Ahimsa Foundation
Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi promoted and the only institution of Jain Samaj, which is represented by all the four prominent Jain Sects is today facing its identity crisis.
While Jains were celebrating 2500th Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavir in 1975, Mrs. Gandhi gifted one of the finest piece of five acre land in New Delhi to the our community and suggested that, we should raise a memorial of Bhagwan Mahavir on this land.
Further, at the instruction of Mrs. Gandhi, the Government also contributed financially for the development of proposed “Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial”.
In the name of the Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial the community constructed a good looking building complex with few rooms. For some reason or other, nothing of the sort expected by Mrs. Gandhi could be established. Currently the building has Pictures / Photographs of its Trustees hanging on its wall. But there is no sign of Bhagwan Mahavir anywhere. Today, the BMM is also facing financial crisis in the absence of any activity and regular application of building complex.
For all these years, little was known about the existence of this Bhagwan Mahavir Kendra and its affairs to the Jain community at large. A small group of Jains controlled and managed this prestigious institution with periodical meetings etc. Recently, some cracks have surfaced amongst the members of Governing Council with regard to constitutional amendments, management, funds, expenses, accounts, membership, discipline, control, bank accounts etc. Rival Groups are contesting and competing to re-assure their command and control over one of the most expensive piece of land gifted to Jain community by Mrs. Gandhi.
It has surfaced that, many serious issues need to be resolved at this place. Questions have been raised regarding the legal validity of the amendments carried out in the original constitution of Bhagwan Mahvir Memorial Samiti by the Governing Council. Some of the expenses made by Samiti also need to be documented. Annual accounts and audits are irregular. Membership Register needs up-dation. Criteria of nomination of members, new membership and inheritance of membership needs to be looked into from constitutional point of view. Qualification for Governing Council members is an also issue to be resolved. Non compliance of constitutional provisions in earlier years is also a matter of concern. Documentation of some artifacts lying at BMK also needs attention. Proposal and purpose to construct new building is also hanging for over a decade.
In-spite of all the above, it will not be in the over all interests of the community to aggravate the differences amongst the members of the Governing Council. Issues must be resolved harmoniously shunning individual point of view. Jaina principles of “Anekantvad” must be accepted in practice. To resolve a core group of community leadership from various forums and sects can sit together and settle their differences without outside intervention.
The suggested group may consist of Patriarch and Honoured Community Leaders like Mrs. Indu Jain, Mr. Nirmal Sethi, Mr. Subhash Oswal, Mr. Nem Nath Jain, Mr. Samveg Lalbhai, Mr. Jitendra Rakyan, Mr. Raj Kumar Jain, Mr. Mangi Lal Sethia, Mr. Kamal Dugar, Dr. Manu Chanderia, Mr. Prem Jain, Mr. Ashok Domadia, Mr Dilip Gandhi, Mr. Pushp Jain etc. If acceptable to all, the name of Dr. Lokesh Muni can also be added as now-a-days, he is very strongly representing the Jain Community in National, Internationaland Governmental forums.
Certainly, these Jain Luminaries have the potential to resolve any issue of common wellbeing for the entire Jain Diaspora.
Although, unlikely, if the matter goes out of community control for whatever reason, it will be a painful situation. Community may even loose this prized possession……………… Think ……………….. Who will be responsible for that …………………???????????????