Viral Vidwat Pratibha Ane Manushya Pratibha

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Viral Vidvat Pratibha ane Manushya Pratibha" (Rare Scholarly Talent and Human Talent) by Jayant Kothari and Kantibhai B Shah, published by Mahavir Jain Vidyalay:

This book is a tribute to the life and extensive literary contributions of Shri Mohanlal Dalichand Desai, a prominent figure in Jain literature and public life. It aims to illuminate his "rare scholarly talent" and "human talent."

Key Aspects of the Book:

1. Biography of Shri Mohanlal Dalichand Desai:

   • Early Life and Background: Born in April 1885 in a modest Jain family in Gujarat, Mohanlal Desai hailed from a humble background. His father, Dalichand, was a ferryman, and the family's economic condition was ordinary. He was greatly influenced by his maternal uncle, Pranjivan Morarji Shah, a respected educational inspector in Rajkot, who supported his education.
   • Education and Personal Values: Mohanlal completed his matriculation in Rajkot and pursued his B.A. (1908) and LL.B. (1910) from Mumbai. He maintained an intimate relationship with his uncle, whom he deeply respected and considered a guru. His uncle's principled and charitable nature significantly shaped Mohanlal's character.
   • Legal Career: After obtaining his LL.B., Mohanlal started practicing law in Mumbai's Small Causes Court. Despite being a capable lawyer, he did not amass wealth from his profession, prioritizing truthfulness and service over financial gain. He refrained from taking criminal cases and often offered his legal services to Jain institutions without charge.
   • Deep Literary Passion: From his student days, Mohanlal was deeply devoted to literature. He served as a co-editor for the magazine "Sanatan Jain" from 1907. His passion for literature was deeply ingrained, leading him to engage in extensive research and writing.
   • Public Life and Service: Mohanlal was actively involved in various Jain organizations. He served as the honorary editor of "Shri Jain Shvetambar Conference Herald" (1912-1919) and later edited "Jain Yug" (1925-1930). He was a founding member and lifelong committee member of Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, actively participating in its various projects. He was also associated with other Jain institutions like the Jain Association of India and the Mangrol Jain Sabha. His involvement extended to national spheres as well, attending Congress sessions and being a founding member of Kanhaiyalal Munshi's Sahitya Sansad.
   • Family Life: Mohanlal was married twice and had seven children. He was a loving family man, though his extensive professional, literary, and public service commitments meant he had to balance them with his family responsibilities.
   • Illness and Demise: Despite his active life, his health declined, exacerbated by the immense workload and family responsibilities. He passed away in December 1945 in Rajkot, having lost his mental faculties in his final days. His passing was a significant loss to the Jain community and Gujarati literature.
   • Recognition and Legacy: The Jain community's recognition of his contributions came late, with a planned honor by the Jain Shvetambar Conference being unable to be presented to him during his lifetime. However, his son, Jayasukhbhai, established a fund in his father's name to support literary activities, highlighting his deep filial devotion.

2. Literary Contributions and Scholarly Talent:

   • Vast Literary Output: Mohanlal Desai's literary output was immense, estimated to be equivalent to fifteen to twenty books. A significant portion of his writings remained unpublished in periodicals and other sources.
   • Major Works: His magnum opus includes "Jain Gurjar Kavio" (Jain Gurjar Poets), a comprehensive bibliographic work on Jain poets in Gujarati literature, published in three volumes over several years. Another significant work is "Jain Sahityano Sankshipt Itihas" (A Concise History of Jain Literature), a foundational text that brought Jain literature to wider academic attention.
   • Scholarly Approach: His approach was characterized by meticulous research, extensive collection of materials from various libraries and personal collections, and a deep commitment to preserving and presenting Jain literary heritage. He meticulously documented manuscripts, compiled bibliographies, and provided detailed descriptions of ancient works.
   • Commitment to Gujarati Literature: While deeply rooted in Jain literature, his interests extended to broader Gujarati literature. He collaborated with prominent Gujarati literary figures and supported literary movements.
   • Ideological Stance: Mohanlal was not bound by sectarian limitations. He advocated for a broad, secular approach to knowledge and actively supported scholars from various backgrounds. He believed in the unity of Indian culture and emphasized the contributions of Jains to the broader Indian civilization. He was critical of historical inaccuracies and biased portrayals of Jain figures and traditions in literature.
   • Contribution to Jain Scholarship: He laid a strong foundation for the study of medieval Gujarati literature, particularly Jain literature, which remains invaluable for subsequent research. His work provided a comprehensive overview and cataloging of Jain literary works, many of which were previously obscure.
   • Methodology: His research was characterized by meticulous cataloging, detailed descriptions of manuscripts, and a systematic approach to organizing vast amounts of information. He understood the importance of bibliographical tools and compiled extensive indexes and bibliographies.

3. Human Talent and Personality:

   • Integrity and Humility: Mohanlal was known for his integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to truth. He maintained a simple lifestyle, despite his professional standing.
   • Diligent and Tireless Worker: He possessed an extraordinary capacity for hard work and often worked late into the night, dedicating himself to his research and writing.
   • Sociable and Charitable: He was sociable, engaging in conversations with people from all walks of life and showing genuine interest in their well-being. He was also charitable and helpful to those in need.
   • Open-mindedness and Broad Vision: Despite his focus on Jain literature, he was open-minded and held a broad perspective, appreciating talent and contributions from all quarters. He championed interfaith harmony and mutual respect.
   • Clarity and Directness: He was known for his straightforwardness, expressing his opinions clearly and directly, even if it meant facing criticism. However, this was always coupled with a desire for constructive dialogue and reconciliation.
   • Positive and Enthusiastic: He maintained a youthful enthusiasm and optimism throughout his life, actively pursuing his passions with diligence.

4. The Book's Structure and Contributors:

   • The book includes a biography written by Jayant Kothari, detailed bibliographies of Mohanlal Desai's writings compiled by Kanti B. Shah, and also includes memoirs and tributes from prominent figures like Pandi Lal Sukhraliji and Parmanand Kapadia.
   • The publication was made possible by a significant donation from Shri Jayasukhbhai, Mohanlal Dalichand Desai's son, in memory of his father, enabling the Mahavir Jain Vidyalay to undertake this important work.

In essence, "Viral Vidvat Pratibha ane Manushya Pratibha" presents Mohanlal Dalichand Desai as a multifaceted personality – a dedicated scholar who painstakingly preserved and illuminated Jain literary heritage, and a principled individual who embodied Jain values in his personal and public life. The book serves as a valuable resource for researchers and admirers of Jain literature and history, offering a deep insight into the life and achievements of this remarkable personality.