Mevad Me Virval Pravrutti

This document is a collection of articles from a Jain publication, focusing on social reform and community development in the Mewar region of India, specifically highlighting the "Veerwal Pravrutti" and the "Dharmjyoti Parishad."

Here's a summary of the key points:

1. Jainism and its Stance Against Casteism:

• The article begins by emphasizing that Jainism is fundamentally anti-casteist.
• Jainism measures human superiority based on the excellence of conduct, not birth.
• The text highlights how Jainism in Mewar has actualized its principle of non-violence by transforming the Khati community, historically associated with violent occupations, into practitioners of non-violent professions.

2. The "Veerwal Pravrutti" (Veerwal Movement):

• Core Principle: The movement is rooted in the paramount Jain principle of ahimsa (non-violence). The author states that without ahimsa, Jainism would cease to exist.
• Addressing Violence: While violence isn't inherent to humans, it arises due to environmental influences and temptations. Certain communities, like the Khati community, have made violence their livelihood, making it seem natural.
• Inspiration and Initiation: The movement was inspired by a dedicated saint, Shri Sameer Muniji, who recognized that the violence practiced by the Khati community was an imposed characteristic, not their true nature. He decided to advocate for non-violence within this community.
• The "Veerwal" Name: The movement and the transformed community were named "Veerwal" after Lord Mahavir, a symbol of non-violence.
• Transformation: The article describes a significant transformation: hands that once held knives now hold prayer beads and rosaries. Thousands in Mewar have embraced the Veerwal identity.
• New Customs: The Veerwal community has adopted new, non-violent customs.
• Organization: The "Veerwal Pravrutti" is driven by the Akhil Rajasthan Sthanakvasi Ahinsa Pracharak Jain Sangh, headquartered in Chittorgarh.
• Educational Initiatives: The Sangh has established a hostel in "Ahinsa Nagar" to nurture the Veerwal children with good values. Ahinsa Nagar, located on 37 bighas of land near Nimbhaheda, cost ₹2 lakh to build.
• Key Contributors: Seth Hemrajji Singhavi of Kushalpur is highlighted for his significant contribution, pledging ₹1 lakh for Ahinsa Nagar, with ₹33,000 secured from Madras and the remainder from his own funds.
• Inauguration: Ahinsa Nagar was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister, Shri Mohanlal Sukhadia, on April 3, 1966.
• Bravery and Sacrifice: The Veerwal community is described as brave, exemplified by their complete severance of ties with their Khati past, even if it meant family separation (e.g., a son becoming Veerwal while the father remains Khati). This radical step for non-violence is lauded as truly heroic.
• Historical Significance of May 1st: May 1st is celebrated as a historic day for the Veerwals, marking their establishment, analogous to International Workers' Day for labor emancipation.
• Ongoing Training and Support: The movement organizes eight-day training camps during Paryushan, focusing on renunciation, penance, vows, and meditation. The Sangh also provides scholarships, education, and vocational support.
• Key Figure: Mataji of Indore is recognized as a paramount activist who has dedicated her life to Veerwal service, providing crucial guidance.
• Call for Support: The article concludes by stating that the Veerwal society is a new sprout needing societal affection, and with the support of saints, affluent individuals, and workers, it can become a unique symbol of non-violence in India.

3. "Dharmjyoti Parishad" (Dharmjyoti Council):

• Purpose: This institution is described as having rekindled the dormant religious fervor of Mewar and injected new consciousness into it. It organizes scattered youth energy and social awareness into a functional body.
• Origin: The Parishad's genesis was during the Chaturmas of Pujya Pravartak Shri Ambalalji Maharaj Sahib in Bhupalganj (Bhilwara). Muni Shri Kumudji, a disciple, pointed out societal ailments to progressive thinkers, leading to the formation of the Parishad.
• Initial Challenges: The organization started with no financial backing and faced skepticism about its sustainability.
• Early Support: Shri Mulchandji Kothari of Raipur provided initial, interest-free loan of ₹500, which was later converted into a ₹1,000 donation.
• Growth and Support: Following its commencement, the Parishad received significant financial and emotional support from various quarters.
• Core Activities: The Parishad's primary activities are:
  1. Operating Jain schools.
  2. Publishing a magazine.
  3. Providing assistance to the needy.
  4. Publishing virtuous literature.
• Analogy of the Banas River: The growth of the Parishad is compared to the Banas River, starting as a small source and becoming a mighty river, with its future scale unimaginable at its inception.
• Overcoming Doubts: Despite initial doubts about its longevity, the determination of its workers, the inspirational contribution of Mahasati Shri Premvati Ji, and the support of Mewar's religious people helped stabilize and expand the organization.
• Current Achievements: Today, Dharmjyoti Parishad manages over twenty Jain schools, provides monthly assistance to many struggling individuals, and has published several books.
• Magazine's Impact: The "Dharmjyoti" monthly magazine, initially reaching only 70 people, now has a circulation of over a thousand. Its goal of providing unbiased, pure, and virtuous religious thoughts has been highly successful. Special issues are also published periodically. The magazine is credited with playing a significant role in social changes occurring in Mewar.
• Future Outlook: Dharmjyoti Parishad is described as an organization poised to develop into a "Kalpavriksha" (wish-fulfilling tree) in Mewar, enjoying widespread public affection and expected to achieve even greater expansion in the coming years.

In essence, the document showcases the Jain community's efforts in Mewar to promote non-violence through significant social reform (the Veerwal movement) and to foster religious and social development through organized initiatives like the Dharmjyoti Parishad.