Vol. No. 1
August, 2000 Issue

Editors :P.L.Jain, Dr.Sulekh Jain, A. K. Jain

First News Magazine of Jainism on Internet

www.jainsamaj.org

JAIN AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
A. Awards:

  1. Award instituted by the Management Committee,for the year 2000, Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra, Shri Mahavirji, for publication of books or conducting research on Jain religion, philosophy, culture, history and literature. Amount of First prize: Rs. 21,001/-, socond prize: Rs. 5001/-

  2. Swambhu Puraskar, awarded by the above institution for the year 2000, for best publication concerning Jain religion in Hindi or English, amounting to Rs. 21,000/-

  3. Upadhyay Gyan Sagar Shrut Sanwardhan Award-2000, awarded by Shrut Sanwardhan Sansthan, Meerut for contribution to Jain literature, culture, and social development, amounting to Rs. 1,00,000/-. Proposals to be sent by a referee individual or institution to: Dr. Anupam Jain, Kundkund Gyan Peeth, 584, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Indore-1.

B. Scholarships:

  1. Acharya Hasti Smriti Scholarship Scheme, Jalgaon, instituted by Sri Jain Ratna Yuvak Sangha, Jalgaon to desrving Jain students for school, college and university and professional studies. Last date to apply: 31st July, 2000.

  2. Shri Nakoda Parshwanath Trust awards scholarships to deserving Jain students studying in schools, colleges, and professional courses in engineering and medicine, every year on regular basis. Desrving students may apply.

BHAGWATI DIKSHA
 Nine persons were given bhagawati diksha by Acharya shri Ram Lal Ji maharaj at Jodhpur, two on the 9th March aand seven on the 13th March, 2000. These persons who accepted the Order were:

  1. Mrs. Snehalata Bhandari from Mandsore, aged 35 years.

  2. Aditya Bhandari, aged 14 years, son of Mrs. Snehalata Bhandari.

  3. Miss Anju Sand, aged 25 years, from Deshnok (Raj.)

  4. Madhu Sankhla, aged 20 years,from Kheragarh (M.P.)

  5. Jayaa Chajed, aged 21 years from Sointara (Raj.)

  6. Prabha Sankhla, aged 18 years from Khera garh (M.P.)

  7. Nirmala LOdha, aged 21 years from Panchodi (M.P.)

  8. Mamta Ostwal, aged 20 years from Siwana (Raj.)

  9. Anita Chopra aged 24 years from Balesar (Raj.)

The function was organised in Sardar School premises in the presence of more than 15000 srawaks and srawikas, and 70 sadhu and sadhwi. A great procession carrying the diksharthis was taken out on the 12th March and a Abhinandan Samaroh was arranged in their honour.
INTERNATIONAL JAIN CONFERENCE
 It has been decided to organise International Jain conference this year at Nakoda Parshwanath, Post Mewa Nagar, Dist. Barmer (Raj.) Detailed programme is being finalised and will be announced soon on this site.
ACHARYA SRI DEVENDRA MUNI JI
 The death anniversary of Acharya Sri Devendra Muni Ji was performed on a grand scale at Udaipur (Raj.) on the 12th, 13th and 14th May, 2000 under the guidance of Pandit Ratna Muni Shri Ramesh Muni and Up-Pravartak, Shri Rajendra Muni Maharaj. In memory of Late Shri Devendra Muni, establishment of an Education and Medical Research Institute was announced and a sum of Rs. 1.5 Crores was collected on the spot. The estimated cost of the project would be Rs. 12 Crores.

 DEVLOK GAMAN
1. Sadhvi Manohar Kunwar ji Maharaj on 19th June at Pali (Raj.)
2. Sadhvi Pranit Darshana Ji Maharaj on 5th June, 2000 at Rahta                 
    (Karnataka) in a road accident.

MASS DIKSHA
 Twentyeight historical diksha were held at Surat under Acharya Shri Gun Ratna Surishwar Ji Maharaj in the last month at Surat. This was a rare occasion to see such a large number of candidates undergoing Diksha ceremony in a mass form.The procession carrying the diksharthis, consisted of five silver charriots, sixteen horses, ten bands, several shahnai and other music parties. Flowers were dropped  for the first time, from an aeroplane on the diksharthis sitting on a well-decorated chariot.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND PROTECTION IN "JAIN RELIGION". 
 A National Seminar was arranged on 12th to 14th March, 2000 at the Rajasthan University by Jain Anushilan Kendra on "Environmental consciousness and protection in Jain religion". The function was heavily attended and sixtythree research papers were presented on the occasion.

