Ahimsa Times
This is a Special Issue on Jain Shashan Prabhavak V.R.Gandhi’s 150th Birth Anniversary Courtesy: Pankaz Chandmal Hingarh
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TEMPLES
NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN TO SAVE JAIN HERITAGE TEMPLE
The Jain Mutt at Moodabidri, has launched a campaign to declare the culture rich temple Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani, popularly known as the thousand-pillar basadi, as a heritage site.
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The community has also launched an online campaign on Avaaz.org to urge the Prime Minister of India to give the temple the heritage tag. The temple, built in 1430 AD, is now a sorry sight, with its crumbling walls and damaged roof. The temple complex, that houses a sub-shrine called Bhairadevi Mantap, has developed cracks. A part of the cornice fell about three years ago." The three-storey temple complex, which is about 60 feet in height, is managed by the Jain Mutt of Moodabidri. The degeneration has been rapid during the last three years. The single stone "mana stambha" in front of "Bhairadevi Mantapa" is 50-foot tall. It has been erected on an eight-foot pedestal. The mantapa had about 200 stone carvings depicting animals, yoga, sports, birds, war scenes, soldiers, characters of puranas and so on. The mutt has been restoring this temple from time to time, but the massive stone structures have now started developing cracks and the delicate stone cornices have started crumbling. The temple is an important tourist destination. On an average about 500 tourists visit the temple every day. Sometimes this figure goes up to 5,000 a day. About 1,500-2,000 foreigners visit the temple annually and Europeans top the list. The community has a complaint that, the district administration had several plans to improve the area, but none of them has been implemented. There was also a proposal to undertake development at the cost of Rs 38 crores. Already three surveys were conducted by M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore, a Chennai-based engineering college, as well as a college of architecture from Ahmedabad between 2006-2013. The district administration also conducted a survey on landscaping the area.
BHARAT SHARMA LEAVES BUSINESS TO REVIVE LOST GLORY OF RANAKPUR JAIN TEMPLE
Udaipur: A businessman Bharat Sharma, descendant of Prithvirajji Seva, who was the first chief priest of the temple started by Seth Dharnasha Porwal in 1446, has dedicated himself to reviving the lost glory of a 600-year-old Ranakpur Jain temple.
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It is situated in the middle of the largely unknown Ranakpur jungle, about 90km from Udaipur in Rajasthan. In the words of Bharat Sharma, “Natural calamities and Mughal invasion led by emperor Aurangzeb left the temple devastated for centuries. Now, I wish to revive the lost glory." He is being helped in his efforts by descendents of Seth Dharnasha and those of Deepaji Sompura (the original architect of the temple). The beautiful temple was once visited by Mughal emperor Akbar, who was deeply impressed by its beauty and teachings. An inscription regarding Akbar’s visit is displayed on one of the pillars of the temple. The efforts being made by Bharat Sharma and others, along with the temple management, are slowly resulting in an increasing number of tourists, including foreign, making a beeline for it. Some of the prominent hotels and resorts - Mana, Devgad and Jojawar have made the temple a part of their tourism circuit.
According to the temple management, the structure is spread over an area of 48,000 sq ft and made of Sevali and Sonana stones. It is supported by 1,444 pillars with none similar to any other in design and none obstructing the pilgrims’ view of the deity. The temple also has sculptures of Hindu gods, including references to Ramayana and Mahabharata.
SAINTS
शिव संदेश - युगप्रधन आचार्य सम्राट पू. श्री शिवमुनि जी महाराज
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जैन दर्शन में तप का अत्याध्कि महत्व है। मुक्ति का मार्ग सम्यक् दर्शन, सम्यक् ज्ञान, सम्यक् चारित्रा सम्यक् तप है। सम्यक् दर्शन अर्थात् सत्य का दर्शन, सत्य का बोध्, सत्य के प्रति आस्था। सत्य की प्रतीति। सत्य क्या है? जो पूर्व में भी था, वर्तमान में भी है, भविष्य में भी रहेगा। उस तत्व पर आस्था वह सत्य है आत्मा। उसके अस्तित्व का बोध् हो, उसकी समझ प्राप्त करना ही सम्यक् ज्ञान है।
स्व तत्व का ज्ञान, शब्दों में नही। आत्म-ध्यान से आत्म-दर्शन की प्राप्ति होती है। श्रुत-ज्ञान संकेत मात्रा है। खोज अपने में स्व तत्व में करनी है। इस खोज का नाम ही सम्यक् चारित्रा है। इस सत्य की प्रतीति, अनुभव समझ के पश्चात उसे आत्मसात करना, उसमें रमण करना ही चारित्रा है।
इस माह में पर्वाधिराज पर्व पर्युषण प्रारंभ हो रहे हैं। पर्युषण का अर्थ है - चारों ओर से लगे कर्मों को भावीभूत करना, नष्ट कर देना। पर्युषण पर्व आत्मशुधि का पर्व है। आत्म निरीक्षण आत्म-परीक्षण, आत्म-चिंतन एवं आत्मा में रमण करने का सुन्दर अष्ट दिवसीय पर्व है। अष्ट दिन, अष्ट कर्म को नष्ट करके आत्मा के अष्ट गुण को प्रकट करना यही साध्क का, साधु-साध्वी, श्रावक-श्राविका का लक्ष्य रहना चाहिए। संवत्सरी पर्व पर वर्ष भर का प्रायश्चित तप कर आत्मशुध की जाती है। तथा प्रत्येक जीव के प्रति क्षमा, मैत्री भाव का अविर्भाव होता है, उसकी तरंगे पूरे विश्व में पफैलानी होती है। ऐसी तरंगो से विश्व में मैत्री भाव बढेगा व अनादि का वैर भाव समाप्त होता है। पर्युषण पर्व में बाह्य व आन्तरिक तप से अपनी आत्मशुध कर जीवन को सपफल बनाये।
भेदविज्ञान की परीक्षा है केशलोच - प्रवचन सभा में किया रमेश मुनि श्री ने लोच
केशलोच क्रिया से संत आत्मा और देह के बीच प्रयोगात्मक परीक्षा देता है। केशलोच क्रिया भेदविज्ञान की परीक्षा है। इस परीक्षा से मैं महसूस करता हूं कि मेरे संन्यासकाल में देह से आसक्ति बढ़ी है या घटी है।
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यह विचार श्रमण संघीय उपाध्याय रमेश मुनि ने रविवार 17 अगस्त जन्माष्टमी के पावन दिवस पर बैंगलोर शहर के चिकपेट स्थित जैन स्थानक के ‘गुरु ज्येष्ठ तारक पुष्कर देवेन्द्र दरबाद’ में केशलोच क्रिया के बाद धर्मसभा को संबोधित करते हुए व्यक्त किए। प्रवचन के पश्चात उपाध्यायश्री ने दाढ़ी के केशलोच की क्रिया शुरू की। केषलोच की क्रिया के दौरान श्रद्वालुजन नवकार महामंत्र स्तुति व प्रभु महावीर रमेश मुनि जी की जय हो के जयकारे लगा रहे थे। इस अवसर पर संघरत्न उपप्रवर्तक डॉ0. श्री राजेन्द्र मुनि जी म. सा. श्रमण संघीय सलाहकार श्री दिनेष मुनि जी म., साहित्य दिवाकर श्री सुरेन्द्र मुनि जी म. सा., डा. द्वीपेन्द्र मुनि जी म., डॉ0. पुष्पेन्द्र मुनि जी म., सेवाभावी श्री दीपेश मुनि जी म एवं शहर के कई गणमान्य व्यक्ति उपस्थित थे।
अश्रुधाराऐं बहनें लगी - जैसे ही उपाध्याय श्री जी ने अपनी केष लोच क्रिया प्रारम्भ की ओर उपस्थित श्रद्धालु श्रावक श्राविकाऐं इस कठिनतन साधना के आगे नतमस्तक हो गए और अपने आप को रोने से रोक न पाए। धन्य धन्य के स्वर गूंजने लगे। उल्लेखनीय है कि केशलोच क्रिया शास्त्रीय विधान है और इससे संतजन कष्ट सहिष्णु बनता है परिषहों को सहन करने की आत्मषक्ति प्राप्त करता है। जैन संतों द्वारा केशलोच क्रिया वर्ष में दो बार की जाती है।
श्रद्धालुओं ने लिए संकल्प - केषलोच के अवसर पर श्रद्धालुजनों ने सामायिक, एकासना, उपवास, पौषध, प्रतिक्रमण, नवकारसी इत्यादि करने का संकल्प लिया।
DR. LOKESH MUNI ADDRESSES WORLD SUMMIT ON ‘PEACE, SECURITY AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT’ AT SEOUL KOREA
New Delhi, 14 August 2014: Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni, Founder President of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti addressing the closing session of ‘Peace, Security and Human Development’ World Summit 2014 organised by Universal Peace Federation in Seoul, Korea on ‘The Relevance of Religion for Peace and Development’ said that peace is necessary for development, religion is a medium to reach the destination of peace. He said all religions connects us they do not divide us.
