Book Title: Comtemporary Jain Legends
Author(s): Atmanandji Maharaj
Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram

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Page 142
________________ Pandit Becharbhai was of revolt. He turned to scrutinize the statements of the scriptures and think deeply. Translation and Publication of Scriptures: Pandit Becharbhai now thought that if there was to be awakening of the Jain culture, the Jain books, which were originally in Sanskrit, should be translated so that a common man would read them. It was not possible to do this work in Benaras and hence he joined Jinagam Prakashan Sabha established by Sheth Poojabhai Hirachand of Ahmedabad in 1914 and came to Ahmedabad. The main aim of these institutions was to prepare and publish authentic translation of important Jain scriptures. But in those days, there was a strong protest against translation of Jain scriptures. The saints, mendicants and liberal intellectuals did not like to submit to such protest. Pandit Becharbhai expressed his views for translation of Jain scriptures in an open public meeting held to celebrate the birthday of Lord Mahavir. There arose even stronger protest against translation of Jain scriptures. At times it was felt that such protest may take the form of physical beating and serious quarreling. But Panditji carried on with his views and did the translation from Mumbai. During those days, on January 21, 1919 an open lecture was delivered on the subject: Loss caused by mutilation of Jain literature: in the meeting held under the Presidentship of Shri Motichand Girdharlal Kapadia. This open lecture was held under the invitation of the secretary of Vaktrutva Pracharak Mandal, which was working under the auspices of Mangrol Jain Sabha at Mumbai. With this programme there was further serious protest all around against the translation of Jain scriptures, but the true thinkers were not much moved. This lecture placed Pandit Bechardasji in the forefront of public debate. The Jain Sangh at Ahmedabad dismissed him from the Sangh. His boycott was declared. Pandit Bechardasji was, however, determined to tell the truth and did not mind to such actions. Panditji used to say that if public praise or public protest did not matter you couldn't tell the truth otherwise. Contacts with Mahatma Gandhi: During those days, Pandit Bechardasji came in contact with Mahatma Gandhi, who was pleased to know the views of Pandit Bechardasji. Gandhiji expressed his best wished for him and advised him to go ahead in his work without caring for public opinion. After this, his contacts with Mahatma Gandhi increased. Pandit Bechardasji joined Gujarat Purattva Mandir of Mahatma Gandhi in 1921-22 AD and here he accomplished the most difficult work of editing Sanmati Tark in co-operation with Pandit Sukhlalji Sanghvi. This work was been praised by many and it is considered to be an ideal one in several other similar works. Mahatma Gandhiji was fully satisfied and pleased with this work. Pandit Bechardasji had to suffer permanent weakness of his left eye for doing this work which was in very small letters. After this there was that historic event of Mahatma Gandhiji's Dandi March. Panditji could not keep him confide himself within four walls them. He also joined this movement. He worked as an editor of hand-written 'Navjivan' and consequently, was inprisoned for nine months at Visapur. Problem of Livelihood: Real difficulties for Pandit Bechardasji began when he was released from jail. He was not allowed to enter the areas under British rule and this continued till 1933-36 when Congress came in power of provinces. It was very difficult for him to maintain a family of 6-7 members. He had also to meet with the expenses of studies of his sons and daughters. Panditji suffered these troubles for 4 to 5 years. He was teaching Sthanakvasi Jain mendicants and students in Marwar, Rajasthan and other places and tried to maintain his family with many troubles. He took pains in expanding Jain literature even in those hard days. He never thought severing his relations with Jain literature and turn to other sources 142

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