चुनाव व्यक्ति का नहीं, चरित्र का हो

Summary

The text discusses the Terapanth sect, the smallest Jain community, founded about 250 years ago by Acharya Bhikshu through a religious revolution. Despite facing severe opposition and hardships, early ascetics established a strong foundation through pure conduct, tolerance, and discipline, which remains unshaken. The community's growth is attributed to its institutions and workers. A key concern is the qualification of office-bearers, emphasizing the need for "Shravak workers" as per Gurudev Tulsi and Acharya Mahapragya. Institutions must fulfill both organizational duties and social service. The text advocates making the seven vows of the Shravak Nistha Patra mandatory as an oath for all office-bearers to ensure responsibility. Central institutions should provide training on sectarian rules and ethics before appointments. A worrying trend is the entry of petty politics into institutions, threatening unity and discipline. The text urges thoughtful and capable individuals to remain engaged rather than silent, as their apathy could harm the community. While most institutions function well, minor disputes should be resolved locally without consuming the time of revered leaders. Another major issue is wasteful expenditure on social and religious events, driven by competition and display, which contradicts the sect's values. The upcoming birth centenary of Gurudev Tulsi, who expanded the sect globally, is seen as an opportunity for self-reflection and resolving internal conflicts. True tribute would be to prioritize character over personality in elections and to act with sincerity, discipline, and integrity.