Tributes poured in for renowned philanthropist and jeweller Surendra Manilal Mehta, who passed away at his residence last week. He was 96. Born on 14 June, 1923, in Palanpur, Gujarat, he spent most of his life in Chennai.
The son of Manilalbhai, who had served as Prime Minister in the princely state of Palanpur, Surendrabhai was the eldest of five siblings. Following the death of two of his uncles, he left Ferguson College, Pune, and came down to Madras in 1939 to assist and, later, manage the family firm, Bapalal & Co.
Along with his brother Harindra and cousin Suresh, Surendrabhai and his family created a bouquet of businesses which included the Barton’s brand in Bengaluru, coffee and spice estates in Salem and Yercaud, Deccan Finance and Dovel Pistons.
Subsequently, he founded Mehta Jewellery with his brother, Naresh, and his sons, Tushaar and Abhay Mehta.
Simply clad in a khadi dhoti, kurta and cap, Surendrabhai was a philanthropist and social activist. Social causes were very close to his heart and he passionately took up vegetarianism, ahimsa, organic farming and the study of Jainism.
Surendrabhai assisted and collaborated with the University of Madras to set up their Department of Jainology.
