AMI DAST OUCH
Bha v a r l a l J a i n
PHOT OBI OGRAPHY
Volume – I
Then & Now Volume -1 The Transformation of Agri-Park, Jain Hills (1989-2010) Author Bhavarlal H. Jain, Founder Chairman, Jain Irrigation Systems Limited, Jalgaon. 425001 E-mail: bhj@jains.com First Edition : March 2011 Publisher Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. Jain Plastic Park, N. H. No. 6, P. O. Box 72, Jalgaon - 425001 Email: jisl@jains.com URL: www.jains.com Editorial Assistance Farhad Gimi, B. Krishnakumar, Uday Mahajan Manish Shah & Arun Tole Cover & Book design Farhad Gimi & Yogesh Sandhansive
The Transformation of Agri-Park, Jain Hills
(1989-2010)
Photographs I. M. Rana, P. N. Harimkar, R. T. Mali, T. A. Bunde Y. S. Sandhansive, Hiwale L. D., Jain Irrigation Archives, Jalgaon, Lalit Lapsiya, Jalgaon & Sanju Hinge, Mumbai Processing Beacon Way Publications
(For private circulation only.)
Š All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher.
II
III
1988-1989 IV
1989 V
Dedication With my youngest grandson Aatman and company associates out for our walk at the crack of dawn. (December 2006)
Most of the plans, meetings, decisions and work pertaining to the transformation of Jain Hills, happened during my morning walks! Very often my makeshift office and lunch was under a tree. Accompanied by my grand children, scores of company associates, many friends, guests and countless working hands, the task of turning this wasteland into a living symbol of environmental regeneration was accomplished. VI
To all those who witnessed, enabled and partnered this part of my life’s work – to all those who walked with me.
The company officers discuss their individual problems, difficulties or propositions in turn. Once their work is over they leave and others join me. (December 2009) VII
Foreword When I first came to Jain Hills, all that I could see for miles around was dry and barren land. We climbed the hill nonetheless, guided by a donkey, an animal that is credited with a sixth sense to find the shortest and easiest route in hilly terrains. We stumbled over pebbles and rocks, brushing against prickly bushes and thorny shrubs. However, upon getting to the top, the view was beautiful yet bleak. So desolate that it was overwhelmingly challenging. I dreamt that I would not only live here, but also develop and transform this land. I felt, I could make the land self-sustaining, with a Demo and R&D farm. That would help us understand, learn and innovate in our business of agriculture through use of technology like micro-irrigation. A unique farm that would at once become an educational institution and a demo site. The task was daunting. The unyielding rocks, the nonexistent water and the hostile soil took a great deal of time and superhuman effort to finally relent and allow the first few saplings to grow. The only seasonal well on the property had dried up. Having exhausted all efforts in deep drilling and collecting water in farm ponds during the rains, we embarked on the arduous project of laying a pipeline to bring water from the river Girna, 10 kms away. The next few years saw an increased need for water and thus came the implementation of a watershed plan, with rainwater harvesting through different engineering structures. The plan included man-made reservoirs and afforestation. An area of 20 acres was reserved for forestry for preserving the biodiversity of the area and for providing a habitat for the flora and fauna.
We succeeded in creating fifteen lac litres of water per day in an area where we could not obtain even 20 litres in the beginning. Today, in a year with normal rainfall, we can draw as much as twenty-five lac litres of water per day. The remaining large tract of land has on it many monuments surrounded by greenery and dotted with ponds, fountains, statues and inspiring quotes. Thousands of farmers, agri students, government / bank officials, our associates and dealers from all over India and abroad come to Jain HiTech Agri Institute (JHAI) for training and refresher courses. The campus also serves as a demonstration farm for experiments and trials of different crops and crucial subjects like wasteland reclamation through watershed planning and development. Modern precision farming methods including drip and sprinkler irrigation, sub-surface irrigation, organic farming, micro propagation of plants and use of renewable energy for farm operations – all go to enhance farm productivity and production. I, however, do not claim that this is the only or most perfect model of transformation of rainfed wasteland and soil conservation through watershed. Nor do I wish to maintain that the whole project was pre-planned and/or systematically executed without any faults, shortcomings, and setbacks or that it is cost effective in the short term. I have tried to document a focused economic analysis and evaluation of this project in my earlier book, “A Telling Tale”*. The transition has now been brought alive through these contrasting pictures – one taken around the time the work had begun and the other in recent times. Hence, the title “Then & Now”.
In a few cases, over the period, the structure/s have not undergone much change. Hence, there are no contrasting pictures. However, the activities inside the structure/s have witnessed sea changes. We have, therefore, documented here the status of the activities inside the structure/s as they were carried on “Then & Now”. We have also taken the liberty of placing some anecdotes which are relevant to the photographs/stories or the subjects. At times, we have accommodated photographs of some of the dignitaries who have visited Jain Hills. In neither of the two, have we maintained chronology. Similarly, we have not been able to maintain chronology across the sections; we have, however, tried to achieve it within a given section. I believe Jain Hills is a replicable model at modest cost. What you need in abundance is the will ‘to do or die and not ask why ’. To actualise such dreams you will need to take infinite pains. Do that. That is what will enrich your lives and offer you a sense of fulfilment. What people today describe as ‘paradise on earth’, was once a barren, rocky hilly land. What farmers describe today as ‘Krishi Pandhari’, an agri pilgrimage centre, was once a place where no one except a mule could climb! All my pent-up passions and love for land, labour, laboratory and library happily intermingle and work hand in hand here in Jain Hills. It is for everyone to see, how nature can, with requisite nurturing, give unreservedly of its immense bounty. The structures, the plants and the trees remind me of this every day. I believe, history, as of now, is complete with this volume – created for posterity. – Bhavarlal H. Jain, Founder Chairman, Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd.
* Please refer Appendix No. 1
IX
Preface To write a preface for a book titled ‘Then & Now’, on the transformation of Jain Hills, is an impossible task! Everything at Jain Hills is so dynamic that what is ‘Now’, soon becomes ‘Then’ and a new ‘Now’ emerges – in the form of new structures, new ventures or new social commitments. Even as we write and are in the process of finalizing this chapter of the pictorial history of Jain Hills, there will be at least one major project that will remain unrecorded–the Gandhi Research Foundation. This long-cherished dream of the Chairman (Bhau) is fast-taking shape on the upper slopes of Jain Hills. Designed by Annu Mrudul an award-winning architect, this grand structure will have a multimedia museum, a library of all books by and on Gandhiji, classrooms, an auditorium, a preservation cell for precious books, documents, photographs and open air seating for bhajans and meetings. The process of affiliation with the various institutes in India and abroad is in place and more are being added. The entire complex is being built in the traditional way with lime and mortar by Rajasthani craftsmen in dressed Jodhpur stone. Soon there will be an Ashram for Gandhians and those who wish to be like them. Thus Jain Hills continues to transform. There is no grand plan for this. It is not as if the hill was mapped
and the various activities and their location decided beforehand. They all came up as the need arose and as the resources permitted. Of course, all in keeping with the tenets of Jainism. With minimum disturbance to the land and topography. Now, generally being described as environmental and ecological concerns. There is so much emotion yet logic in the way things have melded together, there is so much palpable harmony in the landscaping and the structures here, that it all appears pre-planned, when it is actually not so! Although one can truthfully say there was no master plan for Jain Hills, there certainly was a ‘Master’ for all the plans! Bhau himself. He planned, guided and executed everything here. There was no project too mean, no detail too small that missed his attention or escaped his minutest scrutiny. He has spent long hours and days, nay months standing in the fierce Jalgaon sun when a job required completion by a given date. This body of work covers 21 years of his nearly fifty years of working life. His dedication and energy is reflected in all one sees at Jain Hills. His challenging feat of transforming wasteland into a living symbol of environmental regeneration has become a replicable model for all. – Farhad Gimi
Behel, retired officer of General Survey of India, recording the level of the land which is awaiting transformation – perhaps for centuries (1989) X
XI
Contents
Corporate Philosophy Mission :
S.N.
Chapter
2
18
Jain Watershed
Gauri Bungalow
12
19
Jain Watershed: Percolation Tank – ‘Jain Sagar’ 218
3
Gauri: Swimming Pool
18
20
Jain Watershed: Percolation Tank – ‘Sindhu’
234
4
Hira
42
21
Shri Krishna Lawn
242
Credo :
5
Raja & Rani Bungalows
58
22
Dr. D. R. Mehta Gomata Ashram
248
Serve and strive through strain and stress;
6
Hasti
70
23
Main Gate
260
7
Kantai
80
24
Helipads
272
8
Jain Gurukul
86
25
Mango Orchard
280
Goal :
9
Jain Gurukul: Jain Hi-Tech Agri Institute
110
26
Communication Tower
294
Achieve continued growth through sustained innovation
10
Suvarnakanya P. T. Usha Kridanand Sankul
138
27
Dargah of Chandshah Vali Baba
300
11
Open Air Theatre
148
28
Shri Hanuman Mandir
302
12
Tissue Culture Lab - 1
156
29
Aerial View
304
13
Tissue Culture Lab - 2
164
30
Appendix
14
Multipurpose Shed
168
15
Multipurpose Shed: Tissue Culture R&D and Production Lab - 3
178
Toil and sweat to manage our resources (men, material and
16
Multipurpose Shed: Bio-Tech R&D Laboratory
182
money) in an integrated, efficient, economic and sustained
17
Product Display and Demonstration Centre
188
Leave this world better than you found it. Vision : Establish leadership in whatever we do at home and abroad.
Do our noblest, that’s success.
for total customer satisfaction and fair return to all other stakeholders. Meet this objective by producing quality products at optimum cost and marketing them at reasonable prices. Guiding Principle :
S.N.
Chapter
1
Dhyan Mandir
2
Page No
Page No 196
- I Calculations for payback period of watershed
314
- II - III Alphabetical list of persons whose name or
316 318
development Progressively Developed Civil Structures at Jain Hills
photograph appeared in ‘Then & Now – Volume 1’
31
The Banyan Tree
320
manner. Earn profit, keeping in view commitment to society and environment. Quality Perspective : Make quality a way of life. Work Culture : Experience : ‘Work is life, life is work.
XII
1
Dhyan Mandir
Dhyan Mandir:
Under Construction Commencement 15 May 1990
For almost four years, I used to walk on the dusty roads leading to the earthen bund of the Zilha Parishad (ZP) percolation tank in the mornings. My friends Dr. Subhash Chaudhary, Rajabhau Mayur and Dr. Doshi invariably accompanied me. In April 1990, we were advised to add yogasana and meditation to our morning routine. We started doing that on the dusty road under the trees. However, there was no enclosure for these exercises during the rainy season. I, therefore, decided to make a suitable shelter. I had identified a small hillock at the base of the huge hill. I constructed a circular room which looked like a temple. It was between May 1990 and February 1991, that the Dhyan Mandir came into existence.
Completion
02 February 1991
Duration
263 Days
Area (Sq. Ft.) 705
Architect
Banaji and Association
Contractor/s In-House
This is one structure which has witnessed every single development and all the events that have taken place on Jain Hills.
Engineer/s B. D. Deore
The first such event was the construction of Gauri Bungalow, which was also known as Guest House No.1. The construction was completed in record time. It was designed by Farhad Gimi and the detailed architectural
plan was supplied by Banaji Associates, both from Bombay. When finished, Banaji took objection to the existence of this obtrusive, ugly looking structure of the Dhyan Mandir and insisted that it must be demolished to maintain the beauty and grace of Gauri Bungalow. Reluctant as I was to do this, I requested Farhad to do something to bring it in harmony with Gauri. A dome supported by pillars and a verandah was then added to the Mandir. Coincidentally, I happened to visit Jaipur and spotted a marble statue of Mahaveer! This was then installed in the adjoining courtyard. This is the present Dhyan Mandir’s historical origin. We continued our daily yogasanas and meditations here over the next 15 years. Today, it is used as a transit house for Jain Sadhus and Sadhvis who pass by on the main Jalgaon-Pachora state highway. Around the Dhyan Mandir, I planned a small oasis so that we would not be disturbed during our Yoga and meditation sessions. A gentle waterfall cascades into a pond making a pleasant gurgling sound and attracts many birds, making the place pleasant and restful.
Dhyan Mandir. (September 1990) 2
3
Dhyan Mandir
My wife Kantabai and I, out for our morning walk with my first grandson Athang in my arms. (November 1992)
To lend serenity to the Dhyan Mandir, I added to the greenery and mini forest, a small waterfall. This was nothing but an outlet for the water of the swimming pool! Whenever it needed to be changed, water was drained into the pond in front of the waterfall. This water was then used for irrigating the fields at the base of the hill. Conservation, particularly of water, was uppermost in my mind even then. 4
The newly established waterfall with Bhagwan Mahaveer’s statue overlooking it. (October 1990)
The completed ‘Dhyan Mandir’ lurking behind the full grown trees and bushes. (December 2010) 5
Dhyan Mandir: Road
Vilasrao Deshmukh, Minister of Industry, Maharashtra overlooking the R&D field with Drip Technology from Dhyan Mandir. (October 1990) 6
The dry dusty road to the ‘Dhyan Mandir’ with thorny bushes growing on the right and the newly planted Ashoka trees on the left. (October 1990)
An avenue of the tall majestic Ashoka trees now leads the way to the ‘Dhyan Mandir’. (2002) 7
Dhyan Mandir: Rubber Trees
After our yoga and meditation in the Dhyan Mandir, my friend Dr. Doshi decided to practise ‘Laughter Therapy’. This involved loud bursts of forced laughter. One morning when he suddenly started laughing maniacally, three women weeding the lawn outside heard this commotion coming from this normally peaceful room. Looking suspiciously towards the Dhyan Mandir, they quickly collected their tools and hurried away muttering amongst themselves that there must surely be someone going mad inside! (January 1992) 8
Just below the ‘Dhyan Mandir’, there are rolling lawns where family and friends can get together on festive occasions. Next to the compound wall, I planted four eight-feet high rubber trees, given to me by my brother Kantibhau.(June 1991)
These rubber trees look like banyan trees today. Both belong to the same family and the prolific prop roots add a mystical look to this spot now. Unfortunately out of the four trees, we had to relocate one. (July 2010) 9
Dhayn Mandir: Panoramic Panoramic view Dhyan View
December 2010 10
11
Gauri Bungalow
Gauri Bungalow: Ground Floor Under Construction Commencement 20 August 1990
Gauri is a landmark at Jain Hills. It was built in a record time of 166 days and named after my mother, Gaurabai.
Completion 02 February 1991
I was worried as to where I could possibly receive and entertain around 5,000 guests expected at the marriage reception of my second son – Anil. It was too much to build an entire bungalow measuring around 8000 sq. ft. within 166 days. However, Sureshdada Jain, my close friend, came around for some work to Jain Hills and looking at me enquired as to why I looked worried. Having listened to my reply, he instantly and enthusiastically pushed me to get the whole structure completed in time. Jalgaon city had no open ground or closed hall for such a mega gathering. I was, therefore, left with no alternative but to create our own facilities for the comfort of our overseas guests, friends and other important visitors.
Duration 166 Days Area (Sq. Ft.) 7897 Architect Banaji and Associates Contractor/s In-House Engineer/s N. G. Lalwani B. D. Deore
The sloping lawns at the foot of Gauri hosted Anil’s wedding reception and Gauri bungalow was used for our family members and some close friends who had come for the occasion. I liked the ambience here so much, that
I decided to keep one of the large rooms as my bedroom. My wife – Kantabai and I would come and stay at Gauri after dinner at our city home. In the morning, we left for our respective workplaces. This gave us an opportunity to interact and spend some time with the guests over breakfast. Gauri has witnessed the visits of many important guests from all over the world. It has also hosted many VIPs including bankers, political leaders as well as customers and collaborators. Above all, it became a favourite retreat for many of my like-minded close friends. Gauri today is our family farm house. All my sons and their families live with me here now. To accommodate the third generation – my fast growing grandchildren – a floor was added in 2006-2008 to the original single storied structure. The Gauri surroundings have three water bodies. Once a monolithic structure, grand but bare, Gauri today, despite its added floor, blushingly hides herself in the multi hued flora that surrounds it. Except for a glimpse, now and again, one can hardly see its lovely outlines.
Gauri. (September 1990) 12
13
Gauri:
Nearing Completion
Former Prime Minister V. P. Sing at Gauri. (November 1992) 14
Gauri was soon taking shape with inputs from our Senior Engineers and myself. Sureshdada kept coming to see the progress. (September 1990)
Gauri all dressed up and illuminated for the wedding reception of my second son, Anil. (03 February 1991) 15
Gauri:
First Floor Commencement 15 October 2006 Completion 15 June 2008 Duration 609 Days Area (Sq. Ft.) 2601 Architect Shirish Barve Contractor/s In-House Engineer/s Ajay Kawadiya
The old faithful Benz MJL 1 is ready to whisk me off to work in the morning in front of the just finished ‘Gauri’ bungalow. (September 1991) 16
The new Volvo MH 19 AR 1 awaits my departure from the same side entrance of the newly renovated double storied ‘Gauri’. (August 2010) 17
Gauri
Gauri:
Swimming Pool Under Construction
Swimming Pool This beautiful swimming pool was conceived while we were on the last leg of constructing Gauri in January 1991. Standing on the verandah, I realized that the topography of the land was sloped and that not much excavation would be needed to create a swimming pool. It would also not cost much and would add considerably to the overall beauty of the place. In just 12 days I got a rectangular area dug. Farhad suggested that the pool should match the contours of Gauri. Thus a quarter circle was added to the rectangular shape of the pool. We went through some rough times between 19962002. Our bankers who were on a visit, were quick to point out that we were being extravagant in these sorts of wasteful expenditures. They did not realize that the pool had been made well before we fell on bad days. Also that it was not made at company’s expense; it was part of our personal property. As in the industrial world in our country
Devilal Chaudhari, Dy. Prime Minister, taking a glass of juice, is seen engaged in a discussion on the deck of the Gauri Swimming Pool. (January 1992) 18
it is customary to siphon off company funds for private use, the bankers, were perhaps justified in thinking the way they did. It took some time and effort for Anil and Manoj Lodha to change their perception about us and not bracket us with some industrial houses with questionable practices. I must say this to Anil’s credit that he was able to successfully shield me from these trifling yet irritating incidents during these trying times. The swimming pool was used continuously for training all my grandchildren to learn swimming, both for exercise and for recreation, particularly during the hot summer months. Of course, swimming was one of the accepted cardiac exercises I had to do at that time for my much damaged heart. This swimming pool has been witness to many experiences and if I may say so, even to some experiments!
