Anuvrat International Conference

Message from Chief Convener Mr. Kamal Kumar Dugar

Before I begin, I would like to bow down humbly to the lotus feet of Lord Mahavira.

I would also like to pay my respects to the founding father of Jain Terapanth Sect. Acharya Bhikshu.

I pay my respects to the one who has been relentlessly carrying the message of peace and nonviolence throughout the world, the 11th Anushasta of Jain Terapanth Dharam Sangh Acharya Mahashraman jee in whose pious presence we are organising this conference.

Most Respected Sadhvi Pramukha jee,
Respected Mantri Muni Shree Sumermal jee
Respected Monks, Nuns & Samani jee.
Respected Delegate from various parts of the world.
Convenor - Mr. Surendra Borad (Patawari),
Organising Convenor - Mr. K L Jain

Brothers & Sisters

I am indeed priviledged to welcome you all in this Anuvrat International Conference organized on this historic occasion of Acharya Tulsi Birth Centenary year.

This conference is being held under the dynamic convenor ship of Shri Surendra Borad Patawari, who is a person with rare abilities and his team who have been working devotedly for the last many months to make this conference a truly international and successful event.

Friends - In the glorious tradition of Indian culture and history, a number of living legends have left their mark and messages on the life of mankind.

Among them we had a great personality of 20th century - Acharya Tulsi

Acharya Tulsi inspired and transformed the lives of millions of individuals by his teachings and preachings.

His tremendous and invaluable contribution to the field of literature specially the master work of editing the Jain Agamas will be remembered for ages.
He was a man of vision who initiated Saman Shreni - A new category of Jain Preachers.

He also started Naya Mod movement for women's empowerment. (It means a turning point to move away from and discard the old and outdated customs like women wearing PURDA and staying confined to one corner of  the house after death of her husband and similar other customs.) After India got independence and after realising that people lack moral values & proper ethics,

Acharya Tulsi initiated a revolution for moral upliftment called ANUVRAT MOVEMENT with the aim of re-establishing a strong system of moral values and building a healthy society and peaceful world.

Anuvrat means small vows which are based on human values.

A distinct code of conduct was devised so that a man may be man in true sense.
It comprises mainly eleven rules focusing on non -violence, human equality, Religious harmony, morality etc.
These vows can be easily accepted by followers of any faith and people from any part of the world without any difficulty.

To spread the said message of Anuvrat he undertook long sojourns on foot and travelled more than 1,00,000 kms by foot to cover the entire country.

I am reminded of the dream of the great Indian Saint, who articulated several decades ago:

If an individual is morally flawless
There is beauty in his character
When there is moral flawless & beauty in the character
Then the society itself becomes harmonic
When the society becomes harmonic
Then there is order in the nation
When there is order in the nation
Then the world bestowed with peace

On this auspicious occasion of his birth centenary we have taken a vow to spread his teachings and preaching of peace, non-violence and Anuvrat and also put forward his inspirational and adventurous life before entire world.

To pay respectful homage on the occasion of Birth Centenary of Acharya Tulsi Acharya Mahashraman jee has taken a pledge to initiate 100 monks and nuns during Acharya Tulsi Birth Centenary year and has designated the year as Personality Development year (Vyaktitva Vikas Varsh)

Acharya Mahashraman jee alongwith his force of monks & nuns is making every effort to spread the message of Anuvrat throughout the world

Currently in spiritual guidance of Acharya Shree Mahashraman jee we are celebrating the birth centenary year of Acharya Tulsi on national level and at some overseas places also.

