It’s hard for Mumbaikars to miss the name Saraf. On roadsides or at railway stations or hospitals, the name has come to be associated with charity.

The 16,481 pink-tinted RCC benches at various places and the 98 water huts at different railway stations have not only proved to be useful to weary travellers but also been registered by the Limca Book of Records.

These are the gifts from 76-year-old Mahavirprasad Saraf, an industrialist who chose to share his wealth with people.

It all began in 1959, when he built a Hanuman temple at Malad East. Later, he went on to start various trusts.

One of his latest ventures is the Durgadevi Saraf OPD, in the name of his mother, at Nanavati Hospital, having all modern equipment and 26-27 departments.

Saraf had set up the first trust in name of his father Ghanshyamdas Saraf and later founded four more, Durga Devi Saraf Trust, Mahavir Prasad Trust, Kirandevi Saraf Trust and Supertex Foundation.

Recognising 50 years of his charitable work, the Fatehpur Shekhawati Pravasi Sangh, floated by people from Fatehpur in Rajasthan, the native place of Saraf, honoured him with the title of ‘Fatehpur Ratan’ last month.

At the function, Saraf said, “For 50 years, I could continue the spiritual legacy I inherited from my parents successfully. That makes me happy.”

“ I am touched that whatever I have done is useful for the public and admired by them, the benches, water-huts or other amenities. I am happy that all my sons, Ashok, Dr Naresh and Prakash and my daughters-in-law and my grandchildren take interest in charity work. So, after me, charity will go on,” said Saraf.

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