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Their Prominent Features in India and Abroad : 233
for many people. But a great progress was made on the matter. For examples, the former President of India late K. R. Narayana was by his birth an "untouchable" and the Government of India decided, some years ago, measures favouring the access of "untouchables" to public administration.
Jains also insist on the principle of equality between men and women, even if some passages of their sacred scriptures are not very kind towards the latter. Some of their obediences say even that they need to be reborn as men to attain liberation. Nevertheless, one can see actual progress in India regarding the education and rights of women. They may now practice the same professions, vote and create associations to defend their rights as the men. However, quite an important number of Indian women of "low castes" and of widows continue to convert to Jainism or to Christianity and enter into their religious orders so as to not remain single or to escape matrimonial servitude or contempt which is still alive in India. Others, preferring to remain independent, work in the social sector, like doctors, nurses, social workers, etc. Note at political level that India had, before many other countries, a woman as Prime Minister in the person of Indira Gandhi, from 1966 to 1977 and 1980 to 1984. Some women also have been or are Ministers, Members of Parliament of Indian Union, and of various state governments. To note too that the new President of the Indian Union is a woman named Smt. Pratibha Patil.
In the same way, the Jain tenet of regard towards all life has promoted non-violent practices in India concerning humans, plants, animals and nature. After having succeeded in putting an end to animal sacrifices by Brahmins, Jains are today the ardent propagandists of vegetarianism. This way of life is progressing, even if it is not yet the general rule. In social domain, Jains manage too in
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