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( १४९ )
THE PRAJA BANDHU. AHMEDABAD; Sunday 4th December 1904,
The Jain Conference-One of the most important events of the last week of November was the Jain Conference held at Baroda. Respectable Jains from all parts of the country assembled in large numbers, and on the three days of their conference viz,; 27th, 28th, and 29th passed resolutions touching their special religious and social interests. The conference unanimously recognized the necessity of imparting religious instruction to Jain pupils, along with secular education, or prior to it. The second resolution of the conference urged the importance of diffusing the Jain literature. Another resolution affirmed the necessity of having a special series of text books for the use of Jain pupils, and the necessity of forming a Jain religious association of men versed in Jain lore in order that it may direct with additions and improvements the course of religious instruction in Jain schools. The conference fully recognized the necessity of searching for, acquiring and publishing old Jain writings. The necessity of repairing and preserving old Jain temples all over India was also duly acknow ledged. The institution of an archæological research for the purpose of collecting data for the construction of an authentic history of Jainism was next dwelt upon, and the conference unanimously voted its importance. The conference also passed a resolution in favour of collecting funds for the maintenance of poor Jains all over India, remarking that by the tenets of their faith such Jains cannot ask for charity, and that their support should form a charge upon the whole community. The maintenance of institutions like the Pinjrapole where dumb beasts may be treated for diseases and taken care of was unanimously recognized as a duty of the community as laid down by the doctrines of the Jain faith. To promote mutual good will among the members of the community, the preparation of a Jain directory for the whole of India was earnestly recommend
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