Mahavira Jain Vidyalay Suvarna Mahotsav Granth Part 2 - Book Summary

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided Jain text, "Mahavira Jain Vidyalay Suvarna Mahotsav Granth Part 2."

Book Title: Mahavira Jain Vidyalay Suvarna Mahotsav Granth Part 2 Publisher: Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, Mumbai Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/012003/1

This book is a commemorative volume celebrating the Golden Jubilee (Suvarna Mahotsav) of the Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya, Mumbai. It is divided into two parts. This summary focuses on Part 2, which is further divided into two volumes:

Volume 1: Vidyalay ni Vikas-katha (The Development Story of the Vidyalaya) - Authored by Shri Ratilal Dipchand Desai.
Volume 2: Lok-Upayogi Sahitya (People-Oriented Literature) - Edited by Shri Jaybhikkhu.

The provided text primarily covers content from Volume 1, detailing the history and development of the Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya. It also includes the table of contents for Volume 2, listing various literary contributions.

Comprehensive Summary of the Provided Text:

The book "Mahavira Jain Vidyalay Suvarna Mahotsav Granth Part 2" is a significant publication marking the 50th anniversary of the Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya, Mumbai. The text highlights the institution's journey, its founding principles, developmental milestones, and its contribution to Jain education and literature.

Key Aspects and Themes:

Founding Vision and Objectives:
- The Vidyalaya was established with the primary objective of promoting higher education.
- Crucially, it also prioritized the publication of people-oriented literature as a key objective from its inception, reflecting the foresight of its inspirer, Acharya Bhagwant Pujyapad Shri Vijayvallabhsuriishwarji Maharaj, and the dedicated administrators of the time.
Suvarna Mahotsav Granth Plan:
- The Golden Jubilee celebration included the publication of this two-part Granth.
- Part 1 was dedicated to the "Vidyalaya ni Vikas-katha" (Development Story of the Vidyalaya), detailing its 50-year history.
- Part 2 was planned in two volumes:
  - Volume 1: A detailed outline of the Vidyalaya's activities over half a century.
  - Volume 2: People-oriented literature such as Ras, essays, and stories, contributed by scholars and writers.
Part 1: The Vidyalaya's Development Story (Vidyalay ni Vikas-katha):
- Chapter 1: Establishment and Beginnings: This chapter emphasizes the fundamental need for knowledge for development. It touches upon the era of English rule and its impact on the expansion of education. It highlights the vision of the founders and the messengers of that vision, leading to the establishment of the Vidyalaya and the initial activities. The importance of knowledge as the first requirement for development is stressed, drawing parallels to the significance of light in dispelling darkness.
- Chapter 2: Constitution: This section details the institution's founding principles, objectives, scope of work, membership types (ordinary, life, patrons), management committees, trustees, sub-committees, and student welfare initiatives. It mentions the emphasis on religious education and encouragement for Jain literature and the establishment of a girls' hostel. The first managing committee and the registration of the Vidyalaya are also noted.
- Chapter 3: Building: This chapter likely details the acquisition and development of the Vidyalaya's physical infrastructure.
- Chapter 4: Management System: This covers the roles and responsibilities of key office bearers such as Honorary Secretaries, Treasurers, Trustees, Managing Committee members, and the working methodology.
- Chapter 5: Financial Management: This section discusses the sources of income, highlighting the exceptional support from Seth Shri Devkaran Mulji, loan refunds, the Mumbai Old Boys' Union, and the careful management of expenses by the administrators.
- Chapter 6: Branches of the Vidyalaya: The text mentions the establishment of branches in Ahmedabad, Pune, Vadodara, and preparations for Vallabh Vidyanagar (Anand). It also notes the acquisition of land for a branch in Mumbai.
- Chapter 7: Students: This likely covers details about students studying within and outside the Vidyalaya, their character development, recipients of scholarships and medals, and refund policies for students.
- Chapter 8: Religious Education: This chapter focuses on the specific efforts made to provide religious education, including the Shri Meghji Sojpal Higher Religious Education Fund.
- Chapter 9: Cultural Activities: This covers activities like physical education, the library, and student organizations (student unions).
- Chapter 10: Literature Publication: This highlights the Vidyalaya's publications, including the Shri Motichand Kapadia 'Veda Mala' and the Agama Publication Scheme.
- Chapter 11: Special Functions and Events: This section likely details significant events, celebrations, conferences, and noteworthy occurrences in the Vidyalaya's history.
- Shraddhanjali (Tributes): A significant portion of the text is dedicated to paying tribute to the revered personalities who inspired and supported the Vidyalaya, including:
  - Param Pujya Acharya Maharaj Shri Vijayanandsuriishwarji (Atmaramji) Maharaj
  - Swayam Pujya Pravartak Shri Kantivijayji Maharaj
  - Swayam Muniraj Shri Chaturvijayji Maharaj
  - Pujya Acharya Shri Vijaylalitsuriiji Maharaj
  - Pujya Acharya Shri Vijaysamudrasuriiji Maharaj
  - Pujya Acharya Shri Vijaypurnanandansuriiji Maharaj
  - Pujya Acharya Shri Vijayvikasachandrasuriiji Maharaj
  - Agam Prakashan Yojana's pioneer and chief editor, Pujya Agamaprabhakar Muni Maharaj Shri Punyavijayji Maharaj
  - Key figures like Pandit Shri Sukh Lalji, Seth Shri Motichand Giridharlal Kapadia, Seth Shri Devkaran Mulji, Seth Shri Motilal Mulji, Seth Shri Bhogibhai Jesingbhai Dalal, Seth Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai, and many others. These tributes often recount their contributions, inspirations, and philosophies.
Emphasis on Knowledge and Character: The text consistently emphasizes the importance of knowledge (Jnana) not just for academic achievement but also for character building, spiritual upliftment, and fostering religious values. The balanced development of intellect and character is highlighted as a core objective.
Role of Acharya Vijayvallabhsuriishwarji Maharaj: The profound influence and guiding vision of Acharya Shri Vijayvallabhsuriishwarji Maharaj are consistently mentioned as the foundational inspiration for the Vidyalaya's establishment and its multifaceted activities.
Financial Prudence and Support: The text acknowledges the crucial role of generous donations and financial support from various patrons and the Jain community, emphasizing the careful management of funds while pursuing ambitious projects like building infrastructure and publishing literature.
Literary Contributions (Volume 2): The table of contents for Volume 2 lists various articles on diverse topics, including philosophical discussions, historical accounts, literary critiques, and spiritual insights, contributed by numerous respected scholars and monks, indicating the comprehensive nature of the Granth. Examples include:
- "Kalyanlakshi Vichar" by Pujya Muniraj Shri Nyayavijayji
- "Madan-Dhanadev-Ras" by Pujya Punyas Shri Ramanikvijayji
- Discussions on Karma, Reincarnation, and Hypnotism.
- Essays on Education, Jain Philosophy, and Cultural Development in Gujarat.
- Literary analyses of ancient Jain poems and works like "Madan-Dhanadev-Ras" and "Vinay-ottama-Samudaya."
Specific Chapters and Appendices: The detailed table of contents also reveals the organizational structure of the Vidyalaya's history, covering aspects like its establishment, constitution, finances, branches, student welfare, religious education, cultural activities, and literary publications. It also lists various appendices detailing patrons, scholarship founders, students' classification, examination results, and lists of office bearers and committee members.

Overall, the "Suvarna Mahotsav Granth Part 2" serves as a detailed testament to the Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya's enduring legacy in promoting education, fostering character, preserving Jain literature, and contributing to the broader societal development, all deeply rooted in the spiritual and philanthropic vision of its founders and supporters.