The swimming pool coming up in front of Gauri. (March 1990) 19
Gauri:
Swimming Pool
My eldest grandson, Athang, in his infancy, was mortally afraid of water. I had read somewhere that in Russia, infants only a few months old were left out in the cold snow and that they managed to stay fit and healthy. So I decided to make Athang a guinea-pig by putting him into the water to take away his fear. We sat in a rubber dinghy which my wife steered with a rope and when we were in the middle of the pool I took Athang by the shoulders and tried to dip him in the pool. He was so petrified that he started howling. It was many years later that he got rid of his fright and was able to swim. (October 1993) 20
The completed swimming pool and the just finished ‘Dhyan Mandir’ to the left. (March 1991)
The pool now with the ‘Dhyan Mandir’ completely blocked from view by a variety of trees. (December 2010) 21
Gauri:
R&D Farm
Chimanbhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, taking keen interest in Drip Technology for Pomegranate Demo Plot near Gauri. (December 1992) 22
Even before Gauri was completed, saplings of awala, guava, pomegranate and lemon were planted as an experiment of the R&D Farm. (April 1991)
After eleven years, one can hardly get a glimpse of Gauri, Hira and Hasti. The hill on the east of Dhyan Mandir and Gauri which looked barren in 1991, is now completely masked with tall teak, neem, coconut and other ornamental trees. (September 2002) 23
Gauri:
Fountains
My friend Sharad Pawar on the verandah of Gauri with five of my grandchildren, enjoying the evening breeze as he flips through a copy of our ‘Bhumiputra’. (January 2002)
Many years ago, while visiting the India International Center in Delhi in May, I had experienced the hot summer breeze, cooled by the misty spray of upward shooting fountains. I replicated this idea in the garden facing ‘Gauri’ bungalow on the hot westerly side. 24
The upward shooting fountains playing in forlorn isolation. (June 1991)
The same fountain now surrounded by an enchanting biodiversity and a dense leafy glade of full grown trees. (December 2007) 25
Gauri:
Fountains
Ashok and his wife Jyoti, receiving guests in front of Gauri, at the betrothal ceremony of Ajit and Shobhana. Seen in the background is the same fountain in the evening. (October 1992) 26
The Gauri Gate and guardroom are nearing completion as the newly erected fountain plays in the foreground. (June 1991)
The illuminated fountain is resplendent with colours; Ajit and Shobhana’s engagement ceremony. (October 1992) 27
Gauri:
Entrance
Ghurburrun Rabindran, Vice President of Mauritius and his wife being welcomed at Gauri. (January 1997) 28
The newly completed ‘Gauri’ bungalow with barely any foliage except the transplanted ‘Suru’ (casuarina) trees bought from a nursery at an exorbitant cost! (June 1991)
The driveway, fringed with a Golden Duranta hedge, is now shaded by tall bottle palms and dotted with beautiful casuarina topiary. (October 2008) 29
Gauri:
North-West View
R. R. Patil, Dy. Chief Minister being felicitated at Gauri. (November 2004) 30
‘Gauri’ bungalow’s ornamental garden has more stones than plants. In the foreground, we have a map of India with plants of different colours demarcating the various states. (August 1992)
Full grown fruit trees stand sentinel to the numerous flowering plants, herbs and thick green hedges in the garden. The map of India is now a bit overgrown! (December 2007) 31
Gauri:
Lord Krishna and Barren Hill in front
Amol Saraf told me about a new weather–proof paint that would stay stable for up to 25 years. Ever ready to try something that is long lasting, I asked him to paint something on the terraced compound wall where my friends and I usually relaxed after our morning walk. He painted a large picture of Lord Shri Krishna and peacock feathers on the entire wall. On returning from our customary walk that day, my friend Raja Mayur refused to sit on the bench above the new picture, saying that it would not be right to sit on top of Lord Shri Krishna’s head!! (December 1992) 32
Looking out of ‘Gauri’ bungalow to the East you can spot the newly planted saplings on the arid hillside of the slopes. (April 1993)
Now verdant trees mass together with their exuberant display of foliage. (July 2010) 33
Gauri:
Aerial View
These stone-masonry steps had to be built as the first step to climb the Hill! We would never have been able to build our overhead storage tank, but for these steps. (June 1992)
The steps were built by Hanif Mistri, who is no more, but they are still intact. They are now lost in a thick green cover. Drip has done its magic – neem, teak and a host of other trees have not left even a square foot barren. The ZP Tank Bund to the right of the steps is completely hidden. It is impossible to have it photographed from the same angle, leave alone from the same spot. 34
Gauri with its surroundings did not look so prominent and beautiful even when viewed aerially. (June 1993)
Another aerial view of the same spot. (October 2006) 35
Gauri:
View from Top
My grandson, Athang’s birthday being celebrated in presence of famous playback singer Asha Bhosale, a noted writer Bhalchandra Nemade and acclaimed poet N. D. Mahanor and others. Myself and Kantabai look on enjoying the function. (September 1993) 36
Looking down from the hilltop, one could get a full view of the finished ‘Gauri’ bungalow. (August 1993)
Today it is completely surrounded by trees and though a new floor has been added, Gauri is not visible from all sides. Jain Solar water heaters now prominently occupy the rooftop. (August 2010) 37
Gauri:
Aerial View
K. Shankaranarayanan, Governor of Maharashtra, being introduced to my daughters-in-law at Gauri. (June 2010) 38
The Dhyan Mandir, the Gauri Bungalow and the multipurpose shed. The TC Lab first floor is seen under construction. (November 1995)
Work on Gauri first floor is just about to start. (October 2006) 39
Gauri : Panoramic View
August 2010 40
41
Hira
Hira:
Guest House No. 2 Ground Floor Under Construction
The Dhyan Mandir was built on a small hillock. Gauri stood further on the hill which was higher and had terraced ground surrounding it. Hira, however, was perched much further on the hilltop and looked down on Gauri. Thick foliage and flowering fragrant trees were planted in profusion to form a natural screen to the bungalow.
Commencement 20 March 1992 Completion 28 January 1993 Duration 314 Days
Hira has two water bodies which are unique. One is a small man-made waterfall which flows along the contours of the hill making sweet gurgling noises. This stream gushes out from a pile of rocks that are like the peak of a mountain! The water flows down through big boulders that surround the JB (Jain Brothers) Group logo (Which represented our group of companies at that stage).
Area (Sq. Ft.) 8316 Architect Shirish Barve Contractor/s Deepak Magre
During the hot summer months, after our morning walk, we would sit on the benches which overlook this beautiful stream and listen to its sweet music. Many a time, Company’s guests from Hira would join my friends for a cup of tea/coffee and a bit of chit-chat.
Engineer/s N. G. Lalwani R. B. Jagtap
impetus for building Hira (again in a very short span of time) was the impending wedding reception of my third son, Ajit in January 1993. (One does need a reason to be in a hurry so that something good can be accomplished within a short time!) Accommodation in Hira was double that of Gauri, because by that time the number of our guests had also multiplied. Indeed, in 2009, we were again required to redouble the accommodation here. Once a single storied structure, Hira has two floors now, accommodating even a Maharaja Suite for VVIPs! In the exterior too we have kept pace with the times and changed the fountain and the landscaping to make the immediate environment more picturesque. Hira has been a home, albeit temporarily to many – a Vice President, Ex-Prime Ministers, a Deputy Prime Minister as well as Governors and Chief Ministers of many states in the country. This snow-white structure with a backdrop of trees, surrounded by lawns, shrubs and fountains always presents an enchanting and welcoming picture.
Hira was designed as a company guest house and named after my father Hiralal. Its architecture was naturally required to be in harmony with Gauri. The immediate
The ‘Hira’ bungalow at the plinth level. (September 1992) 42
43
Hira:
North-West View Nearing Completion
Nitin Gadkari, President, Bharatiya Janata Party, in discussion at Hira. (April 2010) 44
A stark view of the ‘Hira’ bungalow and the JB Group Logo. (January 1993)
‘Hira’ bungalow wreathed with ornamental trees, undulating lawns and a meandering stream. The JB Group logo is still intact! (August 2003) 45
Hira:
Nort-East View Nearing Completion
Balasaheb Thackaray in conversation with Sureshdada Jain and me during his visit to Jain Hills. (June 1996)
On the Western horizon, across the highway is seen a hill which belongs to the Forest Department of the Government. They call it a ‘forest’, notwithstanding the fact that there are no trees except a few thorny bushes in the dry grass. This contrasts with the verdant green trees that Jain Hills on the east of Hira presents today. 46
‘Hira’ bungalow in the finishing stage. (January 1993)
The ‘Hira’ bungalow now, with only its recently constructed upper floor visible. (August 2010) 47
Hira:
Fountains
Sheetal Mahajan, the first lady to land on the South and North Poles in a paraglider sponsored by us, being received at Jain Hills with her father. In 2011 she was awarded the Padma Shri. (August 2007)
The view that the ‘Hira’ bungalow faced was hardly pleasant. In an attempt to screen the barren rocky hill, a misty fountain was installed in front. It did help a bit to improve the view; but only when the trees came up on the hill beyond, did the picture look perfect. The tunnels you see to the left were innovative car parking slots made from shade nets and creepers. 48
The misty fountain in front of ‘Hira’ bungalow with the arid hillock in the background. (December 1993)
The frontage of ‘Hira’ bungalow as it was a few years ago. (August 2003) 49
Hira:
Eastern Frontage
Ajit Pawar being welcomed by my sons Ashok and Ajit. (September 1998) 50
A view of the ‘Hira’ bungalow. (May 1994)
Mango and Neem trees virtually block the eastern side of the double storied renovated Hira bungalow. (July 2010) 51
Hira:
Aerial View
Nancy Barry, Founder President, Enterprise Solutions to Poverty, USA along with farmers from Maharashtra and our Dr. Anil Dhake and G. I. Desarda. (August 2010) 52
Hira looks imposing from above. In front are the fountains, parking bays, the PRO’s room and the drivers’ rest rooms. The hill opposite, however, continues to look dry and bare. (November 1995)
A little over a decade, the same locale has become thickly covered with green. It is all the miracle of trees – nothing more, nothing less. (October 2006) 53
Hira:
First Floor Under Construction Commencement 01 October 2009 Completion 11 December 2009 Duration 71 Days Area (Sq. Ft.) 7046 Architect Shirish Barve Contractor/s In-House Engineer/s N. G. Lalwani P. A. Barhate
Hira is under siege! An army of workmen constructing the upper floor to accommodate more guests. (October 2009) 54
The upper floor of Hira has quite transformed the building which looks completely different from the original. (December 2010) 55
Hira: Panoramic View
December 2010 56
57
Raja & Rani Bungalows
Raja and Rani:
Guest House Nos 3 & 4 Nearing Completion Commencement 15 May 1992
These bungalows were built next to each other on a slope which was even higher than the one on which Hira came up. However, the frontage of all the four bungalows viz. Gauri, Hira, Raja and Rani are almost in a straight line all facing east.
Completion 20 May 1993 Duration 370 Days
While Hira has large bedrooms with attached baths and huge verandahs from which one can enjoy the view, Raja and Rani were designed as two independent smaller bungalows. Both had two bedrooms each, a drawing room and a kitchen. The idea was that my dear friends could come with their families and friends to enjoy the environment at Jain Hills. This way I would have the benefit of their company. I also felt this would be a way in which I could partly repay the debt I owed them as a friend. Having friends as guests would also be an enriching experience for my family. The greater the circle of friendship, greater would be our happiness.
Area (Sq. Ft.) 2474 each Architect Shirish Barve Contractor/s Deepak Magre Engineer/s N. G. Lalwani M. M. Jain
One other objective for these bungalows was that those relatives who were old and in need of peace and tranquillity, should find Raja and Rani a preferred home. Here, away from the main guest house, their privacy would be maintained and, at the same time, their presence would not disturb our official guests. Raja was named after my cousin, Rajendra who met with an accident and died prematurely at a young age. Rani was established in memory of my uncle, Ranidanji who suffered a heart attack and passed away when he was only 55 years of age.
Raja bungalow completed while Rani is nearing completion. (April 1993) 58
59
Raja & Rani: Cactus Island
I always loved to ‘hold’ office under the trees. (November 2007) 60
‘Rani’ bungalow as it was when built. (May 1994)
A new velvety lawn surrounds Raja and Rani on three sides now. (December 2010) 61
Raja:
North-West View
Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Governor of Rajasthan, on a brief visit to Jain Hills before the North Maharashtra University function conferring me with a D. Lit. (January 2006) 62
Although a lawn had come up around ‘Rani’ bungalow, the surroundings were quite bare. (July 1994)
The bungalow now has a backdrop of trees and it is now edged with a neat path. Morning glory and alamanda creepers are fast climbing over the arcade to make a shady walkway. (December 2010) 63
Raja & Rani: Fountain
Uri Cinnamon and Elisha Gal, delegates from Israel, during their visits. Our Amnon Offen and Sunil Deshpande also seen in the picture. (October 2009) 64
This was a series of fountains which spanned across the Raja and Rani lawns. (July 1994)
These fountains present a spectacular show at night as water gushes out of their spouts like molten lava. Sadly, we had to remove them recently as there was a technical problem. (December 1994) 65
Raja & Rani:
View from Top
Sadhwi Pritisudhaji and Madhusmitaji in spiritual discussion with our Dimitry, N.D. Mahanor, and myself. (November 2010)
The twin bungalows “Raja” & “Rani” were conceived to house visiting friends at Jain Hills who would stay for a while. Consequently two bedrooms and a small kitchen were provided to facilitate cooking by guests if they so wished – vegetarian, of course! These bungalows also have independent parking space. Raja-Rani are also used as transit houses or sthanak for Jain Gurus and Munis - Sadhus and Sadhwis. Soon the pressure of official guests to the factories increased to such an extent that these two bungalows also had to be pressed into use as company guest houses. Later even the kitchens were converted into extra bedrooms for the guests. 66
The twin bungalows, ‘Raja’ and ‘Rani’, offered a depressing view of dry thorny bushes and bare hills in the foreground and beyond. (June 2002)
The view now cloaked in a mantle of myriad green. (August 2010) 67
Raja & Rani: Panoramic View
December 2010 68
69
Hasti
Hasti:
Guest House No. 5 and Old Office Under Construction Commencement 21 April 1994
As we view Hasti from the Jalgaon - Shirsoli Road, it shows a semi-circular shape (facing north, west and south). This wing consists of four guest rooms. To the east of these guest rooms there is an open-to-sky courtyard. Facing the courtyard on the eastern side, there are three more guest rooms. This whole structure, with seven guest rooms and an open courtyard, forms the ground floor of this building. This is at a lower level considering the natural sloping topography of the hillock. Along with the ground floor, we had also built the first floor, part of which rested on the above mentioned three guest rooms of the ground floor. The remainder of the first floor rested on the upper level of the hill, in keeping with its topography.
Completion 15 March 1995 Duration 328 Days Area (Sq. Ft.) Ground floor 4980 First Floor 7300 Architect Shirish Barve
On the first floor, there is a large hall. This hall has had a chequered history. In fact it remained vacant for quite some time. After that Rameshdada Jain occupied it as his office. Later this acted as a temporary office for the adjoining Food Park, as they had no office then. The hall was also used as my office and as a library of books on agriculture. It is temporarily being used as the museum and library of the Gandhi Research Foundation (GRF) now. A grand though simple Gandhi Research Institute and Museum is under construction in Jain Hills.
Contractor/s Kamal Khetan Engineer/s A. P. Bhirud R. B. Jagtap
This office came into being because I needed space to accommodate the increasing administrative staff that looked after the various activities that were a part and parcel of life at Jain Hills. These activities included the cultivation of horticultural and agricultural crops, research and development of drip irrigation on various crops, beautification of the entire landscape at Jain Hills, including the terracing and terrace planting of trees. Additionally, it involved attending to the numerous farmers who had started pouring in to see the development at Jain Hills. This in itself was a major task. For years, my office had invariably been under a tree where some work or the other was in progress. As my morning round would always include site visits, I would often stay back till required – sometimes till breakfast or at times even till lunch or dinner! As such, I never found it necessary to have a formal office. Later in October 2009, being hard pressed for additional residential accommodation for our visitors, we added four guest rooms on the first floor above the semi circular ground floor. ‘Hasti’ was named after my father’s cousin, Hastimalji.
‘Hasti’ is taking shape. (September 1994) 70
71
Hasti:
Nearing Completion
Bandeppa Khashempur, Agriculture Minister and E. Venkatain, Agriculture Commissioner, Karnataka in discussion with me and Atul in my earlier office. (August 2006) 72
Notwithstanding the earlier planted hedge, ‘Hasti’ nearing completion looks stark. (April 1995)
The same now with a floor added and several shady trees in front, is hardly seen from the same spot. (August 2010) 73
Hasti:
Old Office
NaanDanJain Israel officials, in discussion in my old office at Jalgaon. (December 2008) 74
‘Hasti’ had no greenery to speak of. (June 2002)
‘Hasti’ has a valley of neem trees to its right now. (December 2007) 75
Hasti:
First Floor Under Construction Commencement 1 October 2009 Completion 10 December 2009 Duration 70 Days Area (Sq. Ft.) 3397 Architect Shirish Barve Contractor/s Anish Shah Engineer/s N. G. Lalwani P. A. Barhate
Hasti’s ground floor gets ready for construction above it. (October 2009) 76
The first floor facing North-West provides four additional guest rooms. (December 2010) 77
Hasti:
First Floor Nearing Completion
Ashok taking Abhijeet Pawar around the library of Gandhi Research Foundation. (August 2010) 78
Hasti with the extra floor being added viewed from near the entrance. (November 2009)
The first floor now offers a splendid view of the hills beyond. (December 2010) 79
Kantai
Kantai:
Chairman’s Office Under Construction Commencement 1 October 2009
‘Kantai’ is the second floor of ‘Hasti’. It was named in memory of my wife Kantabai, who passed away in 2005.
