Parichay Patra - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Parichay Patra" by Rupchand Jain, published by Antarrashtriya Jain Sammelan:

Overall Purpose:

The "Parichay Patra" (Introduction Letter) is a foundational document for the Antarrashtriya Jain Sammelan (International Jain Conference). Its primary goal is to establish a unified and progressive global Jain organization that can effectively propagate Jain principles, particularly non-violence (Ahimsa), and bring together the entire Jain community worldwide. The document outlines the organization's vision, mission, structure, and operational framework.

Key Themes and Objectives:

Modern Relevance: The text emphasizes the need for a modern, proactive religious organization that can address the challenges and opportunities of the current era of freedom and globalization. It acknowledges India as a republic and the rapid progress of the world.
Global Propagation of Jainism: A central aim is to spread Jainism and its core principle of Ahimsa across the globe, making it a universally recognized and practiced religion for establishing world peace.
Unity and Organization of the Jain Community: The Sammelan seeks to unite all Jain communities, irrespective of sect (Digambar, Shvetambar, and sub-sects), under a common banner to foster collective strength and progress.
Social Reform: The organization aims to combat social ills within the Jain community, such as malpractices, superstitions, and excessive spending, and to present a true, exemplary model.
Education and Intellectual Development: A significant focus is placed on establishing an "Ahimsa Vishwavidyalaya" (Ahimsa University) to impart holistic education rooted in Jain values, making Jainism accessible to all.
Interfaith Dialogue and Vegetarianism: Promoting vegetarianism among all humanity and fostering understanding and compassion between people are key objectives.
Research and Preservation: The Sammelan intends to research, collect, and publish Jain scriptures and ancient texts, as well as protect Jain heritage, artifacts, and sites.
Political Engagement: Recognizing the need for representation, the organization plans to engage in political activities to voice the concerns of the Jain community to the government.

Structure and Departments:

The Antarrashtriya Jain Sammelan is envisioned as a well-structured organization with several key departments, each responsible for specific areas:

Prachar-Vibhag (Publicity/Propaganda Department): To spread the message of Jainism and Ahimsa worldwide through propagators who will travel globally.
Prakashan-Vibhag (Publication Department): To publish books, tracts, and a magazine ("Ahimsa-Sandesh") in various languages to disseminate Jain teachings and promote Ahimsa.
Shiksha-Vibhag (Education Department): To establish the "Ahimsa Vishwavidyalaya" and affiliated institutions, offering free education in various disciplines, with a mandatory emphasis on Jain philosophy.
Pustakalaya-Vibhag (Library Department): To establish an "Antarrashtriya Jain Pustakalaya" (International Jain Library) to collect and provide access to books on moral, religious, and social themes.
Seva-Vibhag (Service Department): To organize the "Ahimsa Seva Dal" (Ahimsa Service Corps) for social and religious service, emphasizing discipline and duty.
Rajnaitik-Vibhag (Political Department): To engage in political activities, encourage participation, and represent the Jain community's interests.
Sangeet-Vibhag (Music Department): To use music, drama, and cinema for religious propagation, fostering devotion and societal improvement.
Puratatva-Vibhag (Archaeology Department): To research, identify, preserve, and publish ancient Jain scriptures, inscriptions, artifacts, and temples.
Sanchalan-Vibhag (Operations/Management Department): To manage the overall affairs of the Sammelan, including its affiliated institutions, properties, and events.
Aarthik-Vibhag (Finance Department): To manage the financial aspects of the Sammelan, including budgeting, accounts, fundraising, and property management.

Membership and Governance:

Membership: The document outlines various membership categories: Ordinary, Annual, Lifelong/Permanent, and Honorary members, each with different contribution levels and privileges.
Committees: The organization will be governed by two main committees:
- Karyakarini Samiti (Executive Committee): Responsible for the overall operation and management of the Sammelan, with elected members and appointed office bearers. Its decisions are binding.
- Sarvajanik Samiti (General Committee/Assembly): A broader body comprising members, which convenes periodically, likely annually, to discuss and guide the Sammelan's activities.
Office Bearers: Key office bearers include the Chairman (Sabha-pati), Vice-Chairman (Up-Sabha-pati), Prime Minister (Pradhan Mantri), and various ministers for each department. The Prime Minister is the central operational head, elected for life, with a process for removal under specific circumstances.

Call to Action:

The Sammelan earnestly requests all Jain institutions, temples, newspapers, and individuals to provide their "Parichay Patra" (contact information and details) to facilitate the organization's efforts. Without this information, the Sammelan feels it cannot proceed effectively. It stresses the importance of including full postal addresses, objectives, work descriptions, and details of office bearers.

Revolutionary Stance:

The document declares the Sammelan to be a "revolutionary organization" that will not shy away from challenging existing malpractices and superstitions, even if it faces opposition. It aims to bring about significant positive changes within the Jain community and establish Jainism as a global force for peace and righteousness.

In essence, "Parichay Patra" serves as the manifesto and operational blueprint for a comprehensive, modern, and globally-oriented Jain organization dedicated to the propagation of its core principles and the unification of its followers.