Mission Participation at a Claremont Conference In a world where hearts and minds are frequently frayed by discord and dissent, Param Krupalu Dev and Pujya Gurudevshri’s lives and message have heralded the spirit of oneness and integration. It is no wonder therefore that Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur has been showing active participation in initiatives aimed at promoting harmony and brotherhood. Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur was recently invited to participate in a two-day virtual international conference, ‘Beyond Violence: Jainism, Plurality, and World Religions’. It sought to explore ways in which the concept of non-violence and plurality in Jainism and world religions could bring about peace, compassion, justice, equality, etc. It also aimed to open a discussion about how traditions and customs in Jainism and world religions address the issues and challenges related to violence, injustice, and conflict. The conference intended to examine the potential the concepts of non-violence and plurality possess to encourage a sense of “beyond violence.” The esteemed panel of keynote speakers comprised of Dr. Abhay Firodia – Chairman of Force Motors Limited, Amar Prerana Trust, and International School of Jain Studies (ISJS) and Dr. Jeffery D. Long – Carl W. Zeigler Professor of Religious Studies, Elizabethtown College. Joining the league of keynote speakers and representing the Mission was Atmarpit Vidhiji who moved the audience with her address on the topic ‘Compassion: The Heart of Religion’. Vidhiji shared that compassion is a state of selflessness, which we are continually striving for. She also highlighted that real compassion is in the heart, in the intent, and that is where true religion resides. The two-day virtual conference also showcased several scholarly presentations from numerous countries.
