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recognize the need for modern education
So he came to Bhavnagar with his family to enable Virchandbhai to attend the middle school. Virchandbhai became absorbed in studies and soon finished middle school. Not only that - in 1880, at the age of 16, he stood first in the state in the Matriculation examination and obtained the scholarship named after Shri Jashvantsinhji. He had also cultivated an interest in extra-curricular activities and in reading life-building literature. This stood him in good stead in the development of his character in later life. THE FIRST JAIN GRADUATE
Shri Virchandbhai had a good command over the English Language. Looking at his interest in his studies, his concentration and his intelligence, his father left no stone unturned to equip him with higher education. There was no college at Bhavnagar. So, Raghavjibhai and his family settled in Bombay. Virchandbhai joined the Elphinstone College and began his higher studies under the personal supervision of his father. Virchandbhai, an active young man, shaped his life that made his cultured father proud of him. In 1884, at the young age of 20, he obtained his B.A. degree with honours and had the distinction of becoming the first graduate of the Jain community. THE BEGINNING OF PUBLIC - ACTIVITIES
In those days there had been a difference of opinion between the Jain community and the Thakoresaheb of Palitana regarding the management of the temples at Shatrunjaya. The Jain community had lost its control over the temples. The Thakoresaheb, like most other Indian princes, had nearly lost his state to the British bosses. A need, therefore, arose to come together for that purpose.
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