Gandhi Before Gandhi

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

Page 185

GANDHI BEFORE GANDHI
Sheth Maganlal Vivekanand and Virchand Dalpatram - Great support Gandhi Two Heroes of Parliament of Religions to Mr. Virchand Gandhi
It was the memorable day of 11th September, 1893. The Columbus Hall of
Art Institute of Chicago was overflowing with about 7000 people and on He was born in Ahmedabad in the platform were seated the learned leaders of the leading religions of the
world who had come to participate in the parliament of religions. Two 1901 AD in Visa Oswal Samaj.
young men among them with their Indian costume and turban drew Though not much educated with special attention of the public - one was the world-famous Swami
Vivekananda who represented Hinduism and another - Shri Virchand his efficiency and hard work, he
Gandhi who represented Jainism. They made such an impact at the earned name and fame. He had Parliament of Religions with their impressive speeches and personality
that both of them had to continue to give speeches in America even after very close relations with Acharya
the Parliament of religions was over. Swami Vivekananda continued for Shri Aatmaramji Maharaj. When another three years and returned to India on 15th January, 1897 after Jain Sangh of Mumbai opposed to
giving numerous lectures in America and England. He again travelled
from 20th June 1899 to 9th December, 1900 to America and Europe for send Mr Virchand Gandhi to the
spreading the universal message of Vedanta. Shri Virchand Gandhi also Parliament of Religions, Sheth
remained in America for some more time after the Parliament of Religions
was over and again visited America in 1896 and 1899 and delivered Maganlal put all his efforts and
lectures. tried his best to convince the Sangh. Though he was not capable to afford
Both the Indian Heroes of Parliament of religions had much in common the expense of Mr Virchand Gandhi's tour, he fulfilled the wishes of Shri between them. They were contemporaries, great popular orators and both
passed away at an early age in the harness of work. Aatmaramji and sent Shri Virhand Gandhi to the Parliament. On return of
Both of them had compassionate heart. Taking the cue from his Guru-Shri Mr. Virchand Gandhi, when the Jain Samaj decided to outcast him Sheth
Ramakrishna -"To serve Jiva as to serve Shiva', Swami Vivekananda Maganlal showed his solidarity to Mr. Virchand Gandhi and invited 200 dedicated himself to the good of humanity. He gave a clarion call to his eminent Jains to have meal with Mr Virchand Gandhi
disciples to dedicate their lives for the service of 'Daridra Narayana' and 'Yogi Narayana' and started Ramkirshna Mission in 1897 with ideal of
184