Kolkata: Sunday, 30th April 2017
Sadhvi Shree Kunthu Shree Ji and Sadhvi Shree Dr. Piyush Prabha ji along with six fellow Sadhvis reached Kolkata on 30th April, 2017 after completing successful Chaturmas at Vishakhapattanam and Hyderabad Respectively in the year 2016. The first stay of Sadhvisriji at Kolkata was at Terapanth Mahasabha Bhawan at Portuguese church Street, Kolkata- 700 001.
Sadhvi Kunthu Shree Ji, along with her fellow Sadhvis - Sadhvi Kanchan Rekha Ji, Sadhvi Sumangala Shree Ji and Sadhvi Sulabh Yasha Ji and Sadhvi Piyush Prabha Ji, along with her fellow Sadhvis Sadhvi Bhavana Shree ji, Sadhvi Sudha Kumari Ji, and Sadhvi Dipti Yasha Ji began with a procession of lay followers including Mahila Mandal members from North Howrah at 7.30 A.M. and travelled through Dobson Road, Mukhram Kanoria Road, Howrah Bridge, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Pagaya Patti, Brabourne Road and reached in front of Mahasabha Bhawan where they were welcomed by Sadhvi Sangeet Shreeji, who reached there early in the morning and played Hosts for the day. Sadhvi Sangeet Shree Ji and fellow sadhvis came with great warmth and welcomed Sadhvi Sadhvi Kunthu Shree and Sadhvi Piyush Prabha ji along with six fellow sadhvis by lifting their belongings from shoulders as is the normal practice of welcoming the guest saints and nuns in Terapanth. Hundreds of lay followers from Howrah and Kolkata were really happy to witness the occasion.
Sadhvi Sangeet Shree JI, Sadhvi Kamal Vibha Ji, Sadhvi Shanti Prabha (Ladnun) and Sadhvi Mudita Shree Ji.
Expressed their spiritual pleasure on meeting Sadhvi Kunthu Shree Ji and Sadhvi Piyush Prabha ji and their group after a long gap of about 7 years. Although all the Sadhvis had met a day before in Akshay Tritiya but today was their true meeting with ample time in hand.
At the Entrance of Mahasabha Bhawan- Sri Rajendra Sethia (Working committee member- Mahasabha), Sri Budhmal Lunia(Secretary - Kolkata sabha), Sri Sushil Jain Choraria (Former Secretary of Kolkata sabha and former National Treasurer-TPF), Sri Premchand Borad(President-Raipur sabha), Sri Jatanlal Sethia(Former President-North Howrah Sabha),Sri Gyanchand Musraf(Vice-President-North Howrah Sabha), Smt. Manju Surana(Former President- Kolkata Mahila Mandal), Dr. Sunita Sethia(SJST Vidyalaya and Jeevan Vigyan Academy), Sri Rajendra Surana (FormerTreasurer- Terapanth Yuvak Parishad, Kolkata) Sri Moolchand Daga (Former General Secretary –Mahasabha and Former President –TEYUP Kolkata and Mitra Parishad), upasak Nirmal Surana, Sri Rahul Sethia, Upashak Ravi Chhajer and many shrawaks and Shrawikas welcomed Sadhvishriji at Mahasabha Bhawan
Spiritual meeting of both the groups of Sadhvis with the group of Sadhvi Sangeet shree Ji was a warm picture where both the groups praised each other by way of chanting verse and Geetika. Sadhvi Sangeet shree Ji and fellow Sadhvis also chanted the Geetika to welcome Sadhvi Sadhvi shree Kunthu Shree Ji and Sadhvi Shree Piyush Prabha Ji. It is worth mentioning here that Sadhvi Sangeet shree Ji and all fellow sadhvis in her group has also entered Kolkata for the first time on 4th April, 2017 and today they were the Hosts.
Sadhvi Dr. Piyush Prabha Ji has done M.A (Prakrit) and PhD from JVBI, Ladnun (on acharchula avam nishith ek alochantmak adhyayan and her Research Book “Jain Aachar Mimansa” has been published.
Sadhvi Kunthu Shree Ji and Sadhvi Piyush Prabha ji said that we have obeyed the direction given by H. H. Acharyashree Mahashramanji during our last chaturmas at Vishakhapattanam and Hyderabad Respectively r and today we have completed the same. We are happy to be here for the first time after diksha. The lay followers throughout Telangana, Andhra, Orissa and Up to Kolkata have acted responsibly to perform their duties as devoted shrawak/shrawikas.
Sadhvi Kunthu Shree Ji and Sadhvi Piyush Prabha ji and fellow Sadhvis expressed happiness on having completed the on foot journey of from both the places of South India by way of geetika and verse. Sadhvishriji guided the lay followers to be more active and energetic for the forthcoming Chaturmas of Acharyashree at Kolkata. Chaturmas of Terapanth Acharya is happening at Kolkata after a long period of 59 years. Last time it was in the year 1959 A.D. when Chaturmas of Acharya Shri Tulsi was held at Mahasabha Bhawan, Kolkata.
A programme for abhinandan and welcome of all 8 Sadhvis coming to Kolkata for the first time - Sadhvi Kunthu Shree Ji, with Sadhvi Kanchan Rekha Ji, Sadhvi Sumangala Shree Ji and Sadhvi Sulabh Yasha Ji and Sadhvi Piyush Prabha Ji, with Sadhvi Bhavana Shree ji, Sadhvi Sudha Kumari Ji, Sadhvi Dipti Yasha Ji was organised by SJST Sabha, Kolkata at Mahasabha samawsaran along with the special Sunday Discourse in pious presence of all 8 guest Sadhvis and Sadhvi Sangeet shree Ji and her fellow Sadhvis.
The program began after chanting of Namaskar Mahamantra by sadhvishriji with Manglacharan By Sri Budhmal Lunia, Secretary of Kolkata Sabha.Sri Bhanwarlal Baid Welcomed sadhvishriji on behalf of Acharya Mahashraman Prawas Vyawastha Samiti Kolkata 2017 and also South Kolkata Sabha.
Sri Sushil Jain Choraria, former Secretary of Kolkata Sabha spoke on behalf of Terapanth Professional forum. He said that TPF is a well know sanstha of Terapanth. Sadhvi Dr. Piyush Prabha ji has seen many significant programs organised by TPF at Hyderabad in her pious presence and guidance. Sadhvi Kunthu shree Ji has also been a source of great inspiration for the TPF in Vishakhapattanam and the branch there has been one of the most active one, organising many programs/workshops including GST Seminar with presence of over 500 participants in presence of National Office bearers of TPF. Similarly in pious presence of Sadhvi Sangeet Shri Ji too at Raipur TPF Raipur under the guidance of National Vice President Smt. Ritu Jain Choraria organised many purposeful and inspirational programs. In Kolkata too the TPF National president Sri Prakash Maloo is working hard to attract the professionals of Terapanth towards TPF. On behalf of TPF, he welcomed Sadhvi Kunthu Shree Ji and Sadhvi Dr. Piyush Prabha Ji and all fellow Sadhvis who have come to Kolkata for the first time.
Sethia family members (Female members in yellow dress) presented a Geetika welcoming Sadhvi shriji and in particular Sadhvi Piyush Prabha ji. The Joy and enthusiasm of Sethia Family was at its peak on having Sadhvi Piyush Prabha JI at Kolkata. Sri Rajendra, Jitendra Sethia are Worldly Brothers of Sadhvishri and Smt Manju Surana is worldly Elder sister of Sadhvi Dr. Piyush Prabha Ji. Other family members joy too new no bounds. Sri Rajendra Sethia,worldy Brother of Sadhvi Piyush Prabha Ji speaking on behalf of Mahasbha welcomed Sadhvishriji and he said both Sadhvishriji has covered distance of 1400 Kms. And 1600 Kms on foor from Vishakhapattanam and Hyderabad respectively and enquired about their sukhsata(Soundness of health and mind) after long Journey. He requested Sadhvi shriji on behalf of Sethia family, to allow them the opportunity of Seva, Upasana at their Home in Alipore. Sri Moolchand Daga spoke on behalf of Mitra Parishad, Teyup and also as worldly relative of Sadhvi Piyush Prabha Ji and said he too enjoyed for a few days, the rasta seva of Sadhvishriji from Orissa to Kolkata and had a spiritual experience. Smt. Champa Devi Kothari, the mother figure for Kolkata Mahila Mandal inspite of her ill health, too welcomed Sadhvisriji at Mahasabha and Kolkata.
Sadhvi Kamal Vibha Ji, Sadhvi Shanti Prabha Ji (Ladnun) and Sadhvi Mudita ShreeJ Ji also presented a Geetika in welcome of Both the new groups of Sadhvis - Sadhvi Kunthu Shree Ji, Sadhvi Piyush Prabha ji and fellow Sadhvis. Then all the fellow Sadhvis of the new incoming group also expressed their happiness in the form of a verse on reaching Kolkata, and praised the hospitality of Sadhvi Sangeet shree Ji and fellow Sadhvis.
Then Sadhvi Sangeet ShreeJi in her inspiring speech said - although we met with both the Sadhvi shriji yesterday but today only we are meeting with ample time and with opportunity to play hosts as it usually happens in Terapanth. Sadhvi Piyush Prabha Ji said we have been following the path of penance, obedience and this only paves way for purification of soul. Today we are being welcomed; this is welcome of truth, penance, and obedience of Guru. We have by reaching Kolkata completed the order of our reverend guru Acharyashri Mahashramanji. Visiting Kolkata for the first time after initiation as Jain nun, Gurudarshan after 6 long years and all are part of teachings for the lay followers. The Rasta Seva done by Hyderabad and from Cuttack by Kolkata people represents the devotion of the lay followers. It is the need of the hour to be more active to welcome Gurudev. Sadhvi Kunthu shree Ji said “Dhammo mangal Mukkitham”- means Dharma- religion if followed in true sense it is always pious and mangal. Dharma is lokottar mangal it is always beneficial for purification of the soul. I belong worldly to Agarwal family of Umra (Haryana) and have also travelled to western Orissa where many Agarwal Terapanthi Jains reside. They are preparing themselves for the forthcoming Orissa yatra of Gurudev. In our Journey of about 1400 Kms. We have covered many areas, had many spiritual meetings with groups of Sadhvis and the enroute seva by shrawak shrawikas of Andhra and then Greater Kolkata has been commendable and praiseworthy. As said we are here in the premises of Mother as has been said about Mahasabha. We are really feeling at home in at Mahasabha Bhawan. Sri Bridhichand Goyal and many Goyal family members were present in the programme along with hundreds of lay followers. The program concluded with notices by Sri Budhmal Lunia and Mangal path By Sadhvishriji.
On 29th April, 2017 At North Howrah, all the groups of Saints and Nuns present in Howrah along with all other groups of Sadhvis present in Kolkata had congregated at Sam Garden where the pious program of Akshaya Tritiya was celeberated in auspicious presence of Shashan Shree Muni Dharamruchi ji and Muni Alok kumar Ji (Thana-4), Muni Rajkumarji and Muni Ashok Kumar Ji and Sadhvi Yashomati Ji, Sadhvi Vimal Pragya ji, Sadhvi Mudit Yasha Ji, Sadhvi Subhra Yashaji, Sadhvi Gupti Prabhaji, Sadhvi Sangeet Shree Ji and Sadhvi Piyush Prabha Ji and fellow Sadhvis totalling to 33 (6 Saints and 27 Sadhvis). Where as three Sadhvis - Sadhvi Shital Yasha Ji and others were present in Tollygunge, where a santhara of Smt. Maina Devi Baid (Worldly mother of Sadhvi Shital Yasha Ji was continuing since 19th April, 2017. The vow of Santhara was offered by Sadhvi Gupti Prabha Ji with the blessings of H.H. Acharyashree Mahashramanji. Three other Sadhvis stayed at South Kolkata Terapanth Bhawan on the occasion of Akshay Tritiya. During Akshay Tritiya a total of 6 Sadhvis - all Four of the Group of Sadhvi Gupti prabha Ji- herself and Sadhvi Kusum Lata JI, Sadhvi Maulik Yasha Ji and Sadhvi Bhavit Yasha Ji and Sadhvi Sangeet Shree Ji and Sadhvi Shanti Prabha Ji pereformed Parna of their Varshi Tap along with 6 Shrawikas. Sadhvi Kamal Vibha Ji and Sadhvi Mudita Shree Ji also completed Varshi tap of Ekasan (Taking meal once daily and that too in one Asan). On 29th Morning Sadhvi Kunthu Shree Ji and Sadhvi Piyush Prabha ji along with six fellow sadhvis left South Howrah Terapanth Bhawan and reached North Howrah Terapanth Bhawan and there a spiritual meeting with Shasan Shree Muni Dharm Ruchi Ji and Muni Alok Kumar ji, Muni Rajkumar Ji, Muni Ashok Kumar Ji, Muni Him Kumar Ji and Muni Lakshya Kumar Ji happened with all the groups of Sadhvis. All the Sadhvis were happy to have met Shasanshree Muni Dharam Ruchi ji, Muni Alok Kumarji and fellow saints, some of them after a long gap of many years. The scene of spiritual meeting was really worth watching to know the discipline and respect happiness of spiritual meets of Terapanth. From North Howrah Sabha Bhawan Sadhvishriji travelled to Shyam Garden, the place of Akshay Tritiya Program and there also a spiritual meeting happened amongst Sadhvi Yashomatiji, Sadhvi Kunthu Shree Ji, Sadhvi Vimal Pragya ji, Sadhvi Sangeet shree Ji, Sadhvi Gupti Prabha Ji, Sadhvi Mudit Yasha Ji, Sadhvi Subhra Yasha Ji and fellow Sadhvis. All the Sadhvis were happy to have met each other after a long period. After Acharya Tulsi’s chaturmas in the year 1959 it was the first occasion that such number of Terapanthi Saints and Nuns totalling to 39 has been present in Kolkata.