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On the occasion Prime Minister of Sri Lanka D.M. Jayaratne, Prime Minister of Timor L' Este Kay RalaXanana Gusmão, President of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zivko Budimir, Head of State of Lesotho King Letsie III, Head of State of Samoa Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Deputy Chef de Cabinet in Office of the President of the General Assembly United Nations Noel Gordon Sinclair, Vice President of Philippines Jejomar Binay, President of The Washington Times USA Larry Beasley, Former President of Uruguay Julio Maria Sanguinetti, Former President of Paraguay Luis Federico Franco Gómez, Former Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Rahim Alievich Huseynov, Former President of Kosovo Dr. Fatmir Sejdiu, Former President of Mongolia Ochirbat Punsalmaa, Former President of Mali Prof. DioncoundaTraore, Former Prime Minister of Swaziland Obed Mfanyana Dlamini, Former Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Abdullah Bin Haji Ahmad Badawi, Former Prime Minister of Sao Tome and Principe Maria do CarmoTrovoada Silveira, addressed different issues of Peace, Security and Human Development.
Kenu Agarwal, Media Secretary, 9811025332 Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, Acharya Lokesh Ashram, 63/1 Old Rajender Nagar, Near Karol Bagh Metro Station, New Delhi-110060, Tele: 91-9313833222, E-Mail:,www.acharyalokesh.org
ARCHBISHOP FELIX ANTHONY MACHADO VISITS MOODBIDRI TO MEET SHRI BHATTARAKA CHARUKEERTI SWAMIJI
Moodabidri - A fruitful conversation, happened between Archbishop Felix Anthony Machado of Vasai and Shri Bhattaraka Charukeerti Swamiji, leader of the Jain institutions Digambaras tradition in Moodabidri. to strengthen the relationship between the Christian and Jain communities, with a mutual commitment to work for peace and religious harmony in India.
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Moodabidri is the city is a place of pilgrimage for Jains, but it is very much appreciated by the other religions because of its historical and architectural importance. On 17 July, at the invitation of the Bhattaraka, the Archbishop visited the Jain religious center as Chairman of the Commission for Ecumenical and Inter Religious Dialogue of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences. Archbishop Machado tells said, "Swasti Shri Bhattaraka Charukeerti Swamiji welcomed me warmly and graciously to the 14th Century, Jain Math. This was my first visit to this historical Jain Math. I was moved by his simplicity. Swamji is very keen on Inter Religious Dialogue. and in the world." The two religious leaders also discussed the possibility of organizing a gathering of all religions in Moodbidri, in preparation for the World Meeting of Religions to be held in Chicago in 2015. Also known as Jain Kashi, the religious center of Moodabidri is considered sacred by the Jains, but is also popular with members of other faiths for its historical and architectural importance. Over the years, the city has become a place of pilgrimage for the Jain community not only for its many temples, but also because it preserves the most ancient and sacred scriptures of Jain religion.
BOOK BY JAIN SAINT VIDYA SAGARJI TO BE INCLUDED IN UNIVERSITY SYLLABI
Aug 4, 2014, Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh Government will include passages from Mook Mati, a book written by Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj, a Jain saint, in the syllabi of educational institutions. Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made announcements in this regard after visiting the Jain Saint in Vidisha. CM said that, medical and engineering courses will be taught in Hindi medium at Hindi Vishwavidyalaya of the state. He said the English language blunts talents of our students. We should take pride in our own language.
HONOURS & AWARDS
DR. DIPAK C. JAIN NAMED DIRECTOR OF SASIN THAILAND
Dr. Dipak C. Jain has joined the Bangkok based Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration of Chulalongkorn University as its Director. Dr. Jain succeeds Professor Toemsakdi Krishnamra, who founded Sasin and has led the institution for the past 32 years.
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Dipak Jain is known for making Kellogg School of Management as World’s No. 1 MBA School. Dr. Jain has also served as Dean of INSEAD, based in Fontainebleau, France, from 2011-2013. Earlier, he was the Dean of the Kellogg School of Management of Northwestern University from 2001-2009, where he had been a faculty member since 1986. Dr. Jain’s meteoric rise as a global management educator had humble beginning in Tezpur, Assam, where he spent his early childhood. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and statistics (1976) and his master’s degree in mathematical statistics (1978) from Gauhati University, where he taught for five years before obtaining a PhD in 1987 from the University of Texas (Dallas). Dr. Jain has had a long association with Sasin. He has been a visiting professor of marketing at Sasin since 1989. Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration of Chulalongkorn University is located in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. In 1982, the founders of Sasin collaborated with the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. In January 2010, SASIN became Thailand's first business school to be internationally accredited by the AACSB. In December 2010, European Foundation for Management Development granted its accreditation EQUIS to Sasin, thus putting it into an elite list of B-schools that have earned both these top accreditations.
GOPIO VIRGINIA PRESIDENT JAY BHANDARI APPOINTED COMMISSIONER OF VIRGINIA STATE PUBLIC SCHOOL AUTHORITY
GOPIO Virginia Founder President Jay Bhandari is appointed as Commissioner of Virginia State Public School Authority Board Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe appoints Jay Bhandari, President of Gopio Virginia chapter as the Commissioner of Commonwealth of Virginia State Public School Authority for 6 year.
