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The Jains through Time
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For this to happen, however, a truly and make the people less dependent. concerted effort is required. A far-sighted collaborative scheme is essential. The I believe that a one-sided approach will not development of pilgrimage sites cannot be resolve the problem. Pilgrims can donate confined to the building of temples and rest money and support but this will not suffice. houses alone. Their reputation as centres of It has to turn into something very practical. excellence will be restored only if the living No progress is possible until the conditions of the local people are improved consciousness of the local people is raised. and a sustainable development programme is Self-worth cannot be given, it has to be born instituted.
within the self. When people are responsible
for their lives, help will automatically come Thousands of people around the world visit to them. As people become less dependent these areas of pilgrimage every year. Pilgrims on others for food, clothing and the basic come here with faith and devotion in their necessities of life, the situation will begin to hearts. They are eager to do something to change and a different atmosphere will be help the local people. When they see what created in these holy places. Hard work and the conditions are like, they immediately try collaboration will replace despair and lack of to alleviate the poverty and unemployment. morale. However, the problems will never be They distribute medicine, food, clothing and solved if the people in these holy places other necessities. However, due to the remain objects of charity. poverty, unemployment and addiction that they face, the morale of the people of Bihar One of Bihar's main problems is lack of has sunk so low that despite these energetic security. People are happy enough to come efforts by the pilgrims, the situation changes on a visit or make a donation, but no one very little. What is needed is a minutely wants to stay because their physical safety planned development programme by the cannot be guaranteed. From time to time pilgrims to make the local conditions better people inquire as to what can be done to
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