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3 Africa-The tract of land down the Egypt was oalled 'Rakastan' by the ancient Greeks, which proves that it was the abode of the people of Raksasa tribe of Vidyadharas, who were great patrons of Jainism. Thus it is obvious that Jainism was prevailing in this part of Africa in a very hoary antiquity. Even now a days there are lacs of Jain immigrants from Gujrat and elsewhere, who bave settled in Kenya and otber parts of East-Africa. They have their temples, sobools and libraries there. In the city of Mombasa their number is 80 great that the locality in wbich they reside is called “Jain street," It is hoped that a Digambara Jain temple will also be built there through the influence of Swami Kanji Mabaraj of Songarb.
4 Algeria-Recently & Jain image was presented to the Indian embassy of Algeria; wbiob anyhow reached to that country. It bas been sent to India.
5 America—The ancient culture of Ahinge was much influenced by Indian Thought and Culture. Ratber it is found tbat lodjans settled in tbis country iD & very remote period, whose descendants are existant even to. day in Mexico. Sbri Chaman Lal bås studied tbese people and be wrote that some of their rites resemble those of Jainas.
lo modern times it was late Sbri Viraoband Raghav ji Gandbi, B.A., MR.A.8 who went to America (U S.A) in 1893 A D. in order to participate in the Parliament of World Religions held at Chicago. His speeches attracted the attention of American people and many of tbem attended bis classes, Thus Jainism was introduced in tbe country of uncle Sam during tbe last century and its atudy was started in certain Universities of US.A. Iu 1934 A.D. when another session of the Parliament of Religions was beld in the bjetorio oity of Chioago, our riben brother Champat Rai Jain attended it as a representative of Jainism. He gave a new vision of study regarding Christianity between Jainism and ancient Christianity. He had a good reception in America One Mrs. Kleinsohmidt became his disciple and studied Jain.
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Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
