Forgotten Great Indian Legend- Jain Scholar

When we speak about Hinduism philosophy one name emerges in front of us that is Swami Vivekanand . And we all know that swami Vivekanand received recognition primarily for his representation in 1893, in first ever World Parliament religions where he represented hinduism .But we hardly know that one more Indian legend at same event boldly expressed his patriotism by defending Indian culture & Hinduism & represented Jainism, i.e. charistmatic  & captivating Virchand Raghavji Gandhi. And his defending  captivating  speech received round  of applause .  A True patriot is someone who feels or voices expressions of Patriotism, love , devotion to ones country & VRG speech at  Parliament displayed his patriotism , love , devotion for mother india & its spiritual heritage. His speeches at the World Parliament of Religions echoed the true spirit and culture of IndiaHe claimed equal attention as did swami vivekanand   .  And  Bhagubhai  Karbhari , reknowned scholar who was editor of  Prajabandhu , Patriot, Samlochak , in 1910 mentioned that Virchand Gandhi was felicitated  with Silver Medal at such parliament. VRG delivered 535 lectures in USA & Europe & was nationally & Internationally felicitated with many gold medals, silver medal & cascades .

Many personalities  admired & were in contact with VRG such as Mahatma Gandhi, Mark Twain , Lokmanya Tilak Governor Lord Reay, Col. Watson, Herbert Warren, Mrs. Charles Howard, Dr. Paul Carus , Alexander Fullerton, Miss Lilian Whiting  ,  Annie Beasant, H.S.Olcott, Swami vivekanand, Chief Justice Govind Ranade, High Court Justice Sir Narayan Ganesh Chandavarkar , William pipe, Mr. Geaorge Francis Train, V. Gasenapp,  Moncure Daniel Conway and many others. Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 in Mumbai. Shri VRG, Justice Ranade ,  , High Court Justice Sir Narayan Ganesh Chandavarkar were key members  of Indian National Congress  . And they were close friends too.  Shri Virchand Gandhi  was a visionary too. VRG talked about economic and political freedom five decades before India became independent At that time in one of his lectures addressed to the American public he declared: “You know, my brothers and sisters, that we are not an independent nation, we are subjects of her Gracious Majesty, Queen Victoria, the ‘Defender of the Faith’. But if we were a nation in all that that name implies, with our government and our own rulers, with our laws and institutions controlled by us free and independent, I affirm that we should seek to establish and for ever maintain peaceful relations with all nations of the world. “Today this statement appears as a prophecy that Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) proved in attaining India’s freedom with peaceful means. . Shri Virchand Gandhi’s life was full of incidents and events, which were rare, even in the life of great personages of those times

Today Indian Postal Department has recognized services of Virchand Gandhi to Nation & issued  commerative Stamp & Brochure on VRG on 9^th ,Nov. 2009 at Bhaidas Hall. And on 26^th dec. 2009 a coffee table titled “ Gandhi before Gandhi  on selected  captivating speeches & philosophy of VRG in USA & Europe was released. And a VRG fan must possess a copy of same.

By now you must have developed curiosity to learn more about this legend. Virchand Raghavji Gandhi  (August 25, 1864 – August 7, 1901) was born in a upper middle class merchant family of Mahuva, Gujarat. And his mother had seen few auspicious dreams before his birth. His parents  were very pious by nature . VRG graduated  with honors from Elphiston College in 1884 . And during his preparation for solicitors examination , VRG & M.K.Gandhi were in intimate contacts .In Story of  my Experiements with Truth (Mahtama Gandhi’s Autobiography)  we learn that VRG & Mahatma Gandhi were together for their experiments in dietetics. VRG used to give assistance to M. K. Gandhi  by telling him different stories about barrister’s, stalwarts & vakil’s. VRG used to try his best to get mahatma gandhi briefs. VRG then was great exponent of Indian culture-religions, a polyglot knowing 14 languages, secretary of Jain Association of India, Mumbai and was scholar in Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Western philosophies, Yoga, Indian Economics , International Trade , etc. Its note worthy that at age of 21 VRG became first hon. Secretary of Jain Association of India in 1885 .