CAMP FOR EYE TESTING AND MICRO-SURGERY
 A four day Camp for Eye testing and Micro-surgery was held at Sammet Shikhar Ji in Shwetambar Kothi, with the co-operation of Jain Hospital and Research Centre , Howrah. 850 patients suffering from eye diseases were examined, out of which 138 were operated by micro-surgery technique. 62 patients were provided spectacles free of cost.

JAIN SECTS LOCK HORNS OVER IDOLS
 Yet another row has erupted between the Digamber and the Swetamber Jain sects after the recovery of 19 idols from the court-yard of the mool nayak temple, within the premises under control of the Swetambers.The recovery of the idols has added a new dimension to the long-drawn litigation between the two as both are claiming the idols. The idols were recovered at depth of three feet while some labourers were digging the plinth for construction of a new temple there on June 1. In view of the dispute the district administration intervened. Though the administration was willing to take away the idols to Giridih, it could not do so due to the protest by the Swetambers. Later they were kept in one of the building of the Swetamber and the room sealed by the administration. The idols still remain sealed in the building after they were inspected by the officials of the Archaeology Department of the Government. The idols due back to the 16th century AD according to leaders of both the sects. Both of them are staking claim to the idols on the basis of different ideologies. The swetamber Acharya Shri Rajendra Sureshwarji Maharaj, who was instrumental in stopping the shifiting of the idols out of the Swetamber temple premises, said that is was a matter of belief besides, as the idols were recovered from the Swetamber-controlled area, the idols happen to belong to them. The Maharaj added that there was no point of contention as now the issue was in hands of the department of archaeology and any clan to whom the idols belong can take these after the issue is resolved by the department. He said that he had requested the Digamber not to make it an issue and let the matter be decided on the basis of the kal (timing) of either sect. The Maharaj said that none of the idols recovered was in naked posture as was usual in the Digamber sect. However, the Digambers have another story to tell. The Genral manager of the all India Digamber Jain kosher committee Mahuda, Mr. U. C. Jain when contacted said if the idols were of the Swetamber, why were they kept underground and that, too, at a tample. He said that idols recovered date back to 1548 and same were of Bhatarrak clan that happen to be a sect of the Digambers in the sixteen century and still existed in Southern Indian states. Seth Jivji Papriwall had distributed the idols that have created controversy, around the country after he had done a panchkalyanak then. The papriwal still exist in Rajasthan, he added. All the idols have to same inscription that are usually found on the idols of the Digambers, claimed Mr. Jain. He said that another 27 such idols were kept in Terhapanthi kothi of the Digamber at madhuban. However, when this correspondent contact the manager of the said kothi, he refused to give permission for photographs of the identical idols. The recovery of the idols has added a fresh dimension to the age-old litigation between the two clans, incidentally, the Digamber had constructed 705 steps to ascend the parasnath hill for visiting and worshipping the shrine. The Swetambers demolished 205 of them. Subsequently, the Digamber had filed a suit before the subordinate judge of Hazaribagh and won the case in mid-60s.

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BHAGWAN MAHAVIR 2600TH JANM KALYANAK MAHOTSAV
 New Delhi : A committee representing jain community across the country has been set up here to steer the grand celebrations planned for the 2600th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavir. The Bhagwan Mahavir 2600th Janm kalyanak Mahotsav Mahasamiti met under the presidentship of Dipchand gardi of Mumbai at the residence of Indu Jain, Chairman of The Times of India Group, who is the working president of the committee.With its head office in Delhi, the Mahasamiti will assist the National Committee designated by the central govt. to celebrate the historic occassion at an international level. In addition, Janm Kalyanak Mahotsav Samitis will be set up in every state to carry out welfare work at the soicial level. The objective of the exhaustive birth anniversary celebration, commencing in April 2001is to spread the Jain Prophet's message of non-violence and brotherhood. At the same time the committee will create awareness and activate people on significant issues like environment, health, education and social welfare. The other office bearers of the Mahasamiti include S C Shah and Mangilal Sethia, Ramesh Chandra Jain, L L Achha and R.K. Jain.

JODHPUR UNIVERSITY
 Jodhpur University has sanctioned the study of 'Prakrit and Jain Philosophy' at the Post-Graduate level in the final year, leading to the degree of M.A. Essential requirement is M.A. Previous with Sanskrit subject.

