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234 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD India in several dispensaries, clinics and refuges not only for human beings but also for wounded, old and sick animals and birds.
Jains are also in India in the vanguard of social measures and limitation of individual possessions. They have played a part in the decision of the Government to abolish the feudal system that existed before the independence of India. They also give money in favour of all that may help the needy or disabled whose number unfortunately remains very high, especially in rural regions and in the suburbs of big cities.
Jains also assert that abortion and sterilization are not acceptable to fight over-population in India. They preach the principle of chastity to married couples after the birth of one or two children. Until now, their success on the matter remains limited, but their efforts might become more effective with the growing of diseases like AIDS in India.
On political level we have seen the great influence the Jains had on many Indian ruling dynasties during their “Golden Age”. Their influence has decreased but never ceased. It remained great, even under the Mogul Emperor Akbar, who forbade killing of animals during some religious Jain festivals. Mahatma Gandhi, who was taught by Jain teachers when he was young and who befriended the great Jain ascetic Srimad Rājacandra and Acharya Vijaya Dharma Suri, adopted non-violence and practised fasts to obtain British concessions and the independence of India.
Jains are in excellent terms with the Indian Prime Ministers and the Presidents of the Indian Union, like the past-President, Abdul Kalam, who shown his interest for Jain activities at various occasions. In a spiritual declaration, he stressed “the need to bring about religious amity and cooperation, to promote common unity and mutual
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