Varshil Jigarbhai Shah, a topper of class 12th (commerce) in Gujarat board has decided to take Diksha (initiation by a guru into religious practices) after scoring 99.99 percentile and getting an A-1 grade. Varshil, who is a resident of Ahmedabad, will take Diksha in Surat on June 8.
The 17-year-old is so indifferent to worldly pleasures that he has not even gone to receive his mark sheet.
Varshil, whose family follows Jainism, shuns limelight and keeps to himself.
“The result is as per expectations, but to attain and maintain peace, I think renouncing the world is the only way,” his uncle quoted Shah as saying.
His mother Amiben Shah and father Jigarbhai, an income-tax official, are happy with the path chosen by their son.
The couple raised their two children – Varshil and his older sister Jainini – in complete simplicity. The family closely follows the Jain principle of Jivdaya, or compassion for all living beings.
The use of electricity is restricted in the Shah household. The family believes many aquatic animals are killed in the process of power generation, which is also against the Jain vow of ahmisa, or non-violence.
The Shahs don’t keep a television or a refrigerator at home. Electricity is used only when it is necessary, during the night especially when the children are studying.
His scores didn’t surprise Varshil but unlike other toppers of the school-leaving exam, his mantra for success is different.
A peaceful mind ranks way above hard work for Shah. Before the school year began in 2016, he met a group of Jain monks who helped him concentrate and score high.
But he was set on the spiritual path three years ago.
“He came in contact with Surat-based Munni Shri Kalyan Ratna Vijayji three years ago. He was only waiting to complete his school (before taking Diksha),” Suthari said on Tuesday.
Belonging to an affluent family, he was a bright student since childhood. His father Jigarbhai is an income tax officer. His sister Jainee too was a topper in class 12th board.
Varshil, despite being so bright in studies, was always bent towards religious activities. He used to fast even during his childhood.
Varshil's aim is to seek happiness without hurting anyone and he believes that it is not possible "if you're doing business or are in a job". That is why he has decided to take Diksha so he can get eternal pleasure without hurting anyone.
