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1911]
Jain Students' Social Gathering.
[155
brains, at the same time, that sum, I sincerely believe was not only not misspent but utilised for the most suggestive work of the progress of the Jains and that year by year as experience shall teach us, money will be spent very sparingly and that too, for real incentives to our advancement. The same lessons of economy have been followed, you will be glad to hear, this year.
Now I will summarily describe the events relating to the commencement of the work of this gathering. Mr. Desai on the eve of his leaving Bombay, about a month back, handed over to me his record and entrusted me with the work of holding, if possible, the 2nd Social Gathering which a meeting of the M: C. of the Students' Brotherhood had resolved to hold. I called another meeting of the M. C. for the purpose but there being no quorum it was postponed. The postponed meeting was again called and in it was resolved that the Students' Brotherhood is not in a position to hold the 2nd Jain Students S. G. this year. I then, as Superintendent called a meeting of the Students of the G. M. Jain Hostel and in it I asked and pressed them not to miss this year and let this · new and important institution die. My appeal was heard, the students were again inspired and they unanimously decided to hold it at anycost. They selected six representatives from amongst themselves and asked the students of the other Boardings to do the same. This was readily done and the preparations commenced in all healthy spirit. Last year, the Digamber Students took no part whatsoever in the 1st Gathering until the last day. But they, then, weighed and realised the splendid results and advantages accruing from such gatherings and joined us soon after it, sending their four members for the M. C. of the Brotherhood. They, even, consented to hold it this year, in these premises where we have the honour to ongregate to-day, even though much of the burden of work
