Tycoon to give up all worldly pleasures

On May 1, multi-millionaire Uttamchand A Khinawasra will give up his Mercedes, air-conditioned home and offices. Money, home food, cellphone, servants, etc will become taboo for this true follower of Jain philosophy.

Instead, Khinawasra, a leading city businessman, will “renounce the world” in the true Jain tradition. He will walk barefoot all over the country for eight months in a year.

During the rainy months, he will put up in a community resting place, known as sthanak, with no electricity, water or toilets. He will beg for his food, and spend most of his time meditating, reading scriptures and in spiritual pursuits.

Khinawasra explained the decision came after he studied and understood the Jain philosophy behind renunciation. “It’s a voluntary decision and comes after much thinking. It took me nearly four years to convince my family that I intend to take deeksha,” Khinawasra told DNA.

His wife Mainadevi, the couple’s children and their spouses had to accept the decision and give permission, without which renunciation is not permitted. “If the family wishes to meet me, they can travel to wherever I am. If I walk to Mumbai, I may meet them,” Khinawasra said. “During such meetings, any business or family talk must be avoided, the discussion can only be spiritual.”

The deeksha ceremony, to be held in New Delhi on April 30, will be performed by Jain spiritual leader Guru Gyan Muniji.