Acharya Shree Tulsi - A Legend Of Humanity: Naya Mod: A Movement For Women's Empowerment And Suppressed Clause @ HereNow4U

Acharya Tulsi proved himself as a great social reformer because he had the ability to apply Jain philosophies to everyday life in a way that was starkly ahead of his time. His quest to develop a healthy and happy society in India was at its peak when India achieved its independence from the British. At that time many senseless customs were deep-rooted in society. He worked hard towards removal of archaic customs, including parda-pratha (women being veiled), child marriage, no remarriage for widows, mismatched marriages, staged and theatrical mourning and feasts during funerals.

He shared his thoughts with other social leaders and after intense discussions, he succeeded in convincing them to support the initiation of a women's empowerment movement dubbed 'Naya Mod' in 1960. This grassroots movement shook the Jain society at its core. Not surprisingly, there was huge resistance and various attempts were made to undermine the initiative. But Acharya Shree remained firm on his decision to move forward. Obstacles simply proved to be opportunities for him to exercise leadership and strengthen his resolve.

Naya Mod initiated an unbelievable wave of empowerment for women across India specifically of Jain community and it gathered momentum among the leaders, monks, nuns and society in general. Acharya Shree's acceptance of challenges with humbleness succeeded in increasing the appeal and adoption of his ideas. With time people realized the importance of the work done through 'Naya Mod' which initially seemed unachievable.

Acharya Tulsi began from within the Terapanth organization by ensuring that nuns had the same opportunities as monks. He extended these ideas to 'Naya Mod', which by empowering women, began to benefit society as a whole. As the socially stunted and abused women of India, especially of Rajasthan, were made aware of their own inner strength, it had a liberating effect on their self-esteem. Women began to push past their self imposed social, societal and behavioral boundaries, overriding self-limiting behaviors to seek their full potential - not just as women - but as entire persona. Women commanded and were more often granted an open stage to showcase their talent, be more successful and flourish as leaders in their own right. He laid the foundation for the equality of women in society, a mission which is by no means complete, but would not have reached where it is today without his leadership and vision.