An icon in philanthropy

Not everyone born is a humanitarian. But here's someone who gives philanthropy an all-new meaning.

An icon in philanthropy

Not everyone born is a humanitarian. But here's someone who gives philanthropy an all-new meaning.
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In fact, businessman-cum-philanthropist Mahavirprasad G Saraf and his charitable trusts have entered the Limca Book of Records for their good deeds.

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So as Mahavirprasad and his charitable trusts complete 52 glorious years of selfless service, CS speaks to him on what drives him to serve the world:

Reaching out
My father, Ghanshyamdasji Saraf, passed away when I was 18. I had seen him helping out the needy. When he passed away, I realised that I couldn't let my father's teachings and good deeds go waste. So in 1959, I constructed a Hanumanji temple in Malad (E). That was my first contribution to the community. As a result, Ghanshyamdas Saraf Trust took shape in 1961 followed by the others Durgadevi Saraf Trust, Mahavirprasad Saraf Trust, Kirandevi Saraf Trust and Supertex Foundation.

Lending support
The trusts have been successful in installing 17,457 benches till date since 1995. As a result, we have entered the Limca Book of Records thrice. We have also built around 98 water huts along Western and Central railway as well as on the Harbour line stations. For this too we earned a Limca Book of Records entry.
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The trusts have also provided 21 ambulances to hospitals and diagnosis centres, built six public toilets and five community halls across the city. We've built a Dharmashala Saraf Matru Mandir, which the citizens can use for functions and ceremonies. We have also set up rooms for elders at an old-age home and also gymnasiums, yoga centre, public library, etc.
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Serving the disabled is a prime focus of all our trusts and so, we've installed around 400-odd telephone booths for them and donated Braille watches to the blind. We've also donated tricycles, wheelchairs, crutches, Jaipur foots and walking sticks to the disabled. We've organised eye camps, sponsored different creativity workshops for women, provided sewing machines to them and established 27 sewing classes, as well as conducted summer camps for street and slum children.

We've set up Ghanshyamdas Saraf College in Malad (W), accredited with 'A' grade and instituted trophies, shields, and awards in various categories.

Idol worship
If there's anyone I really idolise besides my father, it's my mother Durgadevi Saraf. And to keep her memory and teachings alive, we've established Durgadevi Saraf Junior College, Durgadevi Saraf Management Institution, Durgadevi Sarafu00a0 Computer Centre, Durgadevi Saraf Balmandir in Malad. We've also opened Durgadevi Saraf OPD in Nanawati hospital and Durgadevi Saraf Burns Ward at VN Desai Hospital. I enjoy all this work and hope that I can take up more causes.