Jain Journal 1976 07

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 5

JULY, 1976
Before doing so, Muniji freed himself completely from the restrictive practices of the Jain sādhu, regarding clothes, etc. He told Gandhiji that he would like to work in the Vidyapith as a common man and would not have any aura of a Muni. Gandhiji supported him in making this decision and Muniji's friend, philosopher and guide, Pandit Sukhlalji also endorsed that what Muniji had decided was the only right course. Thereafter, Muniji remained a Muni, without the robes and rituals of a muni and continued to work in the Vidyapith for nearly 8 years. The publications which came out from the Vidyapith under the guidance of Muniji during this period brought him further fame. The depth of knowledge which was revealed in some of these works, struck even such renowned scholars as Prof. Hermann Jacobi of Germany. He invited Muniji to visit Germany, because he badly needed his help in connection with the study of an ancient work in Apabhramsa. Muniji went to Germany in 1928 and stayed there for about one and a half years during which he visited the Universities of Bonn, Hamburg, Berlin, Leipzig and had the rare opportunity of having an exchange of views with the Professors of Oriental Studies in those Universities. While there, he also established an Indian Centre called Hindusthan House for cultivating and strengthening the Indo-German friendship. This centre proved to be of great help to Indians
all shades and vocations while in Germany. Even Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had stayed there for a while during the Second World War, when he was carrying on the struggle for India's Independence. Muniji's stay in Germany not only gave him the opportunity to learn German and French languages, but also to have a deeper insight into the old Prakrit and Apabhramsa works. At the same time, he had been influenced by the new social thinking. In fact, he returned from Germany as a social revolutionary. His writings and speeches made a newer stir in the Jain community.
After his return from Germany, he was invited by late Bahadur Singh Singhi to Calcutta to seek his advice and guidance in respect of his scheme to found a Singhi Jain Jnanpith at Santi Niketan in the memory of his father. The proposed scheme was whole-heartedly supported by Muniji, and what was more he also acceded to the request made by Singhiji to be the Director of the said Jnanpith. However, since Gandhiji had meanwhile started the Salt Satyagraha Muniji could not remain away from it. He led a batch of 75 volunteers out to offer Satyagraha at Darsana in Gujarat, and while doing so he was arrested and imprisoned in Nasik Jail for a period of 6 months. Only after he was released from Jail, the scheme of the Singhi Jnanpith at Santi Niketan was taken up. Muniji went to Santi Niketan and put his heart and soul in the work of organising the Singhi Jain Series. A Jain Chatravas was also established there.