Jain Spirit 2003 03 No 14

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 26

A SOCIAL REVOLUTION
there is a surplus it should be given away to the members in form of gifts at the end of the year. Therefore we advise them to donate regularly to various charitable institutes that deal with the welfare of animals, hospitals or educational institutes," explained Sanghavi. "The federation comes out with a newsletter, the Mangalyatra, where the activities of all groups are mentioned. In addition, news, articles, opinions and announcements of all chapters are given free to each and every member of the JSG.
Lately, there have been disputes and dissent among the older members as to the path the JSG is taking. In one instance they had to approach Acharya Chandrasekhar Vijayaji to stop a local JSG in Mumbai to go ahead with their plans for a 'Jain Prince' and 'Jain Princess' competition for youth. It was felt
the community together and make them feel connected - no Society can function without socialising."
C.N. Sanghavi is a man who builds associations. Born in 1926, he has the spirit of an enthusiastic teenager. Besides the JSG federation, he has been the founder president of the Indian Vegetarian Congress, Mumbai; the Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay Alumni Association and Federation, and the Jethpur Praja Mandal. He is also an exchairman of two other councils, ex-president of four more associations and vice-president of the All India Jain Shvetambara Conference. And that's not all! He is the trustee of at least twelve public charitable trusts and member of the governing bodies of another thirteen various boards. Whew! He ought to get a lifetime achievement
C.N. Sanghavi handing over property deeds to H.H. Pramukhswami that celebrating festivals that were inconsequential to the original aim of the social gathering would be contradictory. Also, holding programmes related to Valentine, Christmas, moonlight cruises, rain dance, etc. were looked down upon. Such activities were leading to the degradation of the Jain faith and the moral standards as well. The Acharya even demanded to get the word 'Jain' removed from JSG if they did not follow the basic code of conduct. Many have objected to the politicising of JSG as they felt that the committees were less interested in the social aspect but more in popularising themselves. Some of the rigid and illogical rules are really uncalled for. For example, on one hand they want to encourage the youngsters to join cosmopolitan associations, on the other hand they strictly refuse to permit guests, at times even the children, of the members to attend a function. In fact, the expansion has created more problems than being any real help. Another controversial fact that has come to light is allowing non-Jains to become members of the JSG. One such group is the Mumbai-South, where they have accepted Vaishnavs and Hindus in their fold. This and many other reasons have caused that JSG has lost its influential, honest Jain members who feel that the JSG has become more of an open 'mela' rather than a genuine group that should stick together under the umbrella of the federation.
"Nevertheless, it is still true to say that the Jain Social Group is one of the largest and most active non-sectarian Jain organisations in India, and it is also the largest global one of the Jains all over the world. This is a significant achievement. It is also important to remember that social events crucially bring
Waiting for the event to start award for just having so much of patience dealing with various activities and people. He fondly quotes Samuel Johnson: "A day on which at least one new acquaintance is not made, is a day wasted."
He has been conferred upon with many awards and felicitation. To name a few: Jain Ratna Award from the hands of A.B. Vajpayee in 2001; Presidential Award of JAINA, the Jain Samaj Ratna. He has also presided and coordinated many international conventions and conferences. Despite his paralytic attack rendering part of his body immobile, he has never stopped his enterprising activities. In 1999 he had a dream of a global federation of all Jain organisations. This idea paved the way for the formation of the World Jain Confederation. Due to his illness Dr. L.M. Singhvi was appointed as the president of the newly formed WJC. A versatile man, C.N. Sanghavi gets his satisfaction from the motto 'to love and to be loved'. He
loves to quote this verse: "Short is the life span, And far lies the gate, Hasten your steps, Before it is too late."
Dhara Kothari is a freelance writer based in Mumbai.
March - May 2003 . Jain Spirit
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