World Jain Conference 1995 6th Conference

Author(s): Satish Jain
Publisher: Ahimsa International

Page 51

Munishri Roshanlal Ji stressed upon following path of non- violence and to effect changes in their life through "science of living". He appealed to see that their children adopt the age old moral and religious traditions to remain as good citizens. Munishri Amrendra Kumar Ji paid homage to late Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji, who took revolutionary step to travel to foreign countries to preach the principles of Jainism. He emphasised that the principles of Jainism should be publicised widely and effectively in the wider world. Sadhvi Puneet Jyoti Ji appealed for the unity of Jains by heart, and for their living as morally and ethically sound citizens. Swami Chidhanand Saraswati Ji expressed that religion was today being widely commercialised for personal gains. He said whether it be car or body, proper brake for both for their movement and proper direction is necessary. He said that the brake of morality was the need of the day and the future generation should have moral traditions to become good citizens of the country.
Shri Dipchand S. Gardi and Sahu Ashok Kumar Jain expressed that such conventions play important role in propagating the principles of Jainism in the wider world, unity of Jains the world over, publication of good literature and implementation of useful programmes. Shri Mulkhraj Jain, President of Ahimsa International, paid homage to late Acharaya Shri Sushil Kumar Ji Maharaj who organised the Ist World Jain Conference in New York (USA) and carried with him the message of Bhagwan Mahavir to America, Canada, and many other countries. Shri Ramesh Chand Jain, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Conference, expressed regards for the Jain saints and sadhvis and the delegates from foreign countries and various parts of India. He said that an atmosphere of Unity of Jains created at the 2500th Nirwan Celebrations of Bhagwan Mahavir was visible at this Conference because of participation of various Jain saints and sadhvis and Jains of all sects.
Shri Satish Kumar Jain, Secretary General of the Conference in his thought provoking Key Note Address explained the social and religious responsibilities of the Jains. He said that the discussion over important subjects like responsibilities of Jains in the 21st Century, role of women, non-violence, peace, animal rights, compassion towards all forms of life, vegetarianism by speakers, thinkers and social workers of repute will have far reaching effect. He stressed that it was necessary to propagate the philosophy of Bhagwan Mahavir on global basis through more writings and publications by writers of India and foreign countries, to come out from the narrow circles of sectorism and communalism and to embrace the principles of Anekant, non- violence, fraternity, compassion and service of needy, poor and sick. He made an appeal for world wide exhibition of rich Jain art, culture and literature, as was being done by other faiths of the world. He made special mention of art exhibition by Dr. Siddhartha Bhansali (New Orleans, USA) in Pittsburgh, U.S.A. in 1993 at the 7th Biennial Convention of JAINA (Federation of Jain Associations of America and Canada) and the recent Jain Art Exhibition in Victoria and Albert Museum, London (UK) (in late 1995) organised by Jains of U.K. and the Museum Authorities. These art exhibitions attracted world attention and the rich Jain heritage was widely displayed. He stressed that Jains as an affluent class owed a responsibility to the nation to serve the needy, sick and weaker sections with their financial resources. He explained with emotion that Jain scholars should receive high social status in the society and they should have adequate fianancial resources and means to make their children successufl professors, teachers, doctors, engineers, etc.
Discussions were held in various Sessions on the following subjects: