Samaj Ke Vikas Me Nari Ka Yogadan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Samaj ke Vikas me Nari ka Yogadan" (The Contribution of Women in the Development of Society) by Sadhvi Shri Manjulashreeji:

The article, "The Contribution of Women in the Development of Society" by Sadhvi Shri Manjulashreeji, a disciple of Yugapradhan Acharya Shri Tulsi, emphasizes that society is a harmonious blend of men and women, not solely comprised of one gender. True society is defined by families sharing a common civilization, culture, religion, and traditions, as exemplified by terms like "Indian society" or "Jain society."

The author states that while many societies exist globally, ranging from highly developed to developing, progress requires active participation of all its elements. Women play a crucial and significant role in societal development. A society where women are knowledgeable, dutiful, virtuous, well-behaved, wise, dedicated, tolerant, and inspiring is an advanced society. Conversely, societies with lazy, irresponsible, immoral, and foolish women are destined for decline. Women are described as immense sources of strength, possessing wealth akin to Lakshmi, power like Durga, and knowledge like Saraswati.

Drawing an analogy from the epic Ramayana, the author highlights how Shri Ramchandra praised Sita's multifaceted nature. Sita was not just a wife but adaptable to various roles: a nurturing mother while feeding, a wise minister during consultations, a devoted partner in intimacy, an diligent servant in household chores, a supportive friend in personal matters, and a guiding teacher to steer away from wrong paths. Ram's feeling of helplessness after losing Sita underscores the invaluable qualities inherent in women, which, though varying in their manifestation, are present in all women. The text suggests that women possess hundreds of virtues that complete men, and these qualities can be easily developed.

The article further argues that providing women with equal opportunities for development, as is happening today, is not only an act of societal generosity but also a significant undertaking for the welfare of humanity. Training women is equivalent to the proper guidance of the entire human race. From childhood to old age, women are significant pillars of support for men.

In infancy, a child's character development is primarily dependent on the mother. Uneducated mothers or children raised outside the mother's immediate care often lack proper character formation. Women also guide wayward youth. Men who do not have virtuous wives often fall prey to bad habits and ruin their lives. In old age, women provide solace and service, making life peaceful for men. The loss of a wife in old age can leave a man helpless, sometimes even contemplating suicide. Throughout life, women guide men – as mothers in childhood, as wives in youth, and as caretakers in old age.

The author asserts that societies that devalue, degrade, or neglect women cannot achieve full development. History serves as a testament to this, showing the downfall of societies and nations that have undermined women. The current traditions, decency, modesty, and religious devotion observed in India and Hindu society are attributed to the respect historically accorded to women, and the inspiration drawn from the "Mother Power" (Matri Shakti). Religious leaders, sociologists, and philosophers in India have consistently believed that the world is run by women.

An anecdote illustrates this point: When Emperor Akbar asked Birbal whether men or women have sharper intellects, Birbal responded that men act on women's signals and do nothing independently. To prove his point, Birbal set up two camps, one labeled "Woman-Managed" and the other "Self-Managed," and invited all citizens to go to the camp corresponding to their self-perception. To the Emperor's surprise, everyone, except one man, went to the "Woman-Managed" camp. When questioned, the lone man explained he followed his wife's advice to avoid crowded places. This convinced the Emperor that the world is indeed woman-managed, implying women's significant contribution to the creation and development of the world.

The article concludes by stating that any country, society, organization, or family that disregards women not only misses out on significant development but also displays ingratitude towards them. The author praises "Vidyabhumi Ranawas" for giving equal importance to the development of both men and women, calling it an exemplary practice.