instead the Agricotton is designed to provide them controlled atmosphere facilities for canning and ripening of their mango produce. This is a unique achievement though administrative snags do stand in the way of achievements in any project work. But reforms have to pass through labour pains. There is no escape. Need and desire for progeny has to pass through this essential process. &With Prof, Muhammed Yunus Grameen Bank for Self-employed Women Became interested in women issues through Elaben Bhatt's SEWA during my stintas the labour minister. Women who did tailoring; bidi making men and women, roadside vendors. My first brush with this sector was after my election to Vadodara Municipal Corporation from Navapura ward. It was then I was introduced to an entire neighbourhood of Godadiya Waghari, who trade in exchange of old clothes for utensils community. They would wash old clothes, repair, iron them and sell near Nyaymandir. I became their elected representative. Aruna had set up Mahila Antyodaya Kendra for these women. The self employed women were given loans without interest under the various government schemes, I liked the idea — loans, banking for poor. But the frequent communal riots after 1969 in Vadodara pushed the idea to back burner, But Aruna worked hard, like a diligent spider to reach out to women and constructed the Antyodaya Bhavan with financial assistance under scheme for development of women, Tt came besides Shram Sadhana, builtreleases Prof. Muhammed Yunus’ biography in Gujarati for labour movement in 1960's, Meanwhile, vp Singh wrote Off the bank credits, It caused , = “ie @ peculiar Problem as there was no Write off for loans that did not bear interest, poor women pointed this out Tt was then came across details of Bangaldesh’s Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, We re established Mahila Antyodaya on its pattern. On October 2 1994, on occasion of 125th birth anniversary of Gandhi, borrowed Rs. 1.25 lakh from friends to lend Rs. one thousand each at 12 per cent interest rate to 125 self employed ‘women without collateral. Met success, Also received financial help. HLT. Parekh of Housing Development and Finance Corporation(HDFC) came to aid, First five lakh rupees were lent at nine Per cent interest. 95 per cent recovery, repaid loan within time. Then Rs 10 lakhs ~ received loan of Rs 25 lakhs. Compulsory savings - Poor women: Staff of just three. A field worker, accountant and honorary secretary. NABARD also helped in between. After Aruna, Bharati Chouhan took over. Renamed it as Grameen Mahila Bank. Went to villages too. Surendranagar, Becharaji, Netrang- four districts and also VAdodara city. In between, founded Mahila Gramin NeEmployed Women and | their Mahila Bank a Co-operative Credit Society. Ruy cout not afford the district and stag operative bank's rate ofinterest, But share capital was converted inty lending and rotated . Its aggregate Joay touched Rs. 84 lac. Drops maketh ay ocean. Now the total aggregate lending is over Rs. five crores. More than ten thousand self employed women have benefited fromit. The recovery rate still continues to be 95 percent, attimes cent percent. HDFC has now stopped lending but the Mahila Bank stands on its own financial viability due to interest earned and high recovery rate, The Bank can afford to risk lending up to Rs, Ten thousand and in specific cases up to Rs. 25 thousand. Many women are happy as they have moved from roadside vending to their own shops. They have got their children educated and married. Loan rates continue to be 12 per cent interest without increase of even & paisa, Did not go to share markets like other microfinance agencies, Did not hike to 35% interest rate, No woman has ever agonized, nor took advantage of SHG scheme. | have dream, A women bank worth Rs 25-50 crores, but life is short now. * SSONFED Orgnisation of Onion Growers, Turnover of Rs.35 Crore Onifed: Cooperative with Turnover of Rs. 35 crore Something similar had happened with onion growers. After discussions and efforts of Prof.Vidyut Joshi, their co-operative societies were formed and a state level federation of these co-operatives, Onifed came into existence. Co-operative societies in Mahuva and Talaja talukas of Bhavnagar district, headquarters in Bhavnagar. Intwo decades Onifed became self sustainable. Its annual turnover of fertilizer and onion has crossed Rs. 35 crores. Its office is valued at Rs. 25 lakhs. It owns its sales centres in Mahuva, Talaja and Bhavnagar. It subsidizes farmers to the tune of Rs. one lakh per year for their seeds inputs. Yet it eams creditable profits. It supplies one of the quantum of fertilizer to the farmers of Gujarat and stands at number four in the state in fertilizer trade, It decided to build its own cold storage with controlled atmosphere on its land by the year end. It pays 15 per cent dividend to its member cooperatives since last three years. An assured earning of Rs. 150 per share worth Rs 1000/- is ensured. In three years it totals to Rs 450, Earlier it was 9% dividend. Onifed has not only raised its voice over heavy fluctuation in onion prices but has successfully done market intervention to save farmers from disaster. The Federation has