Jaina Gazette 1927

Author(s): J L Jaini, Ajitprasad
Publisher: Jaina Gazettee Office

Page 45

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THE JAINA GAZETTE But in spite of their being most ancient, important, wealthy and law abiding people in India, we regret to state that the Jains being in a minority, though an important minority, no Jain festival is declared by the Government as a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Comparisons are not as a rule desirable but the fact cannot be denied that as compared with the Sikhs, the proportion of the Jains in the Delhi Province is about double (i.e. 2764 Sikhs and 4698 Jains). While in the Bank Establishments, according to the latest Census figures, out of the total employees 5474, the number of Jains is 377 (i.e. 7 per cent or 49 in 700), while the number of the Sikhs is only 8. (i.e. roughly 1 in 700). Taking to the Instruction side again we find the number of Jains as 3498 as against 238 Sikbs. Jains are to be found in almost every depurtment including the Public Works Department, Courts and different offices. They are also to be seen in the Bar and on the Bench.
We do not intend in the least to minimise the importance of the Sikhs, but we do wish to assert that the Jains are quite as important a minority and greater in population in this Province and so in the name of justice and fair-play they can claim from the Government that they should be granted at least as many public holidays as are now enjoyed by their sister community, the Sikhs, whose numbers as shown above are less in every respect.
We therefore beg to request your Honour to declare the following days as public holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act for the whole Province.
I, The 13th of the 2nd half of Chaitra (corresponding to April), the Birth day of Shree Lord Mahavira, the last of our 24 Tirthankaras. The history and literature of the country bear ample testimony to His Greatness and His Personality has left a mark unsurpassed by any. All the lains, without distinction of sect, daily raise up their hands in His worship. He is to us as Guru Nanak is to Sikhs. Mohamad to Mohammedans and Christ to Christians. It is the Birth-day of this Great Man that we have to keep sacred each year as it comes.
2. Anant Choudash the 14th day of the 2nd half of Bhadan (corresponding to September), another most important day to the Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat