About
Mr. Gelra
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Dr. Mahaveer Gelra, born in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, is a distinguished scholar with an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Chemistry from Jodhpur University. Currently residing in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Dr. Gelra had a prolific career as a professor and later as the Director of College Education in Rajasthan, retiring after nearly 37 years of service. With profound knowledge in Jain Philosophy, Mathematics, Science, and Agamas, Dr. Gelra has made significant contributions to the field of education and Jain studies. Notably, in 1955, he engaged in pivotal educational discussions with Dr. Radhakrishnan, the then Vice President of India. His international presence includes presenting Anuvrat fundamentals and Jain Philosophy in Rome at a Vatican-sponsored interfaith prayer meeting, where he was honored by the Lion’s Club Rome. As the founding vice-chancellor of JVBI, the Jain university in Ladnun, Dr. Gelra has traveled extensively to promote Jainism globally. Through numerous lectures, workshops, seminars, conferences, and publications, he has disseminated the scientific and spiritual teachings of Acharya Tulsi and Mahaprajna, elucidating the scientific basis of Jain fundamentals.
exclusive interview
with Mr. gelra
Recently I got an opportunity to interview renowned Indologist Prof. Mahaveer Raj Gelra. Prof. Gelra is a professor of eminence, integrity, research fervor and commitment.Prof. Gelra is a source of inspiration for all researchers and writers. He wrote extensively on Jainism, Indology and thus cotributed to this sector, where there is a vacuum of writer in English language. Prof. Gelra is still very active and constantly contributing to academics and research. Born on 20/3/33, Prof. Gelra was the first vice Chancellor of Jain Vishwa Bharati Institue (Deemed University). Prof. Gelra was also the first editor of Tulsi Pragya. In a country, where there is a shortage of experts in Indology and particularly in Jainism, it is gratifying to see people like Prof. Gelra, who has taken these studies as his interests. He has pursued these studies throughout his life with focus on scientific temper and keen insights. Prof. Gelra introduced many innovations and carried out many researches during his academic career. He travelled extensively in order to participate in seminars and conferences and presented his research papers across the globe. He was the first secretary of Jain Vishwa Bharati Institute. He was the first person to introduce Samani (Jain Saints, who are allowed to travel abroad and use automobiles) to international conferences abroad. Prof. Gelra did his postgraduation in Chemistry from Jaswant College Jodhpur. He served many government colleges and retired as the director of College Education from Govt. of Rajasthan, Jaipur. He also worked in Bikaner (which is my native place) for over 15 years in the department of Chemistry in Sri Dungar College Bikaner. Prof. Gelra has made all his books available online on herenow4u.net. Thus he has tried to ensure that the scientific ideas of Jain philosophy spread to masses and people can make use of them. He has tried his best to disseminate scientific temper and to rediscover the old Jain scriptures and their scientific nector. I hereby present the questions that I put to Prof. Gelra and his answers: – ( by : – Dr. T.K. Jain)
Q: Prof. Gelra, please tell about how you started your studies in Indology?
Ans : I studied chemistry and then I studied Indology. I have tried to look at I came in contact to Acharya tulsi at the age of 19, when I was studying MSC (pre) chemistry – from Jaswant College. There was a debate competition – (state level) I won the contest – I was carrying the shield and cup. while returning with my friends – I met Acharya Tulsi ji on the way. He inquired about my interest in Hindi language. I was studying science Next morning he called me up and offered the teaching of sadhwi samaj. To train them in the Hindi speaking talent. At that time most of the sadhvi ji used to speak in Marwari. During Acharyaji’s 4 month stay at Jodhpur – I offered my services in Hindi speaking and in Jainism. I got a direct link with the great Acharya. Whenever they used to have any programme / conference, I used to participate in those conferences and seminars, thus I enriched my knowledge and contributed to the conferences and seminars also.
Q: Can you recall some memorable moments of your illustrious career as an Indologist?