turnover of Rs. 35 crore but does not own a vehicle, That tells a big story of its simple and selfless operation and management.Return of Rs.28 Crore to LB. Depositor Ne Plight of 3.5 lac Deposttors The 1988 brought another problem of social justice for small pensioners, widows and old women whose life savings were locked up = deposits with the Lakshmichand Bhagaji firm Number was three and half lakh small depositors with Rs. 70 CR in danger with bankruptcy declared by the firm Their greed was their problem. But they could not be punished for it. I got the RBI to issue stay order on dispersal and its gains from sale of other assets and properties of the firm so as to provide it for priority in payments to small investors. I sought and got the Bombay High Court to appoint a Committee of depositors. As its first president and later Convener, I organized disposal of properties including theatre and multi- storey building and farmland at Surat; building at Indore and more precious open land in Green Zone at Delhi for repayment to small investors. | had to struggle hard to extricate properties from the legal entangles including release of lands from the Green Zone at Delhi so that it couldbe sold out. I dealt with different aspects including court cases, mutual settlements and collect correct information relatingdeposits and depositors for Perusal by the Court and Succeeded in dispersal of Rs. 28 crore so far, The Court ordered first Priority to small depositors in Tepayments. However never took even apie for any travel and stay expenses from the firm money. Widows, old women and pensioners have virtually been paid off. Other efforts are on to Tepay others. This operation was eye opener for understanding of the benami deals. Pethaps small depositors may have blessed for what was done for them to redeem their life savings. * Rally against ONGC contract employee, Surat. A A aOn Ahmedabad streets with 15000 Salt Workers Gujarat Cotton Growers Inaid of Agarias Galt wor hers), Fishermen and Cotton and Onion growers. After having strived for the working class constantly, following return ftom Harvard, decided “Organize the unorganized” as primary duty for years together. This included the efforts for the agarias, the salt pan workers who toil for nine months in a year in the little Rann of Kutch: Gandhi’s historical Dandi March might have liberated India, but the saltpan workers remain bonded as ever. Little Rann of Kutchh is the lone sanctuary for Ghukdhar — the wild ass specie. Efforts are on to preserve it. Fun loving politicians host desert festivals, the salt pan workers remain missing from it. The newly weds sing the folk song since ages- “Ma! Why did you marry me away to agaria?”” I took up the cause of salt pan workers when the survival debate took Ghudkhar versus salt pan workers” turn. Marched with 15,000 agarias through the roads of Ahmedabad.— Marched to Gandhi Asiy q ram lee the legal battle. Both calacaae 4 One needs cotton to clothe a body — need cotton for fashion wear as well, Need cotton for khadi as well. But the rking mill owners having been buying cotton Reset atpittance since years, the The British did the same. Held state fears wide meetings. To avoid “produce or perish” situation, forced state to Fas, Purchase cotton from farmers at higher Sine price.Held meetings at Karjan, Nae Himmatnagar Idar, Navsari. Established Gujarat Cotton Growers’ Protection Committee. Rajiv Gandhi ight Bee, first time allowed cotton export. pee Liberalization followed. In last three years, the cotton production in Gujarat, one productivity as well as exports topped ass in India. India made record in cotton ‘un production and exports. Everyone now ls, reckons with its might, sf Now fishermen joined — Kutch’s Bhadreshwar, the birthplace of ng Mumbai's young mayor Yusuf Meher ty | Ali, with a large population of fishermen. Jakhau, Kutch’s historic A port. 1k Government approval for OPG power ie , project there — in the so called Vibrant is Fishermen's Sufferings fest, fishermen on a war path against it. Power Plant on Tand Dr. Kanu Kalsaria rushed to their Kutchh CoastAt Mithi Virdi aid. They fought valiantly. OPG had to respond following submissions to the Indian government and Green Tribunal. The power project awakened thousands of fishermen. Now, we want to get four fishing habours on Gujarat coast for them.Donated Rs Two and half lakh from Arunaben’s trust for school expansion for their children. These fishermen living on sea coast since centuries have no power, no drinking water, no education: only official records of foreign earnings through their toil.Agiara, cotton producer, fishermen, onion growers — fought for social justice on their behalf. Similar issues in 1988. +ene Spinning 8 spindle a. 100 Women: Far off in Tribal Area Presently, a centre is functional for Various activities in the tribal area at village Bhekhadia in Gujarat’s: most backward taluka, Kawant, some 120 kms away from Vadodara, Adivasi Jan Uthan Trust (AAJ) is the organisation with 30 to 35 tribal workers engaged in various activities. The Tribal women industrial development cooperative society manufacturers household spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala under the brand name, “AAJ”. The monthly sale is around Rs 25,000 odd. The packets are sold across villages through a three wheeler and a four wheeler. 