Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana

The Jain community is known to be naturally philanthropic and socially conscious. Various Jain organizations all over the country are working on this noble cause. Nurturing a deep desire for social work, Mr. Shantilal Muttha - a successful businessman, came forward to provide a much needed direction and leadership to this noble attitude of the community. This led to a logical next step – formation of “Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana”(BJS). BJS has since been a part of the Jain community efforts to support public and social causes.

Need for a new thrust :

Historical realities contributed to the slow rate of socio-economic progress in the last two centuries. This was similarly reflected in the easy paced approach towards education also. However in the last two decades the rate of socio-economic growth has spurted upwards both in quantum and character. This brings into focus the need for the ‘education’ sector to keep pace with the rapid developmental changes and especially how these changes are affecting it. The experience and success of BJS translated into a unique social empathy giving deep understanding of the impediments strewn on the path of Indian development. One such identification was ‘Education’. Hence it was but natural that the BJS spotlight focused on Education. It is very significant to note that even though the Jain community is only 0.4 % of the total population, it has played a stellar role in promoting nearly 2500 educational Institutes with their own efforts and funding across the country.

A clear need was then perceived which indicated that there should be a vehicle to provide the necessary action component and generate enough momentum to serve the cause better.

Formation of FJEI

The leadership in BJS provided by President Mr. Shantilal Muttha, inspired many persons in the community to alter the mind set and broaden the vision to focus on ‘education’. It was felt necessary that each of the educational Institute must attain excellence and for this the Institute must be a part of a large network and have global reach to enhance and synergise these community strengths, BJS decided to create a well coordinated and purposeful organization in the form of Federation of Jain Educational Institutes (FJEI). FJEI umbrella could provide just the kind of synergy so much necessary for progress.

.....man with a mission

Shri Shantilal Muttha has been in the forefront of social service for the last 20 years and more since 1985. His leadership style reflects his personal devotion and sincerity towards selfless service and genuine concern for social issues. He believes in the motto :

“ If the purpose is right – the means will follow”

Achievement milestones under the leadership of Shri Muttha :

Founder President of BJS : Pioneered a mass marriage movement by extensively touring and establishing a network in more than 400 villages and talukas of Maharashtra and 300 in Chattisgarh by addressing the social, educational and health related issues.
1985 – BJS regularly organizes mass marriages, match making sammelans and provides for family counseling. Since 1985, all marriages in his own family (including that of his own son and daughter) have been solemnized under this scheme.
1988 - BJS has been holding medical camps successfully for the last 15 years, especially in the rural areas. These include plastic surgeries and are held for more than 6 months each year and conducted by renowned specialist doctors from US. This has benefited thousands of needy people every year.
1989 – undertook a 3,000 km ‘pada yatra’ all over rural and urban areas of Maharashtra to understand and empathise with the social problems and issues at the grass root level
1992 – BJS played a significant role by contributing in restoration of peace during Mumbai riots. Organised a very successful peace march from Pune to Nagpur and was well encouraged and attended by many national and international prominent persons including late Acharya Sushil Muni, Swami Chidanandaji, Moulana Wahidududdin Khan Saheb, Padmabhushan Shri Anna Hazare, Justice C. Dharmadhikari, Padmabhushan Late Shri Govindji Shroff and many more…
1993 - Significant efforts and contribution post-Latur earthquake, in terms of relief work. Established Wagholi Educational and Rehabilitation Centre (WERC). WERC houses and runs hostels, schools and colleges for 1200 hundred children and has been appreciated and applauded by many national and international dignitaries including Hon’ble President of India, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, during his Pune visit on November 30th, 2002.
1995 – This year witnessed the grim earthquake tragedy at Jabalpur. Realizing the gravity of the calamity, the team of BJS officials and volunteers visited the affected areas. Orphaned children were then rehabilitated in Pune and were accommodated in various Hindi medium schools
1997 – Melghat is a tribal area in Maharashtra and the children in this tribal belt suffer from the ill effects of chronic mal-nutrition. A long term perspective, taken by BJS, indicates that developmental efforts in these areas are best served by bringing about internal change within the community. BJS took a significant step in bringing 350 tribal children to Pune for total rehabilitation and development. These educated children can return home to get integrated in their community and initiate and carry on the developmental efforts successfully.
2001 – In the wake of Gujarat earthquake calamity, Mr. Muttha along with Shri Sureshdada Jain and other BJS volunteers, did commendable social and relief work providing food for more than 30,000 people for more than 2 months, and built 368 schools within a span of 90 days. Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister of India appreciated the efforts, dedicated and handed over the schools to the State on 4th June 2001
2002 - Founded FJEI