Jain Digest 1994 06 Special Issue

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

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HISTORICAL APPEAL OF 1978 PRESENTED TO GURUJI
The following is a reprint of the historical appeal to the Jain Samaj signed by all heads of the four sects of Jains in India in 1974. The reprint was presented to Guruji at the October puja program at Siddhachalam by Mr. Turakhia Bhailal. Guruji praised Mr. Bhailal for what he termed the revolutionary action "in those days" which consumed time and money for long tours in India.
Appeal to Jain Samaj (English translation of original Hindi version).
I was able to contact our Jain brethren and visit Jain centers during my recent tour of the United States and Canada, and could gather that Jainism has been propagated on a limited scale though wide scope exists for propaganda on a larger scale. It is important to depute a Jain "Dharmacharya" to these countries to refresh the knowledge of Jainism among the Jains and to induce others to understand the principles of our religion.
The 2500th Nirvan Anniversary of Lord Mahavir appears to be the most opportune time for undertaking this noble task. I propose that Pujya Muni Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaj, who is widely known in India and abroad and who is recognized as an authority all over, may be approached and inspired for this noble task. His tour abroad will open further avenues to introduce and propagate the principles of Jainism and Jain Darshan.
We, the Jains belonging to different sects, may not only wholeheartedly give our consent for Maharaji's foreign tour but also extend him full cooperation in fulfillment of this noble, constructive, religious project.
Jai Jinendra
Date: 30 November 1974 - Bhailal Turakhia We endorse the above appeal and give our recognition to the project mentioned therein:
SHRI SAHU SHANTIPRASADJI JAIN... PRESIDENT, AKHIL BHARATIYA DIGAMBAR MAHASABHA AND WORKING PRESIDENT, BHAGWAN MAHAVIR 2500TH NIRVAN MAHASAMITI; SHRI SHREYAS PRASADJI JAIN, PRESIDENT, MAHAVIR KALYAN KENDRA... VICE PRESIDENT, BHAGWAN MAHAVIR 2500TH RASHTRIYA SAMITI, BOMBAY; PADMASHRI ANANDRAJJI SURANA... GENERAL SECRETARY, SHRI SHVETAMBAR STHANAKWASI JAIN CONFERENCE (ALL-INDIA); SHRI
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SHADILAJI JAIN... PRESIDENT, BHARAT JAIN MAHAMANDAL, EXSHERIFF, BOMBAY; PADMASHRI KHELSHANKAR DURLABHJI PRESIDENT, VIRAYATAN RAJGIR, RAJASTHAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, SHRI MANNALAJI SURANA... PRESIDENT, TERAPANTHI SANGH, JAIPUR; SHRI SARDARMALJI CHORADIA... GENERAL SECRETARY, SRI VARDHAMAN STHANAKWASI JAIN SANGH JAIPUR; SHRI MULK RAJJI JAIN... PRESIDENT, MUNI PRAVAS SAMITI, S. DELHI; SHRI HEMCHANDJI JAIN (EX. MLA)...CHAIRMAN, DELHI LAGHU UDYOG MFG. ASSN; SHRI ONKARLAL BOHRA (EX. M.P.)...EDITOR, "VISHAL RAJASTHAN", CALCUTTA; SMT. OM PRABHA JAIN (EX FINANCE MINISTER, HARYANA)... GENERAL SECRETARY, VISHWA DHARMA SANGAM, WORKING PRESIDENT, BHAGWAN MAHAVIR NIRVAN CENTENARY, DELHI; SHRI BANARASI DAS OSWAL. RESIDENT, DELHI STANAKWASI JAIN MAHASANGH, DELHI; SHRI SUMATPRASAD JAIN ...FOUNDER MEMBER, SABZI MANDI JAIN SANGH, DELHI; SHRI C.B. GOYAL...SECRETARY, AKHIL BHARATIYA SHVETAMABR JAIN CONFERENCE, DELHI; SHRI SATISHKUMAR JAIN... GENERAL SECRETARY, AHIMSA INTERNATIONAL; SHRI KAKA KALELKAR...DIRECTOR, SANNDIHI RAJGHAT, DELHI; SHRI FAKIRCHANDJI MEHTA... WORKING PRESIDENT, BHARAT JAIN MAHAMANDAL, M.P. BRANCH, INDORE; SHRI DHAKAD SHANTILALJI... PRESIDENT JAIN YUVAK SANGH, INDORE; SHRI CHANDRA BHAN ROOP CHAND DAKALIAJI... PRESIDENT, MAHARASHTRA STHANAKVASI SANGH; SHRI S. C. BAFNA... VICE PRESIDENT, MAHARASHTRA STHANAKVASI SANGH; SHRI C. B. KATARIA... ...SECRETARY, MAHARASHTRA STANAKVASI SANGH.
Of the ideal community, Guruji has said, "In today's world man is experimenting with various social and political systems. One system grants equality (material) but takes away freedom. Another grants freedom but takes away equality. The Arihant system grants both freedom and equality in the material sense and the highest spiritual sense. The followers of the Arihantas work selflessly
without profit in mind. They consider themselves only as trustees of wealth, to protect and distribute it to aid others in a true sense of brotherhood. My dream is to see our ashram community develop into such a society on non-violence and non-attachment, always keeping in mind our duty to mankind."
June 1994 Jain Digest