For 1893 , World Religion Parliament  first time at single platform distinguished personalities were invited  as representatives of different religions . Param Pujya Acharya Vijayandsuri (Muni Atmaramji) was worldwide famous Great Jain Saint who could see centuries & ages ahead of their time. Acharya Vijayanadsuri (Atmaramji) was born in 1821 CE in a Kapoor Khatri family. Acharya Vijayanandsuriji (Atmaramji Muni), a versatile, far-sighted Jain saint-scholar, author of several learned treatises was invited to participate in first ever the Parliament of World Religions at Chicago, USA in 1893, His heart was full of kindness & sympathy, thirst for virtues, deep knowledge of various scriptures, great intuition powers, and unbeatable desire to be under Jainism and study its highest literature was the essential qualities of his nature. His glory reached western world too. The principles of right conduct for a Jain monk prevented him from going abroad. One of the vows of a Jain saint is not to travel in water as vow of non-violence to sea creatures.

Since he wanted awareness about Jainism to be re-presented at this Congress, he trained for six month and deputed 29 year-old, charismatic Virchand Raghavji Gandhi.

1893, World Religions parliament was held at the Columbus Hall of Art Institute of Chicago with more than 3000 delegates of different nations and religions, Attended by 7000 People & such conference lasted for 17 days. Statistically speaking, the Parliament was dominated by English-speaking Christian representatives, who delivered 153 of 194 papers. The opportunity for the leaders from other religious traditions was limited but significant, 12 speakers represented Buddhism, 11 Judaism, 8 Hinduism, 2 Islam, 2 Parsis religion, 2 Shintoism, 2 Confucianism, 1 Taoism and 1 Jainism. So it could be witnessed that dominance were of speeches of christanity with praise & propogation of Christianity. Many could not resist to declare that Christianity is the best religion and one can’t have the entry in the kingdom of heaven unless you are a Christian. The faith in one God and sacrifice of Jesus to wash the sins of man, was highlighted often. To this extent it was fine but many speakers in over enthusiasm not only criticized the other faiths but also kept no stone unturned to pick up and abuse the various beliefs and traditions of other religions. However there were many Christian speakers like Prof. Robert, Wolivunski, Henry Infield, George Hood, Don Boardman etc who appreciated the oriental religions and also the depth to which they have reached. Organizers had expressed even the desire to hold the next Parliament at Varanasi in India. Rev. Chepin with full respect said “We want to learn, sitting at the feet of those gentlemen, full of wisdom, who come from East. Chief of the parliament Mr Barrows addressed in his welcome speech,” Motherland of religions, pure water of rivers of India, disciple of prince Siddhartha Buddha, those who are enlightening Asia, we welcome you.” Eminent Methodist Church speaker Rev B. W. Ornate writes, “Lots of misunderstandings by Christians are dispelled by orient scholars. They have realised that “Goodness” does not come with colour.” President Bonney in his concluding remark said, “This was a conference of friendship and not the ground for battle, even if any one from West has mistakenly instigated the war, we praise our friends from East who pray to God saying, “O God, forgive them as they do not know what they are doing.”

At the parliament many representatives from india were not allowed to speak until the close of session , with aim to hold audience till end.  To name few of them : Prof. Chakravarthi,, Annie Beasant, H.Dharampala , Virchand Gandhi, Swami Vivekanand .

VRG, at the Parliament of World Religions conveyed, “This spectacle of learned leaders of thought and religion meeting together on a common platform and throwing light on religious problems has been a dream of Muni Atmaramji’s Life. He has commissioned me to say to you that he offers his most cordial congratulations on his own behalf, and on behalf of the Jaina community, for your having achieved the consummation of that grand idea, of convening a Parliament of Religions.I wish that the duty of addressing you on the history and the tenets of the Jaina faith had fallen on that able person than on me.  The inclemency of the climate, and the distant voyage which one has to undertake before one can come here, have prevented that able Jaina from attending this grand assembly and personally presenting to you the religious convictions of the Jainas.  You will, therefore, look upon me as simply the mouthpiece of Muni Atmaramji, the learned high priest of the Jainas in India, who has devoted his whole life to the study of that ancient faith.  ”.

“I represent Jainism, a faith older than Buddhism, similar to it in its ethics, but different from it in its psychology, and professed by a million and a half of India’s most peaceful and law abiding citizens”.  He expounded to them what this universe is; whether there is God as the creator of this universe; what is the ultimate purpose of life and several such other things. He explained to them navatatva , shaddravya , chargati, panchavratha, Moksha , nyayavad , Anekanthavad .

Unjust and inhospitable criticism of Dr. George F Pentecost on 24th September on Hinduism & Indian Culture.

