Rajya Sabha MP Mahesh Poddar has said that it is sad that the voice of the small minority Jain community of the country, which has a tradition of equality of all religions, is unheard of in a country, which is running on the policy of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas.
Jainism is a wonderful religious cultural heritage of India. At its core is non-violence and renunciation. Jainism is relevant even after thousands of years. Crores of people have adopted it. The expansion of this religion was never done forcefully.
“It is our collective responsibility to give proper protection and encouragement to the Jain community. We the people of Jharkhand should be especially proud of this because their biggest and most adorable place is at Parasnath peak in Giridih. Imagine thousands of years ago, how Jain sages would have built their abode on this inaccessible hill. From here a wonderful non-violence based religion was given to the whole world towards attaining knowledge and salvation. Today, despite so much development, they have to come out on the streets against injustice,” he said.
The Government of Jharkhand has declared Parasnath as a 'major religious tourist destination'. In English, it has been called the 'Religious Pilgrimage' of the Jain community. The government wants to develop tourism in this area. The state government says that development will not happen without declaring it as a tourism zone, said Poddar.
On the other hand, the Jain community feels that its religious sanctity will be affected if it becomes a tourist area. Non-vegetarian and alcohol consumption can be encouraged here. Irreligious activity may increase. That's why the demand of the Jain community is demanding to declare it not a tourist place but only a religious place, added the MP.
If the development of that area means building a guest house, colony or road etc, then no one will oppose it. If funds are needed for the same electricity, water, schools, hospitals, etc, then it can be met through MP and MLA Fund, DMFT or General Plan Fund. It is beyond comprehension that what is such a public interest scheme, for which it has to be declared a tourist destination for money? This should be reconsidered. If the government so desires, it is not a difficult task to withdraw the notification. This has happened in many cases. It would be appropriate that by resolving the apprehensions, the minority Jain community should be freed from unnecessary pain and anxiety.
“It is not a difficult task to do this. The state government has declared Parasnath as a 'major religious tourist destination'. Jain society's apprehension is about the word 'tourism'. It would be better if the state government explains this 'religious tourism' in detail and makes it clear that there will be a ban on meat-liquor and unholy activities in the area. By doing this the current deadlock can be ended,” he said.