________________
called Gandhiji "Mahatma", but Shrimadji's influence possessiveness), Anekantvad (multiplicity of view transformed Gandhiji into the "Mahatma" we know him points, i.e., every view point is right relative to the to be.
perspective), were laid through Shrimadji, and which 2017 marked the 150th birth anniversary of fuelled Gandhiji's resolve and strength in his freedom Shrimadji - to commemorate the occasion, a record- struggle which was characterized by non-violence, breaking drama "Yugpurush - Mahatma's Mahatma" Satyagrah, non-cooperation and civil disobedience. depicted the close relationship between the two great India is home to people of many religions, some souls. The drama, featured in 8 languages, had over which originated in India and some which didn't. 1,000 live performances, and sought to promote Gandhiji never endorsed partition. His legacy has played awareness of their relationship and Shrimadji's a significant role in ensuring any secularism prevalent influence on Gandhiji's. Early passing away of in today's India. Yes, there are the unfortunate events Shrimadji at the age of 34, although was considered a of fanaticism, but the underlying code of equality great personal loss by Gandhiji, did not shake his faith remains pronounced. in Shrimadji's teachings. 3 books:"Shrimad
Philately and Numismatics Rajchandra Ane Gandhiji", "Shrimad Rajchandra Ane
A picture may be worth a thousand words - but a Mahatma Gandhi"(Gujarati and English Translated
postage stamp is equivalent to a page in history. On Edition), and "Bae Veeral Vibhutioe (Two Great
average, India Post issues each stamp of 2.5 million, Personalities) - Shrimad Rajchandra Ane Mahatma
which conveys the breadth of exposure a stamp can Gandhiji"are written exclusively on the relationship
provide, and the potential it provides to serve as a between these two great souls.
messenger. India Post issues at leastone stamp Gandhiji included Apurva Avsar (Unprecedented
annually on Gandhiji's birthday; on 2nd October 2018, Occasion) composed by Shrimadji in his Ashram
7 stamps were issued! Since Indian independence, Bhajanavali for daily prayer recitation; this being the
more than a hundred stamps have been issued that only Jain prayer selected, showed Shrimadji's influence
directly relate to Gandhiji, or associated persons, on Gandhiji.
occasions, celebrations and places. No other leader While Gandhiji is referred to as "Man of the
has received such recognition. It would be of special Century", Shrimadji, can aptly be referred to as "Man
significance, if stamps that honour Gandhiji's mentors, of the Era", though not publicised.
perhaps even one with Gandhiji & Shrimadji, are Gandhiji As Inspiration
released on 2nd October 2019; this can be an Several world leaderssuccessfully applied appropriate recognition of the role Gandhiji'smentors Gandhiji's principles in their countries and to this day, played in hislife. admire his impact on the world. Personalities such Many countries have released postage about as The Dalai Lama (Tibet - now in India); Martin Luther Gandhiji, which is why he holds the record of most King Jr., Barack Obama, Steve Jobs, all from USA; stamps issued by different countries -over a hundred Aung San Su Kyi of Burma (now Myanmar), Dr. P.J. nations, over 200 stamps! Some assigned titles such Mehta (considered as "Gandhi of Burma"); Albert "Man of the Century", "Champion of Liberty", and some Einstein; Nelson Mandela (considered "Gandhi of even have "Gandhi” inscribed in Gujarati! South Africa"); Khan Abdul Gaffer of now Afghanistan
Indian currency notes carry Gandhiji's picture ("Frontier's Gandhi") and... many more.
since past few years; and coins bearing the same have Secularism
been released. Other countries have honoured him Gandhiji is referred to as a "Universal Hindu"; he on milestone occasions such as 100th, 125th birth respected all religions, including Jainism. The principle annivassares through local coins as well. of non-violence, when translated to the freedom
Statues & Road Names movement by Gandhiji, took the form of powerfully
Statues not only embellish the charm of any city, tranquil civil resistance in the face of British
sritish town or village, but along with road or street names, ammunition. Terminology in his autobiography is also
represent the values and historical figures that its contextually Jain in nature.
residents aspire to. This is one area where Gandhiji A strong foundation of Jain principles such as Truth, has triumphed. He is truly a global hero; his name is Ahimsa (Non-violence), Celibacy, Aparigrah (non- widely used for road or street names and he has the
YG
61
YR - ROIG
