Legacy continues ~ grandness of my grandfather

Our family roots matter the most. Family is a space where you do not have a choice to choose your parents, but we do get a choice to inculcate the values and skills of our family members. It is ultimately a karmic connection. But do we get any time to sit - pause - reflect on how many values we learn from our own family? At times, those old family stories at family get-togethers seem like a dreamy story, but actually, they teach us some amazing lessons! 

Today, I took a pause to remember and feel the greatness and grandness of my grandfather, Shri Vasantlal V. Mehta, who left for heavenly abode on 25 June 1982, leaving behind a large family and a legacy of family values. 

We are grateful to him for giving us the legacy of honesty, respect for parents and elders of extended family, work and life ethics, honesty and wisdom, and most importantly courage to lead a simple yet impactful life. I want to document his journey here so that it serves as a reminder of how good and fortunate I am to carry his legacy! 

During his journey as a leading Advocate with BSc, LLB degrees in Morbi, Legal Advisor and Advocate for Maharaja of Morbi Lakhdhrirji, Raj Sabha member of Morbi State and Administrator of Porbunder state immediately after India got independence. 

He was invited to join the Judiciary by erstwhile Saurastra Govt Chief Minister Dr. Jivrajbhai Mehta. He was appointed as District Judge at Surendranagar in 1950 and later on at other Districts. 

He served as Judge, City Civil Court, Ahmedabad, when  Gujarat State was formed. In 1966, he retired from judgeship after a long, illustrious career, giving many landmark judgements.

Due to his previous rich experience as an Advocate, he started his legal practice in the Gujarat High Court and other courts, having many clients. 

Before the election of the Gujarat Assembly in 1967, well-wishers from Morbi, the Maharani of Morbi, and the top leadership of the Swatantra Party could convince him to be a candidate for the election. He won the election, defeating 3 three-time MLA of Congress. 

After the election, all members of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly elected him as a  Deputy Speaker, a coveted post, even though he was in the opposite party. 

He was popular among all MLAs and Ministers due to his able handling of the proceedings of the Assembly during his  4.5 years in office. 

He continued his legal practice till the last day. My uncle  Jyotindra Mehta, who is also not with us, started his legal practice under his guidance and became a leading successful  lawyer, and I learnt my legal practice under the guidance of Jayeshkaka. I miss him fondly, but I am happy to learn under his guidance, which is useful to me at this moment.

While fondly remembering both of them, we pray that they shower their blessings on all the family members all the time.

Proud to be in this family and that too in the legal education fraternity. Proud of you, Dada🥰

(Thanks to my father, who helped pen down this narrative)