NEW WEBSITE :  "PEOPLE FOR ANIMALS" BY MENAKA GANDHI
 Mrs. Menaka Gandhi has launched an exclusive web site on Prevention of 20 cruelty to animals.Cine-Actress Juhi Chawla, who is also animal lover inaugurated the site. The site has been prepared very meticulously and it 20 depicts various facets of animal cruelty and animal protection.

HEAVENLY ABODE- POOJYA SHRI RAM MUNI
 Up-Pravartak Shri Ram Muni left for his heavenly abode on 20th  June, 2000 at Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh after taking ‘santhara’=20 (fast unto death). The
 entire Jain Mahasangha paid its homage to the departed soul. 
DEVLOK
 Khatargachhdhipati Pujya Sri Mahodaya Sagar Suri Ji Maharaj left for his heavenly abode  on the 26th July, 2000 at Malkapur (Maharashtra). The followers of khatagachh sampradaya all over the country marked the occasion with solemn prayers.

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SHOCKING
 It was distressing for the whole jain community and others believing in non-violence to know that the Government of India have permitted the use of  up to two percent cow's meat in the processing of tea in order to improve its taste and flavour. Agitations are being planned and appeals are being sent from all over the country by Jain institutions and societies and others,  requesting the Government to withdraw the order immediately. The manufacturers of tea have, however, issued an appeal to public, not to be mis-led by the propaganda, stating that no meat is used in the processing of tea. The controversy goes on.

SOCIAL REFORM
 To set an unique example of widow marriage, Shri Mangi Lal Ji Lunia married his son, Pramod to Sharada, daughter-in-law of Shri Suraj Mal Ji Surana of Jagdalpur (M.P.), who had lost her husband, Mahendra, about two years ago.

ANOTHER JAIN WEB SITE LAUNCHED
 In order to throw light on the life of Jain saint, Shri Devendra Muni, third Pattadhar of Jain Shraman Sangha, a website,'www.Jainacharyadevendramuni.com' has been launched recently.

IINTERNATIONAL NIRWANA FESTIVAL OF LORD RISHABH DEV
 International Nirwana Festival of Lord Rishabh Dev was celebrated in the Red Fort grounds of Delhi from 4th to 10th February, 2000, with great funfare, religious fervour and reverence. The programme was inauguraated by the Prime Minister, Shri Atal Behari Vajpai on the 4th February.The Minister of State for Finance, Shri V. Dhanjaay Kumar Ji Jain presided over the function.Various educative and cultural activities were conducted during this period. A Rishabh Dev Fair was also arranged on the occasion. Some pavilions at the fair were exclusively devoted to ahimsa, vegetarianism, and extensive display of Jain literature and magazines.

POLIO SURGICAL CAMP
 A Polio Surgical Camp was arranged by Mahavir Jain Foundation for Handicapped at Madras. The handicapped persons were also distributed tricycles, calipers, sewing machines etc. A Polio Surgical Camp was organised at Jodhpur by Mahavir International,Jodhpur Centre on 8th to 12th February, 2000 with the help of specialist surgeons from P.N.R. Institute for handicapped, Bhavanagar. A total of 235 operations were successfully performed. Persons who could not even crawl are now able to walk on their feet.

PUNYA TITHI OF LATE ACHARYA SHRI DEVENDRA MUNI
 First Punya Tithi (death anniversary) of late Acharya Shri Devendra Muni was observed on 14th May,2000 at Udaipur in the presence of thousands of devotees, sadhus and sadhwis. A special issue of magazine, "mahavir Mission",published by Shri Sthanakvasi Jain Mahasangha, Delhi region, wholly devoted to Acharya shri was released on the occasion. it was also announced that a web site will soon be launched by Shraman Sangh to highlight the principles of Jain religion and the programmes and activities of Shraman Sangha.

APRABHANSHA SAHITYA ACADEMY
 A Certificate course in Prakrat is being instituted by Aprabhansha Sahitya Academy, at Mahavirji. The course would commence from 1st July, 2000.

