________________
Appendix 2. History of Halari Visa Oshwals in World
237
1942 A.D.: Oshwal Youth League Nairobi: Both Visa Oshwal Yuvak Mandal and Jain Youth League were dissolved and a new united organization was formed called Oshwal Youth League. Virji Narshi was elected the first president of the newly formed organization. The other committee members were Meghji Karman Malde, Hansraj Kalidas, Lakhamshi Keshavji, Dharamshi Bharmal, Shantilal Devshi and other youths.
1944 A.D.: The Oshwal Youth League started a monthly publication called Jyotsna, which lasted for two years. The publication was restarted in 1949 and publication continued for 15 years. The people who worked hard and diligently at various times included: Somchand Ladha, Popatlal Ranmal, Raichand Parbat, Motichand Bharmal, Hansraj Devan, and Motichand Ramji in the initial stage. In the later stage Uttamchand Govindji, Prabhulal Narshi, Kantilal Narshi, Keshavlal Lalji Dodhia, Panachand Jivraj Dedhia, Ratilal Vidhubhai Shah, kiran Hirji Shah and many others.
1946 A.D.: General Fund for Mahajanwadi Hall: The Jain Preacher Yati Shri Hemchandraji came to Nairobi from India. Due to his inspiration a decision was made to build a hall and start a nursery school on the Limuru Road property. A committee to collect fund was established. It included Popatlal Karman Malde, Bharmal Raishi, Kanji Nathoo, Raichand Meghji, Vershi Mepa, Lalji Makanji and Karamshi Panachand. People donated money generously. A total of 557,815 shillings was collected.
1946 A.D.: Oshwal Mahila Mandal Nairobi: The religious discourses of Yati Shri Hemchandraji also inspired the womenfolk. With his encouragement the women formed their own separate organization. They started many social and religious activities and made tremendous progress. The ladies who worked hard to start the organization included Deviben Devshi Shah, Kankuben Meghji Karman Malde, Kashiben Mulchand Shah,