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time the consciousness of the local inhabitants must be raised and they should feel motivated to collaborate on the restoration of the pilgrimage sites. I believe that this environment can then be rendered free from fear and development can go ahead.
When I turn the pages of history, many things become clear to me. Jain society has always played a leading role in the independence struggle, constructive development programmes, and welfare. schemes. Jains have been at the centre of building up the nation as a whole.
The Jains have always acted on the principle of parasparōpagrahō jivānām - there can be no progress or development in our lives without us helping each other. I see the Jain community in village after village assisting wholeheartedly in the building of schools, hospitals, temples and the development of other worthwhile institutions. I feel that their contribution to the development of our nation has been remarkable but that it has never been adequately recognised. With
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all due respect, I must point out that these services to the community have not been seen in their true light. People have been ignored rather than rewarded with compliments. No honour, prestige or other mark of distinction has been accorded their charitable deeds. The prevalent attitude seems to be that once the philanthropists have done their work, they should move on.
What sort of attitude is it that, when someone comes from far away to do something for you, and you don't even say two words to thank him; you don't seem in any way obliged to him and your eyes never light up with affection or empathy towards him? This indifference should be swept away and we should all learn to return the affection shown us by our benefactors. We should welcome their assistance. At the same time, the Government of Bihar should accept responsibility for developing these pilgrimage sites that are visited so regularly, and to provide security for them. Once the development of these places of pilgrimage is underway, the whole state will prosper.
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