We are part of Hindu community, don’t need minority status: Jains

[alokindia2020]

http://cities.expressindia.com/fulls...?newsid=182140

THE Centre may be mulling over according Jains the status of a religious minority, but several leaders of the community have opposed the decision saying that Jains are a part of the Hindu community. Their argument: ‘Hindus are not in the minority and thus there is no question of Jains accepting the minority status.’

Despite Minister for Minority Affairs A R Antulay’s statement that he had held talks with ‘various Jain organisations’ and that ‘there was consensus in the community’ over the issue, many Jain leaders in Gujarat feel the Centre has taken a hasty decision without getting an across-the-board consensus from the community.

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In fact, there is reportedly a difference of opinion on the issue among the various Jain sects themselves. While the Shwetambars are opposing the proposal tooth and nail, the Digambars are divided about it, as are the Sthanakwasis. However, the Terapanthis are in favour of the minority status.

Sheth Ananji Kalyanji, a religious charitable trust representing All India Jain Shwetamber Murtipujak Shree Sangh, claims that a majority of Jains in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra are not in favour of being declared a religious minority. ‘‘We are separate as believers of a religion but as a community we are Hindus only...this is a ploy to divide Hindus and Jains, and nothing else,’’ said an official on terms of anonymity, adding that the heads of the sect had the ultimate right to take a public stand on this.

‘‘In fact, we Shwetambars are mostly in business while Digambers are into government and other jobs, and therefore want minority status for better career prospects and other incumbent benefits,’’ he said. Prominent Shwetamber businessmen include Mehtas of the Torrent Group, the Adanis, the Lalbhais and Rajendra Shah of Shah Alloys, according to him.

Another Jain leader and trustee of the Omkarsuri Aradhana Bhavan in Surat, Sevanti Mehta, said, ‘‘Giving Jains the status of a religious minority is a sensitive issue, and a broad consensus of the community is required. A consensus will be reached when acharyas and religious leaders from all the four phirkas—namely Digambar, Shwetambar, Terapanthi and Sthanakvasi—are willing to accept the minority status.’’

[percentage_plyr]

well yes,jains are by and large very much a part of the hindu fabric & have lifestyles & occupations akin to the "baniyas" among hindus.

[indianguy4u]

Alok,
Reduce the size of ur signature. Its too big.

[Maximus]

Lol!!