The popular Jain Ice Cream, a well known supplier of a wide variety of delicious ice creams to the people of Palanpur for over six decades, has closed down following the decision of its owner, Nirmal Jain to retire and relocate to Ahmedabad. “I am now 71 years old,” says the man behind the success story of the shop, “and as Nibha, my daughter is married and settled in Mumbai since the last eight years, we have decided to permanently shift to Ahmedabad where Nivid, my son has started his own software company.”

Looking back, Nirmal Jain recalls some of the treasured memories as he developed the business fist begun by his father. “It all started way back in1945, when my father Late Shri Bishandayal Jain, who was serving in Railways, established a small shop at Nautam Cottage, Nr. S.T. Stand on February 21, which was later to Kirtistambh in 1947.

“Madha Hira Patel, an employee ran the business very successfully till 1956 when I took charge. In those good old days we had Ice Candy products from 1 paisa to 4 Aana…. The Malai Candy of 2 Aana and the Mava Candy of 4 Aana, were the most famous and popular products at that time. The Ice Cream Dish Preparation of Badam-Pista-Kesar, of pure milk was also very famous. Hawkers used to sell Ice Candy in surrounding villages and Palanpur town, taking them in Ice Boxes.

“Palanpur had a large Jain Community in those days; The Kirtistambh was the only place to pass leisure time in the evening. So, they all used to relish the Ice Cream almost everyday. The Rose and the Mix Dry Fruit were other well know Ice Creams from the very beginning to till the day we closed down. Quality Products and Reasonable rates were primary motive of business.

“We have to acknowledge the response given by Jain Community of Palanpur, which has contributed a lot in development of the business. All those who are staying out of Palanpur or abroad, would regularly visit and enjoy our Ice Creams whenever they came to the city and share sweet memories…

“The Jain Community served our Ice creams at marriage parties and other auspicious functions. We remember the Ice cream served at the marriages of Shri Kavinbhai Parikh and Shri Shirishbhai Modi.

“There are so many  persons who have really helped us in spreading the business, some names that come to mind are Shantilal Nancand Kothari, Kirtilal Manilal Mehta,  Shantilal Surajmal Mehta, Dr.Hazare, Kanubhai Mehta, Tarachand Mehta, Girdharlal Choksi, Jayantlal Choksi, Arunbhai Ramnikbhai Mehta & Family, Roshanbhai Master, M.A.Master, B.K.Gadhvi,  Harshadbhai Mehta, Shirishbhai Modi, Kantaben Towerwala and Navinbhai Mehta …

“After I became Member of Rotary Club of Palanpur in 1968 the members of the Club have cooperated a lot and showed overwhelming love and affection. Bhargavi, my wife has given me complete support after marriage.”

Speaking to Palanpur Online about the closure, Shirish Modi, well known lawyer and President of Banaskantha Kelvani District Mandal says, “Jain Ice Cream was much, much more than just an ice cream shop. It was a cultural centre where lots of people from the community would often congregate in the evenings and I have so many happy memories of the times spent there.”

“It was also a very successful business, and till the end, there were always eager patrons thronging the shop. Despite the rise of big brands, all of which are now available in the city, Jain Ice Cream continued to do very well, and it is purely due to personal factors that Nirmal Jain has had to close it down. We will all miss him and his products.”

The owner himself shared a farewell message for the community, “I am so glad that such long tenure from 1945 to 2011 has passed very pleasantly and grateful to all my ice cream lovers and fans.”