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women came to U.S.A. for studies. Herbert Warren, a religious enthusiast, abandoned non-vegetarianism and adopted the Jain religion. Herbert took VRG's lecture notes and wrote a book on the Jainism. V. Glasenapp, a well known German scholar, wrote his doctoral dissertation on the Jaina Doctrine of Karma; and acknowledged VRG's lectures as his sole influence. Wherever he went, all churches and societies, spiritual and literary institutions, not only accorded him warm welcome but also honored him.
In 1895, VRG attended the Indian National Congress in Pune as a representative of undivided Bombay province. He represented Jains at the Dharma Mahotsav held at Ajmer, where he was awarded a gold medal. He was an All-Asia sole delegate at the 1899 International Commerce Conference, where he advocated developmental reforms of post-parcel system. VRG was a true patriot. He had talked about economic and political freedom well before five decades of India became independent and more than a century ago. Many are unaware but it is interesting to find that VRG had contact with Gandhiji, both having a common interest in law and food subjects. Mahatma was experimenting with food and VRG joined him. Had Gandhiji not mentioned about it in his autobiography My Experiments with Truth; we would not have come to know of it.
VRG was a social reformer. When his father died in 1890, he did not allow women, the primitive practices of wailing and breast-beating during mourning. He mastered Yoga also. He successfully advanced the noble causes of animal welfare, vegetarianism and unjust head pool tax levy. This compassionate laity individual sent forty thousand Rupees and shipload of grains to India from USA during the 1897 famine. He had received many medals, awards and recognitions during his short life.
Many are unaware but it is interesting
to find that VRG had contact with Gandhiji, both having a common interest in law and food subjects.
Mahatma was experimenting with food and VRG joined him. Had Gandhiji not mentioned
about it in his autobiography My Experiments with Truth; we would not have come
to lenow of it.
VRG wrote many articles and books in Gujarati as well as English. He contributed essays on topics of cultural reforms like education for women and custom of repenting Radva Kutvani Hanikarak Chal, (1986, 37-pp Gujarati). JAI published Savirya Dhyan (1989, 134-pp Gujarati) translated by VRG, originally written by Acharyashri Shubhchandradev with a commentary by Anandan Lalan. VRG's important contributions include Yoga Philosophy, Karma Philosophy, Religion & Philosophy of the Jains and The Systems of Indian Philosophy. VRG translated besides many publications, including The Unknown Life of Jesus Christ in English from French in 1894 from an ancient manuscript found in Tibet. VRG's selected speeches titled "Jainism in Western Garb as a solution to the Life's Great Problems" and other compilations were also published. In 1912, from his speeches and writings, three important books on Jaina Philosophy (360 pp.), Karma Philosophy (192 pp.) and Yoga Philosophy (280 pp.) in English were compiled. The Systems of Indian Philosophy (2nd Edition, 1970, 148-pp English), Selected Speeches (1964, English) and Religion & Philosophy of the Jainas (1993, 232-pp English), was published.
While he was in England, his health suddenly took a turn for the worse.
14th Biennial JAINA Convention 2007
46
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