Virchand Gandhi

Virachand Raghavji Gandhi (25 August 1864 – 7 August 1901) was a Jain scholar who represented Jainism at the first World Parliament of Religions in 1893. A barrister by profession, he worked to defend the rights of Jains, and wrote and lectured extensively on Jainism, other religions, and philosophy.

Background and early accomplishments

Gandhi was born on 25 August 1864 in Mahuva near Bhavnagar (now in Gujarat, India), After completing primary and secondary school in Mahuva, Gandhi was sent to Bhavnagar for further studies. In 1879, Gandhi married Jiviben. At the age of sixteen, upon placing first on the Bhavanagar matriculation examination, he was awarded the ‘Shri Jaswant Singhji’ scholarship. He graduated with honors in 1884, having earned a bachelor's degree in law.

In 1885, at the age of 21, he became the first honorary secretary of the Jain Association of India.

Gandhi had studied Buddhism, Vedanta Philosophy, Christianity, and western philosophy. He praised Mughal Emperor Akbar for his equal treatment of all religions.

Gandhi propagated the relevance of Jain tenets and Mahavira's message of nonviolence. He delivered about 535 speeches on Jainism, other religions, and social and cultural lives in India, all of which received wide publication. He was invited two more times, first in 1897, and then in 1899 to the West. The Life of Saint Iss Religion and philosophy of the Jainas

Collection Speeches and Writings of Virchand R. Gandhi, collected and edited by Bhagu F. Karbhari

Recognition

Gandhi was accorded both a welcome and honour by many literary and spiritual institutions, churches and societies. He was presented with medals. On 25 August 2013, his Saardh Janma Shatabdi Year celebrations commenced at Vallabh Vihar, Rohini Delhi under the aegis of Akhil Bhartiya Shree Atma Vallabh Jain Mahasangh, organised by Shree Atmanand Jain Sabha, Rohini, Delhi. On 17 August 2014, the concluding function was held at Thane in the august presence of Gachhadhipati Jainacharya Shree Vikay Nityanand Surishwer Ji. The programme was held under the banner of Shree Atma VAllabh Jain Mahasangh with Mr. Ashok Jain as the Programme Convenor who also made an elaborate presentation on the life and achievements of Shree Virchand Raghav Gandhi. As a befitting finale to the yearlong celebrations, One day programme was organised by Akhil Bhartiya Shree Atma Vallabh Jain Mahasangh, Vallabh Smarak Jain Mandir Tirth & Akhil Bhartiya Shree Jain Shwetamber Yuvak Mahasangh at Balyogi Auditorium in the Sansad Bhawan. Sh Ravisahnkar Prasead, Union Minister of Law & Justice, Information and Broadcasting & Information Technology presided the deliberations attended by 15 Members of Parliament and leading Jains from all over Indie. Gandhi Before Gandhi - a play on the life and ideals of Shri Virchand Raghav Gandhi was presented by Rangat Productions, Mumbai. Keynote presentation was made by Sh Ashok Jain, Programme Convenor and Hony Secretary of Vallabh Smarak Jain Mandir Tirth, Delhi.

Footnotes