Latest Indian Issue -- Virchand Raghavji Gandhi

Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi-He was the first Jain to travel outside India to participate in the first Parliament of World Religions held in Chicago in 1893 on recommendation of Acharya Vijayandsuri. The second Parliament was also held in Chicago in 1993 to which the Institute had led a Jain delegation.

Virchand Gandhi was a young barrister, great exponent of Indian culture-religions, a multilingual person having learnt 14 languages, secretary of Jain Association of India, Mumbai. He was well-versed in Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Western philosophies, Yoga, etc.

Its note worthy that he had become first Hon. Secretary of Jain Association of India in 1885, at a very young age of 21,

VRG and Swami Vivekananda sailed at the same time to participate at the Parliament with same goals; both personalities wearing traditional turbans, made tremendous appearance and had claimed equal attention at the Congress for awakening the western world of the spiritual heritage and rich past history of India.
1893, World Religions parliament was held at the Columbus Hall of Art Institute of Chicago with more than 3000 delegates of different nations and religions.

VRG, at the Parliament of World Religions conveyed, “You have heard so many speeches from eloquent members, and I shall speak later on at some length. I will, at present, only offer on behalf of my community and their high priest, Muni Atmaramji, whom I represent here.,Our sincere thanks for the kind welcome you have given us.

Date of Issue : 08.11.2009

Thanks to Mr.Vinod for Images