Jain Digest 2014 11

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

Page 16

JAIN DIGEST
Ghandi before ghandi
From our original researches we learnt that 3 captivating heroes Later VRG had delivered 535 speeches in USA and Europe on had captivated in 1893's this event. An authentic book Old plethora subjects like Indian international trade system, Indian Diary Leaves by Henry S Olcott (Co-Founder of Theosophical economic and industrial outlook, real estate, ancient history Society) mentions"...Besides those who represented our society of Indian civilization, science of eating, yoga, concentration, and religions, especially Vivekananda, VR Gandhi, Dharmapala, hypnotism, astral vision and astral body, occultism, vegetarianism, captivated the public, who had only heard of Indian people world religions and won many medals.. His immense success was through the malicious reports of interested missionaries, and covered by the leading newspapers and periodicals of the USA: were now astounded to see before them and hear men who New York Times, St. Joseph Gazette, The Jamestown New York, represented the ideal of spirituality and human perfectibility Editors Bureau, Chicago Daily Sun, Chicago Herald, Chicago as taught in their respective sacred writings. Said one Chicago Suburban Star, Light of Truth, Cincinnati, Buffalo Times, The editor: 'We have been for years spending millions of dollars in Illustrated Buffalo Express, Morning Star, Buffalo Evening sending missionaries to convert these men, and have had very Times, Buffalo Express, Buffalo Courier, The Evangelist, little success, they have sent over a few men, and have converted Evening Post, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, The Rochester everybody."
Herald, Rev. R. A. White, Chicago, Addison Parker Pastor of
leading Baptist Church. VRG had originally translated a rare Apart making impressive presentation on Jainism, Virchand book 'Unknown life of Jesus Christ' from French to English raghavji Gandhi had vigorously displayed his patriotism by which was appreciated specially for its scholastic translation & defending Indian culture and Hinduism at parliament which had lucid explanation. He had attained Bar at Law at Britain. received huge applause. Many may not be knowing that in absence of Indian delegate Shree Manubhai Dwivedi , Virchand Raghavji Virchand Raghavji Gandhi was a national hero and will remain Gandhi had impressively read his one paper on Hinduism too. source of inspiration for young generation because of his versatile Hence VRG played role of patriot as well as of an able shravak at traits and achievements at young age. We request various smaller parliament. And because of same many western persons became & bigger Sanghs / Organizations to come ahead and celebrate fan of VRG and insisted him to prolong his stay in West, as they 150th Birth anniversary of this legendary personality who wanted to learn from him more about Jainism, Indian Culture & was an Indian patriot, a humanitarian, early Indian economist, various oriental subjects.
early Indian real estate expert, reformer who promoted female
education This year on eve of his 150th Birth Anniversary, Before Virchand Raghavji Gandhi's presentation at parliament we have plans to come out with Gujarati and Hindi version of many were unaware about existence of any religion called our most awaited book "Gandhi before Gandhi". VRG's great Jainism, some thought it was branch of Buddhism or Hinduism. grandson Shree Chandresh Gandhi has been delivering lectures In USA, he was first to introduce Jainism as independent & on his great grandfather Virchand Raghavji Gandhi. And due to ancient religion through his captivating presentation. And hence efforts of Sulekhji C Jain, Dilipji V Jain , Pravinji C Shah, Dr. today he is also addressed as father of American Jainism. Nitinji Shah , Munishree Lokeshji & few others a VRG chair has
been proposed at Claremont Lincoln University at California. In our other important research we had discovered that apart
Virchand Raghavji Gandhi (Time Line) Virchand Gandhi teaching Jain Philosophy to a Lady in America
(Note: Some years could be approximate indications for better understanding)
1863-64: Goddess Padmavati appeared in dream of Mahuva NagarSheth Shree Raghavji Tejpalji Gandhi and conveyed that his wife Manbai will give birth to narkesari son (Virchand) whose fame will spread worldwide and as an auspicious sign an ancient Lord Parswanathji idol will be discovered from his house. It happened accordingly.
August 25, 1864: Virchand Raghavji Gandhi was born.
1879: Gets married to Smt. Jiviben
1880: Passed Matriculation examination from Alfred High School, Bhavnagar. Stood first in Gohilwad district and obtained
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AUG- NOV 2014