Oswal Maha Sammelan Pratham Adhiveshan Ajmer Ki Report - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Oswal Maha Sammelan Pratham Adhiveshan Ajmer Ki Report," focusing on the key events, discussions, and outcomes of the first All-India Oswal Mahasammelan held in Ajmer in 1932 CE (1989 VS):

Overall Purpose and Context:

The report details the inaugural session of the All-India Oswal Mahasammelan, a pivotal event aimed at uniting and uplifting the Oswal community. It highlights the growing recognition within the community of the need for organization and collective action to address social issues, promote progress, and secure a better future. The text emphasizes that in the current era of organized progress across various sectors (political, religious, industrial), the Oswal community had lagged behind, lacking a practical framework for social organization.

Formation and Preparations for the Mahasammelan:

Inception: The idea for the Mahasammelan originated from a conversation between Babu Dayalchandji Johari, Rai Saheb Krushnalalji Bafna, and Babu Akshay Singhji Dangi in Ajmer. This discussion evolved into a plan for an All-India conference.
Public Engagement: A bulletin was published and circulated to prominent individuals and activists across various regions, seeking their opinions and suggestions regarding the conference.
Formation of the Reception Committee: Encouraged by the positive response, the Ajmer-based organizers decided to proceed with the conference. A meeting was held on April 10, 1932, presided over by Babu Moolchandji Bohra. During this meeting, it was decided to hold the first session in Ajmer in October 1932. A Reception Committee was formed, with Babu Moolchandji Bohra as chairman, Babu Suganchandji Nahar as vice-chairman, Babu Akshay Singhji Dangi as secretary, and Babu Dhankaranji Chordiya as joint secretary, and Seth Sobhagmalji Mehta as treasurer.
Publicity and Outreach: The Reception Committee actively published several bulletins to generate awareness and garner support. These bulletins covered the formation of the committee, summaries of received opinions, proposed rules, delegation plans for outreach, and identified key social issues for discussion.
Deputation Tours: To garner support and membership, deputation teams were sent to various parts of India. These teams successfully recruited members and collected funds. The report meticulously lists the individuals who participated in these tours, the regions they covered (including Delhi, Punjab, Bikaner, C.I., Gujarat, Kathiawar, Marwar, and Bengal), the number of members enrolled, and the amount of funds collected.
Selection of Leaders: A significant challenge was finding suitable individuals to preside over the conference. After considerable effort and persuasion, Seth Rajmalji Lalwani of Jamner agreed to be the Welcoming President (Swagat Adhyaksh). Following further persistent efforts, Babu Poornachandji Nahar, a renowned scholar and social worker, despite ill health and personal tragedy (the passing of his daughter-in-law), accepted the crucial role of the President. His acceptance significantly boosted the morale of the organizers.

The Mahasammelan Proceedings (October 15-17, 1932):

