Virchad R Gandhi A Gandhi before Gandhi

Author(s): Bipin Doshi, Pankaj Hingarh
Publisher: Bipin Doshi, Pankaj Hingarh

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Virchand Gandhi, a Gandhi before Gandhi
Bipin Doshi & Pankaz Hingarh*
Virchand Raghavji Gandhi, a contemporary of Swami Vivekananda, too was a great exponent of Indian culture. Although a legend during his time, not much records are
available on his invaluable contributions. He, alongside of the Swamiji at the Parliament of World
Religions in Chicago in 1893 corrected the false and perverse impression of India as created by the Christian missionaries.
Referring to the glory of his motherland's cultural traditions, he also said, on the other hand, "If that (Indian) culture was purchasable, England would have purchased it, adopted it. But it has not happened, it cannot happen."
hen we speak about Hindu philosophy one eminent name emerges in front of us. that is of Swami Vivekananda and we all know that Swami Vivekananda
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received his recognition primarily for his speech in the first ever World Parliament of Religions in 1893, where he represented Hinduism. But we hardly know that one more Indian legend at the same event boldly expressed his patriotism by defending Indian culture and Hinduism and represented Jainism - he was the charismatic and captivating Virchand Raghavji Gandhi. His captivating speech. received rounds of applause. A true patriot is someone who feels or voices expressions of patriotism, love, devotion to one's country. VRG displayed his patriotism, love and devotion for mother India and its spiritual heritage. His speech echoed the true spirit and culture of India. He received equal attention as did Swami Vivekananda. Bhagubhai Karbhari, a renowned scholar who was editor of Prajabandhu, Patriot and Samlochak newspapers, wrote in 1910 that Virchand Gandhi was felicitated with a silver medal at the parliament. VRG delivered 535 lectures in the USA and Europe and was nation
*Dr Bipin Doshi, a physician, and Pankaz Hingarh are Jain scholars and India Committee Members of the Jain Association of North America, Virchand Gandhi Committee.
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