Acharya Tulsi
The winter session of Parliament began on 2 November 1988. Both in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the entire opposition staged a walk—out. The future of the country is intimately connected with what goes on in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Noisy scenes, indulgence in downright abuse, the hurling of chairs or chappals, etc. are thins which put a question mark on the cultural greatness of the country. After all, what good does it do to the country if the ruling party declares the opposition as the enemy of the country or the opposition parties accuse the ruling party of behaving in a dictatorial fashion and of sticking to power at any cost? Can thinking born of this culture of mutual recrimination accomplish any good whatsoever? Alas: there is no model before us by imitating which the responsible parliamentarians of the country could conduct themselves in a restrained and dignified manner.
The Terapanth community is spread all over the country. There is great diversity there on account of language dress customs and traditions. Unity in diversity has been the Chief characteristics of the Indian culture. In the Terapanth community too, there is complete unity from the religious point-of-view. In the field of religion, one leader, one tradition and discipline constitute in themselves something remarkable. For one living in society religion is necessary, but not everything. There are many other spheres in which the spirit of oneness IS indispensable first gains of unity are the stability of the said order. If a society IS stable and strong, there would be little occasion for undesirable elements to disrupt it. Also, in order to control meaningless traditions, evil customs and gross extravagance the necessary of oneness cannot be questioned. For celebrating in a wholesome way, the rites pertaining to birth, marriage, death, etc., social unity has great utility. From the social point-of-view, it would be even more advantageous, if the whole of the Jain community rallies to one single platform. Due to differences of sect, however, it does not seem possible in the near future.
The Terapanth Dharam Sangh has its own tradition, constitution, ideology and philosophy. Acharya Bhikshu is the fountainhead of this tradition and philosophy. He was not born with any special equipment. Yet he sought an uncommon way and trod it with uncommon zeal. We are treading the same path today. Lt devolves upon us not to lose sight of the uniqueness of it. In order that the uniqueness of the religious vision may permeate every field of activity, the need of a platform for the whole community was keenly felt. The Kanor Sharavak Sammelan held in 1986 offered the occasion, and a platform for the community came into being. It was recognized by the community as the Terapanth Amrit Parliament. The two sessions of the Amrit Parliament organised by the Planning Forum at Ladnun and Delhi were remarkable for their grandeur, sobriety and efficient conduct, which those who attended these sessions will ever remember with pride.
The Terapanth community has many institutions. Each of these institutions has an independent existence, its own field ofwork as well as its team of workers. Various groups and classesare represented in these institutions. Keeping Within their Own bounds, these institutions work for the fulfilment of their particular objectives, and they cooperate with one another if any help is required anywhere. However, there is no regular provision for the representatives of these different institutions to get together to consider all the problems facing the community. But the Terapanth Amrit Parliament furnishes a common platform on which all the institutions of the community are represented. There are also special invitees to its sessions from among distinguished thinkers and administrators in the community. The members of this Amrit Parliament duly represent their particular regions. Free discussion is held on the goings-on in the community, on what should or should not be done. The nectar produced by this churning of thought is shared by the whole community.
A few years ago, while addressing a special session of the members of the LokSabha, l said, “There are prescribed minimum qualifications for people working in various fields and there is also provision for giving them the requisite training. But no qualifications are prescribed, not does there exist any provision for imparting training to the M.P’s and the M.L.A.’s. Those entrusted with the responsibility of governing the country and the states are chosen from among these. ls it not indispensable for those occupying the seats of power to be properly qualified for their job? We must take care that the unhealthy tradition existing in the country is not adopted by the Amrit Parliament. Whether the capability of the members of the Amrit Parliament is determined by the community or by the Amrit Parliament itself, it must be ensured that a member of this parliament is educated, reliable, of good character and capable of projecting in the parliament his ideas on current issues. Whatever a body of such intelligent individuals deliberates and decides upon, will provide a new direction to the community.
The third session of the Amrit Parliament is schedules to be held at Sridoongargarh on 19-20 November 1988. During this 2-days session, a clear picture should emerge as to what form of society is most desirable. A model plan should be prepared, and immediate steps should be taken to implement it. Firm determination, time, continuity and concentrated effort could together make possible what is considered to be impossible-this should form the basis of our onward march.
The Amrit Parliament should rely on not mere talk but active work. lt is the office of the community parliament to understand the needs and aspirations of the community just as it is the responsibility of the community to maintain their parliament in full vigour and capacity. The deliberations of the parliament should be so meaningful as to provide a new direction to every individual; its programme so effective as to benefit every member of the community; its prestige so commanding that no individual could neglect its reasoning and decisions. Of course, it would be the responsibility of the parliament to offer guidance to the community and frame the policy and prepare the community for its implementation.