On next day, 25th September 1893 , Virchand Gandhi was to further discuss on Jainism , but abusive  comments on  Hinduism & Indian culture was intolerable to him . To which his expression was echoed in parliament , which not only displayed his patriotic love for India & its religions but established him as a known name in USA. And after same often he was termed lion of the season. Lets have a look on his defending speech.

“ Before proceeding with my address, I wish to make few observations. This platform is not a place for mutual recriminations, and I am heartily sorry that from time to time the most un-Christian spirit is allowed freely here, but I know how to take these recriminations at their proper value. I am glad that no one has dared to attack the religion I represent. It is well that they should not. But every attack has been directed to the abuses existing in our society. And I repeat now what I repeat every day, that these abuses are not from religion, but in spate of religion, as in every other country.

“Some men in their ambition, think that they are Pauls, and what they think they believe. These new Pauls go to vent their platitudes upon India. They go to India to convert the heathens in a mass, but when they find their dreams melting away, as dreams always do, they return and pass a whole life in abusing the Hindus. Abuses are not arguments against any religions, nor self-adulation, the proof of the truth of one’s own. For such I have greatest pity.

“If the present abuses in India have been produced by the Hindu religion, the same religion had the strength of producing a society which made the Greek historian say: ‘No Hindu was ever known to tell an untruth, no Hindu woman ever known to be unchaste”.  And ever in the present day where is there a more chaste woman or a milder man than in India? The Oriental bubbles may be pricked, but the very hysterical shocks sent forth from this platform from time to time show to the world that sometimes bubbles may be heavier than the bloated balloons of vanity and self-conceit.”

“It has become an article of faith with most of the orthodox Christians that the Hindus are liars. All sorts of abuses are heaped on the people of India from the Himalaya to Ceylon, and, without exception all these calumnies proceed either from the missionaries or the English officers. We accord them their rights as we do even to the tiniest animalcule the right to live and be happy in their own way, if they let us alone, but when we find that these little creatures are annoying us, we have to brush them aside. The statements of these missionaries made about the Hindus, their religions and life, are never an admirable illustration of their methods and zeal. When I first came to know in this country, from missionary sources that in India women threw their babies into the Ganges and that people threw themselves under the car of  Juggernaut , I doubted whether in the blackest and most intolerant days of the Christian Church, any villainous priest ever invented more bare-faced falsehoods or malicious slanders like these. “

He re-presented or corrected the false and perverse impression of India as being the land of maharajahs, tigers and cobras. He narrated an incident from King Akbar’s life and praised him for respecting all other religions. He spoke as an Indian first but kept Jainism at his heart. When one consciously suppresses individuality by proper physical, mental, moral, and spiritual development, one becomes part and parcel of immutable course of nature, environment, and ecology and never suffers, said VRG on Jain Yoga Philosophy.

Shri Gandhi said, “It is an astonishing fact that foreigners have been constantly attacking India and in the face of all this aggression the soul of India has stood vital and watchful. Her conduct and religion are safe and the whole world looks at India with a steady gaze.” He added “Cultural distinctions, agriculture, art, artistic skill, literature, good conduct, means of knowledge, science, hospitality, feminism, love, and respect – all these are found in India in quite a different form. If that culture was purchasable, England would have purchased it, adopted it. But it has not happened, it cannot happen.”

Today india is  a democratic & independent country . Still can we imagine of expressing our views in USA against their systems & their attacks & missions in India. No , honestly we will try to be diplomat . Those were days when we were not independent & It was british govt. who used rule our country & Foreign travel from India to USA was also a very tedious job where one had to travel through steamer  . And Western people were not aware about any diet called vegetarian diet  , hence vegetarian diet was something called impossible to practice in Western country for an Indian Basic layman. But it was VRG who as a true patriot at world religion parliament retaliated to every attack on India , Indian culture & specially cleared false myth created by fanatic Christan missionaries.  He was after same often called as lion for his bold expressions defending Indian Culture . his cativating speeches were on fundamentals of Hinduism,Buddhism,Jainism & Indian Cultures ,  Indian International Trade System, Indian Economic & Industrial outlook, Ancient History of Indian Civilisation, Science of eating, Yoga , concentration, Hypnotism, Astral Vision & Astral Body, occultism, he was first to acknowledge Western people about unknown Life of Christ & Life of Christ in India.

