Notes And News
By Ajit Prasad
Summary
**Summary of Notes and News** The Jains of Lucknow hosted the annual Ratha-utsava on Vasant Panchami (February 6, 1927), inviting the All-India Digambara Jain Parishad and the All-India Jiva Daya Pracharni Sabha for their sessions. The Seventh Annual Session of the Jiva Daya Sabha commenced with a presidential address by Brahmachari Shri Dhanendra Das, who emphasized the principles of *Jiva* (conscious life) and *Daya* (non-violence), aligning with ethical teachings across religions. Public lectures were delivered by Brahmacharis Sital Prasada, Digbijai Singh, Pandit Darbarilal, and others, promoting the abolition of animal slaughter for religion, superstition, and sport, as well as the leather trade. Resolutions were adopted to advance these goals. The All-India Digambara Jain Parishad’s proceedings featured Pandit Ajit Prasada’s extensive speech on Lucknow’s historical and religious significance, tracing its origins to Ayodhya and its role in Jainism’s spread. He urged Jains to popularize Chaitra Krishna Naumi (Rishaba Deva’s birthday) as widely as Rama Naumi. A detailed exposition on Jainism highlighted its practical, universal, and non-theistic nature, emphasizing equality, compassion, and the rejection of caste barriers. The text criticized harmful practices like child marriage, dowry, and factionalism, which had weakened the community. It called for reform, urging Jains to abandon superstitious customs, promote unity, and revive ethical conduct to ensure the community’s survival. *(Word count:
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
The Jiva Daya Sabha's Lucknow sessions underscored the urgent need to combat animal cruelty and promote non-violence across religious communities, emphasizing Jainism's universal ethos of compassion. The Digambara Jain Parishad highlighted Lucknow's historical and spiritual significance as part of ancient Ayodhya, urging Jains to revitalize pilgrimage and cultural ties. Resolutions emphasized practical measures for Jiva Daya advocacy, while scholarly discussions reaffirmed Jainism's role as a progressive, inclusive religion focused on the upliftment of all life. The gatherings reinforced the moral imperative to align human practices with ethical treatment of all beings, reflecting a blend of tradition and social reform.