Completion 2 June 2010
This new office is unique, in as much that it combines the practical requirements of an efficient office space, yet gives one the feeling of sitting amidst nature.
Duration 244 Days
The entire structure, enveloped by greenery has large floor-length windows, that allow an unrestricted view of the surroundings. These include two ornamental ponds with marble statuary and fountains. Also an outdoor rock pool set in an undulating lawn that stretches to connect with the Raja and Rani lawn. This, now has become the new playground for monkeys at Jain Hills. They gambol on the lawn, swing on the almond trees, drink from the pools and refuse to budge for hours on end!
Area (Sq. Ft.) 8900 Architect Shirish Barve Contractor/s Anish Shah Engineer/s N. G. Lalwani P. A. Barhate
When any new structure comes up, I ensure that the least number of trees are disturbed. ‘Kantai’ was no exception. Not only did I not permit any trees to be removed (the original plan required four trees to be uprooted) but, had three more planted. Somehow I experience great anguish and pain when it comes to removal of trees. Faced with no alternative, I may allow its relocation, but hardly ever its removal. As always, we were in a mighty hurry to complete this office and the four new guest rooms below. The first class construction measuring 8900 sq. ft. was completed in 244 days.
When the new Chairman’s Office was designed, I planned my cabin under the few shady trees to the right of the building. (November 2009) 80
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Kantai:
Chairman’s Office Nearing Completion
My four sons engaged in intense discussion at my office. (December 2010) 82
The Chairman’s Office nearing completion with a shallow pool dug out in the front lawn. (March 2010)
Kantai, the Chairman’s Office, after completion. (November 2010) 83
Kantai: Panoramic View
(November 2010) 84
85
Jain Gurukul
Jain Gurukul:
A Residential Training and Extension Institute Under Construction
This award winning structure was designed by a talented young architect and, like all structures here, this massive edifice was also built in record time. As a matter of fact, this was the most difficult of all the sites I had identified to build on. In keeping with the best ecological tenets, which we have maintained in each of the structures built here, we did not disturb the existing land contours, but adjusted and adapted the Gurukul structure to the topography of the site. Thus, the Gurukul came up on different levels.
Commencement 15 February 1995 Completion 27 November 1995 Duration 285 Days Area (Sq. Ft.) 33100
Viewed from the western side of the P.T. Usha Ground, the Jain Gurukul, on the ground floor has a spacious, modern, air-conditioned auditorium with a seating capacity for over 230 participants. This auditorium has been named after my friend, philosopher and guide H. R. Handa, lovingly called ‘Buddy ’.
Architect Shirish Barve Contractor/s S & S Associates Engineer/s N. G. Lalwani A. P. Bhirud
On the top of this auditorium, there are four classrooms with seating for 30-50 learners. Earlier these rooms were used as living quarters for the faculty. Adjoining these rooms there is a small training office and a large waiting lounge. Opposite the Buddy Handa Auditorium on the north is a broad, open air, paved patio, used extensively for dining and cultural events. Leading down to the magnificent lawn and a charming oval swimming pool, are a series of steps constructed to give a stadium effect. These are often used for photography session with visiting farmers.
The paved area beyond the steps links the Gurukul to the lawn that has hosted many important events. At a slightly higher level, we have a dining hall with double height. Attached is a modern kitchen and washroom. On the first floor above the dining hall and kitchen is another air-conditioned hall with a capacity of about 80 persons. This hall has been named after my friend Subir Bose. This hall on the north-east leads to a large semicircular, open-to-sky gathering space. A bit higher than the Subir Bose Hall, there is a grand double height lobby and reception area, flanked on both sides by ten rooms with three beds each. Above these on the first floor there are ten additional rooms with the same capacity. On the south, before you enter the lobby, there are a series of dancing fountains and large planters massed with colourful bougainvillea and bottle palms. Across the driveway is the vast Open Air Theatre which can accommodate up to 5,000 people. To the west is the P.T. Usha Ground which can accommodate 2,000 persons. The northern lawn can accommodate about 10,000 persons. These spaces are used for exhibitions, farmer melas, trade fairs, symposia and conferences.
‘Gurukul’ in the making, is not a pretty sight, with the newly carved out road like an ugly scar on the rocky brown escarpment. (May 1995) 86
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Jain Gurukul:
Nearing Completion
These were the days before pneumatic drills could be found in Jalgaon. The difficult terrain on which Gurukul was being built required some removal of rocks. One of these was so big that we decided to let it remain where it was and built a small room to disguise it near the Buddy Handa Auditorium. The other rocks too were difficult to handle; so you will notice some undulations on the road in front of the Gurukul. (May 1995) 88
The ‘Gurukul’ nearing completion. (November 1995)
Seen with an immaculate lawn and full grown trees, the ‘Gurukul’ looks a picture of grace. (December 2007) 89
Jain Gurukul:
During Day and Night
YSR Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on tour of Jain Facilities. (November 2004)
We were all working to get the Gurukul ready at breakneck speed. Consequently, I landed up at the site early every morning at 6 and, like the architect and engineers, stayed there till sundown or sometimes till as late as 10 p.m. This was one period that I had all my meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner – together with my architect and engineers. This was necessary as decisions had to be taken on the spot for any changes, alterations or additions that were to be made. This was the time I realized what miracles teamwork can bring about. 90
The arrow-like structure looks as if it is ready to take off into the sky. The double height pillars lend grace to the entrance foyer. (February 2000)
The dancing fountain cascades down to the west of the Buddy Handa Auditorium – a beautiful view of the entire edifice at night. ( December 2007) 91
Jain Gurukul:
Before Construction
During a farmer mela, lunch being served on the Jain Gurukul Lawn. (November 2008) 92
The Gurukul Lawn originally served as a temporary parking lot for visitors to Jain Hills. (December 1993)
This smooth lawn has been host to many a gracious function over the years. (August 2003) 93
Jain Gurukul:
Reflection in Jain Sagar
A Delegation from Yemen for discussions regarding agri-development in their country. (July 2009) 94
The ‘Gurukul’ structure with the newly planted trees on the slopes and terraces going towards Jain Sagar. (December 1996)
Shimmering waters caress the contours of an overflowing ‘Jain Sagar’ as dense foliage casts a benign shadow on a part of the lake. Gurukul peeps over the trees and competes for its place in the reflecting waters. (August 2003) 95
Jain Gurukul:
Roads to Helipads
Ultra High Density Guava Plantation on the way to the Helipad being inspected by Chhaganrao Bhujbal, Dy. Chief Minister. (January 2010) 96
Dry grass and rocks littered this dusty road to the ‘Gurukul’ from the Helipad. (February 1997)
Greenery carpets the slopes and almost obliterates the same road with full-grown mango, custard apple and guava trees. (August 2003) 97
Jain Gurukul:
North-East View from Lounge
Gujarat Vidyapeeth students on a 10-day camp to familiarize themselves with rural development – the Gandhian way. (November 2010) 98
‘Gurukul’ from the ridge looks down a barren slope towards a cheerless puddle of water that was soon to be ‘Jain Sagar’! (June1998)
Young neem trees protectively hug the Gurukul, allowing only a fleeting glimpse of the Jain Sagar beyond. (August 2003) 99
Jain Gurukul:
Aerial View – Facing West Under Construction
While Gurukul was being built, there were many workmen living on the site in their makeshift huts. On my morning walk, I would chew on a neem stick for ‘datun’ (brushing my teeth). One morning as I passed these huts, I saw a young Banjara worker getting ready for his morning ablutions. He took a tube of toothpaste, applied it to his tooth -brush and started brushing his teeth. All the while looking derisively at my humble ‘Neem Datun’ stick! That’s progress! 100
When it began, Gurukul looked like a complicated structure. No one except the architect and the engineer knew what it would finally look like. (August 1995)
The Gurukul encircled by an Open Air Theatre on the south, a lawn and a swimming pool on the north and the PT Usha Kridanand Sankul on the west. All giving this massive structure a clear definition and pride of place. (October 2009) 101
Jain Gurukul:
Aerial View – North
Our associates from all over the world having breakfast at the Gurukul Dining Hall. (August 2010) 102
The just finished Gurukul looked a bit bare with not much greenery around. (November 1995)
The Gurukul facing north, opens on to a large terrace from which stadium-like steps lead to a spacious lawn and the swimming pool. Its south overlooks the Corporate Display Centre and the Open Air Theatre. (October 2009) 103
Jain Gurukul:
Aerial View – South
Vasundhara Raje Scindia, Chief Minister and Prabhulal Saini, Agriculture Minister, Rajasthan intently looking at the statistics of different categories of visitors from each state and abroad. She said “Rajasthan ought to be on top.” Following her visit, a whole lot of farmers, Government officers came to Jalgaon. The tradition continues even today. (January 2007) 104
A bird’s-eye view of the front of Gurukul facing south with a few just planted bottle palms. The foreground where the Open Air Theatre is yet to come and the slopes with saplings, all look colourless, dry and desolate. To the north is the empty Jain Sagar. (November 1995)
Gurukul with Jain Sagar on north-east and greenery as far as the eye can see. The completed Open Air Theatre, Display Centre and P. T. Usha Ground make the entire campus picturesque. (October 2009) 105
Jain Gurukul: Panoramic North-East Rear View
December 2010 106
107
Jain Gurukul: Panoramic South Front Entrance View
December 2010 108
109
Jain Gurukul
Jain Gurukul:
Aerial View Jain Hi-Tech Agri Institute
Jain Hi-Tech Agri Institute The structures and the facilities available at Jain Gurukul have been described in the earlier section. This section elaborates on the activities of Jain Gurukul and Jain Hi-Tech Agri Institute which are housed here with state-ofthe-art infrastructure. JHAI runs courses for durations starting from two days, to six months. It also houses and trains PG research students for one to two years while they do their M.Sc./M.Tech/ Ph.D. Short duration technical/summer courses are also organized. As of 2010, over 15,000 trainees have attended these programmes conducted by a highly qualified and committed faculty of over 100 persons. The trainees include participants from Sri Lanka, Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
extension services, including publication of literature in local languages, arranging exhibitions and seminars etc. The institute provides advanced testing facilities on a host of related subjects. JHAI also has collaborative research MOUs with 27 agricultural and horticultural universities in India and with two prestigious international institutes. A total of over 300,000 visitors have come to JHAI over the last eight years. Out of them farmers alone comprise of over 100,000. The pages that follow display the contrast in the manner and location where these activities were carried out – Then and Now!
In addition to classroom training, we also conduct on-field and at-site training and provide a host of other
Our Karnataka Drip Dealers being taught by Abhijeet Joshi about newly developed products. (October 2009) 110
Gurukul was originally designed as a residential training institute. The occupants are required to absorb much, in too short a time. The surroundings, therefore, need to be peaceful and serene. (October 2009) 111
Jain Gurukul:
Classroom Training
Lesli Hall instructing the trainers at Jain Pipe (old factory). He laid the foundation for the sustainable success of the drip irrigation industry in India. He emphasized that training is crucial for success of drip irrigation. Seen in the picture is our R. Natrajan and others taking the primary lessons in designing a customized system for small holders. (1987) 112
Our B.D. Jade training 250 farmers from Rahuri and 50 farmers from Karnataka in Micro-Irrigation at our state-of-the-art Buddy Handa Auditorium. (March 2009)
113
Jain Gurukul: Field Training
Part of the audience listening with rapt attention. (December 1987) 114
Our V. B. Patil conducting training under a shamiana at Pralhadrao Patil’s farm in Manur, Dist. Jalgaon. (December 1987)
We are now being invited by Africa, Pakistan, Yemen and a host of other countries for conducting training. Seen here is Dr. Soman at Amangwane in South Africa, training government officials and progressive farmers. (March 2005) 115
Jain Gurukul:
Classroom Training
We had to rent the Navjeevan Hall in the city for training. Seen on the left are R.B. Jain, V.B. Patil and Dr. D. G. Bhapkar. (1997) 116
Training farmers of Madhya Pradesh in the air-conditioned Subir Bose Hall at Jain Gurukul. Our K. B. Patil making a point as the trainees listen intently. (April 2009) 117
Jain Gurukul: Field Training
It is not only that Jain Hills have been transformed. Look at the social transformation too! The picture to the right has not a single female student for field training in 1988. However as seen in the following picture, in 2010 their number is more than equal! That is how society is also getting transformed. 118
Drip irrigation training at Dharagir, Dist. Jalgaon. Seen at MLA Mahindrasing Patil’s farm are progressive farmers with R.B. Jain. (April 1988)
Dr. V. R. Balasubrahmanyam imparting on-field training to our new associates. These fresh engineers come from cushy classrooms to the middle of Jain Hills orchards – from barracks to the battlefield! (January 2010) 119
Jain Gurukul: Field Training
A power tiller in operation at a Sugar Cane farm. (February 2010) 120
Our V.B. Patil conducting on-field training and demonstration for Agriculture Officers in the farm at Jalgaon. (January 1988)
Our associate B. D. Jade was invited for a specific problem a sugarcane farmer was facing at Kameri, Dist. Sangli. As opposed to marketing efforts in the past, it is now consultation and technical advice sessions. (February 2010) 121
Jain Gurukul: Field Practical
Our Dr. Anil Dhake introducing the concept of Drip Irrigation to the Himachal Government Agri - Officers. (December 2005) 122
Two of our associates laying the drip tube by hand at our R&D farm. (April 1989)
An innovation. Laying the sub-surface dripline while furrowing the field with a tractor. Training to farmers and associates at our Takarkheda farm. (February 2010) 123
Jain Gurukul: CINADCO
Indo-Israeli cooperation was envisaged through JHAI. The Israeli delegation led by their Minister for Agriculture Yaakov Tzur. (December 1993)
Dr. Yehoyada Haim, Israel’s Ambassador to India, who visited us in February 1997, was so moved with what he saw that he remarked, “If there is a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.” He also said that “When Indians will ask me how Israel achieved such progress in agriculture, High Tech, etc. I will send them to Jains, Jalgaon.” 124
At one stage, CINADCO, the official arm of Government of Israel for imparting training and extension services, had signed an MOU with us. The activity began with much fanfare. A jumbo Israeli delegation headed by Yaakov Tzur, Minister for Agriculture, paid a visit to Jain Hills with as many as 21 members. The delegation included the Ambassador and Consul General of Israel and many representatives of private and government institutions of Israel. This function was organized at the Multipurpose Shed. (December 1993)
Under the MOU, Israeli experts from CINADCO were imparting training to farmers. However, after two programmes, they stopped this activity. This was because the Israeli Drip Industry opposed this move by CINADCO, saying that an Israelian government organization should not be cooperating with a competing foreign private company. (June 1994)
125
Jain Gurukul: Farmer Mela
Rapport with and education of these opinion makers was integral to the success of drip technology. Seen in the picture are Sharad Joshi, Anna Hazare, N.D. Mahanor and others. (1988) 126
Our K.B. Patil exhibiting to the guests the benefit of our tissue cultured banana and pomegranate plants. This is also at an exhibition-cum-mela. It is not only the opinion makers we have to educate and inspire, but also the administrators. Because, together they form the government. (December 2010) 127
Jain Gurukul: Farmer Mela
Even in the initial stages of introduction of drip technology, the response from the farming community was overwhelming. Government officials and bankers were equally keen to support the new endeavour. (December 1991) 128
A ‘Farmer Mela’ organized by the United Western Bank, our erstwhile bankers at Pahur, Dist. Jalgaon. (December 1991)
Our K.B. Patil participating in a symposium on Tissue Culture of Banana at Itkare, Dist. Satara. We took this opportunity to display our other products including solar water heating systems. (May 2006) 129
Jain Gurukul:
National Conference
Farmers seated cross-legged on the floor, under a pandal in large numbers are intently following the proceedings of the All India Banana Display & Symposium. (September 2000) 130
All India Banana Display & Symposium organized and jointly sponsored by Ministry of Agriculture, Maharashtra and Jain Irrigation at the Open Air Theatre, Jain Hills, Jalgaon. Farmers from all over India came with their best sample bunches for the competition. (September 2000)
The Second National Conference on Production of Healthy Banana Planting Material (Tissue Culture – Micro Propagation) was organized at Jain Hills in the Open Air Theatre. As usual, the venue was packed to capacity with farmers, now comfortably seated on chairs! (October 2009) 131
Jain Gurukul:
International Conference
220 delegates attended the International Micro & Sprinkler Irrigation Conference. Fourteen countries including USA were represented. Jain Irrigation was a co– organizer and a sponsor for the Conference. I am delivering Key Note address. (February 2000)
132
The dais of the three-day International Conference on Micro and Sprinkler Irrigation Systems at Buddy Handa Hall, Jain Gurukul. (February 2000)
Our M.S. Sudhakar addressing the international representatives of our various plants and establishments. This annual event is where the previous year’s performance is reviewed and the next year’s performance targets are fixed. The Buddy Handa Hall now wears a new look with electronic projectors and screens. The seating arrangements are suitably altered for the occasion. (August 2010) 133
Jain Gurukul: Exhibition
Rajiv Gandhi, Prime Minister with his daughter Priyanka being introduced to water management techniques by our Kulkarni at New Delhi. (November 1988) 134
Our exhibition stalls attracted farmers and acquainted them with the Company’s diverse range of products and services. This one was at the invitation of Maharashtra State Grape Growers Association’s Annual Gathering in Pune. (August 1991)
As time passed, the exhibitions got larger and more elaborate. This one projects rural life. The farmers who came in were amazed with this display at the Krishi Kranti Exhibition 2000, Jalgaon. (April 1999) 135
Jain Gurukul: Exhibition
Our S. P. Jadhav explaining the role of Jain Irrigation in rural development to Ex. President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam in GIST 2010 Convention Exhibition in Pune. (December 2010) 136
Water India Exhibition at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Our participation was modest in early days with only a small stall for display. (April 1993)
We, however, put up a huge stall and attracted large crowds and serious business enquiries at Plast India Exhibition, New Delhi. Such exhibitions, however, continue to be more for image building than for transacting business. (The banner seen under the JAIN logo was the “Outstanding Stall� prize awarded to us.) (February 2009) 137
Suvarnakanya P. T. Usha Kridanand Sankul
Suvarnakanya P. T. Usha Kridanand Sankul: Multipurpose Ground Under Development Commencement 10 November 2001 Completion 12 January 2002 Duration 63 Days Area (Sq. Ft.) 30505 Architect In-House Contractor/s In-House Engineer/s S. S. Dixit
P.T. Usha, the girl who brought a medal-starved nation, several gold and silver medals at the various national and international meets from 1980 till 1996! The pride, honour and glory she gave to the country found a place in Jain Hills, when I named this ground to commemorate her achievements, when she visited us.
