Arvachin Jain Jyotirdharo

The book "Arvachin Jain Jyotirdharo" (Meaning: "Modern Jain Luminary" or "Modern Jain Luminaries") authored and edited by the venerable Shri Atmanandji, and co-edited by Prakashbhai D. Shah, published by Shri Satkrut Seva Sadhana Kendra, Koba, serves as a biographical compendium of influential Jain figures of the modern era.

The publisher's note expresses pleasure in presenting this work to the Gujarati-speaking public, adhering to the institution's policy of providing virtuous, inspiring, and practical reading material. The book aims to feature prominent individuals from the entire Jain community without bias. However, it acknowledges limitations due to the unavailability of timely and accurate information for some personalities, with the hope that their stories can be documented in the future. The publication is described as a challenging, labor-intensive, and sensitive task undertaken by the institution's literary publication committee.

Shri Atmanandji Maharaj initiated this endeavor, drawing information from his personal notes, articles collected from various magazines and special issues, and his direct interactions with the individuals profiled. The book is intended to foster unity within the Jain community and provide timely, excellent, and beneficial inspiration for the character building of the present generation. Several individuals from the Shrimad Rajchandra Adhyatmik Sadhana Kendra and other scholars contributed to its preparation, with special mention given to Prof. Anil Soneji, Muktabahen Mehta, Hansabahen Bhavsar, Hirabane Shah, Bindubhene Parekh, and Vintabane Doshi. Articles by Dr. Kumarpal Desai and information from Shri Nareshbhai Sanghvi are also gratefully acknowledged. Various libraries, research institutions, and individuals also provided essential information, for which the publishers express their heartfelt gratitude. The meticulous proofreading and literary refinement by Late Narottam Pareshwar Shastri are also highlighted, as is the commendable printing work by Shri Shantibhai Gala and Vimalaben Gala. Notably, Navneet Prakashan, Ahmedabad and Mumbai, sponsored the entire printing cost, which is hailed as praiseworthy and inspirational. The book expresses hope that its reading will inspire the current generation and provide light and enthusiasm for life development.

The "Preface" (Prashthakathan) emphasizes the ancient origins of Jainism, tracing it back to Rishabhnath and Arishtanemi, whose names are found in the Rigveda and Shrimad Bhagvat. Historically, Lord Mahavira, approximately 2500 years ago, propagated the message of non-violence, truth, anekanta (multiplicity of viewpoints), and peace. Through the principles of aparigraha (non-possession), he initiated concepts relevant to modern socialism and Sarvodaya. The text lists numerous ancient and modern Jain luminaries who contributed significantly to Gujarati pride and Indian identity, including Shri Neminath, Shri Shilgunasuri, Shri Vanraj Chavda, Shri Hemchandracharya, Shri Kumarpal (King of Gurjaras), Shri Shantidas Zaveri, Shrimad Rajchandra, Shri Zaverchand Meghani, and Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai.

The "Prastavna" (Foreword) further elaborates on the difficulty of officially chronicling the lives and inspirational deeds of these great figures due to the extensive effort, unique insight, resources, cooperation, and time required. The current work aims to present the biographies of these great men who contributed to the all-around development of Jain culture and religion in the last two hundred years, based on available information. It acknowledges potential limitations and seeks reader forgiveness for any inaccuracies, requesting knowledgeable individuals to point out errors for future editions. The language used is intended to be accessible to the common reader.

The book aims to counteract the observed passivity, indifference, carelessness, and self-centeredness prevalent in contemporary Indian society regarding character building and noble life values. It aspires to inspire the youth and adults alike to draw inspiration from the historical lives of these modern great men, contributing to the foundation of a noble, cultured, and strong society for future generations. It concludes with the hope that such efforts will rekindle the fading flame of Aryan traditions and Indian culture, leading to the well-being of the entire world.

The "Index" (Anukramanika) lists 36 individuals profiled in the book:

1. Danveer Jainkulbhushan Seth Shri Manikchand (J.P.)
2. Tapodhan Shrimad Rajendrasuri
3. Shrimad Laghurajswami
4. Mahapandit Shri Lalan
5. Dharmavir Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi
6. Guru Gopal Dasji Bareya
7. Paramtatvajna Shrimad Rajchandraji
8. Vidyavaridhi Shri Champatray Barrister
9. Samayadrushta Shri Vijayvallabhsuri
10. Mahatapasvi Acharya Shri Shantisagarji Maharaj
11. Yoganishtha Acharya Shri Buddhisagar
12. Seth Shri Hukumchandji
13. Santashri Ganeshprasadji Varni
14. Pragathisheel Acharya Shri Jawahar Lalji
15. Kaviratna Shri Nanchandji Maharaj
16. Sahityasamalochak Shri Jugalkishore Mukhtar 'Yugveer'
17. Dharmadivakar Shri Chothmalji Maharaj
18. Sauhardamurti Shri Motilal Kapadia
19. Shatavadhani Panditratna Shri Ratnachandji Maharaj
20. Jaindharmabhushan Shri Shitalprasadji
21. Prajnachakshu Pt. Sukhlalji
22. Sampadakratna Pandit Shri Nathuram Premi
23. Agmoddharak Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj
24. Puratatvacharya Shri Jinvijayji
25. Brahmacharini Pt. Chandabai
26. Udarcheta Munishri Nyayavijayji
27. Dharmaprabhavak Shri Kanji Swami
28. Panditvarya Shri Bechardasji Doshi
29. Shresthivarya Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai
30. Shaanoddharak Muni Shri Punyavijayji
31. Dr. Kamtaprasad Jain
32. Seva-Saujanya Murti Shri Rishabhdas Rankaa
33. Muni Shri Santbalji
34. Danveer Shri Meghjibhai Pethraj
35. Vishisht Sahityakar Shri Jaybhikhu
36. Shravak-Shiromani Sahu Shri Shantiprasadji
37. Dr. Nemichandra Shastri
38. Adhyatmayogi Shri Sahajanandji Varni
39. Shradhey Shri Jinendra Varni

The initial pages provide details about the book's publication, including the author, co-editor, publisher, edition, print run, publication date (Gandhi Jayanti eve, October 1, 1988), and price. The subsequent pages delve into the foreword and introduction, setting the context and criteria for selecting the individuals profiled. The index lists the names of the eminent personalities with their corresponding page numbers, indicating that the book offers comprehensive biographical sketches of these modern Jain luminaries.

The provided text is the beginning of the book and contains introductory material, title pages, publication details, acknowledgments, foreword, index, and the beginning of the biographical sketch of the first personality, Danvir Jainkulbhushan Seth Shri Manikchand (J.P.). It establishes the book's purpose and scope, which is to highlight the lives and contributions of significant modern Jain figures.