Ans: In 1955 (when I was 21) one of the saints had a meeting with Dr. Radhakrishnan in Delhi and they were badly in need of a person who can translate from Hindi to English and vice versa. I joined with them. I got an opportunity to talk to Dr. Radhakrishnan. There was a talk for 1 hour on anekantwad of Jainism.I also raised the issuses (I had read books of Dr. Radhakrishan on Indian philosophy). I spoke him – You have mentioned Anekantwad as sanshayvad. Then he said that – he brount a D lit thesis of Mr.Bhattacharya of Kolkata university. He was an examiner of that thesis. That thesis was on anekantwad. He told me that look here – “ I am the examiner of D. Lit. on Anekantwad ” . He explained his perspective of Anekantvad. I requested him to kindly correct that book also. He said that he didn’t have time to revise the issue. He was the vice president of India – he asked me “Why don’t you correct it and publish it”. I said that it would be impossible. He said that he had simply translated what is written in ShankarBhasya – unfortunately there was no book on anekantvad from Jain sahitya. He asked me “Why don’t you write in English – there are no books in English ”.
Q: Can you recall some memorable experiences regarding your presentations in Conferences?
Ans: Yes, I tell you the incident of March 1958 – there was first international conference on vegetarianism. Takhat Jain was the chief organiser. Acharya Tulsi sent me to participate there. I was the youngest person there at the age of 24 and therefore I was given the last rank in speaking. I waited for my turn. I was given time to speak at 11.30 pm. I was given only 5 minutes to speak. I adopted oratory style of Rajneesh – I was pleased that people who were leaving the meeting – sat down. The chairmansaid – Please continue – I spoke for 20 minutes. The convenor of the conference was renowned Jainism Expert Kanta Prasad Jain – a well-known leader of Digambar Jain Samaj. He (Kanta Prasad Jain) appreciated me and gave me an appreciation letter. Thereafter I attended many international conferences. I went 3 times to International Conference on History of mathematics Once in China, two times in Japan. I used to present papers on Jainism and mathematics – I used to tell about 2000-year old Jain practices etc.
Q: Can you narrate some difficult questions that you faced in international conferences?
Ans: Yes, there were many. I would share one – There was a world conference on philosophy – in Germany (Hamburg) I was a panel speaker on Santhara (Jain Philosophy) – I was given 20 minutes – but it took 40 minutes. There were lot of questions. I described Jain religion – sanlekhana and santhara system. A person asked me to compare the system prevailing in Tundra region to the Santhara system of Jain Philosophy. I came to know for the first time about the system prevailing in Tundra region. There is a system that in Tundra – people die voluntarily at the age of 80 or more. When they get dissatisfied from life, they come out of their homes (igloos) and remain out for a night or so. During night the winter is close to -30 degrees and therefore they die in that winter. They asked me to compare this system to Santhara system. I asked them a question – is there a concept of soul in that system – they replied in negative. I told them that this is the difference. Although there is no materialistic goal in both the system, but in Jainism Santhara is used for evolution of Soul – we have an intention that in the next life we should be able to evolve, but there is no concept of soul in that system (the system prevailing in Tundra region).
Q: Prof. Gelra, can you share your experiences of your visit to Rome.
Ans: I went to Rome upon the invitation of Pope. Pope invites religious leaders from across the globe every four / five year. He organizes Prarthana Sabha – wherein prominent religious leaders participate. He sent one invitation to Acharya Tulsi ji. Acharya Tulsi sent me as his representative. I went there – with two 2 Samani ji. There was an excellent discourse on Jain Philosophy. I gave my presentation and thereafter there was a query session. It took 2-3 hours in questions and answers. They were very curious to know about Jainism. They were surprised to know from me the various facets of Jain Religion. They asked me why Jainism is not a world religion, although it has similar history to that of Buddhism. I explained them why it is not a world religion. I clarified that the Jain Saints focused on self-realization (Moksha). There was a lack of focus on social reform – more focus was on evolution of soul. For any specific query, you may contact Dr. Mahavir Raj Gelra. At 9414062117 or by email at Mahaveer.gelra@gmail.com
Q: Prof. Gelra, please tell about how you started your studies in Indology?
Ans : I studied chemistry and then I studied Indology. I have tried to look at I came in contact to Acharya tulsi at the age of 19, when I was studying MSC (pre) chemistry – from Jaswant College. There was a debate competition – (state level) I won the contest – I was carrying the shield and cup. while returning with my friends – I met Acharya Tulsi ji on the way. He inquired about my interest in Hindi language. I was studying science Next morning he called me up and offered the teaching of sadhwi samaj. To train them in the Hindi speaking talent. At that time most of the sadhvi ji used to speak in Marwari. During Acharyaji’s 4 month stay at Jodhpur – I offered my services in Hindi speaking and in Jainism. I got a direct link with the great Acharya. Whenever they used to have any programme / conference, I used to participate in those conferences and seminars, thus I enriched my knowledge and contributed to the conferences and seminars also.