VRG’s captivating  speeches & his fearless  courteous expressions  created a deep brilliant image that American people were magnetically attracted towards him and at their request VRG prolonged his stay for two years and was invited twice later in 1897 and 1899. VRG Made his mission to educate western basic layman about India & Indian Religions comprising of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism since Christian missionaries under british rule had misrepresented india & its religion. He delivered as many as 535 lectures mainly in Chicago, Boston, New York, Washington of USA, England, France, Germany and other European countries. At all these places he was well listened, felicitated and presented with medals. After Parliament he was known name in USA but at same time many Christian fanatics had started seeing VRG as future threat. Western people started admiring VRG Speeches & were eager to learn more about Oriental  Philosophy. Leaving small amount of opposition from few fanatic Christian missionaries he was admired  in western countries by majority of them .

1894 , USA  Christian periodicals were flooded with analysis on Speech of VRG & his attack on Christian Missionaries in India . Some seemed positive & some were negative &  some fanatics started targeting  VRG  , with a feeling as if their religion & Christian mission was challenged. Whereby VRG made it clear that his remarks were not against christanity but Fanatic Christian missionaries who were presenting wrong picture of India & its religions. To name few , In 1894 -The review of reviews -William Thomas Stead , 1894-The review of reviews, Volume 9 -Albert Shaw, The argument for Christianity- George Claude Lorimer- 1894, Monist  & others were flooded with VRG’s speech analysis on “ Why Christian Mission  failed in India “

The literary world, Volume 51(Page 60, 1895 ) mentions “Virchand Raghavji Gandhi, BA, attacks missionaries in India, charging them with misrepresentation both in regard to the religion and the lives of the natives, and in regard to their own alleged self-sacrificing life”

A Boston Transcript says related to VRG ” He is earnest & serious speaker , carving deep into the philosophies of india, of which he is one of the most able exponents that has ever visited America”

The new York Times describes personality of VRG as “ Wearing a turban of yellow , signifying knowledge , and a robe of purple , potraying purity and activity, Virchand Gandhi”

Buffalo Evening Times mentions about VRG “ … preaches the universal brotherhood of man. He is much farther advanced in Esoteric philosophy than the western theosophists, and gives far more lucid explanations of the orient teachings. The hindu is decidedly the lion of the season” .

Rev, Addison Parker mentioned “ He impressed me as one the brainiest and most stirring of the representative of the Far East. I know of no one except him from whom I would prefer to hear facts concerning the life & thought  of the great people he represents.”

Miss Lilian Whiting (Reknowned Writer of Boston) mentioned about VRG : He was the most important delegate from india to the parliament of religions

Intodays world  it seems huge achievement to be covered by our national newspaper but Lion of the season, ie. VRG’s immense success was covered by the following list of leading newspapers, and periodicals of USA & same  concretely convinces  us about Captivating  impact of VRG on Western People , Western Media & Western leaders : A) New York Times, B) St. Joseph Gazette, C) The Jamestown New York, D) Editors Bureau, E) Chicago Daily Sun, F) Chicago Herald, G) Chicago Suburban Star, H) Light of Truth, Cincinnati, I) Buffalo Times, J) The Illustrated Buffalo Express, K) Morning Star, L) Buffalo Evening Times, M) Buffalo Express, N) Buffalo Courier, O) The Evangelist, P) Evening Post, Q) Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, R) The Rochester Herald, S) Rev. R. A. White, Chicago, T) Addison Parker Pastor of leading Baptist Church.

VRG wrote many articles and books in Gujarati as well as in English. He wrote on topics of social and cultural reforms like education for women and custom of repenting. VRG translated many publications, including The Unknown Life of Jesus Christ in English from French in 1894 from an ancient manuscript found in Tibet . And one should possess a copy of his scholarly translation.

In those days, sea voyage was considered as unholy and VRG faced unjust criticism for the same. At same time vegetarian diet practice of VRG in cold climate of USA surprised Swami Vivekanad . Swami Vivekanand wrote in 1894 from 541, Dearborn Avenue, Chicago, to the Diwan of Junagadh“Now here is Virchand Gandhi, the Jain whom you knew well in Bombay. This man never takes anything but mere vegetables even in this terribly cold climate and tooth and nail tries to defend his countrymen and religion.  The people of this country like him very well. But what are they doing who sent him over?  They are trying to outcast him.” Swami Vivekanandji’s quote  potrays VRG as lion when he uses word Tooth & nail tries to defend his countrymen.