Chaturmas Programme - Digamber Saints

  1. Acharya Shri Vidhya Sagar ji , Amar Kantak, M.P.

  2. Acharya Shri Vidhya Nand ji , Darya gang, Delhi

  3. Acharya Shri Pushpa Dant ji Navin , Shahadara, Delhi

  4. Acharya Shri Bahubali ji , Chandni Chowk, Delhi

  5. Acharya Shri Sanmati Sagar ji , Kailash Nagar, Delhi

  6. Acharya Shri Vimal Sagar ji , Rishabh Vihar, New Delhi

  7. Upadhyay Shri Gyan Sagar ji , Nivai, Rajasthan

  8. Upadhayay Shri Gupti Sagar ji , Gannaur, Haryana

  9. Upadhyay Shri Anand Sagar ji  , Ashok Vihar, Delhi

  10. Upadhyay Shri Nayan Sagar ji , Gandhi Nagar, Delhi

  11. Ganadharacharya Shri Nami Sagar ji , Bhajan pura, Delhi

  12. Muni Shri Kam Kumar Nandi ji , Rohini, Delhi

  13. Muni Shri Nem Sagar ji , Shahadara, Delhi

  14. Muni Shri Nishant Sagar ji , Chirag Delhi, New Delhi

  15. Muni Shri Saurabh Sagar ji , Ghaziabad

  16. Muni Shri tarun Sagar ji , Tijara,Alwar

  17. Aryika Shri Gyanmati Mata ji , Preet Vihar, Delhi

Chaturmas Programme - Swetamber Saints

  1. Acharya Shri Hira Chand Ji Maharaj: Jalgaon (Maharashtra)

  2. Achraya Shri (Dr.) Shiv Muni Maharaj: Surat (Gujarat

  3. Shiviracharya Shri Vinay Muni Maharaj Erode (T.N.)

  4. Shri Bhav Chandra Ji Maharaj Hubli (Karnataka)

  5. Mahasati Shri Nirmal Kunwar Ji Chembur (Bombay)

  6. Shri Vichakshan Muni Ji Maharaj Balaghat (M.P.)

  7. Dr. Shri Rajendra Muni Ji Maharaj Mt. Abu (Raj.)

  8. Acharya Shri Padam Sagar Suri Ji Maharaj Byculla, Bombay

  9. Acharya Shri Nityanand Ji Maharaj Sadri ( Rajasthan )

  10. Shri Basant Muni Maharaj : Pali

  11. Mahasati Shri Lad Kunwar Ji : Jodhpur

  12. Mahasati Shri Maina Sundari Ji : Jaipur

  13. Mahasati Shri Santosh Kunwar Ji : Merta City

  14. Mahasati Shri Gyan Lata Ji : Sawai Madhopur

  15. Mahasati Shri Sohan Kunwar Ji : Bhopal Ganj

Chaturmas Programme (Khatargachh/Tapegachh) Saints

  1. Acharya Shri Nityanand Ji Maharaj - Sadri ( Rajasthan )

  2. Acharya Shri Indradhan Ji Maharaj - Bikaner

  3. Acharya Shri Sushil Sagar Ji Maharaj - Jodhpur (Bhairubagh)

  4. Acharya ShriKailash Sagar Ji Maharaj - Jodhpur (City)

  5. Acharya Shri Padam Sagar Ji Maharaj - Bombay: Bhaikalla

  6. Acharya Shri Yashovarg Ji Maharaj - Borivali

  7. Acharya Shri Hemratan Sagar Ji Maharaj - Balkeshwar

  8. Acharya Shri  Jay Ghosh Sagar Ji Maharaj - Gowalia Tank

  9. Acharya Shri Chandrodaya Ji Maharaj - Malad

  10. Acharya Shri Vimal bhadra Ji Maharaj - Bhayandar

  11. Acharya Shri Ratan Sen Surishwar Ji - Chinchwad

  12. Acharya Shri Kalapoorn Sagar Ji Maharaj - Palitana

  13. Acharya Shri Ratnakar Sagar Ji Maharaj - Vijaywada

  14. Acharya Shri  Ananddhan Sagar Ji Maharaj - Ahmedabad

  15. Acharya Shri Jayant Sen Ji Maharaj - Indore

  16. Acharya Shri Hemprabh Sagar Ji Maharaj - Indore

  17. Acharya Shri  Sthulibhadra Ji Maharaj - Bangalore

  18. Acharya ShriDarshan Ratna Ji Maharaj - Delhi

  19. Acharya Shri Prabhakar Vijay Ji - Kalyan

Chaturmas Programme Sthanakwasi Saints

  1. Udaipur : Pravartak Shri Roop Chand Ji Maharaj, along-with Sukan ji Muni,
    Amrit Muni, Amrish Muni etc.

  2. Surat : Achraya Shri Shiv Muni.

 

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