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I am thrilled and honored to be appointed by Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe as Commissioner of Virginia Public School Authority Board. This is a important and powerful State Board. Talking to the press and media Mr. Bhandari told that he is very proud to represent the Commonwealth of Virginia. I am humbled by the hundreds of phone calls, emails and messages from the community for this appointment expressing their feelings and happiness. I am the first Indian American to be appointed in this position. Education is my passion and has been a favorite field from a very young age. In college, I even wrote a thesis on Indian Public School’s conditions in Indore (MP) at that time. In addition, I was appointed to the Academic Council for Devi Ahilya University Indore by the Governor in 1988. This university was a prestigious and the biggest state university in Madhya Pradesh, India. The role of the Academic Council was to select the policies, curriculum, courses and appointments of faculty. Being a parent of two brilliant and successful daughters, I know the importance of Public School education. Jay Bhandari has been a successful community activist and political leader for the Indian community in numerous capacities. He is the past President of Association of United Hindu & Jain Temples of Metro Washington area, which is a congregation of 15 Temples in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. He was Director of Jaina International and has also served as President of Jain Society of South Florida and Chair of Public Relation Jain Society of Metro Washington and former Treasurer of Indian American Forum for Political Education, Virginia and Secretary of Rajasthali Association. He is also vice chair of Providence District Democratic Party. Although Virginia Public Schools are among the best Schools in the nation, I would love to see them ranked at the very top. Students are the future of the country and the economy of this country. Today’s learner is tomorrow’s leader also. It is imperative that our students are given access to the best education, integrated with modern technology and innovations from an early age. My mission is also to help the Indian American community especially in Commonwealth to prosper and improve their quality of life. I want to bring the Indian American Community to the mainstream. Source: Mr. Jay Bhandari, E-Mail:
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS AROUND THE WORLD
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HOODA CONFERRED WITH THE TITLE OF ‘JAIN RATTAN’
Ambala, August 18, 2014: Shri Digamber Jain Sabha has conferred the title of ‘Jain Rattan’ on the Chief Minister, Bhupinder Singh Hooda at a function held at Lord Mahavir Jain Public School. The function was held to felicitate the CM for according minority status to the Jain community. According to the President of Jain Sabha, VK Jain, it was a long-pending demand of the community, which was fulfilled by Hooda and later the UPA government had accepted that at the national level. He said the Jain community would support Hooda during the forthcoming assembly elections. Speaking on the occasion, the CM said that the path of austerity, truth and non-violence enunciated by the Jain saints, Tirathakeras and Lord Mahavir Swami is very much relevant today, adding that the people should follow their teachings. He added that the community was enterprising and has made great contribution towards the development of society. The CM said the Jain educational institutions were supplementing the government efforts towards the spread of education and said the government would look favorably to the demands of the Sabha.
AHIMSA & COMPASSION
BREAKTHROUGH IN NEPAL ANIMAL SACRIFICE CAMPAIGN
The Indian government has issued a new directive to stop transport of animals across the Nepalese border during the Gadhimai festival, where the largest animal sacrifice in the world occurs every five years. This is a major win, because 70 percent of sacrifice participants come from Indian states, often bringing animals with them for slaughter at the Gadhimai temple in Nepal.
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Animal rights advocates met with officials from India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, and requested that they bar movement of live animals across the Indo-Nepal border for the duration of the month-long festival. In response, the ministry ordered that all border posts be placed on high alert, and that troops sharpen the lookout for anyone attempting to take animals to the sacrifice site. This directive could save hundreds of thousands of animals from slow, painful death.
At the Gadhimai festival, Hindu worshippers, hack, slice and club animals to death to appease the goddess Gadhimai. They believe that killing these animals brings them luck, but in reality it only brings terror and pain to the lives of these innocent creatures. An estimated 500,000 animals are killed at the festival, including buffalo, lambs, goats and birds. Even rats are not safe during the event.
Animal Right Groups are proud of this victory, but feel that the work is not yet done. They are still urging the Nepalese government to outlaw the sacrifice at Gadhimai and ban all forms of animal sacrifice.
RAJA SINGH EFFORTS HELP IN CLOSURE OF KURESHI INTERNATIONAL SLAUGHTER HOUSE
Hyderabad: The BJP MLA Shri Raja Singh has played key role in the closure of Kureshi International Slaughter House based at Hyderabad. This Slaughter House was employing more than 150 employees from Bangladesh. BJP Volunteers also helped Raja Singh in this mission. Both the Government and Police were under tremendous pressure from BJP for a considerable time. Raja Singh has further want other slaughter houses in the area to wind up their operations.
"INDIA BANS ANIMAL DISSECTION IN UNIVERSITIES "TO SAVE PRECIOUS LIVES"
In an unprecedented move aimed at removing cruelty from higher education, India has banned dissection and experimentation on animals at the nation’s universities. Instead, students will learn about anatomy through humane alternatives, like computer simulators that replicate the experience without requiring any animals be killed. According to an estimate from PETA India, the ban will save the lives of 19 million animals every year.
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India’s University Grants Commission (UGC), which ordered an immediate end to training methods lethal to animals in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, says the decision came about over concerns that too many animals were being taken from the wild. “With the increase in number of institutions, more than a million students undergo programs requiring animal dissections. Most of these animals are caught from the wildlife,” the UGC wrote.
“Their indiscriminate removal from their natural habitats disrupts the biodiversity and ecological balance… The case of frogs, the population of which has declined to alarming levels in recent times, is often cited as an example.” In place of actual animals, the UGC suggests universities explore using one of the many "virtual dissection" computer simulators available on the market. Proponents say that such programs aren’t only more humane, but may also be a more effective education tool than actual dissections. For Dr. Chaitanya Koduri, Science Policy Advisor at the UGC, the decision is about being both forward-thinking and compassionate-minded. According to an estimate from PETA India, the ban will save the lives of 19 million animals every year. “By issuing a notification to eliminate animal dissection and experimentation for training purposes, the UGC will modernize science education across the country and save precious lives,” he says.
Courtesy: Dr. Sulekh Jain, Houston, Texas, USA, Ph: 281 494 7656 (home), Source: P. L. Jain, E-Mail:
BJP WANTS MUMBAI'S ABATTOIRS SHUT FOR 8 DAYS TO MARK JAIN
If the BJP has its way, carnivores in the city will have to endure a dry spell later this month, starting August 22 and continuing till Ganesh Chaturthi. The party has asked Municipal Commissioner Sitaram Kunte to shut down all slaughterhouses in Mumbai for eight days from August 22 to August 29, to mark Paryushan, a ritual of the Jain community.
The party had made the same request last year, and even had its way, with slaughterhouses remaining shut for three days. Emboldened by last year’s ban, the BJP has demanded for an eight-day-long prohibition on slaughter-houses this year.
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A letter was submitted to Kunte to this effect. Other smaller organisations have also written to the municipal commissioner, asking for an eight-day long prohibition on slaughterhouses as well as butcher shops. They also want stern instructions to be issued to butchers that strong action will be taken against them, if they open shop in any of the days.
Not stopping at just a letter, the State’s General Secretary and RSS man, Atul Bhatkalkar, BJP’s state vice-president Manisha Chowdhury and BJP’s group leader in BMC, Manoj Kotak, even met the Civic Commissioner.
Kotak confirmed that his party had sent a letter to the commissioner, saying, “We have asked the commissioner to strictly impose the eight-day closure on all slaughterhouses in the city.
Even last year, we had asked for the prohibition. A three-day ban was accepted by the commissioner last year.” The party wants this ban to be made an annual feature. Kotak added, “We are asking the slaughterhouses to be closed during Paryushan, as many Jains live in Mumbai and observe this festival. The commissioner has given us a positive response, but we hope that from next year onwards, he shuts down slaughterhouses of his own accord.”
According to a BJP source, the duration of the prohibition was increased from three days to eight with an eye on the approaching state assembly elections. “There’s a large population of Jains in many pockets of Mumbai. They are our voters, most of them are well-settled and don’t ask for major favours from political parties.
But at the same time, the Jain community is very sensitive when it comes to religion and religious activities. By asking for a longer ban on slaughter houses, the BJP is trying to strike a chord with the religious community. We are hopeful it will benefit us,” said the BJP leader, requesting anonymity.
Mumbai’s biggest slaughter house lies in Deonar. While BJP has asked for a closure of slaughter houses, other organisations have asked for a complete closure of butcher shops. Sitaram Kunte remained unavailable for comment. Source: Dr. Sulekh. C. Jain, Houston, Texas, USA, Ph: 281 494 7656.
MISCELLANEOUS
FASTING FOR THREE DAYS CAN REGENERATE ENTIRE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Fasting for as little as three days can regenerate the entire immune system, even in the elderly, scientists have found in a breakthrough described as "remarkable".
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Although fasting diets have been criticised by nutritionists for being unhealthy, new research suggests starving the body kick-starts stem cells into producing new white blood cells, which fight off infection. Scientists at the University of Southern California say the discovery could be particularly beneficial for people suffering from damaged immune systems, such as cancer patients on chemotherapy.
