Acharya Tulsi
There are two kinds of activities—programme-oriented and purpose-oriented. Some programmes are perennial, they are organised every year. They leave an immediate impression on the mind and then are lost from view till they recur next year. Some other programmes are practical. Some aim or purpose is always there. A new suggestion is made to an individual or a group and gradually it is consummated in a lasting form. All the constructive activities going on at present have behind them a history of inspiration.
Terapanth Dharam Singh is a centre of creative activities. Acharya Bhikshu’s constructive approach is at the root of it. The successor-acharyas owned that approach. Srimajy acharya (The fourth Acharya) developed it and we had the opportunity to extend it still further. All the creative works sponsored by the Terapanth Dharam Sangh today are a matter of legitimate pride for the Sangh.
Years ago, an idea arose in the mind that an organisation is needed for research on ancient disciplines; that scholars and specialists should gather for studies and research on the Jain Agam’s religion, and philosophy; that adequate facilities for accommodation and literature, etc. should be made available and this would help to spread a greater awareness of the Jain religion. The seed of this idea was sown during our Southern pilgrimage at Nandihill on 6 June 1968. A decision was taken’ after mature consideration on 22 April 1969, and on Chaitra Shulia Navml.2023 Vikram era, (i.e. 4 April 1971 A.D.), on the auspicious occasion of Acharya Bhikshu’s renunciation Day, the institution was duly established. It was named as Jain Vishva Bharati.
Ladnun town of Nagore District Who could imagine that the forest wasteland situated in the northern part would ever be be transformed into an international forum from where would arise the vibrant notes of world peace and nonviolence; with a view to promoting studies and research on the Sanskrit and Prakrit languages, Ayurved, Mathematics, History, Astrology, the Science of Mantras, Yoga, Dhyana, etc. the Library and the Guest House of the Jain Vishva Bharati were inaugurated in 1975 by the then Vice President of India, Shri B.D. Jatti. Earlier, there existed only one building of the Health Society. Thanks to the broad mindedness of the workers of this society, the transformation of the Health Centre into the Jain Vishva Bharati was a most desirable development. Today,’ the outward appearance of this institution is as grand, spacious and attractive as to form the right basis for a full appreciation of its inward character.
Education, research, literature, sadhana, service, culture and coordination—the institution is fast developing into an ascetic’s grove where seven disciplines fuse into one another. In the beginning many people were anxious about its stability. All the time l had a feeling that the Jain Vishva Bharati Would be for the community like Kamdhenu, the celestial cow which grants all sorts of boons and fulfills all desires, only if the people of the community learn how to milk it. If one has not mastered the art of milking, even the nectar-giving celestial cow kicks one off.This requirement continues to be as urgent as before. It is a matter of gratification that the majority of thoughtful people of the community are now constructively identifying themselves with this new institution.
The fog of apprehensions and despair with respect to the establishment of the Jain Vishva Bharati in the initial stages has now completely dispersed. Confidence has now replaced anxiety. People have now the feeling that this institution is a culmination of the development of the Terapanth Dharam Sangh. Many good works have been accomplished through it, and many more, which right now cannot be even imagined, will be accomplished in the future.
One reason for despondency was people’s anxiety as to when the Jain Vishva Bharati would start functioning and for how long. This was not altogether unnatural, because, in the absence of capable and dedicated workers, many institutions are not able to preserve their entity. As regards Jain Vishva Bharati, it is wholly allied to the Dharam Sangh. The responsibility for the creation and maintenance of its body devolves upon the community, whereas our task is to breathe in it the vital breath of life. There is thus no cause for the slackening of the workers interest. Creative works being undertaken by this institution have also a permanent value. That these activities should ever be discontinued is unimaginable. The existence of an organisation is secure as long as dynamic workers are available to it. It is the good fortune of Jain Vishva Bharati that fully responsible and dedicated workers are constantly forth—coming. In view of this, there is no room for anxiety or pessimism with regard to the future of the institution.
In 1989, the Jain Vishva Bharati will achieve its majority. During this period of 18 years, notable work has been accomplished here in the fields of education, sadhana, service and literatures; It has provided a forum for coordination, and, with the holding of an international conference, a powerful link for the exchange of vital cultural values. Also training and experimental programmes held on the premises of the Jain Vishva Bharati this years, such as the Festival of the Awakening Wisdom, have attracted the attention of the entire community The Whole Community is involved in the great task of personality development. The Welfare Year could have been organised in any other part of the country. However, the Jain Vishva Bharati has a destiny of its own. Along with necessary facilities of equipment, accommodation, literature, etc., the unique vibrations of this sacred ground constitute another attraction. It would be an exaggeration to say that during this one-year. Planned pilgrimage we shall be able to completely transform our far-flung religious organisation, we are wedded to actuality. Standing on the solid ground of fact, we would like to touch the zenith of individual development. There is every possibility that this journey together of thousands of individuals will be able to achieve some definite objectives, and will be a factor in the development of a new way of living, and that Jain Vishva Bharati will be ultimately raised to the status of a Jain University.
On 20 March 1991 The Jain Vishva Bharati was declared as Deemed University, it has since been renamed as Jain Vishva Bharati Institute to distinguish it from the parent organisation.