Many office bearers of Acharya Shree Mahashraman Prawas Vyawastha Samiti, Sri Dhanraj Surana (worldly brother of Sadhvi Gupti Prabha ji and Sadhvi Kusum lata JI), Sri Jatan Parakh (President-North Howrah Sabha), Sri Rakesh Sancheti (Secretary), Sri Jawarilal Nahata (IPP - Kolkata Sabha) Sri Bhanwarlal Baid (Chief of Trust Board - Kolkata Sabha), Sri Budhmal Lunia (Secretary-Kolkata Sabha),Sri Sushil Jain Choraria (Former Secretary- Kolkata Sabha), Sri Ramesh Jain (Former Sangathan Mantri- Kolkata Sabha), Sri Rakesh Singhi (Secretary - TPF Kolkata), many office bearers of local Sanghiya Sansthas of Greater Kolkata, Emient Jain Scholar Sri Srichand Choraria, and hundreds of lay followers including family members of Varshi Tap following tapaswis were present in the program. After the Akshay Tritiya program, all the saints came back to Terapanth Trust Bhawan at North Howrah.
On 28th April, 2017 Sadhvi Kunthu Shree Ji and Sadhvi Piyush Prabha ji and fellow Sadhvis reached South Howrah Sabha Bhawan from Bakultala, Shibpur visiting enroute the Botanical Garden which has a world famous Great Banyan Tree which is said to be over 250 years old. After arrival of Sadhvishriji, a Welcome and Abhinandan program was organised by South Howrah Sabha. Sri Shikhar chand Lunawat, President of South Howrah Sabha, Mahila Mandal and hundreds of lay followers welcomed Sadhvishriji. Renowned jain scholor Sri Srichand choraria, former President of Kolkata Sabha Sri Jawarimal Nahata, former Secretary of Kolkata Sabha Sri Sushil Jain Choraria, Sri Sushil Giria (Sabha Vice president), Sri Basant Patawari (Secretary), Sri Madan Nahata (former Secretary of Sabha) were also present on the occasion alongwith many more lay followers. Apart from office bearers, Sri Rakesh choraria, Sri Bajrang Daga, Sri Manoj Kochar, Sri Pradip Pugalia, Sri Surendra Sekhani, Sri Bunti Manot, Sri Pawan Bengani etc along with many other Shrawaks and Shrawikas accompanied Sadhvishriji in the vihar in last few days yatra.
On 27th April Sadhvi Kunthu Shree Ji stayed at Bunty Manot’s House atTulip Garden at Bakultala, Shibpur where as Sadhvi Dr, Piyush Prabha Ji stayed at Manik Bhawan of Sri Vijay Singh Choraria (Founder Trustee of South Howrah Sabha). Sri Srichand Choraria, Sri Sushil Jain Choraria (former Secretary of S. J. S. T. SABHA, Kolkata), Smt. Suraj Bararia, Dr. Sunita Sethia and many more had the opportunity of Darshan of Sadhvidhriji during the day.