It could also help the elderly whose immune system becomes less effective as they age, making it harder for them to fight off even common diseases. The researchers say fasting "flips a regenerative switch" which prompts stem cells to create brand new white blood cells, essentially regenerating the entire immune system. "It gives the 'OK' for stem cells to go ahead and begin proliferating and rebuild the entire system," said Prof Valter Longo, Professor of Gerontology and the Biological Sciences at the University of California. "And the good news is that the body got rid of the parts of the system that might be damaged or old, the inefficient parts, during the fasting. “Now, if you start with a system heavily damaged by chemotherapy or ageing, fasting cycles can generate, literally, a new immune system."
MOVE TO SEEK AROUND 20 SEATS FOR JAINS IN MAHARASHTRA ELECTIONS
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The Jain community, under the leadership of a Jain Seer, has sought around 20 seats for the community in the upcoming assembly elections. Naypadmasagar Maharaj Saheb, seeking political space for the community, will be approaching all political parties for the same. The demand was made at a press conference-cum-community gathering held in Kemps Corner. Jains, who have been lately declared as a minority, have three member of parliament as of now. Many view this as a misrepresentation of the community.
"We pay maximum taxes, do maximum charity and hence we should also have better representation. We will ask parties to give tickets to Jains. Also, there are problems in societies like calamities and violence because of killing of animals. There are rapes happening due to porn that is not banned. Meat export should be stopped and Jains need to come to politics," said Naypadmasagarji Maharaj. He added, that with more Jains in the political spectrum, the philosophy and what Jains stand for can be implemented.
JAIN MINORITY SCHOLARSHIP 2014-15
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For details please click the following link:- www.jainpushp.org Apply for scholarship as per details given on the link page. Procedure: - How to Apply for the provision in 2014-15? Merit-Cum-Means scholarship www.momascholarship.gov.in website and fill out the Form after you create your ID detail form. After filling it take a print, and submit this with college application, you can also track status online eligibility of student's mother or father's annual income must not be more than 2.5 lacs (Indian). The scholarship is available for various courses such as Engineering, Management, Pharmacy, Medical, MCA, CA, CS, Law, Fashion Technology, etc. are included for more information call 9820348969.
MUKESH KUMAR JAIN THE IIT-ROORKEE ALUMNUS IS SPEARHEADING THE ANTI-ENGLISH UPSC AGITATION
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New Delhi: Mukesh Kumar Jain, 52, alumnus of IIT- Roorkee is one of the driving forces behind the agitation against the new CSAT format for Civil Service Exams. Mukesh Jain is chief patron of the Akhil Bharatiya Angrezi Anivarya Virodhi Manch, an organisation that's devoted to wiping out English from the country, and installing Hindi in its place, north or south. Mukesh Jain is a metallurgical engineer from the 1984 batch at Roorkee. He had a tough time convincing authorities to let him write his exams in Hindi. According to him, "It was not because I didn't know English, but because I consider it humiliating that English should be a medium to test our knowledge.,"
Not everyone agrees. Other organisations that have been at the forefront of the anti-CSAT protests say outfits such as the Manch that made the UPSC agitation a nationalist and a language issue have only done disservice to the cause. "There were several volunteers from Hindu organisations who made it an issue of 'self-respect'. By making it an only 'No-English' debate, the original cause of bring non-science students on par with others got lost," says one of the leaders of the agitation.
MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR JAINS
Aug 3, 2014, Mumbai: The Jain International Organization is launching a community-based medical insurance policy. Jains across India can avail of a medical cover of Rs 2 lakh by paying an annual premium of Rs 1,800. Policy holders also get an accident cover of Rs 10 lakh. The scheme, Shravak Aarogyam (health insurance for Jain followers) has been mooted by Jain Seer Nayan Padm Sagarji Maharaj for the thousands of Jains who do not have medical insurance.
US CONGRESS TO BE SUPPLIED SCRIPTURES OF ALL RELIGIONS
Welcoming the idea of members of United States Congress possessing religious scripture, Hindus want them to have religious texts of all the religions.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada said that Library of Congress should supply to all the members of US Senate and House of Representatives, President and Vice President, the sacred texts of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Daoism, Confucianism, Baha’ism, Shinto, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, etc.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, argued that by reading all these treasure houses of wisdom, information and inspiration; they would make enlightened decisions about the welfare and future of Americans and the entire humanity. Moreover, if a particular answer was not found in one of the texts, Congress members could look into others for making informed policy decisions about this diverse and pluralistic nation and the world.
Rajan Zed was reacting to the reports of US House of Representatives member Steven Palazzo distributing Bibles to all the 535 offices of Congress members. Zed noted that they agreed with Palazzo when he said in his note: “I find that the best advice comes through meditating on God's Word.”
MAY WIDEN BANK CORRUPTION PROBE AFTER SUDHIR KUMAR JAIN'S ARREST: CBI
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NEW DELHI / MUMBAI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said it could widen its corruption investigation after the arrest of Sudhir Kumar Jain, Chairman of state-run Syndicate Bank Ltd over allegations he was seeking bribes to favour debtors.
His arrest is likely to renew demands for reform of Indian state banks, which control about two-thirds of banking assets and accounts for three-quarters of the sector's bad loans, E-Mail: , Tele: +919820896128.
हस्तिनापुर में मंदिर जी से दिन-दहाड़े प्रतिष्ठित जिन प्रतिमा की डकैती....
आज प्रात:9 बजे हस्तिनापुर में शांतिवन प्रथम नशिया जी में दिन-दहाड़े कुछ लुटेरे मैनेजर को जय जिनेन्द्र करते हुए आये और दर्शन हेतु मुख्य मंदिर जी में गए और वेदी में लगे शीशे तोडकर अष्टधातु की जिन प्रतिमा लेकर फायरिंग करते हुए भाग गए!
जैन मंदिर जी में सरेआम प्रतिष्ठित प्रतिमा लेजाना अत्यंत दुखकारी है! यह समाचार सुनकर समस्त जैन समाज में दुःख और रोष व्याप्त है! कृपया सभी बंधुओं से निवेदन है उ.प्र. के प्रशासन और पुलिस अधिकारीयों को फ़ोन, मेल या मैसेज द्वारा अपना रोष प्रकट करे और अतिशीघ्र कार्यवाही कर प्रतिष्ठित प्रतिमा जी बरामद करे! Courtesy: संजय जैन - विश्व जैन संगठन
SAD DEMISE OF SHRI PRATAPBHAI BHOGILAL SHAH
The Jain Community deeply mourns the sad demise of prominent community leader and industrialist Shri Pratap Bhai Bhogilal Shah. He passed away at the age of 97 on 8th August 8, 2014 at Mumbai. He was a Chairman of Batliboi Ltd. and many other companies. He was also the President of Atma Vallabh Jain Smarak of Delhi and Trustee of Jain Academy Trust.
He was also Honoured by the Austrian Government. He was the one of the early key supporters of Jain e-Library project. In 2009, when we had launched e-Library website, he provided the complete set of Jain literature published by Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, Mumbai and Shri Bhogilal Laherchand Institute, Delhi. He also supported JAINA Interfaith activity and Shri V. R. Gandhi’s memorial activity. May Shri Pratapbhai Bhogilal Shah’s great soul rest in eternal peace. Source: P. L. Jain, E-Mail:
DAUNTLESS INDIAN LEGEND, BARRISTER VIRCHAND RAGHAVJI GANDHI
(1864-1901)
By Pankaz Chandmal Hingarh
(Author is credited for maximum modern Researches on Virchand Raghavji Gandhi)
Today we all have heard about Indian Personalities like Swami Vivekananda (SV) and Mahatama Gandhi, but its bitter truth that many of us are not aware about a Jain legend who was contemporary to Swami Vivekanand and M. K. Gandhi.
