Gandhi Before Gandhi

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

Page 170

GANDHI BEFORE GANDHI
Welcome back to India
His Writings:
VRG wrote many books and articles in Gujarati and English
On his arrival from USA in 1895 he was received by Jain community with great praise though some orthodox Jains insisted to do "repentance" for the sin committed by him to cross the sea in the name of religion. Mangrol Jain Sangit Mandal organized grand welcome function. He started "Hemchandra classes and taught subjects like doctrine of Karma, Reincarnation, Matter & Spirit, Ultimate Principle etc.
He wrote various articles on religions of India, Yoga, cultural reforms like education for women, irrational customs etc.( the list is exhaustive). VRG translated few publications, including "Unknown Life of Jesus Christ" in English from French in 1894 from the book originally written by Nicolas Notovitch from an ancient manuscript found in Tibet. Various authors have edited his writings and speeches in book forms, eminent amongst those are Bhaghubhai Karbhari, Herbert Warren, K. K. Dixit and Dr. Kumarpal Desai.
Attended Indian National congress in Pune as representative of Bombay province
Attended "Dharma Mahotsava" held at Ajmera in 1895 as representative of Jains
Charming Personality
A polyglot
Tall & well built figure with lustrous face. His royal purple robe & gold coloured turban with
white sash added to his personality.
Pure like priest, serene and sober, patience &
peaceful a personality found very rarely.
Knew 14 languages & was a great scholar of Vedant and Buddhism. He also had good knowledge of various religions of world, Yoga & occultism. He had in-depth comparative study and understanding of various philosophies. This is what made his speech deep & abiding. His voracious reading habit of the best literature of world with concentration and analysis made him most eloquent orator and skilled writer. He was one who could put "Jainism" in simple English language.
A true humanitarian
Sent Rs 40000 & ship load of grains from USA during worst famine of India in 1896-97.
169