Maryada Mahotsav - 143rd - [11] Day1 - Investiture Ceremony

Dear Readers,
next agenda of the main program on 23rd January was “Alankaran Samaroh” (Investiture Ceremony).
Words of praise always make the sweetest sound. Blessed are the people who are honored and praised by none other than Acharyapravar. Honor is such a peculiar thing which one can get only if is given by others.

As all of us know, people do all sort of things and go to great lengths to get honor. Then, there are situations when honor is given for various artificial reasons (fear, greed, desire to get something in return etc). This is not the right way.

However, when honor is bestowed by Acharya, one can be sure that there are no other side reasons such as fear or favor. In jain history, we can find a long tradition of awards, honor and praise. When work/quality of a person reach a certain bench mark, Acharyas give recognition to that work/quality. On one hand, such recognition helps keep the motivation level high for further growth of that person; on the other hand it inspires others also to follow suit.

Lord Mahaveer himself praised Punia Shrawak for his samayik.

Shri Rajkumarji Sirohia, President of Shri Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Mahasabha informed the audience that in recognition of various distinguished services rendered and or/other special qualities possessed, during past one year Acharyashri Mahaprajnaji has showered a total number of 208 lay persons with various titles such as:-

He said that Acharyashri showers these titles on ongoing basis (throughout the year) as and when he thinks it necessary to do so; Mahasabha has a tradition of felicitating all those people once every year at Maryada Mahotsav time.

The awardees are introduced to the public at large wherein their special qualities are briefly mentioned and honor certificates are presented to them. Following the roll calls, most people out of those 208 who were present, came to stage one after another and accepted the honor certificates from Shri Rajkumarji Sirohia, President of Shri Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Mahasabha. MC for this part of the program was Shri Bhanwarlalji Singhi.

In his address, Acharyashri said; “Alankaran samaroh is an important function. He said that though people work mainly for their devotion, but because of this function, the public at large become aware of the work being done in different fields. This helps people leave their personal interests behind and encourages social and fraternal feelings. In the four-fold order, the importance and contribution of lay persons can not be ignored. Sangh can become stronger and reach new heights if each and every member of the sangh actively directs his energy towards that goal”.

Towards end of the program, Yuvaacharyashri said, “People value adornments. Ornaments of gold and diamond have values. But honor bestowed by Acharya is far more valuable then any those type of worldly decorations. After getting the awards, the awardees and their family members should become more conscious towards their responsibility. They should resolve to work with more alertness.” To the people who did not get recognition, Yuvaacharyashri said, “Do not aim to get the recognition. Continue doing the work in your chosen field. Development of quality is more important than getting recognition. After quality, recognition will follow anyway.”

Munishri Budhmalji

How so true dear readers. Reminded me of a couplet once written by Munishri Budhmalji “Fame will spread automatically, if you have necessary qualities; as the fragrance of a flower spreads when the flower blooms”

The program concluded with chorus recital of “Mahaveer Prabhu ke charnon mein….” (Let us offer the flowers of our devotion at the feet of Lord Mahaveer; let us light the flame of our life by following his tenets). No prizes for guessing the name of lead singer. Yes, the lead and melodious voice was of Yuvacharyashri.

After listening mangal path, it was time to meet and greet people. First main programme of 3 day long 143rd Maryada Mahotsav had just concluded. But the excitement continued. And so will I - with more reports in next week.