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The moment we hear about 1893’s World Parliament of Religions that was held in Chicago, we all remember Swami Vivekanand. We all know that Swami Vivekananda had received his recognition primarily for his speech in the first ever World Parliament of Religions in 1893, where he had primarily represented Hinduism. But we hardly know that one more Indian legend then as a true dauntless patriot had defended Hinduism and Indian Culture on 25th September, where he was a delegate to represented Jainism. As per Richard Hughes Seager & J. H. Barrows, audience had applauded at this patriotic indian’s speech & closing speech in 1893’s Parliament of World Religions. He was the charismatic and captivating Virchand Raghavji Gandhi. This 25th August, 2014 is his 150th Birth Anniversary.
Hon’ble PM of India Shree Narendrabhai Modi had referred about this Indian in his earlier address on “Indian Diaspora across US & Canada” when he was Hon’ble Chief Minister of India. He had conveyed that “One youth of our Gujarat had also come to the same religious conference (1893’s World Parliament of religions) that Swami Vivekanandaji had attended. He was Virchand Raghavji Gandhi, a resident of Bhavanagar district. He was a great scholar. And he had also given a speech in world religious conference. He was 27 years of age. And he stayed in America for many years and talked about Indian culture in every big city of America. He was quite close to Vivekanandaji. His education was done with Gandhiji. Still today there is a statue of Virchanda Gandhi in Chicago; Very few people may know this. And see the tragedy that Vivekananda as well as Virchanda Gandhi left us at the age of 37. And one book has also been published in our Gujarat, ‘Gandhi before Gandhi’. The way Virchanda Gandhi accompanied Vivekananda to America and hoisted the flag of Indian culture before Mohanlal Karamchand Gandhi…! Brothers & Sisters, these are the pages from history and I do not know why they are kept in dark. We get an honour, an inspiration, pleasure, a new energy by exposing these things.”
Many of you by now may have developed curiosity to know more about this Legend And still many may be pondering what was so great about this Legend. So lets explore this legend.
Virchand Raghavji Gandhi’s Birth: VRG was born in an aristocratic & virtuous Jain Family in Mahuva in Gujarat. And before his birth Jain Shashan Devi Padmavati had appeared in dreams of Raghavji Tejpalji Gandhi and had conveyed that his wife would be giving birth to a Jain Shashan Prabhavak son & a miraculous idol of Lord Parswanath would be discovered before his birth by them in their house. Idol was discovered & a baby boy was born. As per Virchand Gandhi’s Great Grand Son Chandreshji Gandhi as their house was next to Shree Jivit Mahaveer Swami Teerth and currently its Shashan of Veer Prabhu, Shree Raghavji Tejpalji Gandhi and Smt. Maanbai Raghavji Gandhi decided to keep their son’s name as Virchand Gandhi.
His Early Life: Virchand Gandhi had completed his BA (hons.) from Bombay’s Elphinston College. At the age of 21 VRG became the first Hon. Secretary of the Jain Association of India in 1885. Unflinching Virchand Gandhi had settled per pilgrim tax dispute at Shree Palitana Jain Tirth and had legally succeeded in closing slaughter house from Jain community’s holy shrine, Shree Sammet Shikhar Tirth by winning Piggery case. Simultaneously he had learnt 14 languages and had mastered in major world religions.
Two Historical Gandhi’s Together: Virchand Gandhi as a friend used to help Mahatma Gandhi in understanding Civil Procedure Code 1 during Study of Indian Law by telling different Stories of Vakils and Stalwarts like Sir Pherozeshah and Badruddin Tyabji. (reference: Mahatma Gandhi’s Autobiography, In Story of My Experiments with Truth, part2, chapter III).
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Before commencement of 1893’s Parliament of World religions: In 19th century few interested missionaries under british raj had presented a malicious picture of India and its layman in West. Western people because of second hand information from such missionaries used to consider India as a land of snakes, tigers, maharajas. Things were quite difficult under British Raj. Amidst of all this to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the New World in 1492 a World's Fair Exposition was Planned and organized in Chicago. Though a number of congresses were held in conjunction with the exposition but the World's congress of religions was the largest of the congresses held in conjunction with the Exposition. This event was birth of formal interreligious dialogue where first time at global platform representatives of all spiritual traditions from around the world were invited. Each religions highest spiritual masters were invited to represent their religion in 1893’s world congress of religions.
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Original Invitation to Muni Atmaramji to represent Jainism: To represent Jainism originally highest authority of Jains, Munishree Atmaramji alias Acharyashree Vijayanandsuriji was invited and appointed as a member of Advisory Council of the Parliament of the Religions. As one of the vows of a Jain saint is not to travel across water as it is tantamount to violence against sea creatures. As he couldn’t attend same, he trained for six months his Shravak disciple Shree Veerchand Raghavji Gandhi and deputed for such parliament of religions to represent Jainism and Jain Community.
His contributions before departure had made him recognized name within his community. But his several contributions from 1893’s event onwards actually made him recognized as true son of India.
Now, coming back to to 1893’s event, such Columbian exposition covered more than 600 acres with people from 46 countries. The 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions, was held on the shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago. Before Virchand Gandhi’s representation Western People had unheard of Jainism or mistaken Jainism as branch of Buddhism. As per 3rd Sept. 1893’s The New York Times, VRG had explained to its reporters then that Jain community to which he belongs is oldest in the world.
The parliament was held at the Columbus Hall of the Art Institute of Chicago with more than 7000 delegates of different nations and religions participating. The conference lasted 17 days. Parliament had commenced on 11th September, 1893. It was dominated by English speaking Christian representatives, who delivered 153 of 194 speeches. Opportunity for the leaders from other religious traditions was limited, although significant. Twelve speakers represented Buddhism, 11 Judaism, 8 Hinduism, 2 Islam, 2 Parsi, 2 Shintoism, 2 Confucianism, 1Taoism and 1 Jainism. Christianity dominated. Though few were tolerant towards other religions, many leaders declared theirs as the best religion and that one can’t have entry in the kingdom of heaven unless one is a Christian. Faith in one God and the sacrifice of Jesus to wash the sins of man was highlighted often. To this extent it was fine but few speakers in an over-enthusiasm attacked the beliefs and traditions of other religions. However, there were many Christian speakers like Prof. Robert, Wolivunski, Henry Infield, George Hood Don Boardman who appreciated the oriental religions and also the depth to which they have reached. The organizers had even expressed a desire to hold the next parliament at Varanasi in India. Rev. Chepin admitted, “We want to learn, sitting at the feet of those gentlemen, full of wisdom, who come from the East”.
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Virchand Gandhi’s Patriotism in 1893’s Parliament of World Religions: Virchand Gandhi’s Opening day’s Welcome speech on 11th Sept and later his speech on on the history and the tenets of the Jaina was admired. But in between rounds of derogatory remarks on Indian culture and Hinduism were made by Rev. George F. Pentecost and others. This was too much for true patriot like Virchand Gandhi. On September 25, 1893 he was further about to speak on Jainism, but before his paper only he retaliated to every attack made on Indian culture and Hinduism. His patriotic speech echoed true spirit spirit and culture of India. Sharing excerpt from his patriotic speech delivered in parliament “Before proceeding with my address, I wish to make a few observations. This platform is not a place for mutual recriminations, and I am heartily sorry that from time to time a most unchristian spirit is allowed free scope here, but I know how to take these recriminations at their proper value. I am glad that no one has dared to attack the religion I represent. It is well that they should not. But every attack has been directed to the abuses existing in our society. And I repeat now what I repeat every day, that these abuses are not from religion, but in spite of religion, as in every other country. Some men in their ambition think that they are Pauls, and what they think they believe. These new Pauls go to vent their platitudes upon India. They go to India to convert the heathens in a mass, but when they find their dreams melting away, as dreams always do, they return to pass a whole life in abusing the Hindu. Abuses are not arguments against any religion, nor self adulation the proof of the truth of one's own. For such I have greatest pity. …If the present abuses in India have been produced by the Hindu religion, the same religion had the strength of producing a society which made the Greek historian say:’ No Hindu was ever known to tell an untruth, no Hindu woman ever known to be unchaste.’ And even in the present day where is there a more chaste woman or a milder man than in India?.
