Tribute to 19th Century Indian Legend Shri Virchandji Raghavji Gandhi

Author(s): JAINA VRG Committee
Publisher: JAINA VRG Committee

Page 28

Mumbai) for preserving. I had the chance to see these in 2001 by courtesy of Shri C. N. Sanghvi.
In 1964 "Selected Speeches of Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi" was published by Shri Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi, Mumbai. In 1987 at the occasion of centenary celebration of Jain Association of India at the inspiration of Jinchandraji Maharaj "Bandhu Triputi" the book in Gujarati "Shri Virchand Gandhi and Jain Religion in Foreign Countries" was published by Pannalal R. Shah. VRG was the first elected Secretary of JAI in 1884.
In 1993 when the Centenary of 1st Parliament of World Religions and 2nd Parliament that took place in Chicago and Barcelona, then JAINA President Shri Tansukh Salagia, Institute of Jainology Nemubhai Chandria, current JAINA Education Committee Chair Pravin K. Shah, Dr. Kumarpal Desai, created an awareness about VRG.
In 1994, the Ohio Historical Society, Ohio State gave a big bronze plaque to the local Jain Center of Cincinnati Dayton, marking 100 years of VRG's lecture in Cleveland on September 18, 1894 mentioning that Shri V. R. Gandhi brought Jainism to Ohio State.
In 1993-94, Jain Center of Metropolitan Chicago installed VRG's statue at their Shikharbandhi Temple entrance. This impressive statue reminded visitor of his contribution in Jain exposure in the region. We hope other Jain Centers in North America, who are members of JAINA, will follow this traditional practice as a mark of gratitude.
A. ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED WITH VRG:
1. Jain Association of India (VRG was its first Elected Secretary in 1884-1985)
2. Shri Vallabh Smarak Nidhi
3. Atmanand Jain Sabha
4. Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya
5. Mangrol Jain Sangit Mandali (organized 1st Welcome functionfor VRG in Aug., 1896)
6.
a. Shri Agamodaya Samiti, Mumbai and
b. Shri Mahuva Tapagachchhiya Jain Sangh: for publishing 3 (VRG) Philosphy books compiled by Shri Bhagubhai Karbhari in 1912
25