________________
diverse pubilc needs owe their origin and derive their inspiration from him. He was instrumental in disbursing huge sums for public welfare activities such as famine and drought relief, earthquake relief, education to the poor and relief to the needy and for setting up the D.K.V. Arts & Science College at Jamnagar and in contributing to such institutions liberally. He could not turn away any one from his door and would not be content till he did what he could for bringing relief to the needy and the suffering. Bharatiya Vidya Bhayan received a large sum of Rs. 10 lakhs for diverse activities that it carries on in the field of arts, culture and literature.
He had a passion for knowledge and self-realisation. He set up Jain Sahitya Vikas Mandal at Vile-Parle in the year 1948, to study Jainology critically to interpret ancient texts and scriptures and communicate the eternal message embodied in them, to all for rediscovering the meaning of life and to show how it can be used in facing practical problems of life. The institute, during its career of 38 years, has published 42 volumes based on critical study of all the available literature on the subjects chosen. He would not rest till he was convinced that the meaning of the scriptural texts was determined and the underlying philosophical background was expounded fully in conformity with Jain Tenets. He took scrupulous care to cite the original source and recognised authorities in support of the interpretations and explanations of the text. The research volumes published in Gujarati, Hindi and English dealt with Jain Philosophy, Yoga, Logic and meditation. The excellence and the outstanding quality of these works is widely acclaimed. They will really be a true monument to this great soul.
When he retired in 1964, probably he hoped for a quiet and peaceful life. Unfortunately failing health and advancing age claimed its toll. He had to face many a crisis with increasing frequency till the end which came
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
