Despite Smaller Numbers, Jains Have Maintained Their Influence: Kataria

Udaipur. Gulabchand Kataria, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, remarked that no government can function without the support of the Jain community. Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of the Porwal Sabha Sansthan held at Orbit Resort, he emphasized that despite being smaller in number, the Jain community has sustained its strong influence, and it is essential to preserve this legacy. Otherwise, in times of crisis, no one will be there to help. He added that the world will eventually have to embrace Lord Mahavir’s principle of Anekantavada (pluralism). If his teachings are followed, the idea of war would cease to exist.

Kataria praised Ajay Porwal for uniting the heads of all Jain initiatives and said that such unity is commendable. He stressed that Jain representation must exist in all political parties. He noted that out of 70 municipal councillors, 16 belong to the Jain community. Those interested in public service through politics should begin from such platforms. He also criticized the tendency of holding community meetings in five-star hotels, calling it unfortunate. He reminded the audience of Bhamashah’s generous donations and his brother Tarachand’s mastery in swordsmanship. Mahavir himself endured 12 years of penance and attained Keval Gyan (omniscience) before sharing wisdom with the world. He insisted that children should not only be raised to earn wealth but also be imbued with good values.

Special Guest and Mandsaur MP Sudhir Gupta, while administering the oath to the newly appointed Youth Cell, stated that India’s fertility rate stands at 2.25%, whereas the Jain community’s is only 1.2%. He urged people to move beyond the concept of single-child families. He advocated working not just within the Jain community but in collaboration with the Sanatan Dharma. He emphasized that the word “divorce” has no place in Jainism, yet it has become a serious modern-day concern. He advised against sending children to missionary schools and highlighted that the word “Jain” is globally recognized as synonymous with pure vegetarianism.

City MLA Tarachand Jain, as the chief guest, administered the oath to the newly elected Women’s Wing and recalled how a land scam issue during Ajay Porwal’s municipal tenure could not be raised in the assembly despite Kataria's efforts. Though the credit came to him, he said the real contributors were Governor Kataria and Ajay Porwal. GBH American Hospital Director Dr. Kirti Jain also shared his views.

Noted social worker Dinesh Khodnia, a patron of the Dasha Humad community, emphasized unity in Jain society for political advancement. He expressed concern that due to package-driven mindsets, children are becoming employees rather than entrepreneurs and lamented that those who leave the city rarely return.

Newly elected president Ajay Porwal, chosen unanimously, assured that the new executive committee would remain committed to serving the community. He stated that this was not just an oath-taking ceremony but the beginning of a greater responsibility.

Rajkumar Fattawat, President of the Sakal Jain Samaj, in his welcome address, praised the energy of the new committee and expressed confidence in their support for Ajay Porwal’s leadership.

The event began with a mangalacharan (auspicious chanting) presented by the women’s wing of the Porwal community. Dignitaries were felicitated with garlands, Mewari turbans, shawls, sashes, and mementoes. The vote of thanks was presented by Rakesh Porwal, General Secretary of the institution.

Oaths were administered to key individuals including President Ajay Porwal, General Secretary Rakesh Porwal, Former President Rajkumar Fattawat, Yashwant Jain, Omprakash Karanpurwala, Satish Porwal, Pradeep Porwal, Dilip Karanpuriya, Chief Patron Dr. Kirti Jain, Patrons Prafull Karanpuriya, Pushpendra Parmar, Ashok Kothari (Mumbai), Women’s Wing President Suman Damar, Secretary Mahima Kothari, Manju Fattawat, Praveena Porwal, Youth Wing President Praveen Porwal, Deepak Bholawat, Mukesh Takadia, Mayank Karanpuriya and others.

The ceremony was graced by various community dignitaries including Oswal Samaj President Kuldeep Nahar, General Secretary Alok Pagaria, Chamber of Commerce General Secretary Rajmal Jain, Terapanth Samaj President Kamal Nahta, Shri Vardhman Sthanakvasi Jain Shravak Sangh Udaipur General Secretary Himmat Badala, Sanjay Bhandari of Jain Conference, Indra Singh Mehta and Narendra Singhvi of Sadhu Margi Jain Shravak Sangh, Rishabh Jain, Narendra Jain (President of Mahavir Yuva Manch), General Secretary Neeraj Singhvi, Vice President Harsh Mitra Sarupriya, Rakesh Bapna, Dr. Arun Bordia, Rishabh Jasingot (President, Digambar Jain Bisa Narsinghpura Samaj), and General Secretary Anil Mehta.