Triji Jain Shwetambar Conferenceno Report

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This report documents the Third Jain Shwetambar Conference, held in Vadodara in Samvat 1962 (1904-1905 AD). It serves as a record of the proceedings, opinions from newspapers, and reports from various committees involved in organizing the event.

Overall Purpose and Significance: The conference aimed to foster the practical and religious advancement of the Shwetambar Jain community. The report highlights the unprecedented enthusiasm generated by these gatherings and the decision to publish detailed reports annually. It also notes the historical context by mentioning existing harmful customs and the efforts of prominent individuals to bring about reforms.

Key Events and Organizing Structure: The organization of the conference was a massive undertaking, managed by a Reception Committee with various sub-committees, each focusing on specific aspects:

• Central Committee: Responsible for defining the conference's agenda and overseeing all documentation. Key figures included Seth Gokaldas Dhulabhai (prominent in religious knowledge) and Vaidya Maganlal Chunilal (Secretary, possessing religious, modern, and English knowledge). Maganlal Chunilal is credited with initiating and executing most of the work, including the preparation of the report itself, often sacrificing his personal time and comfort.
• Reception Committee's Report: Details the invitation process, starting from the second conference in Mumbai where Vadodara was invited to host the third. It covers the formation of the committee, the decision to invite the Maharaja of Baroda for support, and the initial fundraising efforts.
• Sub-Committees:
  • Accommodation Committee: Managed by Vaidya Bapubhai Hirabhai (Chief) and Gandhi Jamnadas Jagjivandas (Secretary), who worked tirelessly to arrange lodging for delegates, ensuring their comfort and honoring them.
  • Food Committee: Led by Sheth Motilal Laldas Modi (Chief) and Sheth Chotalal Lalchand (Secretary), responsible for the dining arrangements for all delegates.
  • Volunteers Committee: Headed by Ra. Ra. Manilal Balabhai (Chief) and Gandhi Vadilal Lalabhai (Secretary), this committee, consisting of around 300 Jain youth, played a crucial role in assisting delegates, managing seating, and ensuring smooth operations despite the demanding physical labor involved.
  • Mandap Committee: Spearheaded by Sheth Balabhai Chotalal (Chief) and Gandhi Fatehbhai Lalabhai (Secretary), this committee was responsible for the grand setup of the conference venue, with special mention of Maganlal Ranchhoddas for his dedication.
  • Fund Committee: Chaired by Ra. Ra. Chunnilal Ishwarbhai and Secretary Gandhi Gulabchand Kalidas, this committee managed the financial aspects.
  • Health Committee: Headed by Vaidya Chunilal Hirabhai and Secretary Vaidya Bhailal Maneklal, this committee ensured the well-being of the delegates.
  • Exhibition Committee: Responsible for organizing a "Lakshanik Pradarshan" (Symbolic Exhibition) with a budget of Rs. 1500, showcasing aspects of Jain religion and practices.

Key Aspects and Resolutions:

• Maharaja of Baroda's Support: The conference received significant support from the Maharaja of Baroda, Sayajirao Gaekwad, who not only granted permission for the use of state resources (like the palace grounds for the mandap) but also offered financial aid and assured the presence of himself and the Yuvaraj (Crown Prince).

• Key Speakers and Their Contributions: Numerous prominent individuals delivered speeches on various subjects. Notable speakers and their themes include:

  • Fattehbhai Amichand Zaveri (Chief of Reception Committee): Emphasized the importance of community unity, the historical significance of Jainism, the need for reforms, and the crucial role of local committees.
  • Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad: Acknowledged the ancient nature of Jainism, its simplicity, and its core principle of non-violence. He encouraged the Jains to use their wealth for public good and social reform, and to spread the message of Jainism abroad. He also expressed his support for education and the need for practical application of Jain principles.
  • Rai Bahadur Budhsinghji Dudhodia (President): Delivered a detailed address on the need for religious and secular education, female education, literature preservation, temple restoration, anti-harmful customs, and the creation of a Jain directory. He stressed the importance of continuous effort and perseverance in achieving goals, emphasizing the power of unity and mutual support within the community.
  • Ra. Ra. Gulabchandji Dhaddha (General Secretary): Highlighted the historical legacy of Jainism, the role of kings and merchants in its support, and expressed gratitude to the Maharaja for his patronage. He also stressed the need for educational reforms, particularly for women, and advocated for the adoption of beneficial customs.
  • Mr. Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Though not a Jain, he spoke about Jainism's ancient roots, its distinctiveness from Buddhism, its historical impact on Brahmanism, and the importance of adhering to Jain principles like non-violence and the rejection of caste. He also advocated for Jain missionaries to spread the faith abroad and for the community to embrace education and the pursuit of truth.
  • Mr. Motichand Girdhar Kapadia: Emphasized the critical role of education in understanding one's duties and responsibilities, using the example of Japan's rapid progress through education. He also highlighted the deficiencies in current Jain education and the need for a structured approach, including female education and the establishment of Jain libraries.
  • Sha. Kunwarji Anandji: Focused on the importance of religious education, drawing parallels between the selfless acts of ancient patrons and the need for community members to contribute to religious causes. He stressed that true progress lies in spiritual development rather than mere material wealth.
  • Mr. Anopchand Melapchand Shah: Advocated for the dissemination of Jain literature and the reform of harmful social customs like child marriage and extravagant expenditures on rituals.
  • Mr. Dolatchand Purushottam Barodiya: Spoke about the necessity of preserving historical Jain inscriptions and texts, highlighting the work done by European scholars and urging greater community effort in this area.
  • Mr. Bhagubhai Fatehchand Karyakari: Stressed the need for a Jain directory to gather comprehensive information about the community, its institutions, and its members.
  • Sheth Lalbhai Dalpatbhai: Discussed the organizational structure of the conference, emphasizing the need for financial sustainability, the establishment of regional committees, and the publication of a regular journal. He also advocated for foreign travel for practical education and the adoption of simpler customs.
  • Dr. Jamnadas Premchand: Focused on the importance of "Samp" (unity) and its role in achieving community goals, advocating for systematic financial contributions and the careful utilization of resources.
  • Sha. Kunwarji Anandji: Also spoke about the importance of religious education and the need for educated women to impart this knowledge to children.

• Resolutions Passed: The conference passed numerous resolutions on various critical issues, including:

  • Prayers for the Emperor and Empress.
  • Gratitude to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad and other dignitaries.
  • Thanks to the General Secretaries and appreciation for their work.
  • Condolences for the passing of Mr. Fakirchand Premchand.
  • Requests to Muni Maharaj and other esteemed spiritual leaders for continued guidance.
  • Religious and Secular Education: Emphasizing its importance for both spiritual and worldly progress, including female education, Jain literature, and suitable textbooks.
  • Structure of the Conference: Aiming for a more sustainable and efficient organizational framework.
  • Abolition of Harmful Customs: Addressing issues like child marriage, extravagant expenses, and other practices detrimental to the community.
  • Support for the Needy: Ensuring assistance for poor and destitute Jains.
  • Jivdaya (Compassion for Living Beings): Promoting non-violence and animal welfare.
  • Antiquarian Research: Encouraging the study and preservation of ancient Jain scriptures and artifacts.
  • Jain Directory: The need for a comprehensive directory of Jain individuals and institutions.
  • Temple Restoration (Jirnoddhar): Highlighting the importance of preserving and renovating old Jain temples.
  • Preservation of Ancient Literature: Stressing the need to collect, preserve, and publish old Jain manuscripts.
  • Condolence for the Desecration of Shatrunjay Tirth: Expressing deep regret over the desecration of the holy site.
  • Appointment of General Secretaries: Empowering remaining secretaries to fill vacancies.

• Exhibition (Lakshanik Pradarshan): A significant feature of the conference was the symbolic exhibition showcasing Jain philosophy, customs, and artifacts, which was inaugurated by Yuvaraj Fatehsinhrao.

• Newspaper Opinions: The report includes positive reviews from newspapers like "Aatman Prakash," "Jain," "Gujarat Mitra & Gujarat Darpan," and "The Gujarati Punch," praising the conference's objectives, resolutions, and the Maharaja's and Yuvaraj's involvement. They particularly commended the focus on education, social reforms, and the preservation of Jain heritage.

Conclusion: The report concludes by expressing gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the conference, emphasizing that the efforts were directed towards the progress and upliftment of the Jain community and the propagation of Jain principles. The conference was deemed a great success, laying a strong foundation for future endeavors.