Hindi Jain Patrakarita Itihas Evam Mulya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Hindi Jain Patrakarita Itihas evam Mulya" (History and Values of Hindi Jain Journalism) by Dr. Sanjiv Bhanawat:

This book, "Hindi Jain Patrakarita Itihas evam Mulya" (History and Values of Hindi Jain Journalism) by Dr. Sanjiv Bhanawat, meticulously traces the evolution and significance of Jain journalism in the Hindi language. The author posits that journalism's genesis stems from human curiosity and the desire to understand surrounding events, a drive that has led to a growing sense of a global human family.

The Dawn of Indian Journalism: The text marks the official beginning of Indian journalism with James Hickey's "Bengal Gazette" or "Calcutta General Advertiser" on June 29, 1780. Despite its short lifespan, this paper became an ideal for its courage in fighting against oppression.

The Emergence of Hindi Jain Journalism: The first Hindi newspaper was "Udant Martand," published in Calcutta on May 30, 1826, edited by Jugal Kishore Shukla. It was approximately 54 years later, in 1880, that the first Hindi Jain newspaper was published. This period saw significant social, political, and economic changes in India, with the public yearning for freedom from colonial rule.

The Inaugural Jain Newspaper: The journey of Hindi Jain journalism is considered to have begun in 1880 with the publication of "Jain Patrika" from Prayagraj. This is corroborated by various historical records, including the "Hindi Samachar Patra Suchi" by Venkatlal Ojha and research by Ambika Prasad Vajpeyi and Dr. Ramratan Bhatnagar.

Periodization of Jain Journalism: For ease of study, the history of Jain journalism is divided into three eras:

1. First Era (1880-1900): This period, considered the nascent stage, was crucial for future development. While not marked by strong nationalistic or radical social reform sentiments, these newspapers primarily focused on propagating Jain religious doctrines and views. They also began to foster social awareness. Notable publications from this era include "Jain Gazette" and "Jain Mitra," which continue to be published today.

   • Key publications and their focus:
     • "Jain Patrika" (1880): Limited specific details are available.
     • "Jiyalal Prakash" and "Jain" (1884): Published from Farrukhnagar, Haryana, their main aim was to propagate Jainism and counter criticisms, particularly from figures like Swami Dayananda Saraswati.
     • "Jain Bodhak" (1884): A Hindi-Marathi fortnightly from Sholapur, it was the organ of the Akhil Bharatiya Digambar Jain Shastriya Parishad.
     • "Jain Prabhakar" (1891): Published from Ajmer, edited by Chhoga Lal Bilala.
     • "Jain Hiteshi" (1892): A monthly from Moradabad, later evolving from "Desh Hiteshi" (1903) by Pt. Pannalal Bakliwal. It focused on research into Jain culture and history, acting as the first Jain research monthly. It published lists of ancient Jain manuscripts. Bakliwal's efforts in promoting printing and establishing institutions were significant. Pt. Nathuram Premi later edited this paper, transforming it into an excellent literary and social forum, a "literary laboratory" of its time.
     • "Jain Gazette" (1895): A weekly from Ajmer, published by the Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Mahasabha. It covered Jain philosophy, teachings, and societal activities, aiming to unite Jain followers and promote their progress. Edited initially by Babu Surajbhan Jain, it is the oldest Hindi newspaper still in publication.
     • "Jain Bhaskar" (1897): A monthly from Farrukhnagar.
     • "Jain Mitra" (1900): A monthly from Bombay, it later became the mouthpiece of the Prantik Sabha. Edited by Pt. Gopal Das Baraiya and later Pt. Nathuram Premi, it evolved into a weekly. This paper was a staunch critic of social evils and extensively covered political conditions before independence. Its founder was Mulchand Kisandas Kapadia.
   • Overall: This initial phase was characterized by exploration and the foundational efforts of dedicated individuals like Babu Pannalal Bakliwal, Pt. Nathuram Premi, Jugal Kishore Mukhtar, and Babu Gyanchand, who championed social reform and public awakening through education and improved status for women.

