A Compassionate visionary: Ishwarlal Ratanlal Haribhakti
A compassionate and visionary individual, Ishwarlal Haribhakti exemplified the spirit of service, enterprise, and generosity throughout his life. Born into the distinguished Haribhakti family, he was the third son of Ratanlal, a man of deep faith and values. From a young age, Ishwarlal inspired confidence in his father, who hoped he would carry forward the family’s legacy of integrity, tradition, and community service.
After India’s independence, the traditional activities of Haribhakti Pedhi was dissolved. Yet, from this transition emerged a new generation of leaders within the family—each successful in their own profession. Among them, Ishwarlal stood out as an exceptional force, transcending familial expectations and carving a unique path that blended professionalism, business acumen, and philanthropy.
Despite the profound loss of his mother, Radhaben, at the tender age of 13, Ishwarlal rose above adversity with remarkable resilience. His journey was marked by unwavering dedication to education and self-improvement. Through sheer hard work and perseverance, he became a Chartered Accountant and co-founded Haribhakti & Company in 1954, with Vishnubhai Haribhakti. With offices in Baroda, Ahmedabad, and Bombay, the firm became a cornerstone of ethical financial practice, known for its transparency and trustworthiness.
There was a period of void and uncertainty within the family, during which Ishwarlal took it upon himself to revitalize the spiritual and communal heart of the Haribhakti legacy. He led the renovation of the Raneshwar Mahadev Temple and its premises, breathing new life into the sacred space. Additionally, he undertook the development of trust-owned lands, constructing buildings that were later leased out. The income generated from these ventures was channeled into the Haribhakti Raneshwar Mahadev Sansthan Charitable Trust, supporting its welfare initiatives and uplifting various charitable activities in the community.
Healthcare Initiatives by Ishwarlal Haribhakti: Arogya Mandir
- Eye Care Department: Provided subsidized eye examinations and treatments to ensure vision care for all.
- Physiotherapy Department: Offered pain management and rehabilitation services, especially beneficial for the elderly and those recovering from injuries.
- Homeopathy Department: Promoted gentle, natural healing alternatives for chronic and lifestyle-related ailments.
- Yoga Centre: Conducted regular yoga sessions to foster physical and mental well-being.
- Acupressure and X-ray Unit: Added holistic and diagnostic capabilities to the center, making it a truly integrated health facility.
Arogya Mandir stood as a testament to Ishwarlal’s belief that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege.
But Ishwarlal’s ambitions extended far beyond the world of finance and philanthropy. He collaborated with his brother Ramakant to develop housing colonies such as Haribhakti Colony, Bhaktinagar, Punitnagar and Haribhakti Estate in Baroda, initiatives that provided dignified living spaces to countless families. Guided by the principles of simple living and high thinking, Ishwarlal lived modestly, always dressed in white, and upheld values of humility and service. His belief that “work is worship” shaped his approach to life and inspired those around him.
A man of many talents, Ishwarlal was also a sports enthusiast and skilled swimmer. As a member of the Cricket Association of Baroda, he played alongside legends like Shree Vijay Hazare. His intellectual curiosity and wisdom earned him the respect of prominent figures, including Maharaja Fatehsinhrao Gaekwad, Maharani Shantadevi, and K. K. Shah, the then Governor of Tamil Nadu. His close friendship with Krishnakant Kohli, the then Vice President of India, was a testament to his stature and influence. In 2001, the Haribhakti family was invited to the Rashtrapati Bhawan during his presidency.
Though many members of the Haribhakti family achieved great success in their respective fields. Ishwarlal was truly one of the most powerful and multifaceted figures -professional, a businessman, a philanthropist, and a deeply religious man.
In honor of his remarkable life and legacy, his son Gopal I. Haribhakti and daughter-in-law Swati G. Haribhakti curated the Ishwar Haribhakti Archives, a labour of love and dedication that took 15 years of meticulous effort. This archive stands as a testament to Ishwarlal’s enduring impact and serves as a source of inspiration for generations to come.
His legacy continues to inspire future generations to lead with compassion, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility toward education, ethics, and community welfare.