100 women spin cight spindle Ambar Charkha at their home to earn more than what the MNREGA scheme pays a day. Their incomes range between Rs. 1500to Rs. 3000 permonth. They also make leaf bowls during season, Here one young man ensures employment to 20 odd becoming @ builder. Another young man is a fabricator, Third repairs cycle and caroo] tyres. All reside in workers colony. It has floor mill and cow shed. On fallow land of the village they have planted 1500 trees and developed a village forest. ‘The tribal young men and women are also being trained in diamond cutting and polishing trade.300 have already been trained. Have ensured nine thousand triblals the Gir breed of cow. Gondal Udhyog Bharati buys yam produced by Ambar Charkha every month.Every activity is attended independently only by the tribals themselves. New Five Elements - Man, Forest, Land, Water and Animals The Indian government introduced the Watershed scheme for water management in the country side. It invited voluntary organisation to participate. 'SHRAVIS' also participated, \SHRAVIS' worked in the Bhal region of Surendranagar-Bhavnagar districts, Sales of AAJ brand Masalaer It 50 & Do pan ox Village Forest at Bhekhadia Jan, Jal, Jamin, Jungle and Janver - Five JS Oo Vagra and Hansot region of the Bharuch district and Kapadwanj region of Kheda district to cover 26000 hectares land under the water management scheme to create facilities such as underground tanks for conservation of rain water in the Bhal, check dams and repairing and salvaging tanks and building the farm ponds in farms, However the work was transferred to Panchayat as regime changed at Delhi. However it was a turning point in my approach towards the environment and water. “Jan (human), Jangal (forests), Jal (water), Jamin (land) and Janwar (animal) became the five elements of earth for me in place of the traditional five elements. To work for them is still my dream. For it | would like to construct a Temple of Environment to symbolize these five elementsin the tribal area. I would like it four walls to be dedicated to Forest, Land, Water and Animal with the Human, essentially a tribal in the centre. °el Aid first for education. literacy Understood, ever since Nobel laureate DrAmartya Sen explained, deprivation is the cause of poverty, Ever since the importance of literacy, health, micro finance and environment has been strossed for development Had realised the linkage between eradication of untouchability and literacy during interaction with Valmiki children during my college days. As a result, in every interaction with the dalit, the tribal, agaria, backward communities and minorities, literacy is always the starting point Cent per cent literacy alone can expedite India’s transformation, ze The census statistics speak for themselves. Literacy improves by ten percent ever en years ste percent | year! Result? Agiara spent nine months in salt pans. Only three residential schools bordering Little Rann of Kutch in | Virendragadh, Dehgam and Savda.A | Jone school for the Narmada displaced, | the Kevadia residential ashramshala, Dalit Kanya Chhawralaya Resldenil soAbb! lt Vago, D bition. Fnmunitics' children. 1 contested an first election from Vagra in 1952, . P Constructed school buildings. in lai Virendragarh and Dehgam. Schoo! a fra } Savda was in rented building duc to ince the Want of land. Two years ago purchased laa land. Schoo! building being 5 een constructed at the cost of Rs.35 lakh, | Will be completed by Diwali, 2tween Lotus Trust of London donated Rs 1s aa lakh forthe school. ‘almiki ‘The Narmada Nigam gave a building Asa for school on rent at Kevadia, th the Constructed dining hall with the kward donated amount. In Vagra SHRAVIS. acy is bought ten acre plot of land and built school building SHRAVIS also runs ren the grant-in-aid ITI at Vagra for last ten years for skill building amongst rural youth in the area around oil field. es Courses for fitter and wiremen are run aS & there. The increasing demand for eae skilled hands in Dahej near Vagra necessitated expansion of ashramshala fans, | into an ITI. New courses for fitier and Sis i electrician’s training will be added at i | the cost of Rs. 35 lakhs. With 160 seats, ee the ITI will guarantee employment for all those who pass the courses. GIDC SMe donated Rs. 15 lakhs. In five other Inthe little Rann of Kutch ashramshalas, five thousand children for salt workers children studied so far. Residential Primary School at SAVADASH Hostel for 250 tribal children of Remote Villages at Bhekhadia Hostel for Dalit gict students. wig Ihundred odd capacity was constiucieg ‘at Surendranagar at the cost of Ry, 25 lakhs from Arunaben Mehta Trust, This is to provide facilities so that Dalit gig, in the region can go for further studies Meanwhile undertook a literacy foe tribal children who had dropped out with volunteers paid honorarium of Rs 150 permonth, The central government had approved scheme for construction of three dential schools for girls in remote areas of the Kawant Taluka, But was unable to ensure the scheme