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218 / JAIN STUDIES AND SCIENCE
A DIALOGUE BETWEEN JAIN ACHARYA MAHAPRAGYA AND THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA DR. A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM DATED 14TH FEBRUARY, 2003
On 14th February, 2003, His Excellency President Sh. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam had an audience with Rev. Acharya Mahapragya. The President had driven straight from the Mumbai airport. The President arrived at the Terapanth Bhavan at about 9 p.m. and headed straight into the chamber of Acharya Mahapragya. An epitome in the world of science, Shri Abdul Kalam, with a heart full of faith and devotion, touched the feet of a beacon of spirituality, Acharya Mahapragya. The humility of the First Citizen of the country touched the heart of everyone. The President sat down humbly in front of Acharya Mahapragya, seated on a wooden board, and the conversation began. The conversation centred on several problems facing the country. That important and stimulating conversation is being exactly reproduced below.
President: I am very happy to have had an audience with you today. How are you keeping? Acharyashri:I'm well.
President: Your life of toil and discipline is continuing!
Acharyashri: Yes, that indeed is necessary.
President: Acharyashri! I have read five books authored by you. They are ‘Mirror of the Self, 'Mind Beyond Mind', 'Economics of Mahavira', 'New Man, New Society' and 'I and Mine'. They all contain enough scientific analysis of the subjects dealt with. Acharyashri: Science is your subject. President: You have discussed sixteen values in these volumes and have emphasized the development of moral, individual, social and national values. Acharyashri: Yes, a citizen is expected to cultivate these values in his life. President: Acharyaji! When do you get time to write so prolifically? Acharyashri: (Smiling) I keep my mind empty and remain in a state of abstract thinking. I note down the ideas that sprout in this state of mind. I believe that if there is single-mindedness, the work, which usually takes eight hours, can be completed in just three hours.
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