Sadhvi Vishrut Vibha
Through his initiatives in education and spiritual awareness, Acharya Tulsi empowered countless women to rise beyond the shackles of long veils and burdensome ornaments. He worked to get rid of cruel social practices including those that forced widows to sit in a corner waiting for the death, ostracizing of widows, child marriages and death feasts. People openly questioned Acharya Tulsi's belief in the rights of women. He encountered a great deal of opposition, both within and outside the Jain order. However, Acharya Tulsi never engaged in personal arguments or negative debates through his writings or words despite the degree of criticism against him. He channeled his energies into constructive planning and actively worked on his plans which positively spoke for themselves.
Acharya Tulsi wished for equality among men and women in the Terapanth sect. He brought Jain Rajasthani women into the management sphere of society. He instituted women's committees within the community which he strongly encouraged to lead their own independent activities. As a result, Akhil Bharatiya Mahila Mandal (which works as the Women's National Association) was founded in 1966. Later, Kanya Mandal (a youth association for girls) came into existence in local villages and towns. These longstanding national associations continue to organize social activities to inspire women to achieve and lead with confidence.
In Acharya Tulsi's tenure vast majority of women were illiterate. He saw an opportunity to change how women were perceived in society and more importantly how they perceived themselves. He motivated them to pursue knowledge for their own sake. Consequently, the mindset of society was completely reversed. As it is apparent today, women achieve and often surpass the heights of achievement of their male counterparts.
Acharya Tulsi once gave this address, "Sisters! Arise, and Awake. Don't wait. Move towards your destination. Don't look at the past. The future belongs to you if you accept the challenge. There is nothing you cannot do if you believe in yourself. Your destiny is calling you if you believe in yourself. Be courageous. Build up your self-confidence, strengthen your willpower and choose your own path. Only then success will be yours. Never move back. Enhance your capabilities. Move ahead and do your best to achieve your goal."