I have named the Auditorium after my dear friend Buddy Handa and large training room after yet another friend Subir Bose. Likewise, the Gomata Ashram has been named Dr. D. R. Mehta Gomata Ashram. Dr. D. R. Mehta is my dear friend. P. T. Usha’s name was added to this list although she was neither a family member nor a friend.
I have named the Ring Road after my wife Kantabai (Kantabai Ring Road). Similarly our residence is named after my mother Gaurabai (Gauri). Guest House No. 2 has been named after my father Hiralal (Hira). Guest House No. 3 is named after my nephew Rajendra (Raja). Guest House No. 4 is named after my uncle Ranidanji (Rani). Guest House No. 5 Ground Floor is named after my father’s cousin brother Hastimalji (Hasti). The second floor of Hasti, currently my office, is named after my wife Kantabai (Kantai). All these have been named after family members. Aside from these,
At the farthest end of this ground, some years ago on the birthday of my wife and grandson Abhedya, we planted a banyan sapling. Later a musical fountain was installed at the site. Over the years, the ground has been much used for trade fairs, product demonstrations, weddings, social engagements and to entertain dignitaries. Soon it is to have a new ‘avatar’ - as the three-storied Product Display Centre is coming up there.
Suvarnakanya P. T. Usha Kridanand Sankul was prepared on top of the hill to lend grandeur to the western side of the Gurukul. (December 1997) 138
139
Suvarnakanya P. T. Usha Kridanand Sankul: Multipurpose Ground
Suvarnakanya P. T. Usha walking at Jain Hills with me and Dr. Subhash Chaudhari. (January 2002) 140
A trade fair was organized on the P.T. Usha Ground. Farmers evinced great interest in the exhibits. (September 2000)
Marriage-cum-Reception of Sau. Sheetal (Daughter of Girdharilal Oswal, a senior member of the Founder’s team). (January 2002) 141
Suvarnakanya P. T. Usha Kridanand Sankul: Multipurpose Ground
The felicitation programme of Prakashbhai Mohadikar, a social worker, on his 91st Birthday at P.T. Usha Ground. (December 2010) 142
P. T. Usha Ground was further extended to accommodate planting of a banyan tree and a small playground for the kids. (January 2002)
Bullocks in competition on the Pola Day – The Sports Day at the P. T. Usha Ground. (August 2008) 143
Suvarnakanya P. T. Usha Kridanand Sankul: Multipurpose Ground Banyan Tree
There are three birthdays of my family members which fall due in January: Shobhana Ajit Jain (5.1.1970), Abhedya Ajit Jain (18.1.1995) and my wife Kantabai (19.1.1938). To commemorate these birthdays, I planted a banyan tree on 12 January 2001 in the presence of all my family members. (January 2001) 144
By the time the banyan tree took good shape, I felt it would look good if a dancing musical fountain was in front of it. (February 2002)
The banyan tree today has grown to magnificent proportions and now has the musical fountain in front. (August 2010) 145
Suvarnakanya P. T. Usha Kridanand Sankul: Panoramic View
December 2010 146
147
Open Air Theatre
Open Air Theatre: Under Development Commencement 15 November 2002
To the south of the Gurukul was a large rocky and barren tract of land, which defied all efforts at cultivation. The Mango orchard is beyond this. As we needed to have an expansive open space in front of the Gurukul, we left it vacant. On the north-east corner, however, we constructed a Product Display Centre.
Completion 24 December 2002 Duration 39 Days
This ground will again be changed soon, as the need continues to accommodate more and more people. Thus, the stage will be relocated to the north-east (where the product display centre is now). The audience will sit on an ascending slope facing the stage, so that they get a better view of the proceedings.
As our business grew, the need for holding large functions, particularly award giving ceremonies for 5,000 or sometimes even 10,000 farmers, became imperative. So the ground took the shape of an open-air theatre with a massive stage to seat the VIP guests.
Area (Sq. Ft.) Stage Area: 3150 (105 ft. X 30 ft.) Ground Area: 38407 Architect In-House Contractor/s In-House Engineer/s A. P. Bhirud P. A. Barhate
The ‘Open Air Theatre’ in the making as seen from the ‘Gurukul’ entrance lobby. (November 2002) 148
149
Open Air Theatre
On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee National convention of Bharat Krushak Samaj (L to R): myself, N. D. Mahanor, Dr. Balramji Jakhar, Governor, Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Krishnabir Chaudhari, President, Bharat Krushak Samaj. (December 2005)
This ground, amongst its many other uses, is the venue for the annual ‘Pola’ festival (where the hard working farm bullocks have a race and are fed ‘Puran Polis’ and other favourite food items. They are also worshipped as a gesture of thanksgiving). Recently this ground was used for gifting 70 Nano cars to our associates and their families. 150
The just completed Open Air Theatre opposite the Gurukul. (August 2003)
The place now makes a splendid statement as a venue for large assemblies, festivals and performances. Here we see a huge crowd assembled for the Appasaheb Pawar Award Function. (November 2008) 151
Open Air Theatre: North-West View
(November 2008)
The entrance to this complex of the Gurukul and the Open Air Theatre, is reached after climbing a steep slope. At the apex, on a stone pitching is a sign welcoming visitors. Above this flies our national flag, along with the flags of the countries of the dignitaries visiting us. The fluttering flags, evergreen trees and bunches of multi-coloured bougainvillea banked at the entrance to the Gurukul, contrast with the sleek road, to give a truly warm welcome to visitors. 152
The road to the ‘Gurukul’ and to the Mango orchard to the right, looks drab and uninviting. (December 2002)
The area now looks green, festive and welcoming as it ushers visitors in. (October 2008) 153
Open Air Theatre: Panoramic View
March 2010 154
155
Tissue Culture Lab - 1
Tissue Culture Lab - 1 Commencement 5 July 1992
Like everywhere else, here too we started small. The TC Lab came into being in 1992 in an old, but duly modified premises. This structure was not exactly dilapidated but something close to it. We later re-inforced and re-modelled it as per the flow chart given by our joint venture partners – M/s. Rahan Merristem of Israel. The production capacity of this first Banana TC Lab was 5 lacs per annum. The first two years (1992-93 and 1993-94) were invested in field trials, varietal selection and recruitment of the right personnel for the job! It was only in 1994-95 that we could commercialize this facility. The first year sale was only 50,000 plantlets!!
Completion 20 October 1992 Duration 107 Days Area (Sq. Ft.) 1831 Architect Shirish Barve Contractor/s In-House
Over the years, we had been manufacturing and supplying most of the agri-inputs needed by the farmers. However, there was one crucial input viz. superior planting material or improved seeds which we were not supplying! I, therefore, wanted to make a beginning with the production of superior planting material. We spotted a few professionals who had the requisite experience and expertise for multiplication of banana plantlets through micropropagation/cloning. We imported from Rahan Merristem four varieties of TC Banana plantlets. We imported them at a cost of about Rs. 60 per plant and sold the first lot of 50,000 plantlets at Rs. 16 per plant for field trials at multi-locations. We incurred a huge loss right from the start of the activity. In the meantime, at the Company’s R&D farm, we planted all the four varieties in order to evaluate their relative merits and limitations.
Engineer/s D. M. Barhate P. A. Patil
We finally reached the conclusion that the variety most suitable for the agro-climatic conditions in India and for export was ‘Grand Nain’. We, therefore, embarked on a campaign to popularize ‘Grand Nain TC Plantlets’. Needless to say, the journey was full of trials and tribulations. However, the volumes picked up from 50,000 plants in 1994 to 210 lac plants in 2010. The first five years had booked a solid loss of about Rs.5 crore. Everyone in the company looked at this venture with sullen eyes! Today, however, it has become the blue eyed division in the Company. Patience is the name of the game, when you are undertaking a futuristic venture, particularly in the field of agriculture. We have today become the world’s largest TC Lab for production of Banana plantlets. Apart from banana, we are also producing onion plantlets and pomegranate seedlings. We have also developed and tested protocols for a variety of other crops and plants (Sugar cane, Ginger, Pineapple, Jatropha, Turmeric and Potato). We now look at this division as ‘full of promise’ as it makes a glorious contribution to the productivity of the farmers. The Division also makes significant value addition to the GDP of the country.
The initial look of the first T.C. Lab with Oded Reuveni, Jeff Parsley, myself and Malcolm Steven of Rahan Bio-Tech, Israel and some of our senior associates including Dr. Doshi, Sujata, R. B. Jain, Captai Lothe, Dr. Desai as well as P. R. Mahajan. (March 1993) 156
157
Tissue Culture Lab - 1
Humble beginning. (July 1993) 158
The altered T.C. Lab, as was required by the collaborating partner. (April 1994)
Jain Rahan Bio-Tech Ltd. is a joint venture company formed after the J.V. was signed. Our Dr. Doshi and the Rahan representative discussing the arrangements. In the background there is our greenhouse. (May 1995) 159
Greenhouse
An inside view of the greenhouse where TC Banana plantlets are being acclimatised. (December 2010) 160
The first ever FRP greenhouse we erected just behind old TC Lab No. 1. (March 1993)
Later during the expansion phase, a variety of greenhouses were erected for our use as well as for marketing throughout the country. (December 2010) 161
Shed/Poly House
The secondary hardening taking place in Shed Net House with controlled light. (December 2010) 162
Such were the Shed Net Houses in which we used to do secondary hardening from 1994 onwards. (November 1994)
These are improved Shed Net cum Poly Houses where we control light as well as temperature to an extent. This can also be used for controlled agriculture. This is an advance stage over earlier Shed Net Houses. (December 2010) 163
Tissue Culture Lab - 2
Tissue Culture Lab - 2: Earlier Central Lab Ground Floor
The first testing lab was set up in 1978 in the erstwhile papain factory mainly for testing of papain. Thereafter analytical and testing work increased because testing of soil and water samples was added in 1988.
Commencement 20 March 1995 Completion 30 November 1995
These activities were shifted to a magnificent, well designed premises in Jain Hills. At that time it only had a ground floor. Here the work relating to analysis and testing of agriculture, food and chemicals commenced on 1st August 1996 and continued till 10th November 1999. The samples of dehydrated onions and processed fruits were brought from Jain Valley to this Lab for testing. This facility was named Central Lab. The R&D activities including extraction of annoto pigment from annoto seeds and neem formulations were added.
Duration 255 Days Area (Sq. Ft.) 12835 Architect Shirish Barve Contractor/s Kamal Khetan Engineer/s A. P. Bhirud N. G. Lalwani
The activities of the Central Lab at Jain Hills were thereafter shifted to the first floor of the Fruit Processing Plant at Jain Valley on 11th November 1999. The shifting of the Central Lab became inevitable because the said premises was now required for production of Banana TC plantlets. Part of the equipment of the Central Lab, however, was left at Jain Hills. This was accommodated in the first two parts of the Multipurpose Shed in March 2003. Many other products were added for testing and analysis from time to time.
T. C. Lab - 2, also called Central Lab. Ghurburrun Rabindran, Vice President of Mauritius being received by our Rameshdada Jain . (January 1997) 164
Finally, it emerged that all of these activities needed an independent set up because their volume, size, diversity and complexity increased. Therefore, they have all been placed as part of the present Biotech Lab since 6th April 2007. They continue there till date.
This TC Lab-2 was a well-planned independent premises designed to world class scale and standards. The capacity also made a quantum jump from 5 lac to 50 lac plantlets. This took place in 1995-1996. Looking at the positive response from the farming community, we decided to take the risk. The results of the first two years established that the farmers’ yield tripled and that the harvesting time came down from 18 months to 10-11 months per season. Farmers were now willing to make prior booking for the next season by paying a token advance. That augured well for the business which began with accumulated losses. However, the sales for the initial period, i.e. for 2-3 years, were slow and sluggish. This Lab has really become a showpiece and catapulted us into the big league in the biotech world. During a decade-long tenure of Dr. V. P. Singh and team, sales zoomed from 3.24 lac to 79 lac plantlets in 2006-2007. By way of advance planning to realize the potential, we had already added the first floor on this lab way back in 2001. In fact that doubled the original capacity from 50 lac to 100 lac plantlets. Rahan Merristem, our J.V. partners, trained our first batch of technicians in Israel. However, despite agreements, they dragged their feet on training the second batch which had already reached Israel. Upon making inquiries, it was revealed that they were going through a financial crisis and, as such, were not in a position to fulfil their obligations under the agreement! Thus, this JV which began with much fanfare, met with an unceremonious end and we were forced to be on our own. By hindsight this was a blessing in disguise, as this made us self-reliant and confident. 165
Tissue Culture Lab - 2: First Floor
Commencement 20 July 2001 Completion 25 October 2001 Duration 97 Days Area (Sq. Ft.) 12835 Architect Shirish Barve Contractor/s In-House Engineer/s A. P. Bhirud D. M. Barhate
T.C. Lab - 2 was found to be too small and we had to plan for double the capacity by adding another floor. (February 2000) 166
First floor added to the T.C. Lab - 2 on the right. This not only enhanced the capacity, but also gave a grand look to the structure. (April 2005) 167
Multipurpose Shed
Multipurpose Shed:
Concrete Block Making (1992) Commencement 15 April 1992
At the foothills, we had some plantlets of teak. They were cleared to create a Multipurpose Shed (MPS). It was indeed used for multifarious activities which I could not even have imagined. Most of the time, the MPS was not used for any one activity. In fact it was large enough to house two or even four activities at any given time. It was just like having ready-made premises, to start a new venture without loss of even an hour. Some may call this madness! But, this is how one has to be, if one is committed to a purpose and moved by a mission.
Completion 15 June 1992 Duration 61 Days Area (Sq. Ft.) 33442 Architects In-House
Soluble Liquid Fertilizer was a Joint Venture project with Kemira of Holland. However, the JV partners developed cold feet when we pressed them for significant joint investment. We, therefore, parted as friends.
Contractor/s In-House Engineer/s Jangam
The papain factory was shifted to these premises because we had shut down the papain processing plant at the Old Pipe Factory. Eventually the onion seed processing and the Solar Thermal Hot Water System were also transferred out of these premises because they needed larger premises for growth and expansion.
