Balubhai Vallabhbhai Lad
President
Shri Prajapati Vidyarthi Ashram | Navsari (INDIA)
Native:
Navsari (Gujarat)
Birth:
Jalalpur (Dist. Bhavnagar)
Residence:
Navsari (Gujarat)
Voice of the Prajapati Community
Known as B.V. Lad both in professional as well as social circles, Mr. Balubhai Vallabhbhai Lad is standing tall today, even at the age of 80, holding high a torch for generations to come. He is among a select few from the land of Mahatma whose courage, professional skills and management skills will be a guiding force for not only Prajapati community but also for other social circles. A 1954 pass-out of Civil Engineering from M.S. University, Vadodara, Balubhai upholds the traditional Indian values and is deeply attached to the basic tenets of his faith and convictions.
Though today he is regarded as a successful individual but Mr. Lad’s early life was not so smooth as it should have been. It was a search for better life that lad his father Vallabhbhai to try his luck in South Africa, but was not allowed to that country because of his age, but then as it was not enough, Balubhai lost his father at a very young age. Under such circumstances, he was forced to make difficult choices after completion of education. Even though he faced challenges and uncertainties, B.V. Lad was confident to achieve his goals. And to achieve them he never looked back with disappointment, but kept going ahead with HOPE.
Career and Achievements
After getting Diploma in Civil Engineering from M.S. University in June 1954, he embarked on his distinguished career. He served in different capacities from supervisor in PWD to Deputy Engineer Class 2, an Executive Engineer Class 1 and finally as highest ranking Superintending Engineer Class 1 in the irrigation department of the Gujarat Government.
A recipient of two National Awards for his best performances in the “Ukai Kakarapar Project”, he also participated in competitions held at national level. In 1989 Shri Ajit Singh, the then Minister in the Central Government conferred the award, and in 1990 Shri Shankar Dayal Sharma, the then Vice-President of India honored Mr. Lad for his achievements.
He also actively participated in the evolving methods of equal distribution of water according to holding of land. As a result, he was successful in organizing “Piyat Sahkari Mandali” (an irrigation co-operative federation). This method is now mandatory in water distribution of “Narmada Project” in Gujarat.
While pursuing his engineering career, he enrolled for special management courses in the Hyderabad Administrative Staff College and Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore. In all of his departmental exams he stood First. He also took active part in the irrigation management and attended seminars held in different States of India. He has written articles on irrigation management, farmer’s participation in management of equity distribution of water.
Social Services
In 1991, after a span of over 36 years of service as a senior government official, a “retired” B.V. Lad “reiterated” his fulltime commitment towards the Prajapati Community. In fact, since 1976 he actively participated in the Vidyafund Vyavasthapak Committee. During 1980-1981 he was the President of the 47th Annual Samelan (meeting), and from the following year i.e. 1981-1982 he was offered to guide the organization as a Trustee, a position he gladly accepted and served. In 1994 he was appointed as Secretary and 1995 onwards as President of Shree Vidyafund Vyavasthapak Committee and ultimately resigned in 2012.
Something Very Special
A successful career engineer, Mr. Lad proved a true leader in social service also, as he not only bring his organization out of financial crisis, but also made it visible in a larger society. During the 1979 – 1994 period contributions from various donors declined significantly and witnessed low attendance of students in the community run organization. Shri B.V. Lad introduced “Tithi Yojna” (date commemoration scheme) to pay for the day-to-day administrative expenses. Under this scheme effluent people of the society donates a specific amount on specific dates every year. He even made overseas trips to get funds and make the organization self-sufficient. He further undertook the projects to generate additional income and the trustee mandal consisting of dynamic and experienced professionals resolutely supported his projects, including the guest house in Navsari with 14 luxury rooms; renovation of boy’s hostel in Vidyanagar; “Smt. Maniben Vijaydev Mistry Kanya Chhatralaya” in Vidyanagar; “Smt. Maniben Vijaydev Mistry Kanya Chhatralaya” in Navsari and “Shri Vijaydev Ratanjee Mistry Vidyarthi Chhatralya” in Vidyanagar.
For A Cause
While apart from devoting time for the uplift of his own Prajapati Community, he established Association of Pensioner’s in Navsari and Jalalpore immediately after his retirement. He served as the Vice-President of Navsari District Pensioner’s Association, during which he was successful in solving more than 2,000 pensioner’s problems by interacting with the Treasury officer. He even established Senior Citizen Club in Navsari and Jalalpore and served as President of South Gujarat Senior Citizen Association, and as a Vice-President of All India Senior Citizen Association. He retired from all of these activities due to ill-health.
A man of several talents
Apart from a renowned engineer, Mr. Lad is a charismatic leader, an eloquent speaker, poet and a prolific Gujarati writer known for his sustained stylistic excellence. He has the persuasive powers and unique communication skills, thanks to his colossal knowledge and sharp insight, as people looked up to him for advice.
A rich inheritance to be followed
Apart from his wife Ruxmaniben, Mr. B.V. Lad has a strong family bond with his two sons and three daughters And more important to note that one of his sons, Dr. Parimal is a practicing doctor and one of the top cancer surgeons of south Gujarat. Another son Kamleshbhai is also a reputed career of road construction. While his daughters, Anuradhaben Kantilal Goriwala, Harishaben Dineshbhai Mistry and Namrataben Sureshchandra Mistry are happily married.
Dr. Parimal Balubhai Lad is first to qualify as a Cancer Surgeon in Navsari, and one of the top cancer surgeons of South Gujarat. He remains steadfastly committed to comprehensive programs that integrate cancer care and better treatment options. He successfully completed his M.Ch. Surgical Oncology in 1995, (a post graduate studies in cancer surgery). With firm conviction that life is precious, not only for individual but for all those around her or him Dr. Lad’s extraordinary path is defined by compassion and concern for others.
Gallery
ISBN : 9788192722146