2. Second Era (1901-1947): This period coincided with India's intense freedom struggle. Many Jain papers were dedicated to the independence movement, facing suppression from the British government. The influence of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence and social reform was evident in many Jain publications. This era is also termed the "Institution Era" due to the establishment of numerous Jain religious and social organizations that published their own organs. While not as fiery as Tilak's revolutionary spirit, Jain journalism embraced Gandhi's principles of ahimsa (non-violence).

   • Key publications and their contributions:
     • "Jain Hitechhu" (1901): A monthly from Bombay, edited by Motilal Mansukhlal Shah, focusing on religion, ethics, and conduct.
     • "Shri Jain Shwetambar Conference Herald" (1905): A monthly from Bombay, published by Shri Jain Shwetambar Conference, in English, Hindi, and Gujarati.
     • "Jain Naricharit" (1910): A paper for Jain women from Deoband Saharanpur, edited by Ba. Jyoti Prasad.
     • "Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Conference Prakash" (1912): Published in Hindi and Gujarati.
     • "Shri Jain Siddhant Bhaskar" (1912): A quarterly from Ara (Bihar), the mouthpiece of Shri Jain Siddhant Bhavan. It focused on research related to Jain religion and culture, aiming to study ancient scriptures. It later included an English section, "The Jain Antiquary."
     • "Jain Prakash" (1913): A weekly mouthpiece of the All India Shwetambar Jain Conference, published in Hindi-Gujarati. It underwent several changes in publication frequency and language separation.
     • "Jain Prabhat" (1914): An illustrated monthly, mouthpiece of the Malwa Digambar Jain Prantik Sabha.
     • "Khandelwal Jain Hiteshi" (1915): Edited by Radhavallabh Jasodia.
     • "Jain Samaj" (1917): A reformist monthly from Bombay, edited by Tekchand Singhi.
     • "Marwad aur Oswal" / "Oswal" (1918): A monthly dedicated to the progress of the Oswal community, which remained neutral in political and religious disputes.
     • "Jivdaya" (1918): A magazine for Jains from Indore, edited by Shyamlal Pandviya.
     • "Jain Sahitya Sanshodhak" (1902): A quarterly from Pune, edited by Muni Raj Shri Jinavijay Ji, promoting research in Jain history, art, culture, and architecture.
     • "Jain Mahila Darsh" (1921): A monthly from Surat, published by the Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Mahila Parishad, edited by Shrimati Panditachandabai. It played a significant role in awakening social consciousness among Jain women.
     • "Veer" (1923): A fortnightly from Bijnor, edited by Brahmachari Shitalprasad and later Pt. Parameshthidas Jain. It became a critic of social ills and a precursor to new consciousness.
     • "Khandelwal Jain Hitechhu" (1925): A weekly, later fortnightly, mouthpiece of the Khandelwal Jain Mahasabha, actively opposing societal norms.
