Our Congratulations

Summary

In “Our Congratulations” the editors celebrate the achievements of several members of the Jain community who have recently received honours. The lead tribute is to Dr. Lakshmi Chand Jain, M.A., LL.B., Ph.D., who has been awarded the Doctor of Science degree in Economics by the University of London. The article outlines his scholarly achievements, noting that he has earned a reputation for learning, served as an examiner for various universities and for the Indian Civil Service competitive examinations, and represented Punjab University at the All‑India Economics Conference at Annamalai University. His contributions to Jain causes include presiding over the Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Parishad and taking an active interest in the propagation of Jainism. The editors also extend hearty congratulations to Mr. Jagat Prasad, M.A., Accountant‑General of Posts and Telegraphs, on being appointed a Companion of the Indian Empire (C.I.E.). They praise his modest temperament and his willingness to respond to the needs of the community despite heavy official responsibilities. He is recognised for generously supporting religious and charitable funds and institutions. Another notable figure honoured is Mrs. Lekhwati Sumatiprasad Jain of Ambala, who after a keenly contested campaign secured a seat in the Punjab Legislative Council. She is acclaimed as the first woman member of the council. The article recounts how her nomination was initially rejected on the grounds that women were ineligible for election, but a tribunal reversed this decision. She went on to win more than 3,000 votes against the 1,600 polled by her opponent and proved to be an active and influential legislator, submitting numerous questions on a wide range of governmental departments and delivering an impassioned speech in favour of extending franchise and representation to women in local bodies. The editors also mention the academic success of Shrimati Kumari Subhadra Sethi, daughter of Dr. Nihal Karan Sethi, who has been awarded a government scholarship and the Krishna Kumari prize at the Lady Hardinge Medical College in Delhi. These honours are presented as a source of communal pride and as evidence of the diverse ways in which Jains are serving the broader society.