Q: Can you recall some memorable moments of your illustrious career as an Indologist?
Ans: In 1955 (when I was 21) one of the saints had a meeting with Dr. Radhakrishnan in Delhi and they were badly in need of a person who can translate from Hindi to English and vice versa. I joined with them. I got an opportunity to talk to Dr. Radhakrishnan. There was a talk for 1 hour on anekantwad of Jainism.I also raised the issuses (I had read books of Dr. Radhakrishan on Indian philosophy). I spoke him – You have mentioned Anekantwad as sanshayvad. Then he said that – he brount a D lit thesis of Mr.Bhattacharya of Kolkata university. He was an examiner of that thesis. That thesis was on anekantwad. He told me that look here – “ I am the examiner of D. Lit. on Anekantwad ” . He explained his perspective of Anekantvad. I requested him to kindly correct that book also. He said that he didn’t have time to revise the issue. He was the vice president of India – he asked me “Why don’t you correct it and publish it”. I said that it would be impossible. He said that he had simply translated what is written in ShankarBhasya – unfortunately there was no book on anekantvad from Jain sahitya. He asked me “Why don’t you write in English – there are no books in English ”.
Q: Can you recall some memorable experiences regarding your presentations in Conferences?
Ans: Yes, I tell you the incident of March 1958 – there was first international conference on vegetarianism. Takhat Jain was the chief organiser. Acharya Tulsi sent me to participate there. I was the youngest person there at the age of 24 and therefore I was given the last rank in speaking. I waited for my turn. I was given time to speak at 11.30 pm. I was given only 5 minutes to speak. I adopted oratory style of Rajneesh – I was pleased that people who were leaving the meeting – sat down. The chairmansaid – Please continue – I spoke for 20 minutes. The convenor of the conference was renowned Jainism Expert Kanta Prasad Jain – a well-known leader of Digambar Jain Samaj. He (Kanta Prasad Jain) appreciated me and gave me an appreciation letter. Thereafter I attended many international conferences. I went 3 times to International Conference on History of mathematics Once in China, two times in Japan. I used to present papers on Jainism and mathematics – I used to tell about 2000-year old Jain practices etc.
Q: Can you narrate some difficult questions that you faced in international conferences?
Ans: Yes, there were many. I would share one – There was a world conference on philosophy – in Germany (Hamburg) I was a panel speaker on Santhara (Jain Philosophy) – I was given 20 minutes – but it took 40 minutes. There were lot of questions. I described Jain religion – sanlekhana and santhara system. A person asked me to compare the system prevailing in Tundra region to the Santhara system of Jain Philosophy. I came to know for the first time about the system prevailing in Tundra region. There is a system that in Tundra – people die voluntarily at the age of 80 or more. When they get dissatisfied from life, they come out of their homes (igloos) and remain out for a night or so. During night the winter is close to -30 degrees and therefore they die in that winter. They asked me to compare this system to Santhara system. I asked them a question – is there a concept of soul in that system – they replied in negative. I told them that this is the difference. Although there is no materialistic goal in both the system, but in Jainism Santhara is used for evolution of Soul – we have an intention that in the next life we should be able to evolve, but there is no concept of soul in that system (the system prevailing in Tundra region).
Q: Prof. Gelra, can you share your experiences of your visit to Rome.
Ans: I went to Rome upon the invitation of Pope. Pope invites religious leaders from across the globe every four / five year. He organizes Prarthana Sabha – wherein prominent religious leaders participate. He sent one invitation to Acharya Tulsi ji. Acharya Tulsi sent me as his representative. I went there – with two 2 Samani ji. There was an excellent discourse on Jain Philosophy. I gave my presentation and thereafter there was a query session. It took 2-3 hours in questions and answers. They were very curious to know about Jainism. They were surprised to know from me the various facets of Jain Religion. They asked me why Jainism is not a world religion, although it has similar history to that of Buddhism. I explained them why it is not a world religion. I clarified that the Jain Saints focused on self-realization (Moksha). There was a lack of focus on social reform – more focus was on evolution of soul. For any specific query, you may contact Dr. Mahavir Raj Gelra. At 9414062117 or by email at Mahaveer.gelra@gmail.com
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