Today, these premises are the Bio-Tech R&D, Chemical Lab and the TC R&D and production lab. Thus this Multi-Purpose Shed has gone through many transformations. It has served us well, from the very day its plinth was made. The completed shed was utilized for the following activities as shown below. 1. Concrete Block Making
1992
2. Agriculture Store, Farm Office & Covered Meeting Hall
1993
3. Liquid Fertilizer Plant
1995
4. Papain Processing Plant
1997
5. Neem Based Biopesticides Plant
1997
6. Onion Seed Processing Plant
2003
7. Central Lab: Testing & R&D
2004
8. Solar Hot Water Systems
2005
9. Tissue Culture R&D and Production Lab - 3 10. Bio-Tech R&D Lab
2008 2008
The ground being prepared for the Multipurpose Shed, what is now the ‘Bio-Tech Lab’. The platform behind was initially used for making hollow concrete blocks. (June 1992) 168
169
Multipurpose Shed:
Multipurpose Shed:
Meeting Hall (1993)
On the occasion of Indo-Israel Agro Training and Education Centre’s inauguration ceremony, farmers came in from all parts of Maharashtra in huge numbers. Seen here are all of them watching the proceedings with rapt attention. (December 1993) 170
Agriculture store and Farm Office (1994)
This structure looking like a railway platform roof, was once an agricultural store. It has undergone many, possibly the maximum number of changes in use. (December 1993)
An agriculture commodity store (1994)
The first four parts of this structure, from the right, were used as the papain processing plant and the rest for manufacturing solar thermal hot water systems. The first two sections, however, remained the store. (March 1995) 171
Multipurpose Shed:
Multipurpose Shed:
Papain Processing Plant (1997)
Liquid Fertilizer Plant (1995)
L.H. Sharma and Dr. V. R. Balasubrahmanyam taking two overseas visitors around the Liquid Fertilizer plant. (September 1997) 172
Seen through the flower beds are the liquid fertilizer mixing and storage tanks. (March 1997)
The then Papain Plant. Jack Haim, USA, his agent C. P. Mehta, our Vasant Vohra and Dalubhau seen in the picture. (March 1979)
The Papain plant was shifted from the erstwhile pipe factory to MPS. T.C. Venkat Subramanian, CEO, EXIM Bank inaugurated the facility. Others in the first row (from L to R) are: Atul Jain, R.B. Jain, M.B. Chobe, S.D. Jain, Arvind Sonmale, myself, S.R. Rao, Ramesh Jain and G.R. Chaudhari along with our associates. (June 1997) 173
Multipurpose Shed:
Multipurpose Shed:
Neem-based Biopesticides Plant (1997)
R.B. Jain explaining the formulation of a broad spectrum biopesticide to an interested buyer. (August 1997) 174
Onion Seed Processing Plant (2003)
Dr. V. R. Balasubrahmanyam and R.B. Jain leading the way for two visitors while they were at Jain Hills. (August 1997)
Onion seeds being air screened and cleaned on the newly installed cleaner. (July 2003)
The multipurpose shed during this period. (June 2003) 175
Multipurpose Shed:
Multipurpose Shed:
Central Lab Agriculture, Food & Chemical Testing and R&D (2004)
Inside view of the Testing Lab on the first floor of the fruit processing Plant. (June 2002) 176
Solar Hot Water and Appliances (2005)
Visiting farmers being introduced to the various activities outside the multipurpose shed during this period. (January 2004)
Dr. Satishkumar Gupta of Brahma Kumaris, Mount Abu, inspecting an inexpensive solar lantern – an important item in our range of solar products. (December 2005)
The Jain Solar Demo Van in front of the premises. This moves from village to village displaying how solar energy can be harnessed. (August 2005) 177
Multipurpose Shed
Multipurpose Shed:
Tissue Culture Production and R&D Lab - 3 (2008)
Tissue Culture R&D and Production Lab - 3 This is the third expansion of the TC Lab. It took place during January-March 2008. The multipurpose shed admeasuring 33,442 sq.ft. (Divided equally into 17 parts) was completely revamped and modernized. Starting from the south, the first nine parts were allotted to Biotech R&D activities, while the remaining eight parts formed the third TC Lab. Indeed, TC is also part of BT. With this expansion, the total micro propagation capacity expanded to 30 million (3 crore) plantlets per year. TC activity has four distinct equally important components. First, the production laboratory in which the plantlets are propagated and grown. The second one is known as primary hardening which takes place in green houses. The third component is secondary hardening for acclimatizing the plants for eventual plantation and cultivation in the farm. This is done in shade or poly houses. The fourth component is research and development for improving the quality, increasing pest resistance, controlling viruses etc. R&D is also meant for development of commercially viable protocols. We also research and develop different crops. R&D is an integral part of TC activity right from the beginning. For each of the activities, the responsibility is shared by one or two individual scientists or agronomists. Considering our massive growth prospects, we have drawn up expansion plans to take this capacity to 100 million (10 crore) plantlets for banana and around 10 million
Micro propagation under the laminar flow. (September 2008) 178
(1 crore) seedlings for onion and pomegranate. R&D for citrus plants imported from Brazil is also underway. Needless to say, matching greenhouses, shade/poly houses also will be installed. We are also planning to decentralize primary and secondary hardening facilities at different locations in India including those at Udumalpet in Tamil Nadu and Baroda in Gujarat. Between then and now, time literally appears to have flown. The following table is penetrating evidence of the transformation and growth. Activity
Size/Nos.
TC R&D and Space (Sq.ft.) Production Capacity Lab (lacs/yr) Primary Hardening (green houses)
Space (Sq.mtr) Capacity (lacs plants/ cycle)
Then Now 1992 (2010)
Times Multiplied Rounded
1600
32,529
20
5
300
60
50
19,000
38
1.25
48.5
39
Secondary Space (Acres) Hardening (shade/poly Capacity (lacs plants/ houses) cycle)
0.5
50
100
0.37
38.87
105
R&D
Space (Sq.ft.)
231
3,218
14
Plants Sold (Figure in Lacs)
0.5
219
438
Despite T.C. Lab - 2 and its additional floor, we were still short of capacity. Hence we used part of the Bio-Tech Lab to house T.C. Lab - 3. This part faces North. (March 2008) 179
Multipurpose Shed:
Tissue Culture Production and R&D Lab - 3 (2008)
TC Lab - 3 being inaugurated. From L to R are: Dallubhau, Anil Patil, myself, N.D. Mahanor, G.R. Oswal and Dr. D.N. Kulkarni. The Lab prides itself in being the world’s largest TC banana production facility. (March 2008) 180
The Liquid Fertilizer storage tanks which were earlier on a raised platform in front of the T. C. Lab - 3. Later these tanks were removed to give a clean expansive frontage to the building. (March 2008)
The T.C. Lab - 3 now has lush greenery all around. Also added, to the left, is the Solar Demo Block. (October 2010) 181
Multipurpose Shed
Multipurpose Shed:
Bio-Tech R&D Lab (2008)
Bio-Tech R&D Laboratory A thought crossed my mind that the use of biotechnology for augmenting and managing agricultural productivity and production, is unlimited! The Bio-Tech laboratory was finally established in October 2004 by integrating the previously existing labs that were performing soil, water, plant, pesticide and heavy metal testing and analysis. Keeping in view the necessity of indexing the banana planting material used for TC, an addition of a plant virology lab with an emphasis on immunological and PCR based molecular diagnostics was included. In 2006 the lab was further expanded and new activities of biogas R&D were initiated. In 2007 the food microbiology, calibration and food chemistry labs, that were existing elsewhere, were brought into the biotech lab, with strengthened equipment and manpower. At the same time, a separate organoleptic testing lab was also set up to evaluate the sensory characteristics of the products of our processing industry. The biotech lab, now known as Jain R&D, since its inception, has been recognized as an in-house R&D unit by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Presently the Bio-Tech lab consists of eight different units:
Dr. V.R. Subramaniam is explaining about Bio-Tech Lab activities to Hitoshi Takano, Norimasa Kawaguchi, Koichi Fukawa, Fujii, Saeki, Akiba and B.K. Sinha during their visit to Jain Hills. (July 2010) 182
Predicting that Biotechnology will be fundamental to increased productivity of agriculture and prosperity of the agriculturist, we undertake basic and applied research here. (March 2008)
1) Soil, Plant and Water Analysis Lab; 2) Pesticide Residue Analysis Lab; 3) Plant Pathology and Virology Lab; 4) Microbiology Lab; 5) Food Chemistry Lab; 6) Calibration Lab; 7) Biogas Lab; 8) Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lab
This lab was created to undertake R&D to provide solutions to the problems which related to the quality of raw material and processed food. Also, to undertake research to improve the quality of planting material and plant produce. The lab initiated biochemical investigations and gradually developed molecular capabilities. It was necessary to acquire hands-on experience and get acquainted with the recent techniques routinely used. To do this and also to initiate transgenic work, two associates from the laboratory were deputed to a Swedish laboratory for three months each. This helped in accelerating the pace of work. These associates in turn trained other associates for doing the molecular work. Further, to keep updated on the methodology and recent developments in the relevant areas, two consultants in the area of plant molecular biology were associated with the lab. These approaches have helped in improving the quality and pace of work at the lab. Over the past five years, the lab has carried out R&D on mango, onion, banana, aonla, pomegranate and jatropha. In addition to the above, the biotech lab has helped in other activities such as: a) Identification of methanogens for biogas lab b) Detection of salmonella for the microbiology lab c) Antioxidant activities of kokum and other fruit juices for the processing units.
183
Multipurpose Shed:
Bio-Tech R&D Lab (2008)
I am inaugurating the modernized Biotech Lab. Seen from (L to R) are: Myself, Dr. P.V. Sane, Akhilesh Mishra, Ashok Jain, Dr. Ashok Mishra, Dr. V.R. Subramaniam and Dr. Balkrishna Yadav. (March 2008) 184
To maintain the cleanliness and serenity of R&D activities, we have left a huge space open with just a demo plot for micro-irrigation. Of course, as always, there are plenty of trees and space for a garden. (March 2008)
When it comes to agriculture, nothing is certain except growth. The trees keep growing, and the green gets deeper with the passage of time. Just two years have made all the difference. (October 2010) 185
Bio-Tech Lab: Panoramic View
August 2010 186
187
Product Display and Demonstration Centre
Product Display and Demonstration Centre: Old Site
In addition to being a home for our guests, a huge horticultural farm, R&D for other fields of agriculture and a training institute called Jain Gurukul, Jain Hills also serves as a demonstration farm. For farmers, seeing is believing! Hence the need for displaying the actual products, their working and the results they are able to obtain. These make a huge impact.
Commencement April 1993 : 5,000 Sq. Ft. February 2000 : 23,700 Sq. Ft. 17 January 2008 : 23,700 Sq. Ft. (Modernization)
Completion 5 March 2008
The demonstration plots at Jain Hills have also changed their locale as well as their profile. The first demo plot was on a barren piece of land and had been set up in 1993. At that time we had a limited range of products and nothing much to show. We were, therefore, more focused
Duration 49 Days Area (Sq. Ft.) 23,700
on explaining the operational aspects and the basics of the available products. The demo site was subsequently changed in 2000. It was set up in a vast open area in front of the Multipurpose Shed. By now our product range and profile had indeed undergone a sea change. An electronically operated filter station, a hand pump run on solar energy, a pedal pump, bucket irrigation with an overhead tank and scores of water emitting devices with their individual explanatory boards, are now on display here at the new location. Our foreign acquisitions since the year 2005 have helped us broaden our range. Additionally, inhouse R&D has also expanded the original range of products.
Contractor/s In-House Engineer/s A. P. Bhirud Ajay Kawadia
The Demo Plot in the midst of saline farm land displays the irrigation zone of different drip and sprinkler irrigation devices. (December 1993) 188
189
Product Display and Demonstration Centre
Chandrashekhar, Ex-Prime Minister, viewing the Corporate Display. (November 1994) 190
The Demo Plot with the Filter Station. Our P. R. Mahajan showing our overseas visitors the actual operations of different irrigation devices. (November 1994)
The Demo Plot now wearing a different look and getting a shape. The influx of visitors continues unabated. (August 2001) 191
Product Display and Demonstration Centre Modernized
Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh at the Demo Centre. (September 2003) 192
Our Technical Director, Ajit Jain, along with our Managing Director Anil Jain taking VIP guests from Cutrale Company, Brazil around. Our R.B. Jain is accompanying them. (February 2008)
The Demo Plot clearly defined and divided into two demarcated areas is surrounded by a profusion of greenery. It now demonstrates a vast range of irrigation products; all at one location! (December 2010) 193
Product Display and Demonstration Centre: Panoramic View
December 2010 194
195
Jain Watershed
Jain Watershed:
Engineering Structures for Rainwater Harvesting and Soil Conservation were constructed from time to time beginning in 1989.
Readers would please bear in mind that I am not an engineer, leave alone a Civil Engineer, who could build structures or take measures for conservation of soil or harvesting rain! Jain Hills presented a formidably complex task because of its topography. I, therefore, did not undertake any planning, drawing or designing. I just used plain common sense. I did occasionally take advice from professional engineers. The developments of the Jain Sagar and ZP Sindhu were done on the advice of V.R. Barve and Y.P. Garge. Today, the watershed presents the look of a perfectly planned and sequentially built structure ‘from the ridge to the valley’. However, I was not even aware of this terminology. I learnt about it the hard way – that of trial and error. Normally, the high intensity run-off is stored at the foothills in a storage tank or a percolation tank. These are then sealed by cut-off trenches (COTs). This ensures storage as well as recharging of ground aquifers. The government’s official watershed development work ends at this point.
We, however, modified the concept and integrated the measures for recovery of water so stored or recharged within the area owned by us. We, therefore, provided structures which will conserve and improve the quality of soil and also harvest the rainwater. The recovery of such conserved, stored or artificially recharged water was added in the form of open dug wells, bore wells and, at times, simple deep wells which had hard rock and which could only act as a storage tank. We further used such hard earned water through close piping and modern irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation, where the water-use efficiency is as high as 95%. These measures ushered in a miracle. We were able to develop a substantial part of the land as a horticulture bowl. Comparatively good soil for field crops and experiments was available at the foot of the hills. The extreme slopes and terraces provided room for useful plantation and agro forestry. These measures created an inviting environment for local flora and fauna. Ecology was not only preserved and protected, but also promoted and propagated.
The once infertile and depleted hills and rocky terrain, formed by basaltic lava flows, is wearing such a lovely green look. This feat was considered impossible when we started the Watershed Development Plan. (August 2005) 196
197
Jain Watershed: Contour Bunding
I am replying to a query raised by my grandson Athang. I have all the time in the world for my grandchildren. Not so for my sons when they were growing up. It is no surprise then, that they know more about watershed than what their fathers do! (October 2006) 198
Contour bunding is feasible on mild sloping lands. The bunds are made of stones and rubble. They impound run-off and decrease velocity of rain resulting in reduced soil erosion. (1996)
The rainwater so stored infiltrates into the ground to increase the water level and preserve moisture. In turn, the vegetation and green cover are facilitated. (December 2010) 199
Jain Watershed: Masonry Bund
I am discussing with our engineer Aashish Bhirud and P. M. Chordia about a new project in hand. (July 2006)
Our trusted engineer, Aashish Bhirud was asked to make a masonry bund to tame a little stream at the foot of a steep hill on the southern side of Hasti. He did make one. However, in all these years we have never seen any water being collected or stored in this little dam. It all percolates from below the bund thereby defeating its very purpose. We jokingly refer to it as the ‘Failed Bhirud Dam’! 200
A masonry structure was constructed as a retaining wall. Despite the technically required depth, it could never retain water. The seepage continued. (June 1998)
The failed experiment to dam water, in the Neem Valley near Hasti and Kantai. However, the Neem Valley is a pleasant sight. The neem trees are flourishing. (December 2010) 201
Jain Watershed: Gully Plugs
The JCB was extensively used for shifting boulders, making bunds and digging trenches during the ongoing watershed work at Jain Hills. (June 2005) 202
Gully plugs are made of boulders and rounded stones to prevent erosion of soil and down cutting of gully heads. They stabilize the gradients. (January 2002)
By depositing the silt load, gully plugs create a micro-environment and facilitate vegetation. We have used them even to grow fruit trees. (December 2010) 203
Jain Watershed: Bench Terracing
Cutting, levelling and terracing with a bulldozer in progress.(April 2001)
Many of my close friends when they saw me toiling at scenes like these would exclaim ‘why are you breaking your head withthestones?’Iwouldcoollyreply‘+®äúªÉÉ®ú,
{ÉilÉ®úEäòʺɴÉɪÉEÖòUôʱÉJÉɽþÒxɽþÒ<ºÉiÉEònùÒ®ú¨Éå*’ (Friend, in my fate, there is nothing other than stones!) Some of these boulders were
used to plug the gullies and also for contour bunding. Some of the pebbles were used for making Water Bound Macadam farm roads. Silt from the nearby Mehrun lake amended the soil and transformed this hostile land into a cultivable one. 204
Bench Terracing: Devoid of soil, full of murram and boulders, one can see sleek drip lines – the life providers to this steep hillock. (January 2002)
The drip lines have woven their magic! The slopes are banked with an abundance of fruit trees like mango, guava, custard apple and almond. (December 2010) 205
Jain Watershed: Surface Trenches
The stem borers which almost destroyed an entire mango orchard.
Surface trenches do help as conservation and run-off retention structures. However, if the pruned twigs and branches are thrown into these trenches, they can become a breeding ground for stem-borersâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; a tree killing insect. This did happen in this area in 2001. Later, when an expert pointed this out, I followed his advice and thus much of the plantation was saved. 206
The surface trenches on Jain Hills top in the Mango orchard. (January 2002)
These trenches must be allowed to fill up by the natural run-off soil and weeds. In due course, we found these trenches getting levelled. (December 2010) 207
Jain Watershed: Earthen Gully Plug
Excavation work in progress. (June 2001)
In Jainism, it is a sin if you burn anything anywhere on the surface of the earth. This is because the earth has so many microbes and the soil is enriched by so many insects and biodiversity. When you burn, they all die. Jains, therefore, treat the soil as well as the plant with reverence. Some of our workers appear to have forgotten this and I must have missed this charred spot on my morning rounds. 208
Earthen gully plugs. A combination of rubble and earthen gully plugs can also be used. This prevents soil erosion. (January 2002)
Upstream ravine formations, controlled with gully plugging, demonstrate spectacular results â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both from the point of preservation of soil erosion and promotion of vegetation. (December 2010) 209
Jain Watershed: Intake Well
Visitors to the demo centre experiencing first-hand, one aspect of watershed, as the water from Jain Sagar percolates downstream into this intake well. (May 2010)
This grand intake well does not have any water source of its own. All that it does is to store the water coming from the overflow of Jain Sagar. The bottom of Jain Sagar is at the uppermost level of this well. As they say, ‘water finds its own level’. You actually experience that here. 210
This is the largest (55’ diameter) and the first open dug well I created in 1994 at a cost of nearly Rs. 3.1 lac. (September 2002)
This ‘Intake well’, downstream from the spillway of the Jain Sagar embankment, has yielded a minimum 2 lac litres during drought and a maximum of 21 lac litres during a good monsoon. It collects almost all the percolation from Jain Sagar. (December 2010) 211
Jain Watershed: Dug Wells
I just knew this well would never yield water. However, I wanted to see if recharging would help. And it did. (July 2003) 212
This is a failed dug well. The dug well costs 3 to 4 times more than the bore well. However, they can be used as storage. (June 2003)
With proper arrangement for recharging, it is possible to rejuvenate such failed wells to maintain a safe groundwater balance and improve groundwater potential of the area. It also helps to prevent salinity intrusion. (December 2010) 213
Jain Watershed:
Drain Bandhara cum Road
Enjoying the torrential rains with my grandson, Athang. (August 2003)
I was standing on the concrete road in Jain Valley. It was raining cats and dogs. I saw a waterfall running from a gully near the Communication Tower. I impulsively climbed up the hill. I felt as if the soil flowing with the waterfall was crying â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;save meâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;! The next day I constructed a bund/bank and inserted PVC pipes at a higher level. The bandhara-cumroad thereafter created a small pond on the left and only the overflow from the pond could run through the pipe. Every time I pass by this road, the memory of this flashes across my mind. 214
The boulders, among other things, were also used for pitching to prevent soil erosion. (August 2003)
The broad road from the Gurukul to the Communication Tower also helped in levelling the slope. It thus became a causeway - cum - bandhara. (December 2010) 215
Jain Watershed:
Recharging of Wells
Recharging of bore wells presents great difficulties. To be effective, the surrounding area needs to be properly prepared and readied, if it is to work. (September 2002)
I was completely ignorant about artificial recharging methods. However, I now know, that there is no alternative to achieving sustainability without adopting artificial recharge for reclaiming and recovering harvested / percolated water from dug wells and/or bore wells. We have made artificial recharging an integral part of construction of wells. Methods adopted are: Basin, Stream Channel, Ditch & Furrow, Flooding, Pit etc. 216
Dug well with open channel trench and artificial recharging arrangement around the well. (2004)
The same well today prominently displays solar p anels and has become a PV solar pump Experiment Site. We have kept the artificial recharge and open channel intact. (December 2010) 217
Jain Watershed
Jain Watershed:
Percolation Tank – ‘Jain Sagar’ Under Construction
Percolation Tank – ‘Jain Sagar’
Commencement 15 July 1992
The lake at Jain Hills which holds over 11 crore litres of water, was meant to harvest rainwater and provide additional storage. This effort was part of watershed planning.
