SAVE SRI SAMMED SHIKHAR JI !

Recently I visited Sri Sammed Shikhar Ji Siddh Kshetra. What I noticed there shocked me. Thoughtful readers of this blog can ponder over the issues and spread the word around them, that may effect some change in the grave situation.
During my previous visits the labrynth of serpentine road was hardly visible from various points atop the hill, but over the years this is becoming more and more visible. The reason isn't obscure.
Commercial activitiy has been incessantly thriving on the hill, resulting in large scale degradation (HINSA in terms of Jainology) of the forest land. Day by day the number of stalls selling snacks and drinks (and cigarettes too!) is increasing. Every new stall is erected by clearing 100-200 sq. ft. forest land and by cutting down at least a dozen green trees. Consumption of their merchandise by the impatient pilgrims results in empty polythene bags/pouches littering the sacred hills. Due to these factors there has been landslides on two sites where the road has been damaged severely. Shortcuts taken by the pilgrims further add up to the degradation of the hill. The area is also a notified wildlife sanctuary so we must take extra preacaution and obey all the rules and regulations. If the situation remained the way it is today, it is going to be catastrophic for this most sacred teerth of the JAINS. REMEMBER- ON THIS SACRED HILL WE SEARCH FOR OUR INHERENT POTENTIAL OF ATTAINING MOKSHA. THE HILL IS NOT MEANT FOR ORGANIZING PICNICS.
SOLLUTION- Self -restraint (sanyam) is a well known virtue in the Jain Religion, we must practice it, at least untill

we are on the hill. If one can not remain without taking food or drink one can take the food (preferably home made) wrapped in paper bags with oneself. And if for someone that to seem an uphill task

he/she is better down the hill, rest assured no one is going to miss him or her on the hill. REMEMBER- every rupee spent while on the hill contribute to the degradation of this sacred hill of ours

WE HAVE GOT EXCELLENT NUMBERS ON THE EDUCATION FRONT (CENSUS 2001). BUT THAT DOES NOT GET REFLECTED IN OUR ACTIONS AND BEHAVIOUR. WE MUST CONCIOUSLY BEHAVE LIKE RESPONSIBLE MEMBERS OF A RESPONSIBLE AND DISCIPLINED COMMUNITY OF INDIA AND
SHOULD NOT FORM A PART OF THE MOB.