Conferenceno Bhomiyo

This document, titled "Conferenceno Bhomiyo" (Conference Guide) by Purushottamdas Gigabhai Shah, is a detailed historical account and promotional guide for the Jain Conferences held in India. Published by the author himself, it aims to inform the Jain community about the purpose, history, and achievements of these conferences.

Here's a comprehensive summary:

Core Purpose and Motivation:

The book's primary goal is to explain the significance and necessity of Jain Conferences to the Jain community. The author observes that despite the tangible benefits of these conferences, a significant portion of the community remains unaware of their objectives, even criticizing or trying to undermine them. The book aims to bridge this gap by educating people about the underlying principles and advantages of these gatherings.

Historical Context and Evolution:

• Origins in Tradition: The text traces the concept of conferences back to ancient Jain traditions, where large gatherings (melas) were organized at sacred pilgrimage sites. While these were initially for devotional purposes, the author notes that over time, the original intent became diluted, leading to chaotic and superficial interactions.
• Inspiration from National Congress: The emergence of the Indian National Congress inspired a Jain gentleman named Gulabchandji Hathdra to conceive the idea of a pan-Indian Jain gathering. He reasoned that if people of different castes and religions could unite for political strength, people of the same faith from various regions should unite for religious solidarity. However, due to limited communication and nascent Jain press at the time, this idea remained dormant.
• The Catalyst: The idea resurfaced in the heart of Moti Doși Kunvarji Anandji, who published it in the Jain Dharma Prakash magazine in 1949. Despite this, public response was minimal, highlighting a societal tendency to suppress personal opinions.
• The First Conference (Ahmedabad, 1893): The Bhavnagar Jain Dharma Prasarak Sabha took a proactive step by distributing leaflets at Shatrunjay pilgrimage sites in 1950 to raise awareness. Following meetings with prominent Jain figures like Anandji Kalyanji, the decision was made to hold the first Jain Conference in Ahmedabad. This conference, held from March 18th to 21st, 1893, saw participation from 62 individuals representing 23 villages. Key resolutions passed included establishing veterinary surgeons in animal shelters, reinstating per-household contributions for animal shelters, improving the maintenance of Shatrunjay, recovering outstanding dues, stopping the practice of charging pilgrims for accommodation in Palitana dharmashalas, renovating old temples, ensuring proper administration of religious observances, addressing issues with Guru Hemchandji Kharatargachha, resolving issues with the Barots of Palitana, and establishing and renovating libraries.

Key Themes and Issues Addressed:

• Unity and Collective Action: A recurring theme is the paramount importance of unity (Samp) for the progress and upliftment of the Jain community. The author emphasizes that individual efforts, while valuable, are amplified when combined.
• Social Reform: The conferences aimed to address and reform harmful social practices within the Jain community. These included:
  • Superstitious beliefs and false practices.
  • Excessive spending and immoral practices during weddings.
  • Grief rituals and feasts after death.
  • Early child marriages, child marriages, and polygamy.
  • Alcohol consumption.
  • Unseemly wedding rituals.
• Education: Education is highlighted as a critical pillar for progress. Resolutions focused on:
  • Establishing schools, high schools, and colleges.
  • Providing vocational and religious education.
  • Establishing libraries and printing religious literature.
  • Scholarships for students.
  • Promoting education for women.
• Temple and Pilgrimage Management: Several resolutions addressed the need for proper management, renovation, and protection of Jain temples, pilgrimage sites, and ancient manuscripts. This included concerns about mismanagement at sites like Samet Shikhar, Abu, Girnar, and Siddhachal.
• Animal Welfare (Jiv Daya): The importance of compassion towards all living beings is strongly emphasized, with resolutions advocating for better practices in animal shelters (panjrapoles) and avoiding products derived from animal cruelty.
• Financial Prudence and Transparency: The need for clear accounting of community funds and publicizing financial reports is stressed.
• Establishment of Jain Conference Structure: The book details the evolution of the conference's organizational structure, including the appointment of general secretaries, provincial secretaries, and the establishment of a central office to ensure continuity and effective implementation of resolutions.

Development and Growth of Jain Conferences:

The book chronicles the progression of Jain conferences through subsequent gatherings:

• Second Conference (Mumbai, 1903): Held under the presidency of Babu Rayabadridas Mukim, this conference saw a large turnout and further refined the resolutions from the first conference. Key issues discussed included the preservation of ancient Jain scriptures, the importance of both practical and religious education, support for the destitute, animal welfare, the need for a Jain directory, and the eradication of harmful social customs.
• Third Conference (Vadodara, 1904): Presided over by Rai Bahadur Buddhisinhji Dudhedia, this conference saw royal patronage and featured an exhibition of Jain literature. The resolutions continued to focus on education, social reform, and community welfare.
• Fourth Conference (Patan, 1905): This conference introduced the concept of a "First Women's Conference" and passed resolutions focusing on women's education and social reform within the female community.
• Fifth Conference (Ahmedabad, 1907): Presided over by Rai Bahadur Sitabchandji Nahar, this conference addressed the need for a central Jain college, vocational training, and a Jain bank. The women's conference continued to focus on education and social reform for women.
• Sixth Conference (Bhavnagar, 1908): The book concludes with a look towards the upcoming sixth conference in Bhavnagar, highlighting the need for continued efforts in social reform, education, and strengthening the organizational structure.

Key Figures and Contributors:

The text frequently mentions key individuals who played a significant role in organizing and promoting the Jain Conferences, including:

• Purushottamdas Gigabhai Shah (Author and Publisher)
• Moti Doși Kunvarji Anandji
• Gulabchandji Hathdra
• Anandji Kalyanji
• Seth Hirachandji Sacheti
• Seth Virchand Dipchand
• Rai Bahadur Buddhisinhji Dudhedia
• Rai Bahadur Sitabchandji Nahar
• Various Munis (monks) who provided guidance and support.

Overall Message:

"Conferenceno Bhomiyo" serves as a testament to the collective spirit and proactive approach of the Jain community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It underscores the belief that through organized efforts, unity, and a commitment to social and religious progress, the Jain community can overcome challenges, preserve its rich heritage, and foster a brighter future. The book is both a historical record and a call to action, encouraging continued participation and support for the ongoing work of the Jain Conferences.