     • "Jain Jagat" (1925): A fortnightly edited by Kapur Chand Patni, later by Darbari Lal Nyayatirth, who was a prominent voice against corrupt traditions and superstitions. He founded the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1934 and converted "Jain Jagat" to "Satya Sandesh" in 1935.
     • "Vardhaman" (1927): A Hindi monthly from Delhi, edited by Deepchand Jain.
     • "Jain Yuvak" (1928): A monthly from Calcutta, edited by Shri Vijaysinh Bhandia, promoting awareness and progressive ideas, covering social reform, untouchability, and political issues.
     • "Oswal Navayuvak" (1928): A monthly from Calcutta, focused on social reform and nationalistic sentiments. Notable figures like Shrichand Rampuria and Bhanvarmal Singhi were associated with its editing. They resigned when asked to refrain from publishing critical articles on "Sadhu" life.
     • "Anekant" (1929): Founded by Pt. Jugal Kishore Mukhtar in Delhi, this monthly became a prominent platform for truth, peace, and public welfare, free from sectarian debates. It is a major research-oriented publication in history, archaeology, philosophy, and literature. Pt. Jugal Kishore Mukhtar was lauded as the "Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi of Jain Journalism."
     • "Sanatan Jain" (1919): A fortnightly from Wardha, it fiercely opposed social evils like child marriage and old-age marriage.
     • "Veervani" (1929): A Hindi monthly from Calcutta, edited by Dulichand Parwar.
     • "Atmanand" (1930): A monthly from Ambala, focusing on socio-cultural and ethical ideas.
     • "Jain Darshan" (1933): A fortnightly from Multan, edited by Pt. Chainsukhdas Jain, the mouthpiece of the Shri Bharatvarshiya Di. Jain Shastrarth Sangh. Another "Jain Darshan" was published from Bijnor by the Shri Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Shastrarth Parishad.
     • "Jain Shikshan Sandesh" (1935): A Hindi monthly from Bijnor, focused on education, teachers, and schools, guiding children towards righteousness.
     • "Veer Sandesh" (1936): A fortnightly from Agra.
     • "Jain Sandesh" (1937): A weekly from the Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Sangh.
     • "Jain Bharti" (1939): A monthly mouthpiece of the Shri Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Mahasabha.
     • "Tarun Oswal" / "Tarun Jain" (1940): A progressive paper focused on social reform and struggle.
     • "Jinvani" (1943): A monthly on history, culture, and religion from Bhopalgarh, edited by Phoolchand Jain Sarang "Vidyalankar."
     • "Atmadharma" (1945): A monthly from Songadh, mouthpiece of Shri Digambar Jain Swadhyay Mandir Trust, prominently featuring the discourses of Kanji Swami.
     • "Jain Jagat" (1947): A mouthpiece of the Shri Bharat Jain Mahamandal from Wardha, considered a major paper of social consciousness.
     • "Veer Vani" (1947): A fortnightly from Jaipur.
     • "Mahavir Sandesh" (1947): An illustrated fortnightly from Shri Mahavirji, dedicated to human welfare.
   • Overall: This era marked the growth of Jain journalism into its "youth," aligning itself with national aspirations while advocating for religious and social reforms, echoing Gandhian principles of non-violence.

