Gandhi Before Gandhi

Author(s): Bipin Doshi, Priti Shah
Publisher: Jain Academy Educational Research Center Promotion Trust Mumbai

Page 13

GANDHI BEFORE GANDHI
The interesting aspect of the exhibition was that it did not limit the exhibition to only trade and engineering but covered various other subjects like the art, music, education, literature, medicine, philosophy and religion.
Idea of gathering religious heads from world over
Interestingly, along with increase in travel and communication, there was a strong desire amongst the common man to know more about culture, tradition and other religions. During this time, due to scientific inventions it was necessary for all religions to relook at certain religious theories or beliefs. Most of the religions in the world were undergoing unbelievable changes. Christianity on one side and Islam on the other side were busy in mass conversion all over the world. It also resulted in wars in the name of religious fundamentalism.
Columbian Exposition-3rd World Fair
In December 1890, President of USA, Benjamine Harrison gave green signal to hold Columbian Exposition in Chicago. In May of 1893, Chicagoans awaited the opening of the World's Columbian Exposition commemorating the discovery of America by Columbus 400 years earlier. Initiated by an act of Congress and costing nearly $10 million to construct, the fair was intended as a spectacular international tribute to the energies of scientific and technological growth. Electricity had come of age, the Ferris wheel had made its debut, and on over two hundred and fifty acres of land, buildings were constructed to house the fruits of American industry, progress and development
However, all these added or strengthened one more dimension to religions, that of reforms and interfaith dialogue, for peaceful existence within the religion and with other religions. In each religion there are liberals and fundamentalists. Change of society in terms of equality, justice and coexistence favored liberals and thus began the new era of harmonious relationship with all. Slavery, oppression of women, racial discrimination, religious fundamentalism etc were now discarded as socio-religious evils. The days were gone when Christians could declare "The whole world of Christ".
The exhibition continued for almost six months and the visitors were about 28 millions. It usually required three weeks to see the total exhibition and walk about 150 miles.
On one side philosophers were trying to find out the Unknowns like creation of world or creation of life force, on the other side the new generation was busy asking the logical explanations of all religious dogmas and rituals. The focus was changing from "Faith unto God" to humanity, socio-economicequilibrium and universal welfare and love.