Charity,his name

These are the gifts from 76-year-old Mahavirprasad Saraf,an industrialist who chose to share his wealth with people.

It all began in 1959,when he built a Hanuman temple at Malad East. Later,he went on to start various trusts.

One of his latest ventures is the Durgadevi Saraf OPD,in the name of his mother,at Nanavati Hospital,having all modern equipment and 26-27 departments.

Saraf had set up the first trust in name of his father Ghanshyamdas Saraf and later founded four more,Durga Devi Saraf Trust,Mahavir Prasad Trust,Kirandevi Saraf Trust and Supertex Foundation.

Recognising 50 years of his charitable work,the Fatehpur Shekhawati Pravasi Sangh,floated by people from Fatehpur in Rajasthan,the native place of Saraf,honoured him with the title of ‘Fatehpur Ratan’ last month.

At the function,Saraf said,“For 50 years,I could continue the spiritual legacy I inherited from my parents successfully. That makes me happy.”

“ I am touched that whatever I have done is useful for the public and admired by them,the benches,water-huts or other amenities. I am happy that all my sons,Ashok,Dr Naresh and Prakash and my daughters-in-law and my grandchildren take interest in charity work. So,after me,charity will go on,” said Saraf.

At the age of 18,Saraf started his chemical business and established Supertex,which is very successful today.

Whether it’s religious,social,academic,cultural,medical or literary field,Saraf was always ready to help. Saraf has launched a number of schemes for those in need.

Using monetary help from Saraf,262 books and novels have been published by various authors in the city. Many of them could not have come to the public domain if Saraf had not helped them get their works published,say some writers whose books were published with his help.

“He feels happy donating to others. Every day,every week,he donates in many forms. Society today requires many Mahavirprasads,’ ‘said litterateur Dr Nandlalji Pathak.

Recent charity works
* Durgadevi Saraf OPD,at Nanavati Hospital having 26-27 departments,consulting rooms,state-of-the-art machines/ equipment,lobby,cafeteria,waiting rooms for visitors.
* Four rooms for senior citizens at the Old Age Home,Shree Manav Seva Sangh,Sion where needy senior citizens get comfortable accommodation
* A management and PG Institute,Durgadevi Saraf Institute,is under construction at S V Road,Malad West
* Kirandevi Saraf Centre of Excellence to create professionals for corporate India
* Tricycles,wheel-chairs,Jaipur foots,braille watches etc. donated frequently to the physically challenged
* Donated 19 ambulances in the last two years
* Eye camps for those with poor vision,summer camps for children of slums,workshops for women to help them explore employment avenues