Why a Jain Orphanage is Essential
Since we do not have our own Jain orphanages, the Government of India sends millions of orphaned children to other shelters. As these children grow up, they often adopt different religious beliefs and become non-vegetarian. Non-vegetarianism leads to the killing of thousands of animals, increasing the cycle of violence and suffering.
If we establish our own orphanages, these helpless children will receive shelter and care. By instilling compassion and the values of non-violence, they will adopt a vegetarian lifestyle, become protectors of Aryan culture, and develop a sense of patriotism and governance.
Shri Jinaratnavijayji Maharaj
A Long-Term Vision for Jainism
The power of body, mind, and wealth that we have been blessed with should be used wisely for the next 25 years to ensure the protection and expansion of Jainism. Wealthy and visionary individuals must understand that by building Jain orphanages, we can increase the Jain population. These orphaned children will receive the guidance of Lord Mahavir’s teachings.
Currently, the Jinbhakti Manav Seva Ashram Trust operates several orphanages:
Amravati – 2,000 sq. ft. building
Pune-Katraj – 2,400 sq. ft. bungalow
Mumbai-Kashimira – 2,000 sq. ft. building
Bhayandar – 5,000 sq. ft. facility
Shiyal (7 km from Bagodara) – 4,200 sq. ft. facility
Paldi (Ahmedabad), Vadgam-Shankheshwar Road, and Dungarpur (Muskan Vatsalyadham) – operational orphanages
Ladki (Adajan-Surat) – Currently housing 33 orphan girls
Vatsalyapur Orphanage, Surat – A three-story orphanage built with an investment of ₹10 crore
Population Decline and the Urgency of Action
The world is moving towards the one-child and two-child norm, and rapid urbanization is reducing the Jain population. Due to education and exposure, interfaith marriages are increasing, love jihad cases are rising, and the number of Jain girls is decreasing, all leading to a sharp decline in Jain demographics.
Just as Sarak Bodheli was a successful initiative for population growth, Jain orphanages are an excellent opportunity to increase Jain numbers. Think about it – only if there is a Jain population will we be reborn as Jains!
Historically, there were 400 million Jains, but today, only 7 million remain. The religion of compassion is diminishing, and Jain heritage is at risk. We have temples for God, upashrayas for monks, and shelters for cows, but now, we urgently need orphanages for abandoned Jain children.
A Call to Action for Jain Philanthropists
We humbly request all Jains to support JMST (Jinbhakti Manav Seva Trust) by contributing annually to their capacity. We appeal to generous donors like Jagdusha and Bhamasha to direct their wealth towards increasing the Jain population.
The future is uncertain, and we must act now to preserve our heritage, temples, upashrayas, and shelters. Only future generations can protect our legacy.
We urge donors to consider including our trust in their wills and donations.
A Divine Opportunity for Moksha
Sulsā Shravika was a mother to 32 children, yet she earned Tirthankar naam karma and is now in Swarg (heaven), awaiting liberation.
What greater benefit can there be than transforming a non-vegetarian child into a vegetarian, compassionate being?
Let’s work together to ensure the future of Jainism!