I would like to share with you some of the main highlights of activities undertaken by us in this direction:

1. The Birth Centenary logo of Acharya Tulsi Janam Shatabdi Samaroh Samiti was unveiled by the president of India H.H. Shri Pranab Mookerjee.
2. Anuvrat Sankalp Rath Yatra by Samaniji by Four Dharam Raths (dedicated and specially designed vehicles) which were moving around for last nine months and covering the entire India to spread the message of Anuvrat through rallies/conferences/seminars/ workshops and organising lectures in various universities, schools, colleges and prisons thousands and thousands of students,teachers,businssmen,workers and people from all walks of life participated and took vows of ANUVRAT,
3. As a gesture and tribute to Acharya Tulsi various state governments and local bodies have renamed some paths/roads/streets/public parks in his memory.
4. Govt. of India had launched two commemorative coins in the memory of Acharya Tulsi. Mr. P. Chidambaram, the then Finance Minister of Govt. of India, offered his tributes by attending the launch programme personally on behalf of the Central Govt.
5. Our Society is also releasing a souvenir coin with a booklet about Acharya Tulsi's life scope which will be made available to more than 50 thousand people at large.
6. On this great occasion In addition to our existing 526 centres throughout world, our plan is to open 100 more branches of Jain Swetambar Terapanthi Mahasabha the supreme body of Terapanthi Samaj all over world for spreading the message of peace and non­violence, and running of Spiritual Centres.
7. We have planed and already started working on to construct about 100 new buildings in different locations in India to carry out regular social & spiritual activities.
8. More than one lac Anuvrat vows Boards depicting the code of conduct are being installed and displayed throughout the country in public places specially in schools and colleges.
9. More than one lac Anuvrat Businessman vows Boards are also being distributed for putting the same in various trade and business establishment, and practice ethics and honesty in business.
10. More than 44 Lakh students of Indian school from all walks of life have accepted and taken out the vows of Anuvrat and will not consume any alcoholic or intoxicant elements, and practice peace and nonviolence in their lives.
11. Publication of a set of 108 books of Acharya Tulsi literature in a proper planned manner is in progress.
12. We have also setup an exhibition of historic photographs depicting the life of Acharya Tulsi
13. and also launched an Animation Film on Acharya Tulsi.
14. A CD has been recorded containing songs written by & about Acharya Tulsi by India's top 11 singers
15. A literary collection in the process of being written which will contain thoughts, view, opinions, Summary of interactions with Acharya Tulsi from the who's who of Indian as well as the rest of the world
16. In addition to what I have just mentioned, we have several different activities, which are being conducted to spread the Teaching of the Anuvrat Movement.

Friends - This conference is a major event in the same direction and has been organised to spread the message of peace & nonviolence. we are indeed happy that distinguished   & eminent personalities from academic and spiritual fields from all parts of the world are present here.

As an educationist Acharya Tulsi realised the importance of the part played in the dissemination of Jain philosophy of ahimsa by western thinkers and motivators through dialogue and interaction among peace loving and creative intellectuals. Today's event is another important and tangible step toward realisation of Acharya Tulsi's dream of a peaceful, healthy and balanced society with moral values.

Acharya Tulsi Birth Centenary Celebration Committee & Terapanthi Mahasabha is thankful to each one of you, who have travelled a great distance to take part in this conference and contribute in the deliberations.

We are indeed honoured that you have taken out your valuable time and energy and came to India at our invitation.you are the people who have made a mark in your chosen Filed of operation and are contributing to the betterment of society and the mankind at large.

Today when the entire world is passing through a tough time, adopting the vows of Anuvrat seems to be a ultimate ray of hope.

Let the wings of Anuvrat spread globally.

We hope to make the voice of peace brotherhood and non violence as preached by Acharya Tulsi to reach all parts of the world to 7000 million brothers and sisters.

Ladies & Gentleman, I shall call upon you to rededicate yourself to attain the mission of Anuvrat to live & let live in peace, harmony, love following path of righteousness protecting the environment to build a universe with happiness, peace, harmony, austerity, simplicity, prosperity and good health for all.

We need your whole hearted support and participation in spreading the message of Anuvrat. Let us all join hands together and be a member of Anuvrat family. Thanking you

Om Arham