________________
Jainism : The Cosmic Vision foreigners have been constantly attacking India and in the face of all these aggressions the soul of India has stood vital and watchful. Her conduct and religion are safe and the whole world looks at India with a steady gaze."
"Cultural distinctions, agriculture, art, artistic skill, literature, good conduct, means of knowledge and science, hospitality, feminism, love and respect - all these are found in India in quite a different form. If that culture was purchasable, England could have purchased it, adopted it. But it has not happened, it cannot happen."
As early as in the year 1893 Virchand Gandhi talked of the economic and political freedom of India. He said to the American people :
"India is at present under the foreign rule. She is independent in the field of religion, but when India will be free, she will not invade any country in a violent manner."
Virchand Gandhi had a rare ability to see beyond the immediately visible world. He could see beyond this world, he could know the future. Even before the dawn of political independence, Virchand Gandhi had foreseen the proper role of India.
“If India becomes free, she will live in a political cooperation with all countries:" Five decades before the independence of India, Virchand Gandhi had the prophetic sense; he said in his lecture of 'The Jain Philosophy' - "You know my brothers and sisters, that we are not an independent nation. We are subjects of Her Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria" the 'defender of the faith', but if we are a nation in
208
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
