My name is Niranjan M. Mehta, and I am the grandson of Nautamlal B. Mehta. With profound respect, I dedicate www.NautamlalMehta.com to my grandfather, my father, and my two uncles for their immense sacrifices made for Bharat Mata (Mother India). Despite hailing from one of the wealthiest families in Gujarat, they have devoted themselves to the cause of independence for many generations. The movement they engaged in was remarkable. They neither sought publicity nor exploited their connections. This text represents valuable historical material belonging to the esteemed family of Nautamlal B. Mehta from Jetpur. The family has made significant contributions to India’s freedom from British rule as early as 1900 by adhering to the Gandhian philosophy for the betterment of society. This material constitutes an invaluable heritage that serves as a reminder of their sacrifices and unwavering dedication. They viewed their actions as a karmic duty rather than a sacrifice. The noble sacrifices made by Manilal and Vajubhai, two brothers, exemplified their commitment to “Mahanta” and “Atma Sarpan,” which translate to sacrificing with nobility and grace. They accepted their challenging circumstances with extraordinary dignity and composure, refraining from highlighting their sacrifices.
Nautamlal Mehta was the first to refer to Gandhi as “Mahatma,” rather than Rabindranath Tagore.
Five members of his family were imprisoned for their contributions to India’s struggle for freedom, including two women.
They remained steadfast during the British Goods Boycott of 1930, undeterred by their actions’ potential consequences on their business interests.
During World War II, in the Pyapon region of Burma, brothers Manilal and Vajubhai sheltered 5,500 Hindus and Muslims within their mill, protecting them from a large-scale massacre.
We could have engaged a book writer, film producer, or journalist to dramatize and publicize our historical material; however, such an approach would contravene our values and is unnecessary, as the documents speak for themselves with just a few lines. This historical material is invaluable to India’s rich heritage and can only be fully appreciated by those who profoundly understand Bharatiya Sanskar. Ultimately, recognizing its significance rests on discernment, logic, and judgment.
I must express my gratitude to my wife, Veena, and my two spirited daughters, Anjali and Riddhi, who have made extraordinary contributions, without which I would not have achieved this milestone. I am also thankful to the United States of America, my adopted motherland, for offering the necessary resources and understanding to fulfill my aspirations.