Mahavira Jain Vidyalaya Rajat Jayanti Mahotsava

Author(s): Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya Mumbai
Publisher: Mahavir Jain Vidyalay

Page 173

JAINS AND PRACTICAL RESEARCH
By
P. G. SHAH, M.A., B.SC. ACCOUNTANT GENERAL, BOMBAY
The authorities of Shri Mahavira Jaina Vidyalaya deserve to be congratulated on the occasion of the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the Institution. The publication of a souvenir volume is an innovation worthy of the spirit of sincerity and service behind this institution and gives me great pleasure to join in the effort and to offer my tribute to the workers and to wish them greater success in their efforts.
1
In these days of high political and patriotic talk, it is sometimes asserted that sectarian and communal institutions mar the national growth by narrowing the activities and outlook of the workers. But such a criticism betrays fundamental ignorance of the springs of action in the human mind and assumes that communal activities must always be against the growth of the nation as a whole. If communal activities are inspired by a correct attitude towards the organic nature of all social advancement, and if the workers realise that communities cannot progress unless the whole nation advances as a unit, there should be no fear of conflict between national and communal interests. On the other hand, the burden of planning for the progress of the whole nation is lightened by the communities taking up their own burdens on correct lines. relieving both the state and the nation and assuring themselves of the certainty of their own progress along approved lines. From this point of view, the secular activities of the Jains deserve special commendation, and particularly the thoughtful manner in which the educational efforts are being directed. It is with the idea of strengthening these efforts and giving them a new orientation that the following suggestions are made. Whatever new channels in which these efforts are directed, in the matter of libraries of Jaina books, Museums of Jaina antiquities, establishment of scholarships, hostels, and religious institutions, it is hoped that no efforts would be wasted in the direction of separate Jaina Colleges or Universities. Even though plenty of money may be easily available for the latter, the experience of Muslim and Hindu Universities has abundantly proved that they cannot remain separate sectarian institutions,