SHRI RISHABH DAS RANKA

SHRI RISHABH DAS RANKA
Well known social figure all over the country, Shri Rishabhdas Ranka was born at village Fatepur in Khandesh (Maharashtra) on Sept. 3, 1903.

His working centres have been Fatepur, Jamner, Jalgaon, Vardha. Poona and Bombay. From the age of 14 he looked after the ancestral cloth business, was later partner in agriculture and dairy in Bachraj Kheti Ltd. Thereafter he worked in Insurance in senior positions and since 1958 is permanently settled at Bombay devoting full time to social service.

He was in close contact and worked with Mahatma Gandhi (lived with him in Sabarmati Ashram), Acharya Vinoba Bhave, Seth Jamna- lal Bajaj and Sh. Kedar Nath. He suffered imprisonment several times for participation in Salt Movement of 1931 & 1932 and in Quit India Movement of 1942. He also worked for propagation of Khadi and Village upfit, Harijan welfare, cow protection, Kasturba-Memorial and Gandhi-Memorial.

Active in Bharat Jain Maha Mandal since 1946, he is Editor of its monthly magazine 'Jain Jagat'since 1948. During the period 1968-71, he was Vice-President of All India Anuvrat Samiti and Editor of its fortnightly 'Anuvrat'. He is life and General Secretary of Bharat Jain Maha Mandal, Mahavir Kalyan Kendra and Bhagwan Mahavir 2500th Nirwan Celebrations Committee, Bombay for several years. For the work of Mahavir Kalyan Kendra he himself tours the affected areas and rushes immediate supplies to the drought and flood affected people in various States. Shri Ranka is a prolific writer, a bold journalist and orator. Even at the age of 71 he is a zealous worker like a soldier. Residence : Laxmi Mahal, Baman Ji Petit Road, Bombay-26.