Mr. C. R. Jain’s Activities in America
By Evelyn S. Kleinschmidt
Summary
“Mr. C. R. Jain’s Activities in America” continues a travelogue begun in a previous issue, chronicling the experiences of C. R. Jain as he tours the United States on a mission to present Jainism to Western audiences. The account opens with diary entries describing his journey from Chicago to Buffalo and New York in September 1933. He notes his visit to Niagara Falls, a boat trip through the gorge and the impressive engineering works that make the scene accessible to tourists. Upon reaching New York he and his associate take rooms at the International House, a large hostel for international students that offers an inspiring view of the Hudson River. Jain observes that although there are some Indians staying there, most are indifferent to Jainism. He writes letters to contacts interested in Indian affairs and visits travel agents to rearrange his return passage. The diary entries recount his continued attempts to lecture on Jainism, his visits to the Ashrama at Mount Kisco where he meets Americans curious about Indian religions, and his efforts to distribute copies of his books and pamphlets. He reports on discussions with people such as Mr. Anvar from Iraq and Mr. Nicolaff, a Bulgarian missionary, to whom he lends books. Interspersed with these day‑to‑day notes are reflections on vegetarianism, public speaking and American society. Jain praises Americans’ openness and good character but criticises the commercialism that often overshadows higher ideals. He remarks on the lack of obesity, attributing it to lower meat consumption, and comments on sanitary facilities and eating habits. He offers suggestions for future religious conferences, expressing the wish that prayers not be imposed on participants of other faiths and that overly long speeches be curtailed. The account also includes a diversion into a chess problem, illustrating how he occupies his time on the return voyage. As his ship leaves New York in October 1933, he describes the comfort of the voyage, the availability of vegetarian food and conversations with fellow passengers. The piece concludes with a reflective passage on the value of his American journey and his hope that interest in Jainism will grow. Although he encountered indifference among some compatriots abroad, he records genuine curiosity and hospitality from Americans and resolves to continue cultivating contacts and sowing seeds for the future growth of the faith.
Conclusion
C. R. Jain’s journal provides more than a travel diary: it is a record of a pioneering missionary effort at a time when few Indians were presenting Jainism outside South Asia. Through candid observations of landscapes, social customs and personal encounters, he offers readers at home an intimate glimpse of life in the United States while documenting both the challenges and opportunities of his mission. His perseverance in lecturing, distributing literature and engaging diverse audiences demonstrates a quiet determination to plant the principles of non‑violence and spiritual self‑discipline in foreign soil. The account suggests that such efforts, though modest, build bridges of understanding and prepare the ground for more sustained cultural and religious exchanges in the future.