I am very, very sorry for those who criticize the great ones of India, and my only consolation is that all their information about them has come from third-hand, fourth-hand sources, percolating through layers of superstition and bigotry. To those who think that in the refusal of the Hindu to criticize the character of Jesus is a tacit acceptation of the superiority of the fanatical nil admirari cult they represent, l am tempted to quote the old fable of Aesop, and tell them:”Not to you l bend the knee, but to the image you are carrying on your back, and point out to them one page from the life of the great Emperor Akbar.
A certain ship full of Mohammedan pilgrims was going to Mecca. On its way a Portuguese vessel captured it. Amongst the booty were some copies of the Koran. The Portuguese hanged these copies of the Koran (Kuran) around the necks of dogs, and paraded these dogs through the streets of Ormuz. It happened that this very Portuguese ship was captured by the emperor's men, and in it were found copies of the Bible. The love of Akbar for his mother is well known, and his mother was a zealous Mohammedan, and it pained her very much to hear the treatment of the sacred book of the Mohammedans in the hands of the Christians, and she wanted Akbar to do the same with the Bible. But this great man replied:’ Mother, these ignorant men do not know the value of the Koran, and they treated it in a manner which is the outcome of ignorance. But I know the glory of the Koran and the Bible both, and I cannot degenerate myself in the way they did.,"
Such was impression of his patriotic speech, that same was printed in all major publications which covered 1893’s historic event. In such parliament all oriental scholars were great, but 3 Indians had majorly captivated western public at large i.e Swami Vivekananada (Hinduism), Virchand Raghavji Gandhi (Jainism) & H. Dharampala (Buddhism).
Extended Stay: VRG’s forceful speeches and his fearless yet courteous expressions created a deep brilliant image that the American people were magnetically attracted towards him and at American brothers & Sisters request VRG prolonged his stay for two years and was invited twice later in 1897 and 1899. Virchand Gandhi received equal attention as did Swami Vivekananda.
His 1899’s International Participation: His another international participation as an early Indian economist & all India sole delegate was in world’s 3rd important historic Conference, i.e. International Congress of Commerce by Philadelphia Commercial Museum on seventh day session on 19th October, 1899 where he lectured on ‘ Trade Relations Between United States of America & India’. What a versatile personality.
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Swami Vivekanand and Virchand Gandhi Bond: In those days, sea voyage was considered unholy and VRG had to face unjust criticism. At the same time, his strict vegetarianism in the American cold surprised Swami Vivekananda, who wrote from 541, Dearborn Avenue, Chicago, to the Shree Hari-dasji Desai, Diwan of Junagadh in 1894, “Now here is Virchand Gandhi, the Jain, whom you knew well in Bombay. This man never takes anything but mere vegetables even in this terribly cold climate and tooth and nail tries to defend his countrymen and the religion.”
Delivered 535 speeches in West: VRG delivered 535 lectures mainly in Chicago, Boston, New York, Washington of USA, England, France, Germany and other European countries and was nationally and internationally felicitated with many medals. His captivating speeches were on the fundamentals of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Indian culture. He also spoke on a plethora of subjects like Indian international trade system, Indian economic and industrial outlook, Real Estate, ancient history of Indian civilization, science of eating, yoga, concentration, hypnotism, astral vision and astral body, occultism and vegetarianism. Swamiji Vivekanand and he were early persons to introduce Yoga in west.
Coverage in Western Newspaper’s, Periodicals: VRG’s immense success was covered by series of leading newspapers, and periodicals of USA. It’s not possible to list all, but at a glance let’s have a look at few comments which do convey a lot about his personality as seen by our western brothers and sisters.
Buffalo Evening Times said, VRG “preaches the universal brotherhood of man. He is much farther advanced in esoteric philosophy than the Western theosophists, and gives far more lucid explanations of the orient teachings. The Hindu is decidedly the lion of the season.”
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Editor’s bureau mentioned “…He is a man of strong personality, filled with enthusiasm, sincere and earnest in purpose, a man of unflinching moral courage and the soul of honour. All this and more impresses you as you look into his calm, piercing eyes, and listen to his animated discussions on the customs and religions of India. But it is when dwelling upon the selfishness and injustice of mankind, and the miseries of the ignorant poor, that Mr. Gandhi grows most eloquent, and his soul shines through his eyes as he warms with his subject.
No one should fail to hear this eloquent native from India whenever opportunity occurs; one can gain more knowledge and truth in one evening than from any other source. He will be able to correct many prevalent and erroneous impressions concerning India and its people. He will answer all questions after his lecture, that any one from, the audience may choose to ask. There cannot be too much said in praise of this grand and noble man who daily lives up to the principles of purity which he advocates. Mr. Gandhi has already spoken in this country before clubs, museum, literary and church societies, theosophical branches and Spiritual associations, and has conducted large classes in Eastern Occultism. He has everywhere been accorded a warm reception and shown the highest appreciation.“
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The Jamestown All, Newyork stated “It was a “big day” and most of the people came to hear the learned Hindu, Virchand Gandhi. His subject on Sunday afternoon was his impression of our country and its various institutions. He complimented us, as a nation, on our hospitality, our common schools and universal education, thought our natural resources and industries marvelous, and made comparison between us and his own Jainist people. In his lecture on Saturday he gave “India's Message to America.” And the lecture took every one by storm. He is so full of kindness and brotherly love for the American people, and so clear in expressing his ideas to us that no one can help but feel, after listening to him, that the Jainist people did well in selecting Mr. Gandhi as their representative to this country.”
“He was the most important delegate from India to the parliament of religions,” Miss Lilian Whiting, a renowned writer of Boston, said of VRG
Correction of Some Mistakes: Misrepresentation of Indian Image in West by few interested missionaries pained him most, to which he had clarified in one of his speech in West. “When I first came to know in this country, from missionary sources, that in India women threw their babies into the Ganges and that people threw themselves under the car of Jagganath, I doubted whether in the blackest and most intolerant days of the Christian Church, any villainous priest ever invented more bare-faced falsehoods or malicious slanders like these.”
Scholastic Translation: By his scholastic skills he was the first to tell the Western people about the unknown life of Christ by translating Nicholas Notovitch’s manuscript from French to English.
As a reformer in the Western countries he established the Society for the Education of Women in India (SEWI) under whose banner several Indian women went to the USA for higher studies, In West he also established the ‘Gandhi Philosophical Society’, the ‘School of Oriental Philosophy’, and the ‘Jain Literature Society’ in London.
As a philanthropist he had then collected & sent Rs 40,000 and a shipload of grains from the USA to India during the worst famine of 1896-97. One can imagine value of that much money then.
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Virchand Gandhi as a Visionary: He talked about economic and political freedom five decades before India became independent. In one of his speeches to the American public he declared: “You know, my brothers and sisters that we are not an independent nation, we are subjects of Her Gracious Majesty, Queen Victoria, the ‘Defender of the Faith’. But if we were a nation in all that that word implies, with our own government and our own rulers, with our laws and institutions controlled by us free and independent, I affirm that we should seek to establish and forever maintain peaceful relations with all nations of the world.” Today this statement appears as a prophecy that Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) proved in attaining India’s freedom with peaceful means.
As Swami Vivekanandji had Sister Nivdita in West, Virchand Gandhi had Mrs. Howard whom he used to take as his sister. He attained Bar at Law at Britain.
