Virchand Raghavji Gandhi

Ambassador of Jainism and Indian Thought

Virchand Raghavji Gandhi was born on 25 August 1864 at Mahua in Gujarat. He received his primary education locally and pursued higher studies at Bhavnagar before graduating with honours from Elphinstone College. He later qualified as a Barrister in London.

Scholar of Many Traditions

A linguist proficient in fourteen languages, Virchand Gandhi’s intellectual pursuits extended far beyond Jainism. He studied Buddhism, Vedanta philosophy, Christianity, and Western philosophy, enabling him to undertake comparative religious studies and speak with exceptional erudition on diverse philosophical systems.

At the age of just 21, he was appointed Honorary Secretary of the Jain Association of India. He successfully campaigned for the closure of a slaughterhouse at the sacred hills of Sammetshikar (Parasnath) and worked to abolish the poll tax imposed on Jain pilgrims at Shatrunjaya Tirth by the Thakore Saheb of Palitana.

Representative at the Parliament of World Religions

In 1893, he represented Jainism at the historic Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago—the first global interfaith gathering of its kind. There, he delivered illuminating speeches on Jainism and other Indian philosophical systems, correcting widespread misconceptions about Indian culture and religion.

Over time, he delivered approximately 535 lectures across the United States and Europe on Jain philosophy, Indian culture, yoga, karma, and comparative religion. His talks emphasized economic and political freedom for India—ideas he voiced decades before India achieved independence.

Humanitarian and Patriot

During the devastating famine of 1897 in India, Virchand Gandhi mobilized support from the United States, sending ₹40,000 and a shipload of grain for famine relief—an extraordinary humanitarian effort for the time.

He founded several institutions in the West, including the “Society for the Education of Women in India” in Chicago, which facilitated opportunities for Indian women to study abroad. He also travelled to England, France, and Germany, strengthening cultural and intellectual ties.

In 1895, he attended the Indian National Congress session in Pune as a representative from Mumbai. In 1899, he represented Asia at the International Conference of Commerce in London. Eminent personalities such as Mahadev Govind Ranade honoured him for his service to the nation and community.

Literary Contributions and Legacy

Virchand Gandhi authored books on Jain philosophy, yoga philosophy, karma, and the six systems of Indian philosophy. He also translated the French work An Unknown Life of Jesus Christ.

His life’s mission was to serve the nation, humanity, and the Jain community while spreading the message of Lord Mahavir—universal love and non-violence—across the globe.

Tragically, this brilliant scholar passed away at the young age of 37 on 7 August 1901. Despite his short life, his contributions left an enduring impact on interfaith dialogue and the global understanding of Jainism and Indian philosophy.

To commemorate his remarkable legacy, the Department of Posts has issued a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi.