In Dhirubhai’s birthplace, they pray for a healing touch

Every evening, the few village elders who gather at a pan shop opposite Dhirubhai’s ancestral home in Chorwad — now rented out to Dena Bank — discuss the sibling rivalry threadbare. ‘‘There are more villagers there since the last few days and everyone is discussing what is happening in the family,’’ says Rambhai.

Dhirubhai’s father, Hirachandbhai was a headmaster in Kukaswada’s school. The Ambanis built a high school and a primary health centre in the village. ‘‘The falling out was inevitable. After all, both the brothers are very unlike each other. Mukeshbhai has shades of Dhirubhai’s personality,’’ says Rudabhai Gamelia.

Hirabhai Ramanbhai Chudasama, who had a close relationship with Dhirubhai and is president of the Chorwad municipal borough, says: ‘‘Does this town look like the birthplace of the country’s richest man? The family has not done much for this place, so people don’t bother much. It’s only the old-timers who are upset, the others don’t have much laagni (bond) with the family,’’ he says.

The Ambanis visited Chorwad last on December 31, 1995, when Dhirubhai was accompanied by both Mukesh and Anil and wife Kokilaben. ‘‘Since then, no one except Kokilaben has visited. She comes once in three or four months every year,’’ Chudasama says.