Notes And News
Summary
The Gyan Panchmi celebrations in 1928 were held on November 17 in Ambala's Jain Dharamsala, presided over by Lala Hans Raj Bhalla, Sub-Judge. Students from the Shri Atmanand Jain High School performed songs, poems, and a drama highlighting the evils of sin, which was well-received. Several laypeople concluded six years of monthly fasting on the 15th day of the bright half of each month, donating a total of Rs. 1,000 to the Shri Atmanand Jain Gurukul in Punjab for student welfare. Additional donations included Rs. 500 from B. Gopi Chand (Advocate) and Mrs. Gopi Chand, with smaller contributions to various Jain institutions. Over 25 individuals pledged future vows. The event was attended by Shri Sumati Vijayaji Maharaj and other Sadhus. Pujya Indar Rekhji of Patti, Lahore, renounced worldly life on November 28, 1928, adopting asceticism as Vinaya Vijayaji Maharaj under Muni Shri Vichar Vijayaji Maharaj. He donated all movable and immovable property, including Rs. 60 to the Shri Atmanand Jain Gurukul and Rs. 100 to the Jain Tract Society, Ambala. An Upasaray with Rs. 4,000 was established in Patti for visiting Sadhus. The South Indian Humanitarian League reported Rs. 29,962 in its Permanent Fund and Rs. 909 in the Jiv Mukti Fund for 1
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
The Gyan Panchmi celebrations in Ambala (1928) showcased vibrant community engagement through cultural performances and charitable donations totaling ₹1,000, supporting educational and humanitarian causes, notably the Shri Atmanand Jain Gurukul. The event also marked the conclusion of six-year penances by local laypersons, inspiring 25 others to take similar vows. Concurrently, Pujya Indar Rekhji’s Diksha Mahotsava in Lahore exemplified ascetic dedication, with significant donations to public welfare. These instances highlight the Jains’ commitment to education, non-violence, and spiritual renewal, reinforcing their cultural and philanthropic ethos. The South Indian Humanitarian League’s first annual report further underscored organized efforts to promote ahimsa through innovative outreach, reflecting a broader pan-Indian Jaina engagement with social reform and compassionate action.