Though VRG had visited for a noble cause, as in those days sea voyage was considered unholy, VRG had to face unjust criticism.
VRG had captivated in 1893’s event at age of 28 but he died only at age of 37.
Some of my important researches:
1. Mark Twain & Virchand Gandhi: Mark Twain & VRG were together in Mumbai on 25 January, 1896.
2. Another International Participation in 1893: Apart 1893’s Parliament of World religions, Virchand Gandhi had participated in 1893’s World Real Estate Congress, Chicago. In same also he was an interesting Delgate which was acknowledged in then Newyork Times.
3. One research regarding his code of conduct in West: Regarding Virchand Gandhi’s code of conduct Mocure Daniel Conway (1832-1907) a scholar, an American abolitionist, journalist had written a book called My Pilgrimage to the Wise Men of the East. And in same he acknowledged various wise men of East he met. And in same he mentions about Virchand Gandhi as one of the wise men of east he met. Mr. Moncure quoted about Virchand Raghavji Gandhi in his book “ He (VRG) shrank from even the smallest things that inclined towards self indulgence. He would not remain alone with a lady”
4. Mahatma Gandhi’s clarification letter to Chicago’s Miss Emila Mac Bean on June 13, 1931 when she had mistaken him as Virchand Raghavji Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi in his letter had said, “Madam, I have your letter for which I thank you. You are giving me credit of which I am wholly undeserving. You are thinking of another Mr. Gandhi my name-sake but in no way related to me. He and I were, however, friends and lived together for some time. You will be sorry to hear that he died many years ago, leaving an only son. It was he who visited America and made many friends. I have never had the privilege of visiting your continent.”
5. Discovered 100 newspapers specially Newyork Times dated Nov. 27, 1897 & 29th Nov., 1897 which had covered Virchand Gandhi. It had as a profound scholar, forcible & interesting speaker. VRG as “Wearing a turban of Yellow, signifying knowledge and a robe of purple, portraying purity and activity…”
6. Discovered a Letter that was published after his death in The Open Court by Mrs Howard.
7. On 21st March, 1895, under the auspices of the Harvard Religious Union Virchand Gandhi had lectured on religion of India.
8. Theosophical Society co-founder Henry Steel Olcott has mentioned in his authentic book ‘Old Diary Leaves 1893-1896 (The Parliament of Religions, Page 37) mentions “Besides those who represented our society and religions, especially Vivekananda, VR Gandhi, Dharmapala, captivated the public, who had only heard of Indian people through the malicious reports of interested missionaries, and were now astounded to see before them and hear men who represented the ideal of spirituality and human perfectibility as taught in their respective sacred writings.”
9. Interesting Fact: What’s interesting to note is that apart Parliament Extension two more important movements were floated after 1893’s, Parliament of world religions closed and in both committees name of Virchand Gandhi appeared as committee member along with Dr. Paul Carus and other team mates.
10. VRG’s Western Friends: Moncure D Conway, Mr. Benball, Max Muller, Weber, Clara Colby.
Three Indian heroes had captivated in 1893’s parliament of world religions i.e Swami Vivekananda (Hinduism), Virchand Raghavji Gandhi (Jainism) and H. Dharampala (Buddhism). Today contribution of Swami Vivekanand is recognized in India and H. Dharampala in Srilanka. It’s appreciable, we should recognize same. But now we need to recognize service & contribution of Virchand Gandhi for nation, community and mankind.
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Virchand Gandhi Family and other dignitaries with Virchand Gandhi Stamp Cut Size Poster
A.) Link of Virchand Raghavji Gandhi Documentary Film: 1. Direct Link for film by Pankaz Chandmal Hingarh: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUjkBcmiWsU
2. Direct Link for Film by Rangat Production’s, Dr. Bipinbhai Doshi and Pritiben Shah on Gandhi Before Gandhi: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNyt1oHTOsI. 4.30 min. (Gujarati). They have made same in Hindi also.
B.) For Virchand Raghavji Gandhi Popular Quotes please refer & rate / like your favorite one:
1. www.all-famous-quotes.com/Virchand_Gandhi_quotes.html
2. www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/229660.Virchand_Gandhi
3. www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/virchand-gandhi
Virchand Gandhi Revival History (1910 till 2014):
1. In 1910 Bhagubhai Karbhari revived few speeches of Virchand R Gandhi.
2. From 1901 till today Shree Atma Vallabh foundation related institutes have been vigorously working hard in creating awareness about Virchand R Gandhi.
3. In 1964, Shree Dhiraj Mohandas Gandhi donated all literature, medals, letters of Virchand Gandhi to Shree Mahavir Jain Vidyalay which is an atma vallabh foundation institute.
4. In 1964 P.P. Gurudevshree Chitrabhanuji, Vallabh Nidhi Samarak organized a function at a grand level to celebrate his 100th birth anniversary which was covered by Bombay Samachar then.
5. Mahuva’s Shree Pannalalji Shah published speeches of Virchand Gandhi in 1964 is senior most authority on VRG. Similarly from 1964 Mahendraji Mast from Punjab started giving lectures in Virchand Gandhi and has been doing research on V R Gandhi from 1964. Mahavir Jain Vidyalay published speeches of Virchand Gandhi.
6. In 1993 Padamshree Dr. Kumarpalji Desai, Nemu Chandaria (IOJ, UK), Tansukh Salgia (USA), Manu Chandaraia (UK) & others worked hard in installing virchand Gandhi’s bust at mahuva & Chicago. And kumarpalji desai there on also researched on VRG and kept on writing article on VRG in National Newspapers, delivering speeches on VRG. He also had re-published speeches of Virchand Gandhi. Due to Nemubhai Chandaria, Kumarpalji desai and IOJ a Chowk was named on VRG at Ahmedabad with due support from Gujarat Govt. Dr. Kumarpalji is involved in many future projects of Virchand Gandhi and last year he had lectured on Virchand Gandhi in Prime Minister House where he was part of delegates meet that was organized and hosted by Ahimsa Viswa Bharti.
7. Main person behind revival of Virchand Gandhi is Pravinbahi C. Shah who worked from 1993 to 2013. He was founder Chairman of JAINA, VRG chair and served as chairman of Jaina,Vrg continuously for 15 years. Under his chairman ship a number of projects were done where JAINA & WJC both jointly had pursued VRG Postal stamp. Under his chairmanship VRG Scholarship Fund of which 52 scholarships have been provided to students, more than 50% of which have been to non-Jains across 20 Universities and Institutions of higher education.
8. In 1993, Prof. Ratan Jain first time introduced Virchand Raghavji Gandhi through his speech in Doordarshan when nobody knew about him and after same he kept on working for revival of Virchand Raghavji Gandhi. He also had let a delegation to President for VRG revival.
9. Due to Mahesh Vadilal Gandhi (Major contributor), Pradip Jain (patna), Pratap Bhogilal, Prakash Mody, Govt. of India had issued Virchand Gandhi stamp.
10. Pankaz Chandmal Hingad is credited for max. modern researches on Virchand Raghavji Gandhi and is leading scholar on Virchand Gandhi who has been contributing in revival of VRG from time he had joined JAINA,VRG under chairmanship of Pravinbhai C Shah. His documentary on Virchand Gandhi was shown world wide. Pankaz Hingad researched that Virchand Gandhi was first real estate analyst as he was first to participated also in 1893’s World real Estate congress in Chicago. His some important re-discoveries include Mahatma Gandhi’s letter to Chicago’s Miss Emila Mac Bean, Mark Twain and VRG connection, Henry Steel Olcott’s reference, etc. Today all latest coloured VRG posters have been his contribution with support of Chandreshji Gandhi. His several research article has been published in National & International Media.
