Small Steps To A Global Revolution
It all started in an informal classroom. Paathshala, as they fondly called their Sunday interactions, is what triggered the realisation. That their children would never follow what grandmother prescribed. They would never save that extra penny or give charity.
The reasons were many. Pressures of growing up in America, tempting fast food and difficult scriptures that required simplification. And thus started a journey in 2003 that crossed barriers of geography, nationality, religion and class. In one year, Young Jains of India (YJI) have provided a platform to the youth to accept ‘‘Jain Way of Life’’. No, it does not involve strict dos and don’ts. But a dash of modern day Gandhigiri coupled with a healthy way of life. Don’t get misled by the name. Everyone’s invited here. There are no barriers.
Manish Kasliwal, chairman of YJI, says: ‘‘The idea started in US because we realised that the youth was running away from this way of life. I came back to India and attended a few Jain functions where I saw that dais was shared by the eminent personalities honouring each other. There was nothing about Jainism. So we thought we should make a beginning and build a team.’’ The revolution started. Kasliwal and a few friends had made a small beginning in US by translating Tattvartha Sutra, which is considered Geeta of Jainism. They simplified it and made powerpoint presentations to teach the whys and wherefores of the scriptures.”
With a push from his Memphis cousin, Kasliwal extended this initiative in India and Young Jains of India came into its own. But they don’t clamp down strict rules.
Anurag Jain, a lawyer, says: ‘‘I just got to know about this over Internet. I sent YJI a small query about what they are all about and I got invited for a convention last year. What I saw has completely turned me into a believer. What I saw was not a strict directive to not have dinner after sunset. I was explained that it is a healthier way of life.’’
Kasliwal explains: ‘‘We realised that the youth is scared to go to a traditional Jain leader because he tells them not to have onions, potatoes or not have food after sunset. But we just teach three things - non-violence, non-absolutism and non-possessiveness.’’ This means that you have to be a vegetarian. Kasliwal says: ‘‘I keep travelling to different countries and I know it is difficult to have food at a certain time. This is why we have asked people to remain vegetarians and not have meat.’’
It teaches its 1,500 registered members to set a financial limit for their needs and then donate any amount they want for charity. Neeraj Jain, who works with ministry of defence, says: ‘‘We are taught simple things like not to waste food as there are more needy people around. Now my children also propagate this. If I leave a small bite or some sabzi on my plate, they check me. These are simple things that we have lost on the way but are learning and adopting again.’’
And this is how it is growing into a social initiative. From simple activities like getting together for yoga and meditation to bigger steps like adoption of villages and tribal welfare, YJI is turning into a small revolution.