Completion 15 May 1993 Duration 304 Days
To the South of our property is a deep valley which is now made by us into a protected forest area of about 22 acres. From here the natural slope formed a ‘nullah’ which led further down to the ZP percolation tank. On both sides of this ‘nullah’, to the East and West, there are hills, forming technically the correct place to build a bund.
Capacity 11.50 Crore Litres Architect Nemade and Garge Associates
A two feet layer of black cotton soil was first spread on the bottom of the excavated area and compacted with a road roller. Then a two feet layer of ‘murram’ was spread over this and again compacted with the road roller.
Contractor/s In-House Engineer/s R. B. Jagtap Laxman Rathod
Additionally, a bulldozer was also used, as the weight of this was 22 tons compared to that of the road roller which was about 10 tons. The two worked very well together. The bulldozer would effectively spread and compact the soil and murram. But, because of the chains on its wheel, would churn up the upper layer of the soil. The road roller followed the bulldozer and smoothened the disturbed surface besides compacting it further.
Many layers of black cotton and murram were laid. The black cotton soil was impermeable, whereas the murram allowed some water to percolate. Over the years, with every rain, the water in Jain Sagar would percolate downward till it finally recharged the aquifer and subsequently started filling up the lake. The spillway of the Jain Sagar, via the ‘nullah’, charges the large open dug well downstream. Likewise, through percolation, all the other open dug wells on Jain Hills are charged, ensuring round the year water supply for irrigation. The results thereof, are for all to see. Apart from the lush greenery-the trees and the bushes. The lake attracts a variety of birds and waterfowl. Other animals like rabbits, deer, wild boar, a leopard or two - not to forget the ubiquitous monkeys who continue to establish several colonies on the hills - have made the surroundings of Jain Sagar, their natural habitat.
Watershed development is incomplete without a percolation tank. The main embankment of Jain Sagar is getting lined with stones. The spillway is also in the making. (July 1992) 218
219
Jain Watershed:
Percolation Tank – ‘Jain Sagar’ Under Development
While we were layering the bottom of the Jain Sagar bund alternately with black cotton soil and murram, the bulldozer, which had been pressed into service got stuck in the slurry created by an untimely downpour. The more it tried to come out, the deeper it dug itself in, till it stopped working altogether. It was almost completely submerged in the murky puddle that was fast filling up. We were at our wits’ end as to what should be done. I had a winch brought in to try and pull it out. While this was happening, there was some chit-chat going on near where I was sitting and thinking, which I overheard. It was between the workers and my lieutenant Laxman. The workers were saying that to take out a 22-ton bulldozer they would need a 50-ton bulldozer or a 50ton crane. To which our man Laxman’s quip was “While Bhau is sitting here, why do you need a bulldozer!” Fortunately the winch did work and slowly but surely the huge contraption, all 22-tons of it, was pulled out. Wet, exhausted, but exultant, we returned to a well-earned rest. The time on the watch showed 12 midnight! 220
We needed such heavy, yet efficient equipment to move the hard rocks and rubble to make the percolation tank – Jain Sagar. (July 1992)
Jain Sagar, with the stone embankment, ready to harness and store the rainwater of the coming monsoon. (June 1998) 221
Jain Watershed:
Percolation Tank – ‘Jain Sagar’ Top View
Clockwise – Atul, myself, Suresh, Kantibhau and Dalubhau enjoying a boat ride in Jain Sagar. (December 2002)
In winter or summer, Jain Sagar serves as a picnic spot with facilities for boating not only for my friends and family but also for our guests. There is a jetty, ‘Bhaucha Dhakka’ here which is a favourite picnic spot. 222
A view of the barren Jain Hills in the background with the newly-made Jain Sagar in the foreground. (August 1994)
Trees surround the lake in thick clusters, obscuring all else from view. (October 2008) 223
Jain Watershed:
Percolation Tank – ‘Jain Sagar’
Associates from our various plants and establishments around the world, enjoying breakfast at Bhaucha Dhakka. (August 2010) 224
In the beginning such percolation tanks look like a small pool of water. (May 1996)
A brimful Jain Sagar, now gleefully sports the mighty Raingun for visitors. (August 2003) 225
Jain Watershed:
Percolation Tank – ‘Jain Sagar’ Biodiversity
One of the numerous varieties of ducks, that are seen at Jain Sagar is the Golden Duck. (April 2008) 226
Young trees on the slopes from Gurukul leading to Jain Sagar are still struggling to grow. (December 1996)
The Jain Sagar is home not only to birds, but also a source of drinking water for the inmates of Dr. D.R. Mehta Gomata Ashram and the other wild creatures from the reserve forest, including the ‘neelgai’, deer, wild boar, hares, and numerous varieties of waterfowl. (October 2003) 227
Jain Watershed:
Percolation Tank – ‘Jain Sagar’ Spillway & Downpour
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A trickle of water from the overflowing Jain Sagar makes its way down during a downpour. (August 1997)
This enchanting waterfall is nothing but the overflow of Jain Sagar - the miracle of the watershed at Jain Hills! The enticing waters, bubbling and gurgling along, lured me to sit on a rock and enjoy the caress of the cooling waters at my feet. (September 2003) 229
Jain Watershed:
Percolation Tank – ‘Jain Sagar’ Road
A procession for the Pola festival, going to the Hanuman temple situated on the side of this road. (August 2009)
Before the drain on the right of the road was made, electric poles were already standing there in place. If a drain had to be made there, I would have had to relocate all the electric poles embedded at huge expense. I, therefore, decided to embed them in concrete and loop the drain around them. The experiment was successful as the poles are still intact! 230
Straggly young trees valiantly grow on rocky slopes near the road going to ‘Jain Sagar’. (June 1998)
Today these are sturdy well established adults, affording shade to all that pass by. (October 2008) 231
Jain Sagar â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Jain Sagarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Surroundings: - Panoramic View Panoramic View
December 2010 232
233
Jain Watershed
Jain Watershed:
Percolation Tank – ‘Sindhu’
Percolation Tank – ‘Sindhu’
Commencement 05 December 2000 Completion 15 May 2001
Just above our farm, in the north east corner is a large Z.P. Percolation Tank. It has rarely filled up. Actually, instead of being a percolation tank, it was more like a leaky
Duration 161 Days
tank! Most of the water collected, flowed further down to the river, instead of providing succour to the thirsty fields
Capacity 16 Crore Litres
en route. The source for this tank to fill was from the south and the south east. The southern source was blocked by
Architect In-House
us when we made Jain Sagar. So, to compensate that, we wanted to repair the dam before the ensuing rains. We were confident that the job could be done in 15 days. Asking the
Contractor/s In-House
Z.P. for permission to do this would have taken six months
at the least. So we just went ahead and got the job done. However, to our dismay when we started the excavation at the tank, we found that there was no black cotton soil used at all – only murram. No wonder it did not hold water. So what started off as a quick 15-day exercise to repair, turned into a marathon 161-day one – to re-build the tank! We still did not have the requisite permission from the Z.P. to undertake the repairs and as luck would have it, the CEO of the Z.P. and his entourage happened to come to Jain Hills via that route. Fortunately no objections were raised as they may have blissfully missed seeing the work in progress!
Engineer/s Laxman Rathod
This is the desolate percolation tank built by the Zilha Parishad some 10 years ago. On the left to the West, one can see a Bund and a spillway is in the North-West. (May 1990) 234
235
Jain Watershed:
Percolation Tank – ‘Sindhu’ Rebuilding Spillway
Supervising the work of ‘Sindhu’ on site.(August 2002)
This ZP Tank, named ‘Sindhu Dam’ by us, was the place for our morning walk ever since 1988. Dr. Doshi, Dr. Chaudhary and Rajabhau were the friends who invariably accompanied me on most mornings. We would walk up and down and keep a stone as a marker for one round trip completed. This way we ensured that we took our daily quota of rounds – nothing more nothing less! 236
Rebuilding the Sindhu percolation tank spillway. (August 2002)
The Zilla Parishad’s percolation tank deepened, dammed and ready to retain water. (June 2003) 237
Jain Watershed:
Percolation Tank – ‘Sindhu’
My grandchildren and I stand on sandbags placed on the spillway so that the dam could retain more water and would empty at a slower rate. (August 2003)
When the repair work, rather the rebuilding of the Z.P. Tank was going on, we found buried deep at the base, a huge valve! The valve had no flap, which had obviously been stolen as it is normally made of brass. No one had ever used the valve. However, on making persistent inquiries about its use, we were told that it was installed because of a circular from the government. It was to be used in an emergency when the overflow of the dam was insufficient and the dam itself was in jeopardy! 238
The Sindhu percolation tank overflowing after rebuilding. (August 2003)
“Sindhu” overflowing into canals and catchment areas of wells for irrigation. (October 2008) 239
‘Sindhu’ – Panoramic View
December 2010 240
241
Shri Krishna Lawn
Shri Krishna Lawn: Before Development Commencement 05 April 2007
This pretty little patch of green has been so named because of the Shri Krishna statue which is placed at the junction of the two roads there. The statue was a gift from us to the city and placed in a circle at a very prominent crossing in Jalgaon. With increase in vehicular traffic, the Traffic Police requested us to remove it and place it elsewhere. So it came to Jain Hills and has found a permanent home here. There is a ‘Pooja’ during Janmashtami (Lord Krishna’s birth date) and thus this place has become a rallying point for all of us to get together once a year.
Completion 16 May 2007 Duration 41 Days Area (Sq. Ft.) 10764 Architect In-House
attached to the Dining Halls that can accommodate 5000 persons for a buffet. I propose to install statues, in fond memory of my departed family members at this site. The location on the plateau of the Hill, is really strategic. It would face our future residence, if we choose to build one in Jain Hills. It is worthwhile to know that this place is privately owned by us and that it will remain part of our family property.
As a small lawn was required for small official and family functions this area was chosen to be developed. It was close to the Raja Bhoj Darbar, which has a huge kitchen
Contractor/s In-House Engineer/s Sandeep Patil Ajay Kale
Aside from the huge lawn on the north, at the rear of Gurukul and the P.T. Usha Kridanand Sankul, we needed a small lawn for small functions and get-togethers. (June 2005) 242
243
Shri Krishna Lawn: Under Development
Splashes of colour on the Shri Krishna Lawn, during the wedding celebration of Atul and Bhavana. (May 2006) 244
JCB and road rollers were pressed into action for levelling and compacting the top soil layer. (June 2005)
This pretty spot hosts dinners for visiting dignitaries, trainees and school children. (December 2010) 245
Shri Krishna Lawn: Panoramic View
December 2010 246
247
Dr. D. R. Mehta Gomata Ashram
Dr. D. R. Mehta Gomata Ashram: Under Construction Commencement 22 February 2002
D.R. Mehta, a dear friend, has graced many top positions with distinction. He was a Collector, Commissioner, Secretary, Director, International Trade, Dy. Governor, RBI and finally Chairman, Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI). In his long and illustrious career, he never ever stopped or gave up working for his social and philanthropic causes. If there is one activity that stands out over everything he has done and one single thing in which he has put his heart and soul – it is the ‘Jaipur-Foot’. The Jaipur-Foot is what took him to places like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran etc. All places ravaged with war and strife. He is the founder promoter of the Jaipur Foot worldwide.
Completion 03 March 2002 Duration 9 Days Area (Sq. Ft.) 9444 Architect Shirish Barve Contractor/s In-House
I have known DRM as a friend of birds and animals – not to forget the lowest of the low human beings, including beggars in the street. I have seen him feeding them, taking care of them and watching over them with love and compassion.
Engineer/s A. P. Bhirud S. S. Dixit
Soon after he finally retired from SEBI, I thought, befitting his social leanings, I should create and dedicate one of our social endeavours in his name.
I had another wild thought. I wanted to give this as a surprise on his ensuing visit to Jain Hills, which was barely 10 days away. Neither the theme nor the time in which it was to be realized was easy. But that night I dreamt of constructing a goshala. A thing that was so close to his heart. He had saved thousands of cows from starvation in successive famines in Rajasthan. What could be more dear to him than a goshala? Having thought of this idea, the first task was to identify a place for it and then decide what and how to name it. Many words came to mind – Goshala, Nivara, Aasara, Vishram Sthan, Aadhar Sthan, Saurakshan Griha etc. However, I needed one word which would combine, shelter, refuge, asylum, protection, patronage as well as a place where they would be looked after, but would need to work to keep themselves fit. And that word flashed in my inner eye – Ashram! This word is generally used for human beings and not animals. However, I argued with myself “Is it not true that for DRM these dumb animals are no less than human?” Thus the name – D. R. Mehta Gomata Aashram.
No plans or drawings. Work begins at dawn on site. Over 200 persons involved in different tasks – all under my supervision. (24 February 2002) 248
249
Dr. D. R. Mehta Gomata Ashram: Work in Progress
Working round the clock, the Gomata Ashram completed in 9 days flat. (25 February 2002) 250
â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;D.R. Mehta Gomata Ashramâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; under construction. (26 February 2002)
Terracing and planting of numerous trees was undertaken simultaneously to provide shade and fodder to the inmates. (28 February 2002) 251
Dr. D. R. Mehta Gomata Ashram: Gate Construction
Ashok and I having dinner in the middle of Gomata Ashram, while the work was in progress on a war footing. (28 February 2002) 252
The gate of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;D.R. Mehta Gomata Ashramâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; being constructed. The landscape beyond is bare with no vegetation. (February 2002)
Now the entire Ashram is encircled by a thick jungle of many varieties of trees. The terraced hills, now provide shade, grazing and fodder for the cows. (28 July 2010) 253
Dr. D. R. Mehta Gomata Ashram: Top View
Keshrimalji Mehta, a devoted Gorakshak, inaugurated the Gomata Ashram and performed the puja. (March 2002)
This interesting horseshoe-shaped structure was created in the shortest time ever achieved by me. It was completed in 9 days and the area covered was 10,000 sq. ft. I had personally supervised every bit of space while the structure was coming up. 254
The horseshoe-shaped structure is planted with cooling green trees. (August 2003)
Trees give the much needed shade to more than 200 cows that have found a sanctuary here. ( 27 July 2010) 255
Dr. D. R. Mehta Gomata Ashram: Inside View
D. R. Mehta, after whom the Ashram was named, performing pooja of the Gomata. (3 March 2002) 256
In some ways the design of the Gomata Ashram is like a hangar for planes! It is designed for hygiene and is airy and comfortable for the cows. (05 October 2006)
Docowsdeserveanyless?Thereareonlythreemothersonearth: +{ÉxÉÒ¨ÉÉÄ,vÉ®úiÉÒ¨ÉÉÄ+Éè®úMÉÉä¨ÉÉÄ. (Ourownmother,Motherearthandmothercow) (28July2010) 257
Dr. D. R. Mehta Gomata Ashram: Panoramic View
4 December 2010 258
259
The Main Gate
The Main Gate: Under Planning
Commencement 20 December 2003
For many years the entrance to Jain Hills was from the original gate to the property, in front of the farm. As activities on the hill became more and more, the consequent traffic increased and the need for a separate main gate became imminent. At first I thought we would have a common gate for both Jains Hills and Jain Valley, but for various reasons, this would have been impractical. So, independent gates were designed for each.
Completion 15 May 2005 Duration 512 Days Area (Sq. Ft.) 1117
The farthest corner of the property in the southâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;west was selected as this formed a logical point of entry. Work was started on the assumption that it was only a routine matter to get permission from the PWD and by the time this came through we would have finished the civil work. But, little did we know the ponderous workings of this lumbering organization. It was a full sixteen months before we could complete the gate! Objections were raised on the most trivial issues, till we conceded to all their petty requirements!
Architect Shirish Barve Contractor/s In-House Engineer/s G. C. Patel
On my visit to Europe a few years ago I had seen the cobbled stone plazas in Rome. I decided that we would create a similar paving for this entrance.
Before undertaking the actual construction, I am seated on the staircase, chalking out and dreaming about the ultimate shape of things to come. (October 2003) 260
Teams were dispatched to various places known for their local stone. But procuring them was another matter! The prices were either too high, they were not willing to deliver them on time or the stone was not suitable. Finally after many forays into the hinterland to locate the stone, we found it literally in our backyard! Yes, barely 2 kms away was a local mine at Shirsoli, which had what we wanted and at a reasonable price. This was because there was hardly any cost of transportation.
