Main Kabhi Bhulunga Nahi

Added to library: September 2, 2025

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First page of Main Kabhi Bhulunga Nahi

Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Main Kabhi Bhulunga Nahi" by Rajaram Jain, in English:

This text is a personal tribute by the author, Rajaram Jain, to Pandit Dalsukhbhai Malvania, a prominent figure in Jain scholarship. The author recounts his deep admiration and the profound influence Pandit Malvania had on his life, from his student days to his professional career.

The author's connection with Pandit Malvania began in 1949 when, as a student at Banaras Hindu University, he visited Pandit Malvania on the occasion of Kshama Vani (forgiveness day). Despite not knowing him well initially, the author had heard his sermons and developed a deep respect for him. Upon meeting, the author shared his story of extreme poverty and his strong determination to gain knowledge. Pandit Malvania was impressed by his resolve and offered him immense affection and support, which became a lifelong source of inspiration for the author.

Under Pandit Malvania's encouragement, the author enrolled in a Shastri class in Buddhist-Jain philosophy and was also provided with a scholarship, which greatly aided his academic pursuits. After obtaining his M.A. and Shastracharya degrees in 1954, both Pandit Malvania and his close friend Dr. Vasudevsharan Agrawal wished for the author to join the Prakrit Text Society (established by Agrawal) as a researcher. However, the author's preference was for a teaching career, leading him to accept a professorship at a government college in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh. This move took him out of Pandit Malvania's immediate sphere of influence.

Years later, when Pandit Malvania was the Director of the LD Institute in Ahmedabad, the author sought his blessings to help his younger brother secure admission to a newly established Ayurvedic university in Jamnagar. Pandit Malvania's timely intervention proved to be miraculously effective, leading to his brother not only becoming a research scholar but later a professor, department head, hospital superintendent, and a well-regarded physician.

The author describes Pandit Malvania as a person of sweet speech, simple, generous, and an epitome of gentlemanliness. He was like a wish-fulfilling tree for students lacking resources. Pandit Malvania's contributions were significant in the research of Jain-Buddhist philosophy and also in social reform.

The author then places Pandit Malvania within the context of a "trio of gems" in Jain philosophy, alongside Prajnachakshu Pandit Sukhlalji Sanghvi and Professor Mahendrakumar Nyayacharya. He asserts that these three scholars were epoch-making figures who presented universally accessible interpretations of Jain philosophy, transforming Banaras Hindu University into a primary center for Jain studies in Asia. They made the teachings of great Acharyas like Haribhadrasuri, Bhatta Akalanka, Vidyanandi, and Hemachandra popular among all strata of society.

The author also highlights how Rashtrasant Acharya Shri Vidyanandji Maharaj was deeply influenced by Pandit Malvania's personality and fearless scholarship. In 1974-75, under Pandit Malvania's inspiration, the author received an award from "Veer Nirvana Bharati" during the 2500th Nirvana anniversary celebrations of Lord Mahavir.

A significant professional milestone mentioned is the author's election as the chairman of the Prakrit and Jain Studies section of the All India Oriental Conference in 1974. This nomination, supported by friends and influenced by the desire to elevate a younger scholar, was strongly backed by Pandit Malvania and Professor Dr. A.N. Upadhye. The author felt immense pride in their support and recalled Dr. Vasudevsharan Agrawal's words: "A true guru is one who rejoices in the progress of his disciple."

The author expresses profound grief at the passing of Pandit Malvania, stating that after the departure of Pandit Sukhlalji and Professor Mahendrakumar, seeing Pandit Malvania provided solace and a connection to a past era of scholarship. His demise has left a void that the author believes cannot be filled for centuries. He fondly remembers Pandit Malvania as a father figure, a great well-wisher, and a protector, acknowledging the personal loss he has suffered. The author concludes by bowing with deep reverence to the cherished memories of Pandit Malvania.