Jain Society Metro Chicago IL 1993 08 Profile

SR No.: 528372
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Center Chicago IL
Publisher: USA Jain Center Chicago IL
Publication Year: 1993
Total Pages: 32
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Souvenir Jain Center IL Chicago, & USA
File Size: 3 MB

Page 3

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS THE PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLD'S RELIGIONS
AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, USA AUGUST 28TH TO SEPTEMBER 5,1993
1. INTRODUCTION THE PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLD'S RELIGIONS
1. 100 years ago - 1893 The first Parliament of the World's religions was held at Chicago in 1893 as a part of World's Columbian Exposition. It was the first meeting of the representatives of the major religions in the history of the world. About four hundred persons spoke about their faiths to audiences of four thousand or more. The parliament marked the beginning of interfaith dialouge in the modern world. Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrainism trace their beginings in the west to their participation in the parliament. Hundred years ago the Parliament was more of a familiarisation and introduction of religions.
The Jain Representation
A Jain Acharya Shri Vijayanandsuri (popularly known as Atmaramji) was invited to attend the parliament to represent the Jains. The rules of the conduct of Sadhus prevented the Acharya from going to Chicago. He deputed Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi (VRG) to fulfil the mission. VRG was the first honorary secretary of Jain Association of India. He travelled by boat with Swami Vivekanandji and others. VRG gave several lectures on Jainism at various cities in USA after the conference.
2. 100 years after - 1993
The centennial Parliament is scheduled for nine days from Saturday 28th August to Sunday 5th September, 1993. It will bring together leaders and representatives of the World's faiths, experts on economic, social, scientific, environmental and political issues, and spiritual pilgrims from all over the globe. The centennial celebrations in 1993 will be a historic event.
* Encourage the spirit of harmony and to celebrate with openness and mutual respect, the rich diversity of religion.
* Renew the role of religions of the world in relation to personal spiritual growth and the challenges facing the global community.
* Develop and encourage interfaith groups and programmes which will carry the spirit of the Parliament into the twenty-first century.
*Total attendance over 9 days period will exceed 50.000. It will be a highly publicised event of the century of muti-faith get togethers.
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