Arrival of the President: The President, Babu Poornachandji Nahar, arrived in Ajmer on October 14, 1932, amidst significant public welcome despite his health condition.
Venue and Arrangements: The conference was held in a large pandal at Police Ground. The arrangements were well-organized, with distinct galleries for spectators, representatives, and women. A platform for speakers was set up, and an exhibition showcasing local natural resources and crafts was also organized.
Inaugural Session: The first day's proceedings began at 1 PM. The Welcoming President, Seth Rajmalji Lalwani, delivered his address (Appendix A), highlighting Ajmer's historical and religious significance and its suitability as a central location for the conference. He emphasized the importance of organization and collective effort in the current era and cautioned against misinterpreting social reforms as attacks on religion.
Presidential Address: Rai Saheb Krushnalalji Bafna proposed Babu Poornachandji Nahar as the President, detailing his qualifications and commitment to social service. Babu Poornachandji Nahar then delivered his presidential address (Appendix B), which was read by his grandson, Babu Inderchandji Suchanti, due to his ill health. The address stressed the importance of education, organization, and adapting to changing times. He highlighted the need for social reforms, the detrimental effects of illiteracy and outdated customs, and the crucial role of women's education. He also touched upon the need for vocational training and the establishment of educational institutions.
Subject Committee and Resolutions:
- Subject Committee Formation: A Subject Committee was formed to deliberate on the proposals. The members of this committee are listed in Appendix C.
- Key Resolutions Discussed and Passed:
  1. Greetings to Mahatma Gandhi: The Mahasammelan congratulated Mahatma Gandhi on the success of his fast, emphasizing the importance of eradicating untouchability and promoting harmonious relations.
  2. Abolition of Death-Related Rituals: A strong resolution was passed against unnecessary and burdensome post-death rituals (like "jeemanwar," "milni," "juhari," "paga lagai"), deeming them detrimental to the community and contrary to Jain principles. The report elaborates on the financial and social harms caused by these practices.
  3. Economy in Marriage and Social Functions: Resolutions were passed to curtail extravagant spending on marriages and other social events, including reducing ostentatious displays, banning objectionable performances (like "veshyanritya"), limiting the number of wedding guests, and reducing customary expenses during ceremonies.
  4. Condemnation of Dowry and Bride/Groom Selling: The conference vehemently condemned the practice of dowry ("kanyavikray") and the growing trend of "buyer's" marriages ("garm vikray" or groom selling), urging young men and women not to participate in such transactions.
  5. Abolition of Purdah (Veil): A resolution was passed advocating for the removal of the purdah system, recognizing it as a significant impediment to women's physical, mental, and moral development. The efforts of those who had already abandoned this practice were lauded.
  6. Age Restrictions for Marriage: Resolutions were passed to curb child marriages (boys under 18, girls under 24) and old-age marriages (men over 40) and to discourage polygamy.
  7. Promotion of Education: The Mahasammelan emphasized the critical need for education and called for the establishment of schools, libraries, scholarships, and gymnasiums, stressing the importance of education for both boys and girls.
  8. Establishment of a Fund: A resolution was passed for the creation of a fund to sustain the Mahasammelan's activities and support the implementation of its resolutions.
  9. Formation of an Executive Committee: An Executive Committee was formed to oversee the organization's work until the next session, with provisions for co-opting members and forming sub-committees.
  10. Reunification of Sub-sects: The conference urged the integration of Oswal sub-sects that shared similar customs and ideologies, advocating for open marital relations with them to strengthen the community.
  11. Support for Harijan Upliftment: The Mahasammelan expressed solidarity with the national movement for the upliftment of "Harijans" (untouchables), advocating for their equal rights to access public places and facilities.
  12. Promotion of Swadeshi (Indigenous Products): A resolution was passed encouraging the use of Swadeshi goods by every member of the community, emphasizing its importance for national economic progress.
Discussions and Debates: The report highlights active participation and discussions on various proposals, with some proposals undergoing amendments and debates before being accepted.
Expressions of Support: Numerous messages from prominent individuals, religious leaders (Acharayas and Munis), and community members were read out, expressing their support for the Mahasammelan and offering well wishes.
Fundraising and Donations: An appeal for funds was made, which met with a generous response, including donations of jewelry and cash from attendees.
Concluding Session: The Mahasammelan concluded with expressions of gratitude to all participants, organizers, and supporters. The responsibility for hosting the next session was extended to Bombay and Berar.

Key Themes and Calls to Action:

Unity and Organization: The paramount importance of collective action and organizational strength for the community's progress.
Social Reform: The urgent need to address and abolish harmful customs and superstitions, particularly those related to marriages, death rituals, and the purdah system.
Education: The critical role of education for both men and women in empowering individuals and strengthening the community.
Economic Development: The necessity of promoting vocational skills, modern business practices, and financial institutions to improve the community's economic standing.
Preservation of History and Culture: The need to document and promote the community's rich history, traditions, and contributions.
Inclusivity and Social Justice: The importance of extending support to marginalized sections of society and promoting equality.
Adaptability: The need to adapt customs and practices to the changing times and societal needs.

Significance:

The "Oswal Maha Sammelan Pratham Adhiveshan Ajmer Ki Report" serves as a historical document chronicling the beginning of a unified movement for the Oswal community. It signifies a turning point where the community consciously decided to engage in organized social reform and development, laying the groundwork for future progress. The report's detailed account of the preparations, discussions, and resolutions provides valuable insight into the social and economic landscape of the Oswal community in the early 20th century and the aspirations that drove their collective action.