Wardha: 27.01.2018
The Institute of Gandhian Studies (Gandhi Vichar Parishad) is an educational and public charitable institution that has been set-up as one of the commemorative projects of the Jamnalal Bajaj Centenary Year. It was established at Wardha on October 7, 1987. The object of the Institute is to promote, organize, sponsor, undertake the study of the life and thought of Mahatma Gandhi as well as the predecessors of Gandhi and contemporary thinkers and social revolutionaries.
On 27th Jan. 2018, the institute began a three day study course of inter-religious study. This year the topic was “Understanding Positive and Negative Forces in Human Life and Religious Pathways to Overcome the Negativities”. On 27th Jan. 2018, the introductory day, the sessions covered Hindu views and Jain views over the same. The other days covered views of Islam, Buddh and Christian religions.
Shri Aditya Kothari, a chartered accountant from Nagpur, also a Jain Upasak had been invited to speak on the topic covering Jain perspective. He spoke on the on the topic covering the contents such as Mithya Darshan, Samyak Darshan, Leshya, Vrat, Pratikraman, Nirjara, Dhyaan, Swadhaya, Upwas, Kshama, Barah Bhawana, Anekaantwaad etc. Though the terms were too technical but they were elaborated with relevant stories, examples and incidents including story of Chakravarti Sanatkumar and Rajashri Prasannchandra. Narrating the importance of Vrat in over-coming the negative forces examples of Gandhiji’s own life had been provided with, who was indirectly influenced by principles of Jainism and followed in his life in true sense. If Gandhiji had laid importance of Vrat to lead a life then Vinobha Bhave, whose Karma-Bhoomi is just few kilomteres away from the institute, followed the path of Vrat to conclude a life.Indeed,both of them were greatly inspired by Jain’s Vrat principle and followed it in true spirit during life time.The session was almost an inter-active session with intermittent questions in between.
The programme began at 10.00 in the morning with views of Dr. Srivatsa Goswami. Dr. Goswami ji elaborated on topic with Hindu perspective. The second session containing Jain perspective began post lunch.Shri Bharat Mahodaya, Director of the institute conducted the programme beautifully.The introductory message had been read by shri Siby K. Joseph, Dean of the institute.He beautifully described the background of Churu and Jain Vishwa Bharti Institute.Shri Bharat Mahodaya in his vote of thanks laid emphasis on Vrat and said Vrat does not bind you,rather it frees you. shri Praveen Satokar, Co-ordinator, Radha Didi and other dignitaries from various colleges/institutes across the country including students of the गाँधी विचार परिषद itself. It was a gathering of approximate 60 -65 people.
Aditya Kothari
Aditya Kothari