Virchand Gandhi: 

(Description Source : A Brief Summary of Life and Mission of Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi,A pioneer in the introduction of JAINISM to the West , Compiled by Pravin K. Shah (Chair: JAINA, Education Committee) (1994). Content drafted & formatted specially in para form with few additions  by Jaina,VRG committee  )

Virchand Raghav Gandhi (VRG) (August 25, 1864 - August 7, 1901) represented Jains in the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. He was probably the first Jain to arrive in USA and his statue stands in the Jain temple at Chicago. A great Jain scholar and a barrister, Virchand Gandhi delivered 535 lectures in America. He spoke 14 languages including Gujarati, Hindi, Bengali, English, Sanskrit and French

At 21, Gandhi became the first honorary secretary of the Jain Association of India in 1885. He worked for abolishing the tax levied on pilgrims to Mount Shatrunjay, Gujarat, India. In 1891, Mr. Boddam, an English man, started a factory for slaughtering animals near Mount Sametshikhar, a holy place of Jain pilgrimage. Virchand Gandhi stayed in Calcutta for six months, learned Bengali, prepared his case against the factory, and successfully got the factory closed.

VRG’s Biography

Shri Virchand R. Gandhi was born on the August 25, 1864 in Mahuva, near Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India. After primary and secondary education at Bhavnagar, he joined Elphinstone College in Bombay. He graduated and took a B.A. degree with honors from the university of Bombay in 1884. He was probably the first graduate amongst the Jainas at that time. He was also a student of Buddhism and Vedanta Philosophy and also had knowledge of Yoga and Occultism. He had acquired knowledge of Christianity and Western philosophy. He also had made a comparative study of various philosophies which equipped him for talks on various subjects with confidence. He had the command of fourteen languages including Gujarati, Hindi, Bengali, English, Prakrit, Sanskrit, and French.

Shri Gandhi became the first honorary secretary of the Jain Association of India in 1885 at the age of 21. As a secretary he worked very hard for the abolition of poll-tax levied on pilgrims to Mt. Satrunjay, the most sacred place of Jain religion at Palitana, Gujarat, India. In those days to protest against the ruler was to invite severe punishment and even death.He prepared a case to compromise. He met Lord Ray, the governor of Bombay,and Colonel Watson, the political agent and made a strong representation eventually abolishing the poll-tax in place of a fixed payment of Rs 15,000 per year to the ruler for looking after the safety of the pilgrims and the holy place.

More than a century ago very few visited west and spoke about India and introduced or made others aware about its rich cultural heritage and past civilized history. Virchand Raghavji Gandhi (VRG) a renowned Barrister-At-Law, a great exponent of Indian culture, a patriot, a humanitarian, a philosopher, a reformer and a Jain scholar made this possible and made us proud by revealing the true nature of religion, love, compassion, tolerance and Ahimsa (non-violence) at the first ever held Parliament of World Religions held in Chicago, U.S.A. in 1893 attending as a Representative of Jain religion. Swami Vivekanand attended the same Parliament.

Virchand Raghav Gandhi corrected the false, twisted and perverse impression of India, being the land of Maharajahs, tigers, cobras, magicians, heathens without any culture or civilization. He spoke as a Jain, but as an Indian first. His approach was the most nonsectarian. He had studied Buddhism, Vedanta Philosophy, Christianity, Western Philosophy which enabled him to talk on various subjects and present his views with confidence. He had clear vision, unbiased approach and clarity in his explanation.V.R.Gandhi defended Indian culture, Hindu religion under unjust criticism in the Parliament and elsewhere by elaborating its principles. He praised Mogul emperor Akbar for his being equal to all religions.

VRG and Swami Vivekanand both though came to West at the same time and with the same goal but Swami Vivekanand’s work is well known but VRG’s not.This was because of lack of proper follow up by Jains.And Jain Sadhus always travel on foot and the conservative Jains then protested his travel by sailing across the seas which was meant as sin.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/Society) whereas, it is a matter of great pity that no attempt has been made to keep his (V.R. Gandhi;s) memory (alive)..”

