Institute of Jainology, India actively promotes Jain art, literature and education through which it promotes awareness of Jain Dharma. To this end, the Institute arranged a lecture and drama to highlight the illustrious characters of women in Jain history at the Vishwakosh Bhavan, Ahmedabad.
Institute’s Trustee, Shree Shreyakbhai Sheth welcomed the Chief Guests amongst them Shree Samvegbhai Lallbhai, Smt Jayshreeben Lallbhai and Smt Pritiben Adani along with other invited guests. Shree Samvegbhai in his address appreciated the work being done by the Institute in promoting the Jain dharma and its history.
Shree Kushal Bhanshali presented the invited guests with mementoes.
Dr Kumarpal Desai, the keynote speaker started by stating the Jain religion which has an immense depth and width encompassing the universe extends compassion, harmony and amity not only to the humans but to all other living beings and nature. Jain religion does not differentiate between genders – all are treated as equals.
Jain religion states that it is the woman provides the mainstay for the furtherance of the religion. Bhagwan Rushabhdev had taught the mankind the management of their lives. His daughter Brahmi had studies several scripts and the script named after her – Brahmi is considered to be one of the most ancient scripts in India. His other daughter, Sundari had gained expertise in mathematics.
A woman, as a mother is given a place of honour in Jain society. The honour given to Tirthanker’s mother is well known and described in several Jain texts. Chandanbala symbolises the acceptance of slave women as normal members of the society. Bhagwan Mahavir had accepted food from her and freed her from her bondage.
The Shwetamber sect of Jains accepts that women can attain enlightenment and become omniscient like Bhagwan Mallinath.
Smt Jayshreeben Lallbhai congratulated the Institute for holding the course on Manuscriptology and also promoting the core values of Jain philosophy – namely ahimsa and compassion for all living beings.
Smt Pritiben Adani that Jain scriptures were replete with examples of women out outstanding character, fortitude and abilities who had played unique roles Jain history. She cited the exemplary penance by fasting by Champa Shravika that astonished Emperor Akbar.
There are no events in the Jain history supporting the tradition of sati (self-immolation by setting oneself on fire) highlighting the respect with which the women are held in the society.
Last part of the event was the monologue presented by Smt Archana Johny Shah and directed by Shree Johny Shah, titled ‘Pahinidevi’. This monologue describes the heart rendering upheaval experienced by Acharya Hemchandraji’s mother and it enthralled the audience.
The event had been anchored by Smt Naliniben Desai. Finally, Shree Gunvantbhai Sheth gave a vote of thanks to the organisers, Chief Guests and other invited guests, the audience and Smt Archana Johny Shah