Years ago when our caste was trapped in the half-burnt path of Pirana and was under the heel of oppressive administration of Saiyads and Kakas, a young man named Danabhai from Jadavani family of Ravapar, Kutch passed the matriculation examination for the first time in Karachi, initiating a revolution in the field of education. Simultaneously, let us know the fearless stories of Sanatani contribution of young Dana Arjan who stepped into the field of literature and created poems revolting against religious and social evils and blew the bugle to awaken the caste.

Born in Karachi on Vaishakh Sud Trij Akshaya Tritiya (Akhatrij) of Samvat 1965 Date 23-Apr-1909, Danabhai possessed qualities of peace, gentleness, truth, humility as well as benevolence since childhood. Being a very clever student during studies, he had won the love of teachers. Once Danabhai humbly told the principal of his missionary school that here we are taught about Christianity, which is useless for us. So we should get education of our religion. As the school principal showed his rules, he fearlessly left that school with five to six friends. Thus, his love for Hindu religion is seen.

He had taken Sanskrit subject along with English even in Mission School and his friends together established “Gujarat Kumar Sangh” and started cultivating high thoughts for national interest among students. Being a member of Jain Mitra Mandal Library also, as he came in contact with great scholars and got guidance of people like great poet Karsandas Manek, Danabhai, the first matriculate of the society, started writing poems from a young age of 17 years only. In his published and unpublished poems, the reflection of the slavery mindset and religious decline of our caste at that time has been accurately captured. Shri Punja Khetsi has published the poems written by him and his life sketch in “Yuvakna Udgar ane Bhratrubhav”.

Danabhai had love for Sanatan Dharma since school time. One of our caste brothers told Dana at his farm in Ravapar that “You do not believe in Pirana Panth so you studied a lot but did not get on the right track”. Then Dana explained the matter to that brother very peacefully and said that “Whether you call me right or wrong but, I believe in the principles of truth intelligently. Now I cannot accept those hypocrisies in my life.” With such bravery as well as patience, he gave a  simple answer to the brother asking about the firmness of the work decided from his heart.

Danabhai’s child marriage took place with Gomtiben of Bhavani family of Khirasara. After the untimely death of a small eight-month-old daughter, immediately in the same period, unfortunately at the young age of only 20 years, Danabhai died in a short illness. He had such high talent that people like great poet Shri Karsandas Manek used to come to personally inquire about his health. However, as Danabhai had no other brothers, his wife served his parents instead of remarrying. Finally when she passed away at the age of 79, she dedicated her savings of Rs. 33,333/- to girls’ hostel and her house to Laxminarayan Samaj.  

The vacuum created by the sudden fall of such a talented bright star of the caste at a young age has not been filled till date. Like poet Kalapi, poet Danabhai’s name also became immortal in the society. Thus, by giving their everything for Sanatan Dharma, the brave family has finally played the role of a donor too and inspired us all.