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1910 ]
The First Jain Students' Social Gathering.
(219
pective view of the last decade, and the prospective view of the future at this juncture, I shall not miss this opportunity.
Some ten years back we had no organisation by means of which different people from different parts can meet at one place and come to some conclusions for the bettering of the community. Now we see in each sect its own conference and it is due to that that tolerance, brotherhood and unity have spread to some extent.
1. Social We have done much towards (a) eradicatiou of evil customs; and ib) creation of the recognition of one's own duties and
position in Society and thereby giving a firm and steady tone to Social or racial existences; but I am sorry to say that we have done very little towards removing ignorance and want of general know
ledge and backwardness of the people in education. 2. Religious ... We have done as far as we could for (a) repairs of temples at Abu, Ranakpur, Samalya, Oshia,
Falodi, Panch kalyanak &c but I should say that we have built new temples
where there are many and no new one is required. (b) opening of Bhandars at Jesal mere and Patan, though
more towards this is to be done. (c) spreading humanitarian principles by
(1) aiding existing panjrapoles. (2) requesting native potentates or kings to stop
slaughter at Dasara and such other holidays. (3) diffusing on a greater scale Jiva-daya/knowledge
with the cooperation of a Junagadhi champion
Mr. Labhsbanker Laxmidas. (d) awakening the 1st and 2nd order of our church.