He stayed in the USA for about two years after the conference and lectured in cities such as Chicago, Boston, New York, and Washington.He also visited England, France, Germany and other places in Europe.In foreign countries he wore a long and loose kurta, a white shawl on his shoulder, a golden bordered Kathiwadi turban on his head, and country shoes.This external appearance bore the imprint of India.He delivered more than 535 lectures on Jainism, Yoga, Indian systems of philosophy, Indian culture, occultism, and spiritualism.He qualified as a Barrister in London at one of the Inns of the Court but did not use this qualification for monetary gain.

VRG At the First ever Parliament of World Religions at Chicago,USA (1893)

It was the memorable day of September 11, 1893.The Columbus Hall of Art Institute of Chicago was overflowing with more than 3000 delegates of different nations and religions.It was the opening day of the Parliament of World Religions Conference, the first such conference ever organized in the history of mankind.The aim of the conference was to impart to the world, the knowledge of different religions, and to promote a feeling of fraternity between followers of diverse religious persuasion, and also to pave the way for world peace.The conference lasted for 17 days. 

Late Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi was first known Jain ever to set his feet on this United States of America soil.At the first ever Parliament of World Religions held at Chicago,USA in 1893

At the Parliament where more than 3,000 delegates from all over the world belonging to many faiths attended, he impressed them by the sheer weight of his scholarship, with his six eloquent speeches and personality.At the Parliament, he played a pioneer role first time Outside of India to make people aware that Jain religion is an ancient vibrant world religion.He was awarded silver medal at the Parliament.

One of the American newspaper wrote regarding V.R.Gandhi,“of all Eastern scholars, it was this youth whose lectures on Jain Faith and Conduct was listened to with the greatest interest and attention:. In Kasadova, he delivered a lecture on ‘Some mistakes corrected’ on August 8, 1894, the citizens of this city awarded him a gold medal.The newspaper, ‘Buffalo Courier’, recorded the immense success of that lecture.

Virchand Gandhi talked about the doctrines of Jainism in such a coherent manner that some newspapers published the text of his lecture in full.He had a most effective way of handling the otherwise difficult terminology of Jainism.He had an extraordinary ability to clarify his statements in a consistent and logical manner.At the conference,he made a brief but striking presentation on the fundamentals of the Jain religion.He expounded the Jain religion in its main aspects namely: Jain philosophy,Jain way of life, and Jain code of conduct.

Another special characteristic of Shri Virchand Gandhi’s lectures on the Jain religion was that they did not deal in criticism of other religions.Free from sectarian preferences and prejudices, his impartial ideology is an apt expression of the Jain who practices non-violence (Ahimsa) in life and multiplicity views (Anekanta)in thoughts.His discourses convinced the elite of America of the fact that the Jain religion has an authentic and rational religious tradition.His speeches received extensive publications in several leading newspapers.

An American gentlemen gave his opinion about Virchand Gandhi in these words:”In this religious gathering a number of philosophers, preachers, and scholars came from India and delivered lectures and each one of them presented a new element so as to convince that their religion ranks high with great religions of the world.Moreover their oratory and devotion presented distinct types and were full of wisdom and contemplation.Among them was an outstanding young man of Jain religion who gave new ideas about morality and philosophy.Though he is only a house-holder and not a monk or religious preacher, he can expound so well.Who must then be his Guru?His simple but striking philosophy of life is worth knowing, worth understanding.”His lectures demonstrated the fact that the study of Sanskrit and Prakrit languages alone is not enough for a proper understanding and exposition of Indianphilosophy.It is absolutely necessary to assimilate and to understand India’s past culture in its proper context.

Shri Virchand Gandhi was a great exponent of Indian culture and religion,besides being a brilliant scholar of Jainism.His speeches at the parliament echoed the true spirit and culture of India.There prevailed in America the belief that India was a country of tigers, serpents, magicians, and kings. Christian missionaries also presented a distorted picture of the people of India.Virchand Gandhi made a great effort as Swami Vivekananda did to give to the people abroad the true perspective on India.

