Shravak Shrimoni Sahoo Shri Shantiprasadji - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shravak Shiromani Sahoo Shri Shantiprasadji" by Atmanandji:

This text details the life and extensive contributions of Shri Shantiprasadji Sahoo, a prominent Jain gentleman of the 20th century, who earned the title "Shravak Shiromani," meaning the greatest among Jain lay followers.

Early Life and Education: Born on May 22, 1911, in Najibabad, Uttar Pradesh, Shantiprasadji hailed from a respected family. His grandfather, Salekhchandra, was known for his religiosity and social work. His parents were Shri Diwansinhji and Shrimati Moortidevi. Shantiprasadji received his early education in Najibabad and pursued higher education at Meerut and later at Benaras Hindu University, where he excelled academically, graduating with a first-class B.Sc. degree. He remained deeply connected to his religious roots, regularly visiting temples and participating in religious events even in his advanced age.

Marriage and Family: Shantiprasadji married Rama Rani, the daughter of the noted industrialist Shri Ramkrishna Dalmiya. Raised under the care of Sheth Jamnalal Bajaj, Rama Rani was influenced by patriotism and self-reliance. The union of Shantiprasadji and Rama Rani brought together two influential families, leading to significant growth in their societal standing within 10-15 years. They had three sons: Ashok, Alok, and Manoj, and one daughter, Alka.

Professional and Business Acumen: Shantiprasadji was a highly intelligent and foresighted industrialist and businessman. He possessed a keen ability to understand and evaluate people and was known for his liberal approach to his staff and workers. His sharp intellect and ability to combine wealth with education propelled his family to national prominence in the industrial sector.

Societal and Religious Leadership: As his family's wealth grew, Shantiprasadji dedicated himself to societal service and the promotion of cultural activities. His family's tradition of service, evident since his youth, guided his actions. He demonstrated exceptional leadership and administrative skills from a young age, notably at the All India Youth Conference in Hastinapur in 1929.

His and his wife's active participation and guidance at the All India Digambar Jain Parishad conference in Lucknow in 1940 marked their emergence as leaders and advisors for the Jain community. He played a crucial role in addressing societal issues within the Jain community, such as widow remarriage, inter-caste marriage, and dowry, bridging the gap between generations. His efforts to foster unity among various Jain sects were significant, leading him to head the Bharat Jain Maha Mandal and later establish the Digambar Jain Maha Samiti in 1974 to strengthen religious ties within the Digambar Jain community. He also provided unwavering support during India's independence struggle and its wars with Pakistan, engaging in discussions with Prime Ministers Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi.

Contributions to Education, Literature, and Culture: Shantiprasadji's philanthropic endeavors were extensive. He established the Moortidevi Girls School in Najibabad in 1921 and initiated the Moortidevi Scholarships through the Sahoo Jain Trust, supporting students pursuing advanced degrees in religious and academic fields.

A monumental achievement was the establishment of Bharatiya Gnanpith and Moortidevi Granthmala on February 18, 1944. These institutions became centers for publishing high-quality literature in various languages, covering both ancient and modern works. The Gnanpith Award, a prestigious award of Rs. 1,50,000 for exceptional literary works in 14 national languages focused on humanity and national culture, stands as a testament to his profound love for literature and patriotism. This initiative was unprecedented in Indian literary history.

Contribution to Journalism: Through his extensive business dealings, Shantiprasadji developed strong ties with the media. He was instrumental in the publication and elevation of NavBharat Times and the acquisition of the Bennett Coleman Company. Under his stewardship, his group maintained high standards in Indian journalism, emphasizing quality and impactful communication, with a particular focus on promoting the Hindi language.

Special Religious Services: Shantiprasadji played a pivotal role in the successful organization of the 2500th anniversary of Lord Mahavir's eternal journey to heaven. He secured government support for the Grand National Memorial of Lord Mahavir in Delhi and championed the dissemination of Lord Mahavir's message of world friendship and religious equality to even the remotest villages by encouraging the formation of Jain committees at all levels. He generously offered his office spaces for these celebrations. He is also credited with the publication of "Samansuttam."

His commitment to Jain scholarship was evident in his intervention at the All India Oriental Conference in Benaras in 1968, ensuring Jainism was a featured topic. He either established or provided significant donations to numerous Jain institutions, including:

Prakrit Research Institute, Vaishali
Syadvad Mahavidyalaya, Benaras
S. P. Jain College, Sasaram Nagar
Non-violence Expansion Committee, Calcutta
Varni Sanskrit Vidyalaya, Sagar
Sahoo Archaeological Museum, Devgadh
All India Digambar Jain Holy Places Committee, Mumbai
Digambar Jain Committee
Sahoo Jain College, Najibabad
Indian Art Jain Research Institute, Moodbadri
Shraman Jain songs Propagandist Sangh, Delhi

Through the Veer Nirman Bharti, he awarded prizes to learned Jain scholars regardless of their sect. He actively participated in religious gatherings, offering guidance and support, and consistently advocated for Jainism, rectifying any perceived injustices.

Later Life and Legacy: The extensive strain from organizing Lord Mahavir's 2500th anniversary celebrations, coupled with the passing of his beloved wife Rama Rani on July 22, 1975, took a toll on his health. He succumbed to heart disease on October 27, 1977, leaving behind a legacy of immense contributions. The Jain community mourned the loss of their beloved leader.

The text emphasizes that Shantiprasadji Sahoo's outstanding services in national, social, cultural, literary, and religious fields over four decades continue to inspire. He left a message for the youth, urging them to engage in selfless service and prioritize the welfare of many over personal interests. The contributions of his wife, Rama Rani, are also highlighted, recognizing her as an ideal partner devoted to family and community. His elder brother, Shri Shreyansprasadji, and son, Shri Ashokkumar, are continuing his legacy of service, providing some solace to the community.