________________
1906.
TAE JAINA GAZETTE.
11
Correspondence. THE CENTRAL JAIN COLLEGE CONTROVERSY. DEAR MR. EDITOR,
You know that as the work and management of the Jaina Mahavidyala at Muttra was not considered to be satisfactory it was decided last December to transfer the same to Saharanpur, and accordingly it was transferred in January last. Now you must naturally be anxious to know what steps towards its advancement are being taken by the local Jaina community and how they are dealing with it. But before I proceed to acquaint you with regard to these points I may point out that I fear that the proceedings by which the matter of transfer was decided, were unconstitutional.
There is no doubt that the desirability of the transfer of the Mabavidyala from Muttra was felt by the Mahasabha. The question, not as to whether it should be transferred to Saharanpur, but as to whether it should be transferred at all was also one eveving taken up by the Subjects Committee but no definite conclusion could be arrived at and the whole thing stopped there. Next day, when sitting of the Mahasabha was being held, stirring appeals for the college were made but unfortunately were met with meagre response. Suddenly Babu Khub.Chand (known as Meerutwala) stepped forward and declared that he would give Rs. 10,000 if the Jain College be opened at Saharanpur.
This was the turning point ; it changed the whole situation. Another gentleman proposed to give Rs. 1,000 and piece of land on the same condition. L. Jugmander Das Banker promised Rs. 50 per month for 5 years if a beginning be made by opening a High school at first. These various announcements aroused the whole assembly and the previous disappointment and dullness at once turned into hope and cheerfulness. Donations in cash and promises were offered from all around.
Mr. Editor I am conveying you no news, but am simply recalling you to what happened, for you yourself were a witness to the scene. Thus you see no resolution for transferring the Mahavidyala to Saharanpur was moved properly, yet almost every person left the hall under the false impression (of which the Mahasabha workers, who knew better, did not disillusion them) that the proposed Jaina College would be located at Saharanpur and that the Hige school would be a beginning of this end, This impression was conrfirmed when it was declared that the Mahavidyala would soon be removed from "Muttra to Saharanpur and all the more só when it was actually brought here in January last.