The paving stones were laid, but by hindsight it seems to be a mistake. Unlike the ones in Rome, which may have been worn out and smoothened by centuries of chariots and carts trundling over them, our pavers were pointed and gave every visitor a bumpy welcome. To add insult to injury the road further up, mistakenly entrusted by me to a new engineer, was made badly in concrete with sharp ridges after each slab. This continued the bad ride, albeit a little less bumpy, for another 500 metres! (This road awaits correction.) As seen in the photograph overleaf two concrete pillars were erected overnight as per my instructions. Next morning, however, I changed my mind. My logic was that, two concrete pillars howsoever solid and imposing will not deter intruders or animals. Why keep them then? Instead have a sleek colourful low Main Gate. I also asked them to remove the pointed stone pavers. I got the area concreted instead. A stone gate house to match the structures at Jain Hills was designed by Shirish Barve. Flamboyant flying buttresses, also clad in stone, support the upper floor of this structure. The gate house, aside from housing the guards and their families, has a primary school for the children of the farm workers at Jain Hills. The lower floor which was temporarily my office now houses the time office for the staff, the office of the in-house architects and a branch of the Mahaveer Co-operative Bank.
261
The Main Gate:
Under Construction
The Bharat Krushak Samaj Golden Jubilee National Convention participants at the main gate of Jain Hills. (December 2005) 262
Sitting in my portable chair, I am talking to our engineers about some technical flaw in laying the cobbled stones. (March 2003)
The completed gate along with the gate office, school for the farm workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; children and living quarters for the security staff. (December 2010) 263
The Main Gate:
Nearing Completion
The traditional Ram Mandir, Jalgaon Dindi (Procession of volunteers who travel on foot to their Deity â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pandhariâ&#x20AC;? being welcomed at the Jain Hills main gate. (June 2010) 264
The entire credit for bringing the earlier old structure in harmony with the new one goes to the architect, Shirish Barve. (June 2004)
The old and new structures come together seamlessly. (July 2010) 265
The Main Gate: Long View
The welcoming kalash under the spreading banyan tree at the main gate. (December 2010) 266
A long view of the nearly completed main gate with the back drop of the security office and living quarters. The two half circles on the left and right, with a pot and a coconut on top, symbolize a warm welcome and prosperity. (August 2004)
As years went by, the entire area was camouflaged with lush green trees hiding most of the structure. A fleeting glimpse of the Jain Gurukul is seen at the apex of the hill. (August 2010) 267
The Main Gate: Fountain
I had planned this space as the area for the offices of the main gate. However, I found that I would have to disturb too many trees. Consequently, I took the main gate offices to the right and made a welcome fountain at the spot where the main gate offices were originally planned. 268
The welcome fountain in the making overlooks the Jalgaon-Pachora state highway. I am seen in discussion with our Civil Engineer, G. C. Patel. (February 2004)
The welcome fountain now completed and dancing on the left of the main gate. (October 2010) 269
The Main Gate: Panoramic View
December 2010 270
271
Helipads
Helipads:
Land Preparation Commencement 15 November 2002
Once, having a helipad within your own premises was considered not only a luxury but a status symbol. We, however, had to make a helipad not for our own use (we still do not own a helicopter) but to attract as many VIPs as possible. Also, keep them here for as long as possible! This way they would have the time to see all our facilities (They are always short of time!).
Completion 23 December 2002 Duration 39 Days Area (Sq. Ft.) 114640
The first helicopter to land at Jain Hills on 23rd December 2002 was the one that brought my friend Sharad Pawar. The next day, the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra was to come as the Chief Guest for the Appasaheb Pawar Award Ceremony. We had to, therefore, park Sahebâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Sharad Pawarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) chopper a little away from the landing site.
Contractor/s In-House Engineer/s A. P. Bhirud P. A. Barhate
This helipad was readied within 39 days, that is just in time for the Award Ceremony on the 24th of December. In fact, I had to transplant many of the existing mango trees and a 4-year old peepal tree from the site. Unfortunately, despite utmost care, the peepal tree died. That indeed, was a sad day for me and I spent almost half an hour mourning its demise. I very soon planted another healthy peepal tree to forget about the earlier sad happening.
We had to bring in the excavated rocks which came out of the open dug wells, for compacting the ground. As always, the trusty bulldozer and road roller together did the job within the deadline. The real difficulty came when the then Vice President of India, Bhaironsingh Shekhawat, expressed a desire in September 2004 to visit our farm R&D facilities and also conveyed to us that he would like to stay at Jain Hills. Soon thereafter his office got in touch with us and conveyed the protocol details. It included the provision of three helipads at one location. We were also told about his food preferences, which included some non-vegetarian dishes. While we happily accepted everything else, we politely informed them that we would not have any non-vegetarian food on the premises. Later, these three helipads came handy, when the Air Marshal A.K. Singh visited us in December 2005. His protocol also included the provision of three helipads.
Helipad land preparation. (January 2002) 272
273
Helipads:
Aerial View Before Development
Surprisingly but surely, it was my friend Sharad Pawar who was the first to land on the newly built helipad. Let us say, he inaugurated it. (December 2002) 274
An aerial view of the bench terraces on the south sloping hills which overlook the Jain Valley and form part of the Jain Watershed. Other structures are also seen in the background. (March 1998)
An aerial view of the three helipads, Gomata Ashram, Hasti, Rani, Raja, Hira, Gauri, TC Lab, Biotech Lab, ZP Sindhu, Jain Sagar and Jain Gurukul. The earlier bench terraces now dotted with just the hardy trees that have survived. . (October 2006) 275
Helipads:
Nearing Completion
Hon. Bhaironsing Shekhawat, Vice President of India during his send-off at the helipad. (September 2004)
It so happened that at one point of time three helicopters were already parked and a fourth one was to land, so one of them had to be moved to the car parking area. Another funny thing happened when two Air Force helicopters landed at Jain Hills by mistake on 8th October 2004! (Surely, Jain Hills looks nothing like an Air Force base!) 276
While the helipad was being levelled, my grandchildren had a wonderful time cycling on it. (December 2002)
Three helicopters make our helipads look like an Air Force base. The scene when Bhaironsingh Shekhawat, Vice President of India paid a visit to Jain Hills. (September 2004) 277
Helipads: Panoramic View
August 2010 278
279
Mango Orchard
Mango Orchard:
Jain Hills Base & Top Commencement 1989 - 217 Nos. of Mango Trees
We bought 217 mango saplings from several agriculture universities, way back in 1989. We thought that in due course of time when we wished to expand the mango orchard, we could use these as mother trees as they were brought from authentic sources. This also helped us grow fresh saplings in our nurseries for our own planting to get the nursery licensed and certified from the government as also for sale.
Completion 2009 - 22556 Nos. of Mango Trees Duration 20 Years Area (Acres) 101
The first lot of around 9000 mango trees was planted in 1996, the year in which we purchased the barren land. The next year over 10,000 saplings were planted. Intermittently a few thousands more were planted. The main varieties included Totapuri, Alphonso, Ratna and Kesar. We also created a bank of different varieties of mango from all over the country and a few like Tommy Atkins, Keitt and Kent from Florida in USA. This was with the idea that some day our R&D efforts may lead us to evolve a variety that would have maximum weight of pulp and least possible weight
Contractor/s In-House Engineer/s N. A.
of the stone. It is known that all the Indian varieties were developed as table varieties. They are not ideally suited for processing. Totapuri, though sold at cheaper rates, happens to be a regular bearer. Alphonso bears fruits mostly in alternate years. The overall income from Totapuri on an annual basis remains lower than Alphonso, Ratna or Kesar. This prompted us to convert part of the Totapuri Mango orchard with Ratna and Kesar varieties. We were able to do this by a technique known as “Top Working”. This incidentally proved beneficial because the price and the annual income was higher compared to Totapuri. The ‘conversion’ also acted as a demonstration for farmers to follow suit. The concept generated a lot of interest in Tamil Nadu and we received sizeable orders for converting existing mango plantations into other high priced varieties. Therewith we were also able to promote our sales of drip irrigation for mango orchards.
At the base of the Jain Hills, there is a flat terrain. Way back in 1989, this was used for growing mother trees to establish our nursery. (November 1991) 280
281
Mango Orchard: Jain Hills Top New Plantation
The Konkan region is known to produce the exclusive Alphonso variety of mango. Some of the Konkan farmers had come on a visit to see our orchard and were stunned to see Alphonso mangoes growing on a hilltop in a semi-arid region. They said “Hats off to Jain Irrigation for achieving this feat!” They also tasted some of the ripe Alphonso mangoes. It is indeed gratifying that our Alphonso, though not as superior as the Konkan variety, is still accepted and sold as “Alphonso”. (February 2007) 282
The newly planted mango saplings can just be seen to the left. To the right is green manure ‘Dhencha’, planted to improve fertility of the rocky soil. (June 1996)
After transformation the road cuts through a dense mango orchard, giving shade and rest to the weary. (August 2003) 283
Mango Orchard:
Inter Cropping and Drip Irrigation
Tommy Atkins, variety of mango from USA, grown at Jain Orchards. (June 2006) 284
Mango orchard with onion varietal trial plot having drip irrigation and fertigation arrangements. (October 1997)
Full grown mango orchard in the 4th year with central computerized system for control and measurement of irrigation and fertigation. (November 2000) 285
Mango Orchard:
Inter Cropping and Mango Development
Alphonso, variety of mango, grown at Jain Orchards. (May 2005) 286
Not surprisingly, the population of pebbles and stones on this plot exceeded the population of onion and mango plants put together! (September 1998)
In expectation of a good harvest, these three-year old mango trees have been propped with a scaffolding. Each tree has been census with tags as seen. (February 1999 ) 287
Mango Orchard:
Inter Cropping and Mango Development
The mango orchard makes an unusual venue for one of my weekly meetings with children from our Anubhuti school. The children are also instructed by experts on some aspects of horticulture. (March 2009) 288
Both the mango plants and the inter crop onion remain vibrant. (March 1999)
Harvested onions being cured. (February 2000) 289
Mango Orchard:
Inter Cropping and the Harvest
Narayan Rane, Chief Minister and Gopinath Munde, the Dy. Chief Minister of Maharashtra taking a round of the mango orchard in the hot summer. (May 1999) 290
Wehadissuedanad‘+ÉƤÉɱÉÉ´ÉÉ+ÉƤÉÉ;+ÉƤªÉÉiɱÉÉ´ÉÉEòÉÆnùÉ.’meaning‘Plantmangoes.Plantonionsasintercrop’.Demonstrationoftheonionintercropwhilethe mango plantation was still young. (March 1999)
The mango plants with an exuberant flush, notwithstanding the big boulders and pebbled soil. Miracle of Micro-Irrigation! (February 2000) 291
Mango Orchard: Panoramic View
December 2010 292
293
The Communication Tower
The Communication Tower: Under Construction Commencement 5 December 1997
The setting up and the dismantling of this tower has an interesting story behind it! On our morning walks as we climbed through the mango orchard, beyond the Gurukul, we would invariably stop at the highest point to catch our breath. After all the exertion, we needed to use a toilet! So I had one built there.
Completion 10 December 1998 Duration 371 Days Area (Sq. Ft.) 2110
As our businesses grew and we needed more efficient telephonic connections, it was decided to station our telephone operator on this point and install an independent tower for our internal communication between Jain Hills, Jain Valley and Jain Fields (approx. 10 kms away as the crow flies).
Architect In-House Contractor/s In-House Engineer/s S. S. Dixit
Our walks through the mango orchard continued and this became a good spot to rest and sometimes even have breakfast. A deep verandah was added to the operatorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; room and the room that housed all the equipment for communication. As the spot offered a panoramic view of the surroundings it became a wonderful place to relax after our walks. But the Jalgaon sun was strong and shady trees had to be planted. They grew tall soon, thanks to drip irrigation! Completely obliterating our view!
I then had a viewing gallery made on the tower so that our guests could climb up and get a 360-degree view of the surroundings when they came visiting. Soon, another (BSNL) tower was added and our communication lines were buzzing with activity. In 2005, I had a much needed and must add, much delayed pacemaker installed. The frequency of that machine was affected by the radio activity at the communication tower and I had to discontinue going there. Eventually these towers had to be relocated elsewhere on Jain Hills. As it happened, the various works, mostly related to the mango orchard, were over. My new project, Anubhuti, school, on the opposite hill was getting started. As was my wont, I took my walks where my work was, so that I could keep an eye on it and give any guidance, as needed. This spot even today remains a picturesque landmark at Jain Hills with flowering bushes, stately bottle palms and relevant quotations on granite tablets. And in spite of there being no towers there, continues to be called the Communication Tower.
Nothing planned. Everything ad-hoc. Still one can sometimes see a method in the madness. (September 1998) 294
295
The Communication Tower: Eastern View
Bhaiyyuji Maharaj along with Raju Dada Pawar reading a quotation installed in the garden. (February 2002) 296
Right on the top facing north-east is an eagle saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am the master of all I surveyâ&#x20AC;?. (December 2000)
These majestic palm trees gave me a hard time when I planted them. Digging a pit for them was a huge problem. Big boulders kept cropping up and I had to go deeper and deeper. This luxuriant growth however is gratifying. Although there is no tower in sight now, the spot continues to be called Communication Tower, well after the tower has been shifted to another site. (December 2010) 297
The Communication Tower: Panoramic View
December 2010 298
299
Dargah of Chandshah Vali Baba: Early days
Inside the boundary of our property there was a Dargah (tomb) of Chandshah Vali Baba. In keeping with our beliefs, not to discriminate on lines of religion caste or creed, we had allowed the Dargah to remain and had not dissuaded the pilgrims from congregating there. We would see devotees praying at the site during our morning walk. One day as we walked past, there was a heavy shower and an old fakir requested me to erect a shed, if possible, to protect them from the elements. We soon made a room for them and also provided electricity so that the place can remain well lit at all times. 300
A devotee at the Dargah of Chandshah Vali Baba. (1989)
The devotees are now provided with a room and lighting for their prayers. (December 2010) 301
Shri Hanuman Mandir:
There was a Hanuman Mandir on the southernmost end of Jain Hills which was partly in someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s land. I wanted to make a Mandir for Hindu devotees to worship there. However, the recalcitrant neighbour did not allow us to do this. So I made another Hanuman temple inside Jain Hills, opposite what is now the Bio-Tech Lab. Now, several years later, I have bought that land from my neighbour and will make the temple as earlier planned. 302
The Hanuman Mandir that lies on a contentious site between a neighbourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s property and ours. (August 1999)
The Hanuman Mandir we made on the banks of the rivulet formed by the overflow and percolation from Jain Sagar. (December 2010) 303
Aerial Views
Aerial View:
The Beginning...
Photographs taken with the best of professional cameras at ground level cannot hope to equal the charm of aerial photography. They can at best give you a panoramic view. But aerial photography is a class by itself. The difficulty is that you need a thorough professional to go aboard a specially designed aircraft with the requisite equipment.
Many times Jahagirdar’s aircraft was caught in showers and the whole attempt came to naught. Once photographs of unwanted areas got in. At times the subject was either too close or too far away and thus was out of focus. Nevertheless we have quite a few spectacular aerial photographs of our various properties.
Yogendera Jahagirdar from Ahmednagar is one such professional. He did not have access to well equipped aircraft to pursue his passion, though. Very often he used aircraft not designed for aerial photography.
Till date we have not come across any one else who can do a better job. Any way Jahagirdar has been with us from 1993. He never haggled over his price. Many a time he did not even raise an invoice because the photographs were not up to his satisfaction. We had to insist on paying him at least for the expenses incurred by him. That is what I call a good relationship.
The idea to have aerial photography was first mooted to me by my son Ashok and I was only too happy to jump at it. The first aerial photographs were taken in 1993. The following table gives the number of times and the dates on which the aerial photography was done at Jain Hills:
I believe I can fly If I can see it, then I can do it If I just believe it, there’s nothing to it I believe I can fly I believe I can touch the sky I think about it every night and day Spread my wings and fly away I believe I can soar I see me running through that open door I believe I can fly – R. Kelly 304
Sr. Month
Year
Sr. Month
Year
1. April
1993
8. March
1998
2. June
1993
9. April
1998
3. September
1994
10. December
2002
4. August
1995
11. October
2003
5. November
1995
12. October
2006
6. December
1996
13. October
2009
7. June
1997
June 1989 305
Aerial View
Preparations are on for taking the aerial photographs at the Takerkheda Farm site. (October 2006) 306
(September 1994)
(October 2006) 307
Aerial View
Yogendra Jahagirdar, the birdman, gets ready to fly. (October 2006) 308
(2002)
(October 2006) 309
Panoramic Aerial View
October 2006 310
311
Panoramic Aerial View
October 2009 312
313
Appendix â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I Calculations for payback period of watershed development S.N. 1
Particulars
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
S.No.
1989 to 2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
A. Maintenance cost @ 1.5%
2.94
3.03
3.34
3.61
3.73
3.87
4.25
4.33
B. Depreciation cost @ 2%
3.92
4.04
4.46
4.82
4.98
5.15
5.66
5.77
C. Total Variable cost (A + B)
6.85
7.07
7.80
8.43
8.71
9.02
9.91
10.10
6
Net income (4.F - 5.C) (` in Lacs)
50.13
58.64
70.17
71.40
71.12
83.47
97.74
97.55
7
Cumulative net income (4.F -(3 + 5.C)) (` in Lacs)
-145.65
-111.59
-89.21
-74.36
-50.97
-15.65
4.95
30.98
5
Fixed Cost (` in Lacs) A. Measures for soil and water conservation through regulation and infiltration of rain water trenches, bunds, terraces and levelling.
47.14
2.08
5.52
9.18
5.15
1.66
2.06
3.75
B. Structures for rain-water harvesting through collection and storage of excess run-off for the purpose of natural recharge of ground aquifer : Gully plugs, bandharas and check dams, underground bandhara's and water storages such as reservoirs and percolation tanks.
