Book Title: Gandhi Before Gandhi
Author(s): Bipin Doshi, Priti Shah
Publisher: Jain Academy Educational Research Center Promotion Trust Mumbai
View full book text
________________
GANDHI BEFORE GANDHI4
Invitation from Parliament of World Religions to Muni Atmaramjee who deputed Virchand Gandhi
In the year 1893 His Holiness Munee Shri Atmaramjee, the well-known Jain priest and Scholar, received an invitation to represent the Jain sect at the First Parliament of world religions at Chicago.
Due to religious codes it was not possible for Munee Shri Atmaramjee to go to Chicago and responding to repeated requests from Chicago, he referred the matter to the Jain community, which, without a second thought elected Mr. Virchand Gandhi to represent Jain community. There is no exaggeration to say that he not only represented Jain community but also uphold the glory of Indian religions and culture. He firmly and with point blank affirmations and determination, defended the onslaught of some mischievous Christian priests on Indian culture and civilization.
He was first to introduce Jainism to the West.