Herbert Warren, a religious enthusiast, abandoned non-vegetarianism and adopted the Jain religion. He took notes from VRG’s lectures and wrote a book on Jainism. V. Glasenapp, a Well-known German scholar wrote his doctoral dissertation on the Jaina Doctrine of Karma and acknowledged VRG’s influence. Hon. E. B. Sherman Master in Chancery of the United States, Circuit Court, wrote on VRG “It has rarely, if ever, been my good fortune to meet a man whose reading and culture have been so wide and varied, and who, withal, has so sweet, sincere and teachable a spirit as Mr. Gandhi’. E. Allen Richardson in “Strangers in This Land” mentioned about the Parliament and VRG’s interview with New York Times. VRG had eventually attained  bar at law  in both india & Britain. He  had won Piggery Case & resolved Shatrunajay Tirth , Tax abolishing issues.

VRG death today also remains mystery . From 1902 letter of Mrs. Howard in Open Court we learn that VRG demised due to hemorrhage of Lungs . Whereby we learn from Current VRG descendants & Local Folks in Mahuva that VRG was given slow poison as he was seen as future threat by few Fanatic Christian Missionaries. Whatever may be truth but untimely demise of two heroes i.e. VRG & Swami Vivekanand proved tremendous loss for nation . otherwise  both must have contributed much more than accomplished & Mahatma Gandhi’s mission must have accelerated and we would have been independent much early .

VRG wanted to continue his activities for a long time and to accomplish much more but unfortunately he could not, as this brilliant and promising young man, full of hopes and aspirations died at a very young age of 37 on August 7, 1901 .  Today whatever is available about VRG is possibly just 10% of his contribution of his to the country & religion.

Swami Vivekand & Virchand Gandhi had their own popularity  & huge fan following.  Swami Vivekanand’s work became well-known but unfortunately little was known about VRG’s! One of the U.S. periodicals wrote while giving tribute to both of them when VRG and Swamiji died in 1901 and 1902 respectively, “The influence of Vivekanand’s philosophy has been kept alive by his disciples by founding organization like Ramkrishna Mission whereas, it is a matter of great pity that no attempt has been made to keep alive VRG’s memory!”  Today only 10% of VRG  details  are available due to gap of 100 years. In india nobody maintained detailed history of VRG & his contribution to India & Indian society. And maximum details that was available in western countries with his Fan Following is today almost lost.

As a reformer in Western Countries he established a] Gandhi Philosophical Society, b] Society for the Education of Women in India (SEWI). Under the banner of SEWI, several Indian women came to U.S.A. for higher studies. c] School of Oriental Philosophy, d] Jain Literature Society in London.

As a true humanitarian, he sent Ind.Rs.40,000 and a shipload of grains from U.S.A. to India during worst famine of 1896-97.

As a national figure he attended the Indian National Congress held in Pune as the Representative of then Bombay province in 1895 and was early political leader of Indian National congress along with his friends Chief Justice Mahadev Ranade , Sr. Narayan  Chandavarkar. And possibly  for same Ex-Prime Minister of India Smt. Indiraji Gandhi (Congress President) , Top Congress Politician Shri Vadilal Chitrabhuj Gandhi visited VRG house  & met Dhiraj Mohanlal Gandhi  who was grandson of VRG (a key person of Hindu Mahasabha,Mumbai)  & paid homage to VRG.

In Catalogue of the university of Vermont & State Agricultural college  by Columbia university we learn that in 1898 , Dec. 19, Virchand Gandhi (BA,MRAS) lectured on The political & Industrial Outlook in India in Large Hall of William Science building.

His  another International  Participation as All India Sole Delegate was in  International Conference of Commerce  in 1899 where he lectured on  Trade relations between USA & India , where he suggested  few measures to USA  in mutual benefit of USA & India .

Mahesh Gandhi shares that Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi  in a letter to Mohandas Virchand Gandhi  , blesses him & ask  him “ Have you adopted any ideas of your father”  . And these small things make us believe that M.K.gandhi knew about versatile traits of VRG & had due respect  for VRG. Infact M.K.Gandhi had  send his wishes to Grandson of VRG, Dhiraj Mohadas Gandhi also  during his marriage.  It seems as  if  there was some special bond between M.K.Gandhi & VRG.

In our Modern research about VRG have revealed that at several instances Mahatma (M. K.) Gandhi was misunderstood as V. R. Gandhi.

