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155 show a deplorable and callous indifference towards the interests of the community. There are several others who spend their time, energy and money in what is known as national work at the cost of service to community. We have often harped upon this theme that, “Charity begins at home" and that the nation's prasperity and happiness is nothing else but the sum-toial of the prosperity and happiriess of all the communities who constitute the nation. Edmund Burke, that eminent politician and orator of the 13th cen'ury England says, “To be attached to the sub-division: to love the little platoon we belong to in society, is the first principle (the germ as it were) of public affections. It is the first link in the series by which we proceed towards a love to our country and to mankind. The interests of that 'portion of social arrangement is a trust in the hands of all those who compɔse it." Therefore His Highness observes with great wisdom and veracity :
“But you gentlemen, have assembled here as members of a particular religious community having religious and social problems peculiarly your own Your purpose is to discuss these problems and to devise means for the progresa of your community. On this occasion you are Jains first and Indians afterwards. and as such you have every right to your own standpoint and may most fitly discuss therefrom your special needs and aims.
Towards the end of the speech, His Highness gives utterance to one of the greatest principles of political science which is universally true. Says His Highness :--
Within the religious and social sphere of each community there can be no real improvement which does not exercise a beneficial effect on the general progress of the country. We must, therefore, wish every community all possible success in its endeavour to advance itself religiously. socially and educationally."
Jainism has always received fresh vigour and support from royal patrons and religious teachers or Tirthankaras who were all alike Kshatriyas. The hours of darkness are numbered and the silver streaks of rosy dawn are already visible on the horizon. And the one distinct silver lining that unequivocally foretells a bright future for the community is the gracicus and royal patronage that the Jains are fortunate enough to enjoy under His Highness Sri Krishnarajendra Wadiyar Bahadur. We are sure His Highness's
speech has electrified the whole community with a new life and Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
