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

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Page 143
________________ of income. His wife Shrimati Ajwaliben, his sons Praboth and Shirish and daughters Lalita and Lavanyavati were at his help in all circumstances and we must remember them at this stage. Appointment as Professor, Stability and Fame: The L.D. Arts College was established in around 1938 and Pandit Bechardas Doshi was appointed as professor of ArdhMagadhi in this college with the efforts of all respected, learned personality Dr. Anandshankar Dhruva. In 1940, Pandit Bechardas delivered lectures an "Evolution of Gujarati Language" in the Thakkar Vasanji Madhvji series of lectures arranged by the Mumbai University and this made him famous for his deep knowledge of languages. Pandit Bechardas served the Jain literature with devotion for more then sixty years of his life and several important books of Jainism published. He was an exceptional scholar in old Gujarati, pure and impure Prakrit and ArdhMagadhi Language. He held a respectable position among the world scholars in these subjects. Simultaneously, he was a great scholar in Sanskrit too. He was particularly loved for his courage to bring to light the several truths and facts hidden in Jain scriptures. He was a great revolutionary in this direction. Dr. Radhakrishnan, the President of India, honored him in 1964 for his deep learning in Sanskrit literature and devotion in religious scriptures. He was granted a Certificate of merit with a Shawl. Many institutions also honored him. He was the first scholar who was awarded seven gold medals, seven silver caskets and about 15 Certificates of Honor from several prestigious institutions. Last Years: Even after his retirement from the college, he had given his honorary services to the L.D. Prachya Vidya Mandir for many years. He guided many students for Ph.D. degree. He expired at the age of 93 on October 11, 1982 after a short illness. He is an immortal personality in the field of Jain culture and Jain literature and we badly need such dedicated persons today. His Services to Literature: Here is a list of some of his important works in literature: Published by Gujarat Vidyapith-Gujarat Puratattva Mandir and edited with the co-operation of Pandit Sukhlalji Sanghvi: • Sanmati Tark-five parts • Sanmati Tark-Original translation with commentaries • Celibacy from the Jain point of view. In Yashovijayaji Jain Granthmala: with Pandit Hargovinddas: Books in Sanskrit and Prakrit edited. • Ratnakarav Tarika • Shantinath Mahakavya-an epic Neminath Mahakavya-an epic • Vijaya Prashasti Pandav Charitra Sheel Doot • Nirbhaya Bhim Vyog • Laghu Shad Darshan Samuchehaya 143

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