To,

1.   The Hon’ble President of India
      President's Secretariat, Rashtrapati Bhavan, 

      New Delhi-110004.

2.   The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India
      E Block, Central Secretariat,
      New Delhi, Delhi 110011

3.   The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat
      3rd floor, Swarnim Sankul – 1, New Sachivalay, Sector 10,

       Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Subject: Urgent Appeal for the Protection of Fundamental Rights of the Jain Community Regarding Girnarji Jain Tirth.

 

Respected Sir/Madam,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing to you with deep concern regarding the recent developments that threaten the fundamental rights of the Jain community, particularly in relation to the Girnarji Jain Tirth, one of the most revered and significant pilgrimage sites for Jains worldwide.

 

The Jain community has long held Girnarji, located in the Junagadh district of Saurashtra region of Gujarat, as a sacred place of immense spiritual importance. It is not only a pilgrimage destination but also a place of historical, cultural, and religious significance for millions of Jains. The respect for the sanctity of this holy site, the protection of its environment, and the preservation of its religious integrity are fundamental to the community's religious practices and values.

 

Unfortunately, there have been recent challenges that threaten the very essence of this revered pilgrimage site. The increase in tourism, along with developmental activities in and around the area, has begun to erode the sanctity of the place, causing irreparable damage to the environment and the peaceful atmosphere that is integral to Jain practices. In addition, some developments may be infringing upon the Jain community’s right to freely practice and propagate their religion, which is guaranteed by the Constitution of India under Article 25.

 

In light of the above, I humbly request that you take immediate and decisive action to:

1.   Ensure the Protection of Religious Rights: Safeguard the fundamental right of the Jain community to practice and propagate their religion, particularly in sacred places like Girnarji Jain Tirth. This includes ensuring that religious practices, rituals, and the sanctity of the pilgrimage are not disrupted by unwanted development or commercial activities.

 

2.   Environmental Preservation: Take steps to protect the environment around Girnarji, ensuring that construction and development activities do not damage the natural surroundings or impede the peaceful and spiritual practices of pilgrims. The preservation of the site's natural beauty is vital to the community’s spiritual connection with the location.

 

3.   Preserve Cultural Heritage: Implement measures to preserve the cultural and historical integrity of the Girnarji Jain Tirth, which holds deep significance for the community and the nation. This includes measures to prevent any form of exploitation or commercialization that could undermine its sacred nature.

 

4.   Engage with Jain Religious Leaders: Form a consultative committee involving Jain religious leaders, scholars, and community representatives to ensure that any development or changes in the area are in line with the wishes and needs of the Jain community.

 

5.   Enforce Legal Protections: Ensure that laws and regulations protecting religious sites and cultural heritage are enforced, and prevent any encroachments or violations in and around the Girnarji Jain Tirth.

 

The Jain community, with its long history of non-violence, compassion, and contribution to the fabric of India’s spiritual diversity, deserves to have its fundamental rights respected and protected. I trust that your leadership will act swiftly and decisively to address this issue, ensuring that the sanctity of Girnarji Jain Tirth remains intact for future generations.

 

Thank you for your time and consideration. I remain hopeful that, under your guidance, we will see justice and protection for the Jain community in Gujarat and across India.

 

Yours sincerely,
Harsh Jain
lawworld1100@gmail.com