Manu Chandaria: Billions in the Bank, 5 Suits and 2 Pairs of Underwear in the Drawer

Mahatma Gandhi's enduring influence extends far beyond India's borders, shaping the lives and philosophies of individuals across generations and continents.

Among those profoundly impacted by Gandhi's teachings is Manu Chandaria, a distinguished businessman and philanthropist whose life embodies the principles of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and frugality advocated by the great Indian leader. From his formative years, Chandaria embraced Gandhi's philosophy with fervour. During his time at the University of Bombay, he dedicated an hour each day to spinning thread for handloom textiles, a practice that not only reflected Gandhi's emphasis on self-reliance but also served as a tangible connection to India's cultural and ethical heritage. This commitment to simplicity extended to Chandaria's personal life, where he adhered to a modest wardrobe consisting of just a few essential items, even as his family relocated to Kenya and later to the United States.

Despite his eventual success in the business world, Chandaria has maintained a strong connection to Gandhi's principles of simplicity and economic responsibility. While he now purchases custom-made suits from high-end retailers, he adheres to a self-imposed rule of donating an old suit for every new one acquired. This practice exemplifies his ongoing commitment to Gandhi's teachings, even as his financial circumstances have dramatically improved. Chandaria's interpretation of Gandhi's philosophy extends beyond personal choices to inform his approach to business and philanthropy.

At a 2004 symposium in Nairobi, he articulated how Gandhi's teachings, along with the principles of Jainism, have shaped his family's ethical business practices and investment strategies. Central to this approach is the concept of wealth as stewardship rather than ownership, a perspective that aligns closely with Gandhi's views on material possessions. The principle of sacrifice, another key tenet of Gandhi's teachings, has been particularly influential in Chandaria's life. He has repeatedly emphasized Gandhi's message of minimizing personal possessions and using resources for the benefit of others.

This philosophy has fundamentally shaped Chandaria's approach to wealth, viewing it as a responsibility to be managed for the greater good rather than a personal privilege. Chandaria's philanthropic endeavours have also been influenced by the example set by his father-in-law, Premchand Vrajpal Shah. Shah's contributions to community development, including the establishment of educational facilities and support for African entrepreneurship, provided a model for Chandaria's charitable activities. The narrative of Chandaria's family is deeply rooted in the values of hard work and sacrifice. He often recounts his parents' journey from humble beginnings in Kenya to eventual prosperity.

His father, Premchand Chandaria, instilled in him a strong sense of family responsibility, often using the metaphor of a "hole" to represent the family's immediate financial needs and the imperative to prioritize economic stability over personal pursuits. This emphasis on family responsibility and economic survival significantly shaped Chandaria's life choices. For instance, when he attempted to learn golf, his family quickly reminded him of their more pressing priorities, reinforcing the message that leisure activities were secondary to the family's financial security and cohesion.

Despite these pressures, Chandaria has managed to strike a balance between hard work and ethical living, demonstrating a commitment to societal contributions that go beyond mere financial success. While sports never became a significant part of his life, he has found ways to incorporate moments of leisure, such as playing card games with his wife Aruna.