Notes and News
Summary
The “Notes and News” column aggregates diverse news items and commentary. It begins with Mahatma Gandhi’s praise of Jainism’s universal principle of ahimsa during the Mahavira Jayanti celebration at Ahmedabad. Social notes follow: Rai Bahadur Sultan Singh hosted a gathering before leaving for England via Japan and America, while numerous marriages among Jain families are reported, with a suggestion that charitable giving during such events should benefit the community. G. W. Lamplengh’s lecture on the ancient geological history of England is summarised. The news then reports on the Maharaja of Nawanagar representing India on the Olympic Games committee and Master Changle of Belgaum travelling to Belgium as a competitor. A speaker at the Bengal Provincial Conference decried the lack of selfless leaders and emphasised that true leadership requires complete devotion to the organisation. The column points out that the Jain community has few selfless workers, praising Brahmachari Sital Prasadji and mentioning Pandit Arjunlal Sethi and Mahatma Bhagwandin. Later sections address a worldwide shortage of newsprint, which has made paper and labour costs high. The editors of the Jaina Gazette resist raising subscription prices; instead, they urge every subscriber to recruit another subscriber so that the journal can cover costs without increasing rates. They appeal for voluntary donations during festivals and marriages to support the journal and its improvements. The column thanks donors like L. Tekchand Jain and reports on reconstruction of temples: the Belgachia Garden Temple in Calcutta cost Rs.125,000 and another temple by Seth Jamunadhas cost Rs.20,000. The editors urge wealthy patrons to help address broader community problems. They note the elevation of the Delhi Jain Anglo‑Sanskrit High School to high‑school status and advocate a simpler name. Finally, they encourage lecturers like Brahmachari Sital Prasadji to travel widely and disseminate Jain teachings.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
This eclectic column reflects the vibrancy of the Jain community by reporting social events, lectures, philanthropy and political commentary. It highlights calls for selfless leadership and community service. Amid rising paper costs, the editors urge subscribers to recruit new readers and solicit donations to sustain the journal. The notes celebrate generous donations and infrastructure projects, advocate educational advancement and encourage dissemination of Jain principles, underscoring a collective effort to strengthen social welfare and spiritual awareness.