Virchand Gandhi - A Forgotten Reformer

One of the most influential early proponents of religious tolerance in contemporary India was Virchand Raghavji Gandhi.Known as a "unsung" or "forgotten" reformer, he was a wellknown Indian scholar, social reformer, and lawyer in the 19th century who collaborated with figures such as Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi.In spite of his brief 37year life, he made important contributions to India's liberation movement, interational interfaith discussion, and the modernization of Jainism.He represented Jainism alongside Swami Vivekananda (Hinduism) and Anagarika Dharmapala (Buddhism) at the first World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, making him the first person in modern times to do so.traveled to the United States and England to give lectures on Indian culture, social reforms, and Jain philosophy.His compassionate manner and rigorous intelligence earned him great respect.Mahatma Gandhi was greatly influenced by Virchand Gandhi.He made enormous contributions, yet until recently, he was mostly ignored by the mainstream of history.His efforts support social and educational improvements, religious tolerance, and the Jaina faith.Gandhi's life demonstrated remarkable accomplishments in a brief period of time and left a lasting legacy of advancing Indian Philosophy and Jainism.