Explaining the importance of Indian culture to foreigners, he said,”It is an astonishing fact that foreigners have been constantly attacking India and in the face of all those aggressions the soul of India has stood vital and watchful.Her conduct and religion are safe and the whole world looks atIndia with a steady gaze.” He also added that “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 could have purchased it,adopted it.But it has not happened, it cannot happen.”

Shri Virchand Gandhi was not a dogmatic person.He spoke as a Jain but he forcefully defended Hinduism from the attack of Westerners at the Parliament.Above all, he was first Indian then Jain. He was accorded a warm reception and shown highest appreciation from clubs, literary and church societies, philosophical branches, and spiritual associations in the USA and other countries.His lectures also served to educate the Western society regarding the salient features of Indian culture.

Five decades before the independence of India, Virchand Gandhi had a prophetic ision.He said in one of his lectures,”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 are a nation in all that name implies with our own 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 the nations of the world.”

During his journey, he also visited England, France and Germany and gave lectures there also. Herbert Warren, a religious enthusiast, abandoned non-vegetarianism and adopted the Jain religion. He took notes from VRG’s lectures, he heard, 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 lectures as the sole influence.

He propagated the relevance of Jain tenets and spread Bhagwan Mahavir’s message of non-violence. He was 29 Years old then. He delivered about 535 speeches on Jainism, other religions and social and cultural lives in India which all received wide publications. Wherever he went, many literary and spiritual institutions, churches and societies not only accorded him warm welcome but also honored him. He was presented with medals and was requested to prolong his stay. People in U.S.A. and West liked him so much that they invited him twice after, in 1897 and 1899 respectively. Every time when he returned from the West, he was felicitated at big welcome functions presided by dignitaries like Premchad Raychand and Bombay, now Mumbai, Chief Justice Mahadeo Govind Ranade in 1896 and 1899 respectively.

VRG & his other Social activities

He was responsible in closing down the slaughter house in Sametshikhar, abolishing poll tax on Jain pilgrims at Shatrunjaya and sending money and shipload of grains to India from U.S.A. in the worst famine of 1896-97, raising awareness in the West of the importance of Jainism as an ancient vibrant world religion, propagating the relevance of Jain tenets Ahimsa, Anekant and Aparigriha and spread Bhagwan Mahavir’s message across the world and defending the Indian culture and Hindu religion under the unjust criticism in the Parliament and later on, in spite of lot of odds, by attending the first ever Parliament of World Religions held at Chicago in 1893 and visiting England, France, Germany and other places during 1895 and his subsequent two visits to the West, Europe and U.S.A.

Virchand Gandhi was not only a philosophical thinker but he also had the welfare of the nation at heart. He collected a ship load of grain and about Rs. 40,000 cash for famine relief in India in 1896 while he was in the USA.

Various Societies Floated by VRG in America

In America Virchand Gandhi founded various societies, such as, The Gandhi Philosophical Society, The School of Oriental Philosophy, and The Society for the Education of Women of India. The secretary of the later institution was Mrs. Howard who had adopted pure vegetarianism, practiced Samayik daily and other codes of conduct of Jainism. In England he founded the Jain Literature Society and taught Jainism there. Mr. Herbert Warren, a religious enthusiast, abandoned non-vegetarianism and adopted the Jain religion. He summarized Virchand Gandhi’s lectures and published a book known as ‘Herbert Warren’s Jainism.’

VRG’s Sudden Demise at Age of 37

While he was in England, his health suddenly took a turn for the worse. He returned to India, but a few weeks later Shri Virchand Gandhi passed away at the very young age of 37 in Bombay on August 7, 1901. He rendered an excellent service to India and Jainism by interpreting Indian culture and religion in its true spirit to the western world. He was a brilliant promising young man, full of hopes and aspirations of service to his religion and community. His name will continue to be remembered as a great champion of Jain religion and of Indian culture. He wanted to continue these activities for a long time but unfortunately death at an early age of 37 and this has left an unbridgeable void. He sacrificed his brilliant legal career, lived and died for the cause of Jainism and service to humanity.