11. A coffee table book ‘Gandhi before Gandhi ‘ written by Dr. Bipin doshi and Smt Pritiben shah was inaugurated by Hon’Ble CM of Gujarat shree Narendraji Modi. And a super hit drama on such book by Rangat productions ‘ Gandhi Before Gandhi’ completed 350 + shows in Gujarati and Hindi. Pritiben Shah had written thesis on VRG and ‘Gandhi Before Gandhi’ is brain child of Dr. Bipinbhai Doshi.
12. Virchand R gandhi’s great grand son Chandresh Dhiraj Gandhi started delivering lectures on Virchand R Gandhi. Where his several articles were printed in newspapers. His upcoming book is ‘Gandhi ki Gaatha Gandhi Ki Jubani’. VRG’s rest descendants are also participating in revival of VRG. He is President of Virchand Raghavji Gandhi International Committee and under his leadership and presence of Acharya Shree Somchandrasuriji M.S. a grand celebration took place at Mahuva on 25th August, 2014. Where Hon’ble Mayor, other dignitaries and basic lay man gathered where Bust of Virchand Gandhi is Installed in Mahuva.
13. Hon’ble Narendra Modi referred about Virchand Gandhi in his recent speeches to NRI Americans in a video conferencing.
14. Under banner of Ahimsa Viswa Bharti, Hon’ble PM of India on 26th August, 2013 inaugurated a coffee table book on Virchand Gandhi by P. P. Acharya Lokesh Muni and Pankaz Chandmal Hingad. Such occasion was graced by Virchand R Gandhi;s great grand son Shree Chandreshji Dhiraj Gandhi saheb which boosted everybody energy. Due initiative of Ahimsa Viswa Bharti, almost 20 national & international delegates attended such seminar organized as part of 150th birth Anniversary pre celebration where North America’s Dilip V Shah and Pravin C Shah proposed Govt. for Virchand Gandhi chair in California in Claremont linclon university. Mahesh Gandhi presented a book of VRG speeches to Hon’ble PM. And Padamshree kumarpalji Desai and Acharya Shree Lokeshji Muni read biography of Virchand Gandhi. Same was followed by Speech of Hon’ble PM, Cultural minister and message from Smt. Sonia Gandhi.
15. Under guidance of P.P. Gachchadipati Vijay Nityanandsuriji M. S. Shree Atma Vallabh Sangh initiated 150th Birth Anniversary of Virchand Raghavji Gandhi at a celebration at Rohini Atma Vallabh Vihar in New Delhi under divine presence of P.P. Acharya Vijay Jayanandsuriji and Munishree Jaykiritivijayji by organizing an elocution competition on 25th August, 2013 in Delhi. After same series of celebration’s took in Jammu, Vadodra, Surat & finally his 150th Birth Anniversary grand celebration took place on 17th August, 2014 under auspicious presence of P.P. Gachchadipati Vijay Nityanandsuriji at Thane which was organized by Shree Thane Jain Sangh & Shree Atma Vallabh Group of Organisations.
16. Some notable persons who extended their important help in revival of VRG are Smt. Pramodaji Chitrabhanuji, Dhirajbhai Shah, Kiritji Daftary, Kamleshji Mehta, Pravinbhai K Shah, Shree Jitubhai Shah, Anand Rao Gunjan, Ketanbhai Mistry, Sulekhbhai Jain, Nitinbhai Shah, Smt. Lataben Champsee, Smt. Deepikaben Dalal, Shree Arvindbhai Vora, Shree Fakirchandbhai Dalal, Shree Nareshji Jain, Shree Sushilji Jain, Shree Ramji Gada, Shree Gunwantbhai Barvalia, Smt. Rakshaben Shah, Smt. Renukaben Porwal, Shree J. V. Mehta and others.
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Pankaz Chandmal Hingarh: Author is credited for maximum modern researches on Virchand Raghavji Gandhi. He has contributed many modern researches while he had served as India Committee Member of JAINA, VRG committee. He is hon. Associate Editor of Jaina’s Magazine, Jain Digest.
He is committee Member of Research Institute of Scientific Secrets From Indian Oriental Scriptures. His several articles on VRG has been published in International, National & local media. Especially his article in Chicago’s India Tribune and South Asian Times has been admired most. His noncommercial educational documentary has been shown worldwide. He has designed many colored VRG’s posters. Apart of giving credit to Dev, Dharam, Guru, His family members, Virchand Gandhi, he gives major credit to founder Chairman of JAINA, VRG, Shree Pravinbhai C Shah under who’s chairmanship he has done major revival work.
THIS IS VIRCHAND RAGHAVJI GANDHI'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR
Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi's 150th Anniversary Year will end this month on Aug. 25, 2014. Our Community expected some EXTRA ORDINARY EVENTS to happen in his 150th Anniversary Year. But nothing happened. VRG's Anniversary Year will started from this month on 26 Aug. 14. After VRG's premature death in 1901 at the young age of 37 and an early work done on him (VRG) around that time by Respected Shri Bhagubhai Karbhari and VRG's English Follower Herbert Warren (who wrote Jainism book later called "Herbert Warren's Jainism" simply by listening VRG's Lectures given under Royal Asiatic Society when VRG stayed there in London almost 6 months or so to attend INN to become Barrister In Law while returning from America in 1995). there was complete DARKNESS for nearly half a century for VRG Mission till 1964. But in 1964 Chitrabhanuji while in monk-hood removed those clouds covering DARKNESS and brought AWARENESS about VRG by celebrating VRG's Birth Centenary exactly on 25th Aug. 1964 (VRG was born on Aug. 25, 1864) at Shantinath Upashraya in Fort, Mumbai in presence of thousands of Sadharmiks and dignitaries like Lalchand Hirachand of Valchand Group and others.
As written by several Western and Indian Authors, VRG was pioneer to bring Jainism to the West. VRG though being Bar At Law did not use his position for any monetary gain but he sacrificed his short life for cause of Jainism and protect our Tirths free from any cruelty to animals and unjust taxing on YATREES. He had not received any due recognition after his death. He was Great Indian Legend, Great Jain Scholar, Patriot [who talked about FREEDOM of INDIA five (5) decades before INDIA'S INDEPENDENCE and Defended Indian culture/Hindu Religion when attacked at the Parliament], Humanitarian (who was Responsible to send ship-load of grains and Rs. 40,000 from America to India in worst famine in 1896-97), Reformer (who founded "Society for the Education of Women in India" in Chicago) and a National Figure (who attended the Indian National Congress held in Pune in 1885 as a representative of then undivided Bombay province, participated in World’s Real Estate Congress as per N Y Times 26th Oct.,1893 and as an all-India sole delegate in the historic international congress of Commerce by Philadelphia Commercial Museum on 19thOctober, 1899 where he lectured on Trade relations between U.S.A and India and talked about reforms of post-parcel system. He had defended Hindu Religion and Indian Culture when attacked at the Parliament and elsewhere in the West. His life time goal was to spread Bhagwan Mahavir’s message of non-violence and universal love which he could not because of his untimely death at an age of 37. Source: Dev, E-Mai:
JAIN CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2014
VIR SAMVAT 2540 JAIN CALENDAR VIKRAM SAMVAT 2070
| Aatham | Chaudas | Pancham | Bij | Agiyaras |
| Jain Festival |
| Auspicious Day |
| BHADARVO - SEPTEMBER 2014 - AASO |
AVOID ROOT VEGETABLES Date: 3 | 9 | 24 JAIN FESTIVAL AUSPICIOUS DAY Date: 03 - Suvidhinath Nirvan Kalyanak OTHER | ||||||
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |
8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | |
15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | |
22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | |
| 29 Sud Pancham | 30 Sud Chhath | BHADARVO: 1 TO 24 SEPTEMBER AASO: 25 TO 30 | |||||