Babu Dayalchandjina Ketlak Sansmarano

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Babu Dayalchandjina Ketlak Sansmarano" by Sukhlal Sanghavi, based on the provided pages:

This text is a collection of memoirs about Babu Dayalchandji, a resident of Agra, written by Sukhlal Sanghavi. The author begins by acknowledging a brief obituary by Shri Ratilal Deepchand Desai, whose acquaintance with Babu Dayalchandji was shorter but experiential. Sanghavi, however, aims to provide a more detailed account, highlighting both the sweet and instructive aspects, as well as Babu Dayalchandji's dedication to continuing his father's work.

Foundations of Friendship and Shared Vision:

Sanghavi's acquaintance with Babu Dayalchandji spanned about fifty years, beginning unexpectedly in 1907 (Samvat 1964) when Sanghavi and his friend Vrajlalji visited Agra. They met Babu Dayalchandji at a garden outside Agra, which was historically significant. Babu Dayalchandji warmly welcomed them, personally cooking for them and understanding their unspoken needs. This encounter formed a deep friendship and a partnership based on a shared commitment to pursuing knowledge and undertaking scholarly work. Babu Dayalchandji, along with his friends, took on the financial and other responsibilities for this endeavor.

The Academic Endeavor and National Awakening:

This shared vision led to the establishment of a study session on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi. Babu Dayalchandji, who was involved in the jewelry business and other ventures, also frequented Varanasi. Their friendship deepened, built on mutual trust, and they collaborated on plans for post-study work. This period coincided with the national independence movement and the establishment of the Hindu University by Madan Mohan Malaviya. They decided to center their educational activities in Kashi, focusing on the Jain community and its involvement in scholarly pursuits. Babu Dayalchandji, with his business acumen and the support of his friends, would manage the financial and administrative aspects.

Initiating Work in Agra and Babu Dayalchandji's Support:

In 1913-14, they decided to begin their work in Agra. Sanghavi moved to Agra in 1914 to plan the activities, including who to involve and how to proceed, always in consultation with Babu Dayalchandji. Babu Dayalchandji's unwavering support and practical wisdom were instrumental. He would consistently encourage Sanghavi, saying, "You can make any plan, do any work, but never be discouraged." This enthusiasm motivated Sanghavi to develop plans, find associates, and support students.

Personal Sacrifice and Dedication:

The author notes that Babu Dayalchandji was widowed at a young age but remained devoted to a promise made to his dying wife, refusing to remarry. Despite his thriving businesses, which were incredibly successful, with European and American travelers, kings, and officials frequenting his renowned shop, he was willing to leave it all behind to join Sanghavi in Kashi and establish an institution. He would stay with Sanghavi, wake early to read, and then return to his work with clockwork regularity.

Community Service and Philanthropy:

Babu Dayalchandji actively participated in community welfare. He conceptualized and oversaw the construction of a dharmashala (rest house) through a collective effort. He managed temples and upashrayas (monastic residences) and initiated a Hindi primary school and religious education programs. He always involved the Agra community in these endeavors, seeking to bring everyone together.

Physical Strength and Courage:

Babu Dayalchandji was also known for his physical prowess, regularly participating in wrestling with young and old men, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong physique. This robust health and his wrestling habits instilled in him a unique zest for life. The author recounts an incident during World War I when British officials extorted money from wealthy individuals, sometimes neglecting the safety of those who didn't contribute. When the Oswal Jains did not contribute significantly, they faced hardship. During the plague, when the author's family had moved to the garden where Babu Dayalchandji was staying, about twenty robbers attacked. Babu Dayalchandji, hearing the commotion, rushed out with nothing in hand. He was attacked and injured, sustaining broken bones, but his spirit remained undeterred. Even while bedridden, he devised plans with young men and elders to defend the garden against robbers. Their organized vigilance and bravery eventually deterred the attackers.

The Agra Institute's Objectives:

The primary objectives of their work in Agra included:

1. Translating and writing Jain texts in Hindi and editing important books.
2. Providing education in religion, philosophy, Sanskrit, and Prakrit to students, and facilitating their enrollment in schools or colleges.
3. Establishing a well-equipped library to support independent study, editing, and research.
4. Imparting liberal and non-sectarian religious and philosophical education to curious children and adults.
5. Working to eradicate social malpractices and unnecessary expenditures.
6. Finding and nurturing suitable associates to support these activities.
7. Teaching monks and nuns from any sect or lineage who wished to pursue studies in Agra.

Growth of the Movement and National Call:

Sanghavi acknowledges that he couldn't achieve these goals alone. His collaborators from Kashi had moved away, but Babu Dayalchandji's immense enthusiasm and practical wisdom kept him from despair. During this period, Sanghavi established a small group in Agra, which grew to include students and dedicated individuals. Prominent figures like Shri Chimanbhai and Shri Ramaniklal Modi joined the group. The movement flourished under Babu Dayalchandji's inspiring presence.

In 1921, with Gandhiji's call for independence, the national fervor intensified. Sanghavi felt a moral imperative to address the ongoing scholarly work. After discussion with Babu Dayalchandji, who also harbored a desire for independence, they decided to publish all prepared writings. Sanghavi moved to Ahmedabad to continue the literary activities from there, with Babu Dayalchandji shouldering the financial responsibilities. This collaboration strengthened their bond, even as Sanghavi worked at Gujarat Vidyapith.

Contribution to Jain Conference and Social Reform:

Around 1919, Babu Dayalchandji moved to Calcutta for business. During a National Congress session there, he also organized a Shvetambara Jain Conference. The educated Jain community in Calcutta held Babu Dayalchandji in high regard and were willing to support his initiatives financially, stating, "Dayalchand, you continue the work, don't worry about the money." His efforts in Calcutta led to the formation of a significant fund for a Jain Chair at Hindu University, which later materialized in Kashi. Babu Dayalchandji also contributed to the administration and restoration of important Jain pilgrimage sites like Mathura and Shauripur. He personally initiated efforts to curb extravagant spending during weddings and other ceremonies. Whether it was social reform, nationalistic activities, or religious endeavors, he was always present. Even when his personal financial situation changed, he continued to support good causes through the help of his friends and acquaintances.

Later Years and Legacy:

In his later years, Babu Dayalchandji resided at the Jain dharmashala in Ration Mohalla, Agra, ensuring comfortable accommodations for all travelers, Jain or otherwise. Despite facing loneliness in his final days, he never displayed despair and was never perceived as miserly by those who met him. He remained welcoming and eager to help. He frequently visited Kashi, participated in university activities, and was passionate about hands-on work, including meticulous care for hygiene and cleanliness. Though he had studied up to the first year of college, his business dealings with Europeans gave him a good command of English. He was an avid reader and had a wide network of acquaintances across India. He dedicated himself to society, the nation, religion, and literature. Sanghavi reflects on their years as friends and colleagues, witnessing his activities and ideas even from afar. Babu Dayalchandji was a living embodiment of enthusiasm, dedicated to empowering the younger generation. He was a proponent of resolving inter-sectarian disputes and accelerating national causes. His passing at the age of 75 leaves a void, but Sanghavi expresses hope that the seeds sown by Babu Dayalchandji will one day bear fruit.