3. Third Era (1948-Present): Following India's independence, this period saw Jain journalism actively participating in nation-building and the realization of national dreams. While not overtly aggressive in its external tone, Jain journalism possesses an inherent strength, discipline, and a dedicated approach to character building and the ideal of a simple, virtuous life.

   • Key themes and publications:
     • Nation-building and awareness: Papers contributed to public consciousness for national development.
     • Values: Focus on vegetarianism, chastity, vows, and charity, reflecting personal purity. News about the movements of monks is also prominent.
     • Social reform: Strong critique of social ills, support for women's rights and the upliftment of marginalized communities, advocating for an egalitarian, character-driven, and addiction-free society.
     • Religious, social, and cultural values: The core foundation of Jain journalism.
     • Political engagement: Support for national security and integrity, and constructive contributions to movements like Swadeshi and Quit India. Post-independence, these papers have shown political consciousness by commenting on significant events and promoting constitutional values like freedom of thought, social equality, and secularism.
     • Philosophical and Spiritual depth: Jain journalism engages with Jain philosophy, advocating for self-welfare, world peace, and universal friendship. It fosters individual consciousness and connects it to broader national interests.
     • Literary and Cultural contribution: It has promoted creative writing in various literary genres and preserved ancient Sanskrit traditions. Efforts in researching, reviewing, and preserving ancient Jain literature have enriched both Jain and Hindi literature.
     • Non-Commercial Nature: A significant point is that Jain journalism has remained largely untouched by commercialism. These papers are not published for profit or narrow interests but purely for societal reform, propagation of religious ideals, and cultural awakening. They are more "Vicews papers" (opinion papers) than "Newspapers."
     • Examples of publications from this era: "Nav Nirman," "Pankaj," "Ahinsa," "Janpath," "Himsa Virodh," "Gyanoday," "Jain Darshan," "Ahinsa-Vani," "Samyak Darshan," "Nirbheek," "Mahila Jagran," "Tarun Jain," "Ahinsa," "Shaashvat Dharm," "Jain Kalyan," "Anuvrat," "Sanmati Sandesh," "Abhay Sandesh," "Jain Aawaz," "Vijayanand," "Jaiswal Jain," "Bandhu," "Marudhar," "Kesari," "Sumati," "Jain," "Varni Pravachan," "Sudharma," "Vishva Dharm," "Jain Jagran," "Jain Sangam," "Mahavir Jayanti Smarika," "Shramano Pasak," "Shri Amar Bharti," "Oswal Samaj," "Shri Nakoda Adhishthayak Bhairav," "Satyarth," "Dharmavani," "Jain Balak," "Jain Jagran," "Karuna Deep," "Dharmjyoti," "Kathalok," "Arya Sanskar," "Mahavir Nandan," "Oswal Hiteshi," "Atma Rashmi," "Jain Sanskriti," "Jain Darpan," "Padmavati Sandesh," "Jain Shasan," "Tirthankar," "Digambar Jain Mahasammati Patrika," "Sanmati Vani," "Anuvekshak," "Shanti Jyoti," "Vallabh Sandesh," "Yuva Lok" / "Yuvadrishti," "Anusandhan Patrika" / "Tulsi Pragya," "Yugveer," "Samyak Gyan," "Vishva Dharm," "Mangaljyoti," "Jain Seva Sangh Sandesh," "Parshad," "Mahavir Mission," "Vardhman," "Gyan Kirti," "Gyan Manjusha," "Parasvani," "Veer Parinirvan," "Vishveshvar Mahavir," "Veer-upasika," "Shanti Jyoti," "Jain Samaj ke Riti Rivaj," "Samta Sandesh," "Aparigraha," "Vishwa Kalyan" / "Arihant," "Shraman Bharti," "Jain Diwakar," "Terapanthi," "Yuva Stambh," "Samanvay Sandesh," "Jai Gujar," "Jain Path Pradarshak," "Tiththyar," "Terapanth Bharti," "Sudharma Pravachan," "Oswal Jain," "Sushil Samachar," "Jain Ekta," "Bandhan Todo," "Samachar Patrak," "Taran Bandhu," "Jain Shri," "Shri Rajendra Vidyaprakash," "Jain Tirthankar," "Jagat Vallabh," "Samyak Bodh," "Ahinsa Darshan," "Mitra Mahavir," "Munighosh," "Terapanth Prakash," "Jainmani" / "Jain Navoday," "Vichakshan Jyoti," "Prekshadhyan," "Syadvad Gyan Ganga," "Veetrag Vani," "Oswal Jagat," "Samanvay Vani," "Ahinsa Sameer," "Vandeviram," "Tapodhan," "Anand Deep," "Jain Samaj" (daily), "Arihant Times," "Badhte Kadam," "Veetrag Vigyan," "Mahapran," "Sambodhi" / "Swadhyay Sandesh," "Nutan Jain Patrika," "Jain Vidya," "Pushpadant Dhara," "Jinpratibha," "Shraman" / "Shraman Swar," "Bhatrisabha Patrika," "Agam Alok," "Samta Yuva Sandesh," "Dharmachakra" / "Sangam Dhara," "Ahinsa," "Syadvad," "Kharatar Sandesh," "Parshwajyoti," "Vichar Vani," "Swadhyay Shiksha," "Shakahar Kranti," "Samaj Darpan," "Gommatvani," "Tarun Oswal," "Vimaldharm Aakhyayika," "Jinopasak," "Samay."
   • Overall: The third era highlights the dedication and enduring spirit of Jain journalism, which has persisted despite numerous obstacles, serving as a vital source for understanding modern India's cultural history.

In conclusion, the book emphasizes that Jain journalism, throughout its century-long journey, has been characterized by its non-commercial nature, its commitment to societal reform, religious ideals, and cultural awakening. It has consistently upheld values of ahimsa, character building, and ethical living, contributing significantly to the social, political, religious, spiritual, and literary landscape of India.