Adarniya Shree Kishor Khabiya, Chairman – Project Jain Conclave issued the following report on Jain Conclave held in Mumbai on 14th April 2013
Jain International Trade Organization (JITO) has taken an initiative to see our Jain community as a united, powerful and the most respected community. The community is in the need for very strong leadership for the directions and the vision for very long term future. The community is becoming smaller and smaller and further getting fragmented. As on date, different Jain sects are having divergent views on many important issues involving all the Jains in general, for example – minority status of Jains as a community, atrocities heaped on Jain sadhus and sadhvis, damaging of Jain Tirthankars Statues (recent case of Narlai) and other burning issues such as celebration of Jain festivals. JITO hosted Jain Conclave on 14th April, 2013 in Mumbai.
The Conclave was very well attended and all the issues on the agenda were thoroughly deliberated. Out of the nine points on the Agenda, there was a unanimous agreement on seven issues. This is a really good beginning and anything that starts of well, the results of it are always positive. Following are the points to keep you abreast of the deliberation.
1. To arrive at a consensus to celebrate Mahaveer-JANM-
Shri Sumatilal Karnavatji initiated issue of celebrating Mahaveer-JANM-KALYANAK on one date. Everyone was of the opinion that this year we should celebrate as per the date decided by each sect and from next year onwards we should liaison with both state and central government to declare holiday on one date and we should all organize related function on that date to have a meaningful impact.
2. Find out ways and means to curb Atrocities Heaped on Jain Sadhus and Sadhvis.
The topic was initiated by Shri Satish Shah – Treasurer JITO. Everyone was of the opinion that our Sadhuji and Sadhviji should not travel before sunrise and after sunset which is also inscribed in the Agam.They should walk in a vertical straight line. . Shri Hiralal Maloo – President Terapanth Samaj informed that in their sect atleast one volunteer (Shravak) always accompany Sadhu Sadhvi with a mobile, torch, cycle and waving a flag continuously from one village to the next village and Terapanth Samaj has also formed a young brigade of male and females, who take onus on themselves for safety of Sadhuji and Sadhviji. Digamber Samaj has already established a brigade of Veer & Veera. JITO will endeavour to bring out a Yuva team to help in VIHAR diary and create relevant and meaningful awareness amongst Sadhu Sadhvi Bhagwants.
3. To discuss how Samvatsari can be Celebrated on same date.
The discussion on Samvatsari was initiated by Dr. Bipin Doshi. There were diverse opinions and no unanimity could be reached. Everyone was of the opinion that we should talk to our Sadhuji and Sadhviji and try to bring consensus for celebrating Samvatsari on one date.
4. Minority Status of Jain community – census of Jains.
Prof. Rattan Jain Secretary General – Jain Mahasabha Delhi, in his vociferous and powerful speech said that till 1992 we were religious minority. In 1993 National Minority Commission Act included Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddha and Parsi as minority but Jains were not included due to political interests of few people. The Government is taking time to take decision because some want and some don’t want minority status. Since it is a matter our Identity. We need legal umbrella and to safe guard our interest. He pleaded FOR minority status for our community, which was endorsed by Shri U. Sudhir Lodha – Member Minority Commission. There was total unanimity on this issue.
5. Utilization of UPASHRAYAS for CENTER OF LEARNING– Realign the distracted youth to Jainism.
Dr Vinay Jain – Director Jito passionately spoke about how youth is drifting from mainstream as also from the tenets of Jainism. The house was of the opinion that we should utilize space available in Mandir and Upashrayas (hardly used by Sadhu Sadhvi for few months in a year) for multipurpose uses by conducting Skill Enhancement Program, Professional courses, Business Seminar as also library / reading room. This will realign youth towards Mandir, Upashrayas and Jainism.
6. Articulate –having Common Media /PR Cell.
Shri Rakeshh Mehta – Secretary General Jito spoke about creation of common media cell. The whole community can send information about the work done by them to JITO and will try to publicize the same through various media.
7. Explore the possibilities of using funds lying with various temples/trusts under different heads for social use.
Dr Bipin Doshi explained about Dev Dravya. There is no mention of the same either in Agam or Jain literature. It is estimated that roughly few thousand Crores is lying under this head. The substantial portion of this fund is utilized for creation and maintainance of temples only. The house opined that we should expand the definition of usage to include for social purposes.
8. Explore creation of JITO Arbitration Cell– for adjudication of family disputes/marital discords.
Shri Rakeshh Mehta – Secretary General Jito spoke about increased cases of divorce and other business disputes. There is a urgent need for creation of Arbitration cell of jain retired judges and lawyer. It was decided that JITO will take a lead in setting up the arbitration cell and shall also strive establishment of family court.This idea was very well appreciated by the entire house.
9. Formation of a National Core Committee representing all Sects
Shri Motilal Oswal – President Jito said that todays meeting should not end but it should continue. We should create a National Core Committee representing all Sects, prominent Tirths and Mandirs. A letter will be sent by JITO to all relevant leaders/organizations to send their nominations on this National Core Committee.
Shri Rakeshhji spoked in brief about various Jito project and explained how each constituent can take benefits of these projects.
Looking forward for your meaningful support in our future endeavors and hoping to meet you soon. In the mean while, I appeal to you that if you know any other important people irrespective of the sampraday on PAN India level, please let me have their contact details such as their mobile nos., e-mail addresses etc. so that I can personally get in touch with them. Our aim is to include as many people as much we can for this noble cause.
With warm regards,
Kishor Khabiya
Chairman – Project Jain Conclave