Virchad R Gandhi A Gandhi Before Gandhi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text about Virchand Raghavji Gandhi:

Virchand Gandhi: A Gandhi Before Gandhi - A Champion of Indian Culture and Jainism

This text introduces Virchand Raghavji Gandhi (1864-1901) as a significant, yet often overlooked, figure in Indian history, a contemporary of Swami Vivekananda, and a profound exponent of Indian culture and Jainism. It positions him as a "Gandhi before Gandhi" due to his visionary ideas and his advocacy for India's spiritual heritage.

Key Contributions and Achievements:

• Parliament of World Religions (1893): Virchand Gandhi, alongside Swami Vivekananda, represented India at the groundbreaking Parliament of World Religions in Chicago. While Vivekananda represented Hinduism, Gandhi was the sole representative of Jainism. His participation was crucial as he was deputed by Jain scholar Muni Atmaramji, who couldn't attend due to Jain monastic vows against sea travel. At this event, Gandhi delivered captivating speeches, receiving considerable attention and applause. He was awarded a silver medal for his contributions.
• Defense of Indian Culture and Religions: Gandhi boldly defended Indian culture and Hinduism against the misrepresentations and "un-Christian spirit" of Christian missionaries. He vehemently denounced the missionaries' "bare-faced falsehoods and malicious slanders" about Indian life and beliefs, such as the unsubstantiated claims of infanticide and self-immolation. He presented Indian traditions and philosophies with deep respect and intellectual rigor.
• Promoter of Jainism: He meticulously explained Jain principles like Navatatva, Shathdravya, Chargati, Panchavratha, Moksha, Nyayavad, and Anekantvad to a Western audience. He also championed Jain causes, including the successful abolition of the Shatrunajay Tirth pilgrimage tax and the removal of a slaughterhouse near the sacred shrine of Samet Shikhar.
• Visionary Leader and Patriot: Gandhi spoke of India's economic and political freedom decades before independence, advocating for peaceful international relations. His foresight on peaceful coexistence is seen as prophetic of Mahatma Gandhi's approach. He was an early member of the Indian National Congress.
• Polyglot Scholar and Public Speaker: Gandhi was a remarkable polyglot, fluent in 14 languages. He was a scholar in Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Western philosophies, Yoga, Indian economics, and international trade. He delivered an astounding 535 lectures across the USA and Europe, traveling extensively and receiving numerous accolades.
• Clarifying Western Perceptions: He worked to dispel false and perverse impressions of India, countering stereotypes of "maharajahs, tigers, and cobras." He also introduced the Western world to the "unknown life of Christ in India," proposing through his research that Jesus Christ may have visited India in his youth to learn from Indian religions and philosophies.
• Association with Mahatma Gandhi: Gandhi had a close association with Mahatma Gandhi (MK Gandhi). They shared experiments in dietetics, and Virchand Gandhi actively tried to assist MK Gandhi in his legal career, even assisting him in obtaining briefs and advising him against foreign travel due to Jain vows. Mahatma Gandhi himself clarified in a letter that he was often mistaken for Virchand Gandhi.
• Influence and Recognition: Gandhi was admired by prominent personalities of his time, including Mahatma Gandhi, Lokmanya Tilak, Mark Twain, and Swami Vivekananda. His impactful speeches led to extended stays in the USA and further invitations. His work was recognized by the Indian Postal Department with a commemorative stamp and brochure.
• Tragic and Under-documented Legacy: Despite his immense contributions, much of Virchand Gandhi's legacy remains undocumented. His untimely death at the age of 37 in 1901, possibly due to slow poison according to some accounts, was a significant loss, alongside the death of Swami Vivekananda in 1902. The text laments the lack of organized efforts to preserve Gandhi's memory, stating that only about 10% of his contributions are currently available due to a gap of 100 years.

In essence, the text "Virchand R Gandhi: A Gandhi Before Gandhi" aims to revive the memory of Virchand Raghavji Gandhi, highlighting him as a pivotal figure who bridged Eastern and Western thought, defended Indian heritage with intellectual prowess, and laid groundwork for future nationalist movements.