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| Dr. M. L. DAVE Dr. M.L. Dave (Mohanlal, Lalji Dave), called by us as Sarakaka, was the second son of Shri Lalji Harjivan Dave. He was born on 22nd November 1894. Shri. Laljibhai's early life was spent at Morchand, a village near Bhavnagar. We called him Bapa. From there he moved with the family to Bhavnagar and settled down in a big house in Kanbiwad. Shri Laljibhai's family comprised of wife, a daughter and three sons. The daughter was the eldest and a child widow. She was got married in childhood and as per custom, then prevailing, she (Laxmiben) remained a widow all her life. After the death of her mother at a comparatively young age, Laxmiben (Faiba to us) looked after her father and three younger brothers. Faiba looked after the household affairs efficiently, in a frugal manner and with love. She stayed with Dr. Mohanlal for years but later preferred to stay all alone till her demise. Her youngest brother, Shri Bhanushankar, gave her constant company and looked after her needs. My father Shri Amrital was in service at Simla and as such she depended on her youngest brother, and Sarakaka. On completion of his school and college education, Sarakaka joined Grant Medical College at Bombay and passed M.B.B.S. in 1918. He was no financial burden to Bapa as he looked after his expenses by part-time work. His only interest, besides study, was to see dramas. He was very fond of Motibai's songs and kept humming her songs throughout his life. My father too, did the same as both these brothers had identical likes and dislikes. After becoming a Doctor, Sarakaka returned to Bhavnagar to join the State Medical Service as Medical Officer in 1919. His first posting was at Savarkundla. Before resuming his duties, Bapa had taken a vow from him that he would never charge a single pie from Brahmins, widows and poor people. That vow was rigidly adhered to throughout his career. At Savarkudla Sarakaka served for many years and gained immense popularity. He worked with great dedication. Never caring for time, weather conditions and poor conditions of roads, he visited serious patients by facing all odds. Though a medical officer, he performed minor surgeries with success. His diagnoses were generally accurate, and treatment effective. From Savarkundla, Sarakaka was posted to Sihor. He was given a rousing and tearful farewell by the people of Savarkundla and garlanded him profusely. His popularity preceded him to Sihor 'and there too, he became immensely popular. From Sihor he moved to Mahuva. When at Mahuva, I went there in 1940 to spend summer vacation. Sarakaka and I played tennis at his club but, soon thereafter I fell sick and was bedridden for over a month. I was given various treatments but the fever continued. During that illness Sarakaka looked after me with immense care, love and great anxiety. He recited various 'Shlokas' before going to work, kept checking on me, changing medicines and getting fresh fruits from Bhavnagar. His two sons, Babubhai and Bharat, gave me constant company and cared for me fully. On recovery, my parents came to Mahuva and escorted me to Simla. The debt that I owe to Sarakaka and the above two cousins can never be forgotten or repaid. At Mahuva Sarakaka gained similar mass popularity. After serving there for about five years he was promoted in 1946 as Assistant Chief Medical Officer and posted to Bhavnagar. His style of working did not change. After the work he regularly played tennis and bridge at the Motibagh Club. He drove to the club in his car but the car was driven back home by either Jaidev or Harshad. At times he went for a walk to meet his friends at the Victoria Park. Sarakaka was a person of simple habits, religious minded and very loveable. He liked simple food and like my father, was allergic to hot dishes. However both the brothers were fond of sweets. Their tastes were identical in ways more than, one. Initially they tied turbans of all hues and color, later they switched over to only white arid finally gave up turban altogether. China silk and "bosky" were a favorite wear. However; Sarakaka was fond of indigenous perfumes like rose, heena kievda etc. These tiny bottles were kept in a small case. During his last years, he suffered from Paralysis and was completely bedridden for about six years. He was nursed by Gunwant with great love and dedication and later he was assisted by Harshad on his return from the U. S. A. They looked after his all meager needs. They kept constant vigil on him. Despite all the care and best treatment, Sarakaka kept melting away and finally a very noble person expired in 1970. Sarakaka's first wife was Kuntakaki and from her he had two sons, Babubhai (Pundrikrai) and Bharat Kumar. Babubhai was married and Bharat a bachelor. After doing B. A. L. L. B, .Bharat served for some time and then joined Anand Mayee Ashram. Later he renounced worldly affairs and took 'Sanyast'. He devoted his life at the feet of Maa Anand Mayee, became here chief disciple and was named Bhaskaranand. Simple, sincere and highly religious person and too affectionate. From his second wife, Kantaben (Sarikaki) they had six sons viz. Narhari. Gunwant, Jaidev, Harshad, Sharad, & Dhiren. Narhari went to Germany and became an Electrical Engineer and served with Indian Oil Corporation till 1980. Jaidev and Harshad did Civil Engineering from the U. S.A. Jaidev made a name in the field of environment. Harshad as a Civil Engineer carried out a number of magnificent projects at Bhavnagar and nearby places. Highly dependable and very sincere cousins Sharad & Dhiren also went to America and settled down there and both expired there at a fairly young age. Sarikaki hailed from an affluent and well-educated Pandya family of Bhavnagar. Her father Shri Hiralal Pandya was on a good government post at Gwalior for many years. A very hospitable person I had an opportunity to visit Gwalior and enjoyed my stay with him for 4 days. His eldest son Shri Anantrai Pandya was an all India figure. He was very intelligent, a well known figure and yet unassuming. During my posting at Calcutta, I frequently met him. He expired at a very young age. Sarikaki suffered from Leukemia for long and ultimately expired in 1960. A very loving lady with simple habits and a dedicated wife. Col. N A Dave Written in 2001 Note: Some dates and years may be a little inaccurate
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