Kalpeshbhai V. Shah: Jain Philanthropist & Inspiration
Written By Jay Shah
Note: The following terms will be used through this article. They, along with their definitions, are provided here: lākh (100,000 rupees); crore (10,000,000 rupees); Sādharmik (fellow Jain laymen and laywomen); Lakhpati (one with at least one lākh rupees, similar to the idea of a millionaire).
In 2019, valued at $171.6 billion dollars, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos was the richest man in the world. Upon his divorce on July 5th of that same year, his ex-wife MacKenzie Scott suddenly became the world’s richest woman with a net worth of $62.3 billion dollars. While both individuals were beyond wealthy, what they did with that wealth differed greatly. One of the first things Scott did upon receiving her settlement was to donate $4.1 billion dollars to food banks and emergency relief funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. This act of charity was motivated by her desire to help those less fortunate than herself.
While most of us are used to hearing about celebrities giving away large sums of money, giving back to the community can take several other forms. For some, it could involve regularly engaging in social work and philanthropy; for others, making a $10 donation to a local animal shelter when able. Still others may volunteer at the neighborhood library or tutor students at no cost. Regardless of how one contributes to the well-being of others, none of the aforementioned acts is considered more worthy than the other. What truly makes a difference is the intent to work within your means to give back and help other people in need.
In Jainism, the concept of charity is referred to as Daan, and it serves as a cornerstone of the religion. Various forms of charity in Jainism are not valued by how much time or money is given, but rather the intent behind the action. For example, giving back with the intention of doing good and serving others is more spiritually impactful in comparison to donating in order to satisfy an egotistical drive, such as that for fame or recognition, even if an incredible amount of money was donated. One figure from the Jain community who embodies the right intention in his service is Kalpeshbhai V. Shah.
Kalpeshbhai V. Shah is a wealthy builder from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Going through medical hardships changed his perspective on worldly attachment, and after regaining his health, he made it his life’s goal to give back to Jain Sanghs around him.
As a part of his treatment, Kalpeshbhai had to undergo cardiac bypass surgery, a procedure that can come with many risks and complications. Prior to his operation, he wrote a short letter and gave it to his children to open in the case he did not survive. Thankfully, the surgery was successful. After being discharged, he reread the letter he had previously written. It included the following message:
If I die, I want five thousand of my Sādharmiks to become Lakhpatis.
He then stopped and thought to himself, “Why wait until I die to do this? Why not do it while I am still alive?” Equipped with this new perspective, Kalpeshbhai embarked on a remarkable journey during which he touched the lives of thousands of people around him.
He donated one lākh rupees to some of the poorest Jain families all over India, including some in the most remote villages, eventually fulfilling his initial desire to give 50 crores rupees (approximately $6.7 million). That amount was gradually increased to 70 crores rupees (approximately $9.4 million) as he assisted over 7000 Sadharmik families. Kalpeshbhai did not do this for attention or publicity — he simply went to each house and delivered the money. Additionally, while visiting the family’s home, if he noticed that a family was in need for a particular item, he went ahead and bought it for them.
Kalpeshbhai was dedicated to humanitarian works even before his life-changing procedure. In addition to running relief efforts in Andhra Pradesh, he is also one of the founders and leaders of India’s biggest youth movement, the Jain Alert Group of India. Through this group, Kalpeshbhai has organized several charitable initiatives and helped countless people all over India. Thus, Kalpeshbhai’s legacy is not in the money he earned, but rather in his selflessness and his desire to give to others.
While Kalpeshbhai is undoubtedly an incredible individual, his example may not be the most practical one for the average person to hold themselves to. Not everyone has the time or money to donate and serve in large amounts and that is completely okay; it is the intent to give to others that is of utmost importance. More significantly, Kalpeshbhai’s story demonstrates that one does not need to face extreme circumstances (whether that be striking the lottery or finding themselves in a life-or-death situation) to begin giving to others. True Daan is not a singular act with a one-time impact, but rather a lifetime commitment with the potential to have a long-lasting effect on the larger community — a commitment that you can jumpstart even today.
So, the next time you have the opportunity to help an elder with their groceries or hear about large sum donations made by popular celebrities, we hope you remember Jain philanthropist Kalpeshbhai V. Shah and strive to emulate his values and desire to help those around him.
If anything in this article has offended you or gone against the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir, we sincerely ask for forgiveness. Michhami Dukkadam!