In a 1931 , June 13 letter, Mahatma Gandhi clarifies to Miss Emelia, Mac Bean of Chicago when she mistook him as VRG that’ Madam,I have your letter for which I thank you. You are giving me credit of which I am wholly undeserving. You are thinking of another Mr. Gandhi my name-sake but in no way related to me. He and I were however friends and lived together for some time. You will be sorry to hear that he died many years ago, leaving an only son.It was he who visited America and made many friends. I have never had the privilege of visiting your continent’.

Mark Twain, father of American Literature was too impressed by Virchand Gandhi & his Jain philosophy & his newspaper Buffalo express had covered immense success of VRG & on Mark Twain’s Visit to India ,VRG displayed his hospitality & accompanied him to Byculla,Mumbai jain temples on 25^th January, 1896. In MARK TWAIN, on, Biblical & Hindu Miracles – G.B. singh justifies that Virchand Gandhi had met Mark Twain on his visit to India but somehow western researcher in Inventing Mark Twain: The Lives of Samuel Langhorne Clemens by Andrew Hoffman mistook Virchand Gandhi as Mahatma Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi, at this stage of Mark Twain’s travel, was living in South Africa.

H.S. Olcott was lawyer and the co-founder and first President of the Theosophical Society , And author Pyarelal in his book Mahatma Gandhi also brings to our notice that It was Virchand Gandhi who lectured at Blavasty Lodge , where H.S.Olcott presided function  ((Old Diary Leaves- Henry S. Olcott) & they interacted with each other & in his diary he mentioned VRG as a “distinguised Jain”, but Josephine Ransom seems to have mixed up MK Gandhi with Virchand Gandhi & wrongly mentioned that Olcott was introduced to Mk.Gandhi and this time also Mk.Gandhi was in South Africa.

Old Diary leaves  by H.S.Olcott mentions that  “A profound impression was created by the discourses of Professor G.N. Chakravarti and Mrs Besant, who is said to have risen to unusual heights of eloquence, so exhilarating were the influences of the gathering. Besides those who represented our Society especially, Messrs Vivekananda , V.R. Gandhi, Dharmapala, representatives of the Hindu Vedanta, Jainism, and Buddhism respectively, captivated the public, who had only heard of Indian people through the malicious reports of interested missionaries, and were now astounded to see before them and hear men who represented the ideal of spirituality and human perfectibility as taught in their respective sacred writings.

Said one Chicago editor: ‘We have been for years spending millions of dollars in sending missionaries to convert these men, and have had very little success; they have sent over a few men, and have converted everybody’  “

JAINA VRG Scholarship Committee, 1997 Was founded by Shri Pravinji C Shah (1997-2010) as Chairperson.

Shri Pravin C Shah was touched by one of the speeches of Dr. Kumarpalji Desai in 1993 and from then he vigourously followed  with JAINA a project to be started in name of VRG as revival of VRG . At last his proiject was passed and he was honoured with founder chair of JAINA, Committeee. Till this time only 1% people knew about VRG . But after effort of  Shri Pravinji C Shah , Shri Prakashji Mody , Shri Maheshji Gandhi , Shri Pratapji Bhogilal today VRG is successfuly explored world wide. Above four under blessings of Spiritual Guru Shri Chitrabhanuji successfuly worked in approval of VRG postal stamp , which eventually served as launchpad in revival of VRG. Later Shri Preetiben Shah,  Dr. Bipinji Doshi and Shri Pankaz Chandmal Hingarh contributed in researches and revival of VRG . And Drama by Shri Sachin Shah was produced on VRG based on book of Dr. Bipinji Doshi and Smt. Pritiben Shah.

JAINA,VRG Committee OBJECTIVE : In 1997 to promote awareness about VRG Great Jain Scholar , his historicity & to promote and encourage studies in Jainism , to provide scholarship for advance studies in Jainism (M.Phil., Ph.D),to promote message of Universal love and non-violence through education Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi Scholarship Committee was Founded . This scholarship is being awarded to bright and needy students studying Jainism and/or pursuing doctorate and/or research studies in fields like Jain philosophy, Jain literature, Jain scriptures, Jain temple architectures at recognized Universities and Institutions. The scholarship will support Jain Sadhus/Sadhavis in their studies at accredited institutions by giving the cost of their books, tuition fees and misc. expenses. Also promote Research studies in work of VRG’s unpublished literature.

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