Mahavira Life and Philosophy

Author(s): Sumeruchand Diwakar Shastri
Publisher: Jain Mitra Mandal

Page 21

JAIN MITRA MANDALA AND ITS ACTIVITIES
The Jain Mitra Mandala Delhi has achieved popularity all over the country and abroad. Dr. Hermann Jacobi, Dr. H. Von Glascoapp. Dr, L. Alsdorf and other eminent German Scholars have been reported to be ia close toach with this institution.
This pioneer cultural institution was founded by the benefactors of Jain Community in 1915 and since then it has been rendering laudable services for the cause of Jain Culture and disseminating the beneficial message of the Tirthankaras-Lord Rishabh Deva, the founder of Jainism, Lord Parasnath, the 23rd Tirthapkara and the last Tirthankara Mahavira for universal weal through public meetings, conferences, publication of valuable literature and educate the Jaias to devote themselves and work for common good. The Mandal's publications consist of 193 books big and small.
It is no secret that Mandala is the pioneer institution of the country which bas started the noble task of celebrating the Mahavira Jayanti (birthday) celebrations and through its strenous efforts the sacred Wirthday is celebrated with great enthusiasm and eclat in all parts of the country and even outside India, where disciples of Jainism have migrated.
lo view of the conspicuous work of this Mandala the Government of India Census report of 1921 made a reference of it as a 'Chief Literary Society of Jains of India.'