जैन श्वेताम्बर तेरापंथी महासभा : शताब्दी वर्ष
Summary
The document details the history and activities of the Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Mahasabha, established on October 28, 1913, in Kolkata. Its centenary year coincides with the birth centenary of Acharya Tulsi. The Mahasabha's primary objectives are the protection and guidance of the Terapanth religious order and community. A significant part of its early work involved opposing various bills in legislative councils and courts across India, including in Allahabad, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Baroda, Mewar, Madhya Bharat, Mumbai, and the Lok Sabha, which sought to restrict child initiation (bal diksha) and begging. The Mahasabha successfully challenged these through legal means. Key milestones include the founding of the Terapanth Vidyalaya in 1916, the renaming of the organization in 1947, and the establishment of the 'Samaj Bhushan' award. The Parmarthik Shikshan Sanstha was founded in 1949. The Mahasabha's constitution was significantly revised in 1987, introducing a presidential system and expanding the working committee. From 1991, it took on responsibilities including conducting a census of the Terapanth community, organizing Jnanashala (knowledge schools), and establishing a Terapanth museum. The Mahasabha publishes the monthly magazine 'Jain Bharati' and has published around 200 books since 1917. It played a crucial role during the 'Agni Pariksha' controversy in 1970-72, where a book by Acharya Tulsi faced opposition, leading to legal challenges and eventual withdrawal of the book. The Mahasabha also managed a long-standing dispute with the Terapanth Vidyalaya over property, which was resolved in 2002. For the centenary year, the Mahasabha planned various programs, including honoring community leaders and promoting Terapanth literature and heritage.
Conclusion
The document's centenary review underscores the Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Mahasabha's pivotal role in safeguarding the community's religious and social interests, particularly through its sustained legal battles against bills restricting child initiation and begging. These efforts, spanning multiple state legislatures and the Supreme Court, demonstrate the organization's effective mobilization of legal expertise and grassroots activism. The establishment of educational institutions, scholarship programs, and the publication of over 200 books highlight a commitment to intellectual and cultural preservation. The resolution of the long-standing dispute with the Terapanth Vidyalaya in 2002, along with the successful management of the "Agni Pariksha" controversy, illustrates the Mahasabha's capacity for internal conflict resolution and adaptive leadership. Ultimately, the centenary serves not merely as a celebration of past achievements but as a strategic platform for future initiatives, including enhanced support for affiliated assemblies and the promotion of Terapanth literature, ensuring the organization's continued relevance and influence.