(Late) Pribhdas Tolani
[Late] Pribhdas Tolani [1893–1988], born in Larkana, Sind [Pakistan], was a B.A. graduate and belonged to one of the wealthiest Zamindar families of Sind. Popularly known as “Kaka” Pribhdas, he served as President of the Larkana Municipality and was widely respected for his philanthropy and compassion for the needy. Despite losing all his properties before migrating to India, he rebuilt his life through determination and business acumen, earning admiration as a man of exceptional character.
His greatest fulfillment came from his contribution to education and social welfare. He established numerous colleges in Gandhidham [Adipur–Kutch] across disciplines including Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Pharmacy, Home Science, and Polytechnic education. Even in old age with failing eyesight, he remained deeply engaged in educational initiatives, authored several books, and founded a modern Eye Hospital at Gandhidham, leaving behind a legacy of service, learning, and humanity.
Key Facts
- Birth Date: 25-8-1893
- Place of Birth: Larkana, Sind (Pakistan)
- Academic Attainments: B.A.
- Permanent Address: Mumbai, India.
As Educationist
Whilst Bhai Pratab Dialdas was given the responsibility of building Nav Sind township, called Gandhidham in Kutch [Gujarat]. Kaka Pribhdas Tolani undertook the responsibility of providing educational facilities to the inhabitants of this Nav Sind. He founded Gandhidham Collegiate Board and under its aegis, the Colleges in almost all faculties such as Arts, Science, Commerce, Pharmacy, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Home Science, Polytechnic etc. were started and today these educational institutions are flourishing.
Apart from building colleges, he also provided infrastructural facilities, like Hostels, Quarters for Teaching Staff, Stadium for sports and a Theatre for cultural programmes etc. It is a monumental contribution in the field of education, particularly in the newly built township by Kaka Pribhdas.
Additional Information
- Kaka Pribhdas belonged to one of the richest Zamindar family in Sind. He was the President of Larkana Municipality, in Sind.
- His son Gopal was the Session Judge in Sind.
- He was also a great philanthropist and was God Father of the ‘needy’. He expired in 1988.
Finale
If anyone wants to know what is a "Super human being", think of "Kaka Pribhdas Tolani". One of the richest Zamindars of Sind, he was deprived of everything he possessed by the Pakistan Government, before he migrated to India. Here in India, he started life anew and with his business and professional acumen, he built business-empire. But what gave him greatest satisfaction of his life, was his urge to start various colleges in Gandhidham [Adipur-Kutch]. He founded educational institutions in almost all the faculties, such as Arts, Science, Commerce, Pharmacy, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Home Science, and Polytechnic etc. Even with his weak eyesight in old age (he was hardly able to see), he continued to evince interest in education. He had magnificent command over English language and the number of books, he dictated to his assistant, including Geeta My Guide, Sun Set Reflections and a couple which were published by famous Bharati Vidya Bhavan. Having realised the hardships that one has to undergo without eyesight, he built a Modern Eye Hospital at Gandhidham.