________________
The Jains through Time
186
hundred thousand eye operations had devotion. Without any desire for fame or already been successfully performed under glory, she simply followed what Pujya the eye treatment program of Veerayatan. Gurudev had envisioned. Such an Along with the eye hospital, treatment for enormous task carried out on difficult polio was also started up.
terrain in adverse circumstances by a single
Jain sadhvi is indeed a remarkable The humanitarian efforts of Veerayatan have achievement. brought it goodwill from many quarters. The people of Bihar are especially grateful In Honour of Women for the services they receive from On January 26th, 1987 Pujya Gurudev, Shri Veerayatan. "Veerayatan," they say, "is not Amar Muniji Maharaj conferred on just a religious centre, it is sacred to the Sadhvishri Chandanaji the exalted rank of cause of humanitarianism as well. It Acharya, an honour previously only celebrates a life where compassion and non- accorded to men. By raising a sadhvi to this violence are not just words but concrete rank, he redefined the traditions of the Jain actions." Those who come weighed down religion. Veerayatan's former president, Shri with sorrow and pain return home joyfully Baba - Navalmalji Firodia - and other unburderred, carrying only bliss in their respected scholars paved the way for this hearts.
historic occasion by gracing the ceremony
with their presence. Shri Baba was such a Veerayatan has become synonymous with phenomenal man that Pujya Gurudev said service. On one hand it inspires people to about him: jānanti tattvam prabhavanti kartum. do noble deeds through the medium of art, “Here is a man who not only knows and whilst on the other, different voluntary understands, but also has strength to carry services improve people's welfare. Sadhvi out good works. Shri Chandanaji has been performing the great task of Veerayatan with total faith and By elevating Sadhvishri to the position of
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org