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AN EDITORIAL IN PRAGATI JINAVIJAY - a popular Marathi Jain Fortnightly
AN INVITATION TO RESPOND
In the past few days, Mr. S.A. Kumar, a Canadian resident and a fellow Jain, paid a visit to us. His visit to India was not merely to see his Kith and Kins but to encounter and exchange ideas and views with Jain Social and religious organizations, dignatories and journalists and to carry back the best of the system. To us it made us aware how Jain organizations in North America and Europe are engaged in publicizing and practicing Jain religion.
There are Jain news letters, bulletins and periodicals in North America. And one such periodical from Canada is Jain Digest, a quarterly Jain News Magazine published by the Jain Federation of North America. It's editor is Mr. S.A. Kumar. When you go through this Jain Digest, it is a surprise to know that the Jain communities in North America are ceaselessly striving to build Centers and Temples. Many Western people encountered with Jainism have become its ardent followers. Many activities like Siddha Chakra Pooja have been performed and Jain Schools are operated for youngsters. During Mahavira Jayanti, several charities are undertaken. Ancient Jain Manuscripts have been exhibited in larger cities. Such accounts of these news make us proud and bring us joy. It is also inspiring to note that various lectures are organized about Jain religion, its history and philosophy.
We are giving an account of all these in brief to show what Jain communities are doing in far off lands.
Mr. Kumar, during his visit, communicated to us about the forthcoming 4th Biannual Convention of the Jain Federation of North America on May 23-25, 1987 in Chicago, USA. Many Jain scholars, dignatories and leaders have been invited to attend this convention. By attending the convention, we think, we will get acquainted with many Jain Centers of North America and mutual benefits reaped through contacts and contributions. Hence we should seize this opportunity to establish comaraderie, understanding and co-operation. Otherwise, we will not come closer. "The effort should come from Jains in India", Mr. Kumar expressed it as his view. Indeed we agree with him. We call upon individuals to attend the convention, if possible. No special invitation is required.
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Always, a sizeable Jain Community gathers to celebrate Jain festivities in North America. And it is interesting to note that all Jains band together unified, without any differences.
Pragati Jinavijay, our fortnightly newspaper does not go to North America. Our young Jain professionals - doctors, engineers and others - have gone to North America for education or to settle down there. Back here we make a request to the relatives of these youngsters to submit their addresses so that we could help them to enrich or maintain their language, religion and community through the medium of Pragati Jinavijay. We don't think Pragati Jinavijay will enrich their affluence, happiness or acquisitions. However, religious, social and linguistic awareness amongst them will lessen the strain of the society they live in. Therefore, if they like to read Pragati Jinavijaya, we will definitely dispatch it free. Response is the essence and you show it now.
- Dr. T. P. Upadhye, Editor
Rendered into English by Vasu Parisa Morchi, Mississauga, Ontario
Jain Education International 2010_02
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