Couple leaves Rs 100-cr asset, daughter to become monks

In a move that has shocked their family and friends, a Madhya Pradesh couple has decided to renounce the world and become monks, leaving behind not only property worth Rs 100 crore but also their three-year-old daughter.

According to media reports, the Jain couple, Sumit and Anamika Rathore, are currently on a vow of silence. They will take 'deeksha' from Sudhamargi Jain Acharya Ramlal Maharaj at Surat in Gujarat on September 23. Their daughter Ibhya will now have to be raised by her grandfather Ashok Chandaliya, who is a former Neemuch district president of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The couple got married four years ago and had reportedly hinted at going on a spiritual quest while their daughter was just eight months old. In preparation, they had started living separately and finally announced their decision to the family on August 22.

The family members, who are well-established in business and politics in Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch, tried to dissuade them, but have now accepted their decision. "We had no counter to their religious arguments and relented. One cannot stop anyone when religion calls," they said.

Renunciation path

The couple got married four years ago and had hinted at a spiritual quest.
In preparation, they had started living separately and announced their decision on August 22.