87.64
0.00
7.10
3.10
0.00
3.10
20.60
0.00
C. Artificial recharging arrangements for sustainability
1.60
0.18
0.14
0.28
0.40
0.60
0.35
0.65
D. Structures and equipments for reclaiming harvested/ stored /percolated water through dug wells, bore wells.
35.40
3.90
8.10
5.53
2.49
3.38
2.37
1.09
E. Arrangement of lifting water from adjoining watershed
24.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
195.78
6.16
20.86
18.09
8.25
8.74
25.38
5.49
0.00
31.71
31.71
31.71
31.71
31.71
31.71
31.71
195.78
170.23
159.38
145.76
122.09
99.12
92.79
66.57
F. Total (A+B+C+D+E)
314
1989 to 2002
2
Repayment of fixed cost (` in Lacs)
3
Balance Capital loan (` in Lacs)
4
Calculations of water storages and profit earned by saving the water (assuming normal monsoon) (in Litres) A. Cumulative storage capacity of all the structures (cum)
459500
459500
475400
486800
486800
486800
493800
493800
B. Less evaporation losses @ 20% in cum
91900
91900
95080
97360
97360
97360
98760
98760
C. Effective storage in cum (A - B)
367600
367600
380320
389440
389440
389440
395040
395040
D. Recharge @ 1.5 times effective storage in cum (C X 1.5)
551400
551400
570480
584160
584160
584160
592560
592560
E. Total water stored, recharged and reclaimed in cum (A + D)
919000
919000
950800
973600
973600
973600
987600
987600
F. Water Rate of Irrigation Deptt. (` in Lacs)
6.20
7.15
8.20
8.20
8.20
9.50
10.90
10.90
G. Profit earned by saving water (F x G / 100000) (` in Lacs)
56.98
65.71
77.97
79.84
79.84
92.49
107.65
107.65
Particulars Variable costs (` in Lacs)
The break-even point is in the year 2008. Note : 1) The above calculations are based on the prevailing water rates of irrigation department.
2) Earnings from agriculture, horticulture and/or agro - forestry or appreciation of value of land etc. are not considered for calculation of the payback period.
315
Appendix – II
S. N.
Progressively Developed Civil Structures at Jain Hills S. N.
Name of the Structure
Date of Completion
15/05/1990
02/02/1991
263
705 Banaji & Asso.
In-House
Deore B.D
02
a) Ground Floor
20/08/1990
02/02/1991
166
7897 Banaji & Asso.
In-House
Lalwani N.G./Deore B.D
12
b) First Floor
15/10/2006
15/06/2008
609
2601 Shirish Barve
In-House
Kawadiya Ajay
16
a) Ground Floor
20/03/1992
28/01/1993
314
8316 Shirish Barve
Deepak Magre
Lalwani N.G./Jagtap R.B.
42
b) First Floor
01/10/2009
11/12/2009
71
7046 Shirish Barve
In-House
Lalwani N.G./Barhate P.A
54
Central Lab: Agriculture, Food & Chemical Testing & R&D
4
Raja & Rani (G.H. 03 & 04)
15/05/1992
20/05/1993
370
2474 each Shirish Barve
Deepak Magre
Lalwani N.G./Jain M.M.
58
Solar Thermal Plants &
5
Jain Watershed Percolation Tank – ‘Jain Sagar’
15/07/1992
15/05/1993
304
In-House
Jagtap R.B./Laxman Rathod
6
Product Display and Demonstration Centre
Dhyan Mandir
2
Gauri (G.H. 01)
3
b) New Site (23,700 Sq. Ft.) c) Modernization of New Site
Contractor
Engineer
Page No.
11.50 Cr. Ltr Nemade & Garge
Block Making Platform
April 1993 February 2000 17/01/2008
05/03/2008
49
21/04/1994
15/03/1995
328
218
b) Old Office (GRF)
46
In-House
In-House
Bhirud A.P.
172
Papain Production shed
15/02/1997
05/07/1997
140
In-House
In-House
Dixit S.S.
173
Neem based Bio Pesticides
1997
174
Onion Seed processing
2003
175
08/10/2004
28/11/2004
51
Tissue Culture Lab - 3
15/01/2008
05/03/2008
Bio-tech R&D Lab
1/15/2008
3/5/2008
50
Raja Bhoj Darbar
15/12/1998
16
Dr. D.R. Mehata Gomata Ashram
17
70
3397 Shirish Barve
Anish Shah
Lalwani N.G./Barhate P.A
76
8
Kantai – Chairman’s Office
01/10/2009
02/06/2010
244
8900 Shirish Barve
Anish Shah
Lalwani N.G./Barhate P.A
80
9
Tissue Culture Lab - 1
05/07/1992
20/10/1992
107
1831 Shirish Barve
In-House
Barhate D.M./Patil P.A.
10
Tissue Culture Lab - 2
156
a) Ground Floor
20/03/1995
30/11/1995
255
12835 Shirish Barve
Kamal Khetan
Bhirud A.P./Lalwani N.G.
164
b) First Floor
20/07/2001
25/10/2001
97
12835 Shirish Barve
In-House
Bhirud A.P./Barhate P.A.
166
Bhirud A.P./Barhate P.A.
176
In-House
In-House
Bhirud A.P./Kawadiya Ajay
178 182
15
10/12/2009
In-House
177
10/12/1998
01/10/2009
In-House
2005 to Sep.07
05/12/1997
c) FF - Guest House – 4 Rooms
168
05/06/1995
The Communication Tower
74
Jangam
20/04/1995
14
70
In-House
Liquid Fertilizer Shed
39
192
33442 In-House
171
24/12/2002
Bhirud A.P./Ajay Kawdia
Page No.
1994
15/11/2002
In-House
Engineer
Agriculture Store & Farm Office
Open Air Theater (Sitting capacity 5000)
In-House
Contractor
170
13
23,700
Architect
1993
285
190
B/u Area (Sq. ft.)
Meeting Hall
27/11/1995
Bhirud A.P./Ajay Kawdia
7300
61
15/02/1995
In-House
Bhirud A.P./Jagtap R.B.
15/06/1992
Jain Gurukul
In-House
Kamal Khetan
15/04/1992
Duration Total Days
12
23,700
4980 Shirish Barve
Date of Completion
188
Hasti a) GF (G.H. 05) – 7 Rooms
316
Architect
Hira (G.H. 02)
a) Old site (5,000 Sq. Ft.)
7
B/u Area (Sq. ft.)
Date of Commencement
Multipurpose Shed
Date of Commencement
1
Duration Total Days
11
Name of the Structure
33100 Shirish Barve
S & S Asso.
Bhirud A.P./Lalwani N.G.
86
Stage: 3150 In-House Ground: 38407
In-House
Bhirud A.P./Barhate P.A.
148
371
2110 In-House
In-House
Dixit S.S.
294
20/01/1999
36
20488 In-House
In-House
Dixit S.S.
22/02/2002
03/03/2002
9
9444 Shirish Barve
In-House
Bhirud A.P./ Dixit S.S.
248
Helipads
15/11/2002
23/12/2002
39
114640 P.W.D., Jalgaon
In-House
Bhirud A.P./ Barhate P.A.
272
18
The Main Gate
20/12/2003
15/05/2005
512
1117 Shirish Barve
In-House
Patel G.C.
260
19
Jain Watershed Percolation Tank – Sindhu
05/12/2000
15/05/2001
161
16.00 Cr. Ltrs. In-House
In-House
Rathod Laxman
234
20
Suvarna Kanya P.T. Usha Kridanand Sankul
10/11/2001
12/1/2002
63
30505 In-House
In-House
Dixit S.S.
138
21
Shri Krishna Lawn
05/04/2007
16/05/2007
41
10764 In-House
In-House
Sandeep Patil / Ajay Kale
243 317
Appendix – III Alphabetical list of persons whose names and/or photograph appeared in ‘Then & Now – Volume 1’ S.N. 1 2 3 4 5
Name Air Marshal A.K. Singh Akiba Atreya Kiran B. Krishnakumar Balasubrahmanyam Dr. V.R.
Page Number 273 182 191 II 119, 172, 174
6 7 8
Banaji & Associates Barhate D. M. Barhate P. A.
2, 3, 12 156, 166 IV, 54, 76, 80, 148, 272
9
Barve Shirish
16, 54, 58, 70, 76, 80, 86, 88, 166, 168, 248, 260, 261
10 11 12 13 14
Barve V. R. Behel Bhaiyyuji Maharaj Bhapkar Dr. D. G. Bhirud A. P.
197 V 296 116, 126 70, 86, 88, 148, 164, 166, 188, 200, 236, 248, 272
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Bhosale Asha Bhujbal Chhaganrao Bose Subir Bunde T. A. Chandrashekhar Chaudhari Devilal Chaudhary Dr Krishnabir Chaudhary Dr. Subhash Chaudhary G. R. Chobe M. B. Chordia P. M.
36 96 87, 139 II 190 18 150
22 23 24 25 318
3, 4, 32, 140, 236, 254 173 173 200
S.N. Name 26 Cutrale Junior & Delegates, Brazil
Page Number 192
27 28 29 30 31
Deokar Gulabrao Deore B. D. Desai Dr. Desarda G. I. Deshmukh Dr. Santosh
30 2, 12 156 52 VI
32 33 34 35 36 37 38
Deshmukh S. S. Deshmukh Vilasrao Deshmukh Vinod Deshpande Sunil Dhake Dr. Anil Dhoble Laxmanrao Dimitri Paraskevopoulos
88 6 VI 64 52, 124, 284 130 66
39 40 41
Dixit S. S. Doshi Dr. Doshi Dr. J. K.
138, 248, 252, 294 156, 159 VI, 3, 4, 8, 32, 236, 254, 256
42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
Dudhedia I. L. Elisha Gal Farhad Gimi Fujii Gadkari Nitin Gandhi Priyanka Gandhi Rajiv Garge Y. P. Ghurburrun Rabindran
60 64 II, 3, 19, 288 182 44 134 134 197 28, 164
51 52
Gohil J. K. Gore Kishor
22 22
S.N. Name 53 Gujarath Vidyapeeth Students 54 Gujarathi Arunbhai 55 Gupta Dr Satishkumar 56 Gupte Aanand 57 Handa H. R. (Buddy Handa) 58 Harimkar P. N. 59 Hazare Anna 60 Hinge Sanju 61 Hitoshi Takano 62 Hiwale Lalit D. 63 Israely Experts 64 Jack Hime 65 Jade B. D. 66 Jadhav S. P. 67 Jadhavrao Dada 68 Jagtap R. B. 69 Jahagirdar Yogendera 70 Jaime Grau 71 Jain Aamoli Anil 72 Jain Aarohi Ashok 73 Jain Aashuli Anil 74 Jain Abhang Ajit 75 Jain Abhay Kantilal 76 Jain Abhedya Ajit 77 Jain Ajit B. 78
Jain Anil B.
79
Jain Ashok B.
Page Number 98
S.N. Name 80 Jain Athang Anil
124 177 74 87, 139
81
Jain Atul B.
82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89
Jain Bhavana Atul Jain Dalubhau Jain Dineshkumarji Jain Gaurabai Jain Hastimalji Jain Hiralal Jain Jyoti Ashok Jain Kantabai
90 91 92 93
Jain Kantilal Jain M. M. Jain Nisha Anil Jain R. B.
94 95 96 97 98 99 100
Jain Rajendrabhau Jain Ramesh B. Jain Ranidanji Jain S. D. Jain Shobhana Ajit Jain Suresh Bansilal Jain Sureshdada
II 126 II 182 II 124, 125 173 113, 121 136 130 42, 70, 218 305, 308 190 VI, 24, 144 VI, 24, 144, 238 VI, 24, 144, 238 VI, 144, 238 131 VI, 24, 141, 144, 240 26, 27, 38, 43, 50, 82, 133, 192 13, 19, 44, 82, 104, 133, 192 26, 48, 50, 78, 82, 125, 144, 184, 252, 305
101 102 103 104 105 106
Jakhar Dr Balramji Jangam Jeff Parsley John Bullock Joshi Abhijeet Joshi P. N.
Page Number VI, 20, 24, 36, 144, 198, 214, 238 44, 72, 82, 124, 173, 222, 244 38, 244 173, 180, 222, 256 128 13, 139 71, 139 43, 139 26, 38, 144 13, 20, 36, 81, 139, 144 8, 222 58 38, 74, 144 22,14, 116, 156, 173, 174, 190, 192 59, 139 71, 164, 173, 276 59, 139 173 26, 27, 38, 144 222 6, 13, 14,18, 28, 46, 124, 130, 190, 254, 290 150 168 156 191 110, 190 128
S.N. 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120
Name Joshi Sharad Kalam APJ Abdul Kale Ajay Kalpana Khanna (Kapoor) Kawadiya Ajay Kelly R. Khashempur Bandeppa Khetan Kamal Koichi Fukawa Koleshwar K. R. Kulkarni Kulkarni Arun Kulkarni D. N. Lalwani N. G.
Page Number 126 136 242 158 16, 190 304 72
70, 164 182 128 134 VI 60, 180 12, 42, 54, 58, 76, 80, 86, 164 121 Lapsiya Lalit II 122 Lesli Hall 112 123 Lodha Manoj 19 124 Lothe Captain 156 125 Magre Deepak 42, 58 126 Mahajan Kamalakar 54, 124, 284 127 Mahajan Miss. Sheetal 48 128 Mahajan P. R. 156, 190 129 Mahajan Uday V. II, VI, 74 130 Mahanor N. D. 6, 36, 66,124, 126, 127, 130, 150, 180 131 Malcolm Steven 156 132 Mali R. T. II 133 Malose Dr. Rajendra IV, V 134 Marie Deprez 190 135 Mayur Rajabhau 3, 4, 32, 236 136 Mehta C. P. 173 137 Mehta Dr D. R. 139, 249, 254, 256 138 Mehta Keshrimalji 254, 256 139 Mishra Akhilesh 184 140 Mishra Dr Ashok 184 141 Mistri Hanif 34
S.N. Name 142 Mohadikar Prakashbhai
Page Number 142
S.N. Name 177 Patil V. B.
Page Number 94, 114, 116, 120, 126
143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150
Mrudul Annu Ms. Buergo Flavia Munde Gopinath Naidu Chandrababu Naik Mansinghraoji Nancy Barry Natrajan R. Nemade & Garge Associates
XI 48 290 192 129 52 112 218
178 Patil Vishvasrao Anandrao
128
151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170
Nemade Bhalchandra Norimasa Kawaguchi Oded Reuveni Offen Amnon Oswal Girdharilal Oswal Mrs. Sheetal Patel Chimanbhai Patel G. C. Patil Dattatray Supdu Patil Dr. Anil Patil Gajanan Patil Harshvardhan Patil Jayawantraoji Patil K. B. Patil Mahindrasing Patil P. A. Patil P. E. (Tatya) Patil P. R. Patil Pralhadrao Patil Pratibhatai Devisingh Patil Prof. G. P. Patil R. R. Patil Ravindra Pralhadrao Patil Sandeep Patil Shivajirao Patil Shriram
36 182 156 64, 74 141, 180 141 22 IV, 260, 268 128 VI, 180 VI 124 129 117, 129 118 156 14 129 114 62
179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186
Patil Yuvraj Pawar Abhijeet Pawar Ajit Pawar Rajudada Pawar Sharad Per Brynildsen Peter Goddard Rahan Merristem of Israel. (Rahan BioTech)
30 78 50 296 24, 273, 274 174 174 157, 159
187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199
Rana I. M. Randall C. Stuewe Rane Narayan Rao S. R. Rao Sujata Rathod Laxman Reddy Y S R S & S Assiciates Sadhwi Madhusmitaji Sadhwi Pritisudhaji Saeki Saini Prabhulal Sandhansive Yogesh Sudhakar
II 191 290 173 156, 158 218, 220, 234 90 86 66 66 182 104 II
171 172 173 174 175 176
V 30 30 242 129 52
200 Sane Dr P. V. 201 Saraf Amol 202 Scindia Vasundhara Raje
184, 191 32 104
203 204 205 206 207 208 209
76, 80 II 228 30 38 172 74
Shah Anish Shah Manish A. Shaha Surekha Shaikh Farukh Shankarnarayan K. Sharma L. H. Shavit Smadar
S.N. Name 210 Shekhawat Bhaironsingh 211 Shelke Pandurang 212 Singh Dr. H. P. 213 Singh Dr. V. P. 214 Singh V. P. 215 Sinha B. K. 216 Soman Dr. P. 217 Sonar Subhash O. 218 Sonmale Arvind 219 Subramaniam Dr. V. R. 220 Subramanian T. C. Venkat 221 Sudhakar M. S. 222 Thakarey Balasaheb 223 Tole Arun P. 224 Uri Cinnamon 225 Usha P. T. 226 Venkatain E. 227 Vohra Vasant 228 Yaakov Tzur 229 Yadav Dr Balkrishna 230 Yehoyada Dr Haim 231 Yemen delegation
Page Number 273, 276, 277 129 132 165 14 182 115 208 173 182 173 22, 133 46 II 64 139, 140 72 173 124 184, 208 124 94
This volume of ‘Then & Now’ also has its own history of ‘Then & Now’! There have been more than 28 versions before the final one was ready with numerous modifications, additions and deletions. Work for this started in February 2004 and what you have in hand was completed as late as the end of December 2010. 319
The Banyan Tree
We come to the end of ‘Then & Now’ with this picture of a banyan sapling. I planted it 17 years ago. This lone sentinel represents my spirit in more ways than one. I too started small. I stood firmly rooted to my convictions even as I grew. I too weathered many a storm on my way up. But I stood firm in the face of all adversity, as do the many roots of this sturdy valiant tree. 320
One could sit on this platform near where the Gurukul lawn ends now and gaze at the wasteland for miles, while this perky little ‘Banyan’ sapling planted by me was struggling to grow. ( 1994)
The sturdy branches of the now adolescent ‘Banyan tree’, provides shade to this picnic spot, nestled deep in the leafy glade. (August 2010) 321
Other Volumes for Then & Now
Food Park (Jain Valley)
Energy Park (Jain Valley)
Plastic Park (Jalgaon)
Plastic Park (Udumalpeth)
Food Park (Chittor)
Divine Park
Water Park
Takarkheda
Food Park (Baroda)
Plastic Park (Bhavnagar)
Plastic Park (Hyderabad)