implementation. SHRAVIS started students’ hostel with the help from tribals. Slowly, we could get four halls of residence for 250 bays and girls, with kitchen facilities at the cost of Rs 40 lakhs, More than 200 students from remote villages reside here and study at the Bhekhadia government school. The tribal community bears the their lodging and boarding expenses Financial help also came from GNEC, ONGC and from acorporate official We did not take a single government penny. °My World of Books Reading Writing Publication Was fond of readi si childhood: ling and writing since Had published handwritten mont ST uaiarome, ‘Wrote poems and pen pictures. But just for self satisfaction. Wrote and published more than fifty booklets with analysis of various aspects and facets of development of Gujarat with facts and figures. “Hitrakshak’ monthly in Gujarati is published since past eleven years. Its readership comprises of 1800 amongst the leading personalities in various sectors as well as co-operative activity. Emphasis is always placed on coverage of disparities and inequalities caused by globalization and. liberalization faced by farmers. This is majorly funded by the Aruna Mehta Trust and Gujarat Paryay Vikas Foundation. Recently, translated and published autobiography of Dr. Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh, 'Banker to the Poor’ in Gujarati under title 'Vanchito na Vanotar ' This was its first ever translation inan Indian language. Re-published "Navi Vichardhara', book by Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia on occasion of his Centenary, celebrations.— Critique by Yogendra Yaday on life Jai Prakash was published in Gujannt The autobiography of Indulal Yagnik was reprinted again in four volumes on oceasion of Golden jubilee of Mahagujarat movement. The Original six volumes were recast in four volumesas these had become rare. The indepth essay on crocodiles of Vishwamitri River by the young environmentalist Raju Vyas was published in English. Published collection of paintings of nation builders rendered by famous artist Oke, It was well received by educational institutes. Printed its second edition, I have been regularly writing column on current events in Divya Bhaskar every Thursday for the past few years, Received warm response to it. ° Release of Biography of Induchacha in Four volumes with Prakash Shah and Bhagwatikumar Sharmafe of ati, gnik ‘Son of sinal four of ung vas of dus its mn car 400 km long P: Fight against 'Nirma Cement’ Plant Struggle : Cr Ballot Box Satisf this age ‘action at It's been twelve years since I left electoral politics. Tam not aligned with any political party. For me independence began with Pardi Satyagraha, And the two years of 2011-12 were spent with Mahuva farmers’ struggle to remove Nirma. It was also a struggle to ensure the functioning of the salinity ingress prevention scheme started during my tenure.Met BJP’s Dr. Kanu Kalsaria in Jaswant Mchta’s Mahuva. In this agitation also used the weapons of courting arrest, spade and ballot box. The alignment with a BJP MLA inspite being a socialist raised eyebrows. Anand Yagnik handled the legal aspect, Satyagrahas took place: bandharas(checkdams’dyke enclosed fresh water reservoirs) were joined with pipeline, Met Rahul Gandhi. Kanishk played a major role in this. Positive approach of Jairam Ramesh and Jayanthi Natrajan. Sunita Narain very helpfully remained at our beck and call during the struggle. Finally, victory. The 400 kin trek on foot from Mahuya to Gandhinagar and the cycle yatra from Mahuva to Jamnagar ushered tremendous awakening amongst the farmers along the coastal region and in Saurashtra. “Will give up life but not the land” became a popularslogan.Will give Life but not our Land Mahuva Fa rmers Straggle “Return back our pastoral land’ og amongst the pastoralists across the state Surat youth were up in arms against Gp as it polluted creek with industrial effler GEPIL hadtogo. ‘The government had to pay a heavy price fy ensuring land acquisition under the pretext Vibrant Gujarat Investors’ meet. The Kukma farmers in Kutch who do farming on the Israeli pattern in 20 thousand acres stopped the setting up of aluminum refinery. Bhadreshwar fishermen stopped the arrival of OPG power plant through agitation and recourse to the Green Tribunal. Farmers stopped pollution of waters st Khadsaliya near Ghogha. The agitation to prevent takeover of pastor landin Zarpara now becomes common. Bhadreshwar has awakened the fishermen. “Earth is our mother, sea is our father” Farmers in the Bhal are fuming with anget after being deprived of Narmada waters. Gujarat may appear peaceful on surface but it smolders within, A glimmering hope in this old heart that struggle without power but with constructive approach may leave 4 lasting impact on electoral politics. Success is still far off: It ig only a spark but capable of igniting thousands, In young age we would hum, “Ekaj De Chingari..” and it was awalk on embers. Am88 years old, lived a major portion of life. Aruna parted five years earlier, Dreams that we shared together, but remain still with me. a laaioelth Ffaet Bre we FH, at a, Qt BAST Aah, Mess BH | ARES GI AAS AAI & BA Hq Ay a1 SUT, SANT FF |