Gandhi Before Gandhi

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

Page 157

GANDHI BEFORE GANDHIA
museum, literary and church societies, theosophical branches and spiritual associations, and has conducted large classes in Eastern Occultism. He has everywhere been accorded a warm reception and shown the highest appreciation.
Chicago Suburban Star, Nov. 30, 1893
The Universal church, Sixty-fifth street and Stewart avenue was comfortably filled on Sunday evening on the occasion of the third lecture in the Union Study Club course, which was given by Virchand R. Gandhi of Bombay, Honorary Secretary of the Jain Association of India. The lecture contained a geographical and historical review of India, a digest of the religious, philosophies and literatures of the Aryan races, and a very interesting description of the social customs of the Hindus. The speaker very emphatically denied the popular story about the car of Juggernaut, under whose wheels the religious devotee has been supposed to cast him and be immolated. He characterized the tale of Juggernaut and other recitals of Hindu self-torture as the falsifications of sensational missionaries.
The series of lectures on Oriental philosophy, given by Mr. Virchand R. Gandhi every Monday evening at the residence of Mr. Chas. Howard, 6558 Stewart Boulevard, are growing more and more interesting. The subject last Monday evening was the ethical side of the Yoga philosophy. The treatment given to it was eminently scholarly, such as could emanate only from the metaphysical mind of a Hindu. These lectures are listened to by an already cultivated class of people, who concede the fact that these Hindus are the custodians of knowledge pure and simple, and are ever ready and willing to give the key which will unlock the treasury box containing all the mysterious truths that mind can grasp.
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Chicago Daily Sun, April 3, 1894
Mr. Virchand R. Gandhi, B.A., of Bombay, lectured Monday evening at 6558 Steward Boulevard. The subject was Jainism, the religion with which Mr. Gandhi came to this country, to represent at the Parliament of Religions, and which has been listened to by larger and more enthusiastic audiences than any other Oriental Religion which has been presented during or since the parliament by the many scholarly representatives from the various countries.
St. Joseph Gazette, May, 8, 1894
The Parliament of Religions, which formed one of the most interesting features of the great World's Fair, opened the eyes of eminent Christianity and the religion and philosophy of heathendom leave debatable ground upon which the heathen may stand in defense of the their faith. Mr. Virchand R. Gandhi, of Bombay, who was one of the most prominent representatives at the World's Parliament of Religions, writes a paper in the April Forum entitled, "Why Christian Missions have failed in India."
Chicago Herald, August 4, 1894
Virchand R. Gandhi, who was a prominent member at the Parliament of Religions, has just published a correct translation of the "Unknown Life Of Jesus Christ", and being a native of India, and having traveled much in that country, has been able to add to his book a fine picture of the Himis Monastery where Notovitch discovered the manuscript. Also, he has added many other illustrations, and a most scholarly and exhaustive introduction, altogether giving to his work a dignity that no other translation possesses. Every one should possess a copy of this most scholarly translation.