Sadhvi shree Kunthu Shree Ji completed the on foot journey from Vishakhapattanam to Kolkata of about 1400 Kms. In 167 days. Enroute, Sadhvishriji had spiritual meeting with Sadhvi Rakesh Kumari Ji (Baytu) at Kesinga on 16 th January, with Sadhvi Piyush Prabha Ji on 8th March,2017 near Bhuwneshwar and with Sadhvi Trishla Kumari Ji and Sadhvi Samyak Prabha Ji at Bhuwneshwar on 10th March, 2017 after a very long period. During the Journey which began on 15th November, 2016, the responsibility of Rasta Seva was ably borne by Terapanth Sabha, Vishakhapattanam up to Bhuwneshwar and thereafter by Acharya Mahashraman Prawas Vyavastha Samiti, 2017 Kolkata. Enthusiastically Involvement of all the shrawak sharawikas from Vishakhapattanam, Western Orissa, Eastern Orissa and Greater Kolkata was admirable. Sadhvishriji celebrated Maryada Mahotsav at Kesinga with Sadhvi shri Rakesh Kumari Ji (Baytu). On 18th March a TPF workshop was organised at Cuttack in pious presence of Sadhvi Kunthu Shree Ji, Sadhvi Piyush Prabhaji and Sadhvi Samyak prabha Ji. During the 167 days of journey, Sadhvishriji covered many parts of Andhra Pradesh, Western Orissa, like Vijiaynagaram, Kesinga, Raygada, Balangir, Utkela, Bhuwneshwar, Cuttack, Balasore, Jaleshwar, and West Bengal- Kharagpur, Kolaghat, Howrah etc. preaching the principles and teachings of Lord Mahavira, Acharya Bhikshu and Acharya Mahasharmanji’s ongoing Ahimsa Yatra which shall reach Kolkata in June 2017 for Chaturmas.
Sadhvi Shree Piyush Prabha Ji completed the on foot journey from Hyderabad to Kolkata of about 1600 Kms. In 167 days. On English New Year’s eve Sadhvishriji was at Kovvur-Rajahmundhry, Maryada Mahotsav was celeberated at Srikakulam. Enroute, Sadhvishriji had spiritual meeting with Sadhvi Kunthu Shree Ji on 8th March,2017 and with Sadhvi Trishla Kumari Ji and Sadhvi Samyak Prabha Ji at Bhuwneshwar on 10th March, 2017 after a very long period. On 18th March a TPF workshop was organised at Cuttack in pious presence of Sadhvi Kunthu Shree Ji, Sadhvi Piyush Prabhaji and Sadhvi Samyak prabha Ji.
During the Journey, which began on 15th November, 2016, the responsibility of Rasta Seva was ably borne by Terapanth Sabha, Hyderabad upto Bhuwneshwar and thereafter by Acharya Mahashraman Prawas Vyavastha Samiti,2017 Kolkata. Enthusiastically Involvement of all the Shrawak Sharawikas from Hyderabad, Telangana, Andhra, Orissa and Greater Kolkata was admirable. During the 167 days of journey, Sadhvishriji covered many parts of Telangana- Andhra like Vijaywada, Kovvur-Rajahmundhry, Vishakhapattanam, Srikakulam, Coastel Orissa- Berhampore, Bhuwneshwar, Cuttack, Balasore. Jaleshwar etc. and in West Bengal- Kolaghat, Howrah etc. preaching the principles and teachings of Lord Mahavira, Acharya Bhikshu and Acharya Mahasharmanji’s ongoing Ahimsa Yatra which shall reach Kolkata in June 2017 for Chaturmas.
All the Eight Sadhvis of both the groups are visiting Kolkata for the first time after their initiation as Jain Sadhvis. After Bhuvneshwar and Cuttack, both the groups of Sadhwis began their Journey together towards Kolkata. The further journey from there to Kolkata began from20th March, 2017 under the Rasta Seva by Acharyashri Mahashraman Chaturmas Prawas Vyavastha Samiti 2017, Kolkata, which is working under its dynamic President Sri Kamal Dugar. The Rasta seva Sanyojak is Sri Amar Chand Dugar. Many Sharawaks and Shrawikas from Greater Kolkata participated in the Rasta Seva (on foot Journey from Cuttack to Kolkata).Mahavir Jayanti was celeberated at Jaleshwar in Orissa on 9th April 2017 and the Mahaprayan Diwas of Acharya Mahapragya Ji was celebrated on 22nd April, 2017 at Kolaghat in West Bengal. A good number of lay followers from Greater Kolkata were present on the occasion.
