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Message from the President I am delighted with the efforts of Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya (SMJV) in bringing out this beautiful compilation on research, criticism and philosophy. I congratulate our team for their meticulous efforts in publishing this book in our centenary year.
SMJV has always been at the forefront of proliferating knowledge through educational institutes and support activities. The present publication is another set in this direction. This book comprises a collectable collection of pieces of literature. I am sure that these articles will play a catalytic role in provoking thoughts and imagination amongst readers.
For ages, literature has been a reflection of our society and an imagination of reality the way we want it to be. We have many cases where people have been inspired by good articles and essays to change their way of life. Pen is mightier than the sword, in a literal sense when an article is well compiled and presented. In the present case, I am happy to see that no stone has been left unturned to ensure the best in content and presentation.
Dr. Kumarpal Desai is a renowned authority on Jaina Studies. It was his idea and effort that has brought this book out in his present form. He has been instrumental in supporting this project and we are truly delighted to see the fruit of his efforts. We also wish to express our deep gratitude to all authors who have contributed to this beautiful bouquet of thoughts, covering a whole range of subjects from literature to thought leadership and beyond. It is very enlightening to read these thought provoking pieces of literature. While the stories are inspiring, there is a huge wealth of knowledge to gain from the lives of great people.
I am very grateful to the editor, proof readers and the publishers for their untiring efforts. The proof of the pudding lies in eating ! I am sure that everyone will enjoy reading this book and enrigh themselves. I also look forward to many more such compilations to be published in the years to come so that SMJV can continue to pursue its objective of knowledge sharing.
- Kirtilal K. Doshi
[IM