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Dr. Hiranand Shastri
The revered Jain preceptor whose centenary was celebrated during. these days was born in the Punjab. A considerable part of his life was spent in Gujarat where he did splendid work towards the uplift of the Jains in starting various institutions and reforming bodies. The Jains of Gujarat thought that they were bound in duty to celebrate the centenary, and Baroda, the capital of the Gaekwar's territories, was considered to be the most appropriate place. Very learned lectures were delivered on this occasion. The functions were celebrated at the Laxmi Pratap Theatre, Baroda, and the pandal was decorated with festoons and photographs of the Jain Teachers, including those of the illustrious preceptors Shri Vallabhvijayaji, Shri Kantivijayaji, Shri Hansavijayaji and others. The ceremonies commenced with songs sung by the batch from the Jain Gurukula-Punjab. The celebrations were to take place in the punjab, but later on, out of the special regard for the revered Pravartak Muni Shri Kantivijayaji, it was decided that they should take place at Patan. Finally, however, it was decided to celebrate the centenary in Baroda itself. The whole arrangement was made within 15 days. In consideration of the shortness of time and the success achieved, one cannot help praising the enthusiasm displayed in the management. In such gatherings some loop-holes are inevitable, but one cannot take them seriously. Several physical feats were also demonstrated, e. g., lifting by means of the teeth a weight of three and half maunds, allowing a bullock-cart to pass over the chest with a load of 25 maunds in it, and so on. Exhibits of ancient Jain Art were also shown in the Gnana-Mandir. The lectures dwelt on the good works done by the illustrious Jain teacher. People were astonished to see two Mahomedans, Kurrim Bux and his son, standing up declare that they were Jains, heart and soul, the father saying candidly that he did
HIRANAND SHASTRI
Shatabdi Granth ]
•: 189 :.
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