Ahmedabad (Gujarat), May 21, 2015: “From riches to rags” — this is how billionaire Delhi businessman Bhanwarlal Raghunath Doshi describes his journey, from a life full of worldly pleasures to sainthood. Doshi, who is known as the king of plastic raw material trade in the national capital, is set to relinquish his family, Rs 600-crore business, SUV car, air-conditioned residence, retinue of servants and take to Jain monastic life.
Under the aegis of Jain Acharya Shri Gunratna Surishwarji Maharaj, Doshi will abandon worldly pleasures on May 31. Doshi will be the 108th disciple of Surishwarji Maharaj and 354th postulant to attain sainthood under his aegis.
Doshi had set up his business at an investment of Rs 30,000 borrowed from his late father Bhanwarlal Raghunath. After struggling for years, he went on to build a fortune. Father of two sons and a daughter, Doshi had been planning to take diksha since 1982 after Jain lectures drew him to spirituality. However, he could convince his family only last year.
On why he chose Ahmedabad for diksha, Doshi told, “Gujarat is very special to me. My father died while on a pilgrimage to Shankheshwar. My mother also died after some months in Ahmedabad.”
Rs 100-cr venue for sainthood
Doshi got a grand welcome from 20 Jains sanghs soon after he landed at Ahmedabad airport from Delhi. Amid cheer and beat of dhols, a cavalcade of 108 cars were part of the procession. From May 29, diksha ceremony will commence on Ahmedabad Education Society Ground. The venue is being built on the theme of a ship at the cost of Rs 100 crore. Organizers said this type of theme is being set up for the first time at Jain events. The ship will be 450-foot broad and 90 feet in height, covering 3 lakh sqft. The ship will be made up of plywood, cloth, fibre and canvas. A grand stage is being built to accommodate 1,000 sadhus and sadhvijis. The event will have 1 lakh samayiks (spectators). On May 24, Doshi will be honoured by a large number of IPS and IAS officers, doctors, judges and lawyers at Abhay Ghat. – News Courtesy: Times of India