Swami Vivekananda on Virchand Raghav Gandhi

Swami Vivekananda wrote in 1894 while he was in U.S.A. ” This man defends his countrymen and religion. People of this country like him very much. But what are they doing who sent him over? They are trying to outcast him.”

USA periodicals on VRG

One of the U.S.periodicals then wrote “The influence of Vivekanand’s philosophy has been kept alive by his disciples by founding organizations like Ramakrishna Mission/Society, etc. whereas, it is a matter of great pity that no attempt has been made to keep Virchandbhai’s memory green/fresh. What is this if not ingratitude….?”

Shri Virchand R. Gandhi’s Published Literature

The following literature was published by Shri Virchand R. Gandhi or

Complied from his speeches and writings by various authors:

   Title                                 Year        Language Pages

  Essay - Radva Kutvani Hanikarak Chal  1886        Gujarati  37

  The Unknown Life of Jesus Christ      1894        English 128

  Savirya Dhyan                         1902/ 1989 Gujarati 158

  Jaina Philosophy                      1907        English 375

  Karma Philosophy                      1913        English 221

  Yoga Philosophy                       1912/ 1993 English 309

  Herbert Warren's Jainism              1961/ 1983 English 164

  Selected speeches of V. R. Gandhi     1963        English   85

  The Systems of Indian Philosophy      1970/ 1993 English 188

Religion and Philosophy of Jainas     1993        English 264

Awards received by Virchand R. Gandhi

    1. Silver Medal: A token of Esteem and Unity   “The Occident to the Orient” from the spiritualist of Cassadaga Camp. (USA)  Awarded to - Virchand R. Gandhi.  August 25, 1894 2. Gold Medal:Awarded by - Kutchhi Dasha Oswal Jain Community, Bombay Awarded to -   Virchand Raghavji Gandhi, B.A. MRAS , Starter of Jainism ,August 19, 1896. 

Chicago Jain Centre on VRG

To commemorate the centenary of VRG’s attending the 1893 Parliament at Chicago, Chicago Jain Centerhas installed his statue at the temple in 1995.

 Reference

Description Source: A Brief Summary of Life and Mission of Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi,A pioneer in the introduction of JAINISM to the West , Compiled by Pravin K. Shah (1994). Note: Shri Pravin K. Shah , Chair of JAINA education committee.

Guruji Shri Chitrabhanuji’ s initiative for VRG’s Centenary in 1964

Guruji Shri Chitrabhanuji during his monk-hood was pioneer to initiate celebration of VRG’s Birth Centenary in 1964. This was done exactly on 25th August, 1964 (he was born on Aug. 25, 1864) in Fort, Mumbai where he and others addressed large gathering.

The Ohio Historical Society on VRG

The Ohio Historical Society, Ohio State had given a big bronze plaque to Jain Center of Cincinnati/Dayton in 1994 marking 100 years of VRG’s lecture in Cleveland on Set. 18, 1894 mentioning that Shri V.R. Gandhi brought Jainism to Ohio State.

JAINA On Re-exploring Virchand R. Gandhi (VRG) History, VRG Scholarship & VRG Memorial & Creating Awareness about VRG globally

Very little is know about great Indian Scholar Virchand Raghav Gandhi. Federation of Jain Association In North America (JAINA) has taken lead to re-explore this gem to world & its successful because of Many Past presidents of JAINA executive Committee , Immediate Past President : Kirit Daftary & President: Dilipbhai V Shah.

JAINA Founded VRG Scholarship Committee, 1997

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.

Chair :Pravin C. Shah pravincshah2k@ yahoo.com

Co-Chair:Chandrakant.M.Shah shahchandra@ hotmail.com

Committee Member: Prakash V. Mody , Ashwin K. Shah,Dilip V. Shah,Pravin K. Shah,Surendra C. Gandhi,Vinay K. Vakani

India Committee Member: Pravin H. Sanghavi,Nilesh N. Dalal,Himatlal S. Gandhi ,Niranjan M. Shah,Dr.Bipin Doshi, pankaz chandmal hingarh pajarotouch@yahoo.com