Lord Matangdev is the founder of ‘Barmati Panth‘. It is believed that Matangdev was born some 900-1000 years ago near present day Bihar (India)  on the banks of holy river Ganges . His mother’s name is ‘Jasdedevi’ and father’s name is ‘Matra-rakh’ and he is maternal grandson of renowned ‘Gautam-rakh’. He is widely regarded as 10^th incarnation of God in Kalyug.

After attaining spirituality on wearing ‘Karam-Vindhi’ (Gold ring) handed over to him by Aspar Pandya (Satgur), he decided to remove sorrows and sufferings from the life of common man. On his journey towards bringing peace, prosperity and happiness in the life of people of all walks of life, he noticed that a large chunk of Indian Society is deprived of basic necessities of life including religion. He observed that ‘Jhankhriyas’ (untouchables) and ‘Simbhriyas’ (tribals) have been prohibited to profess religion due to religious ban coerced upon them by high caste Hindus. Thus, he determined to devote his life for the welfare and upliftment of downtrodden people and founded a messianic religion called ‘Barmati Panth’ on the solid foundation of equality & brotherhood. His first message was ‘Dharmachar’ and ‘Karamjwar’ which means to practice tenets of religion (Barmati Panth) with utmost faith and devotion. His collections of discourses are known as ‘Genan’.

On his initial solitary journey from Bihar to the western parts of ancient India, he congregated hundreds of thousands of people and assimilated them into his newly formed religion known as Barmati Panth. Presently, lakhs of followers of Barmati Panth are professing religion founded by Matangdev with great enthusiasm and complete faith in his teachings. All his followers, known as ‘Meghwars’, are spread all over India but its population is predominant in Kutch, Saurashtra and Sindh regions.

Barmati religious discourses (Genan) reveals that Lakho Ghuraro, a very first ancestor of Jadeja clan (princely ruling class of Kutch region), urged Matangdev to bless him with supernatural powers to have his own ruling state in Sindh/Kachchh. Revered Matangdev blessed Lakha Ghurara that one day his descendents would be able to form their own princely state in Kutch region. Interestingly, history of Kutch reveals that the descendants of Lakha Ghurara i.e. Jadejas were able to form their own ruling in Kutch for more than eight centuries. It is said that Matangdev performed 12 years meditation at Chandrua Hills (Bhuj).

History of Kutch owes much to Matangdev for his sheer valour and gallantry shown while protecting motherland from brutal attack of ‘Haidarkhan Pastan’ (a Pathan warrior from Sindh). This feat of Matangdev is unparalleled in Indian history as no other religious guru (teacher) has ever attempted to lift sword for safety of its people. Eventually, while fighting with Haidarkhan on the outskirts of Kutch/Sindh region, Matang Dev died a martyr death alongwith ‘Abda-Jiyani’ (a warrior of Kutch). However, before leaving for heavenly abode, he called upon his son ‘Ludangdev’ for timely help in the battlefield. As soon as Ludangdev arrived, Matangdev could not survive longer and this great messiah left this world leaving behind a gigantic task of uniting people and preaching holy sermons.

Witnessing martyrdom of his father and brave Abda-Jiyani, Lord Ludangdev gathered all his strength and attacked Haiderkhan with full force and killed him. Thus, the attacker was prevented from entering Kutch soil else he would have ruined motherland with tears.

Body of Lord Matang-Dev is buried at ‘Seni-Thar’ near Badin-Sindh (now in Pakistan), which is the foremost pilgrimage place of all ‘Maheshwary Meghwars’. Every year, holy pilgrimage is performed at ‘Seni-Thar’ in the month of Vaishakh (Indian Calender) with utmost faith and devotion.

Source: The above article is written on the basis of facts narrated in Barmati Panth religious discourses known as ‘Genan’.

પુજ્ય શ્રી મામૈદેવ જ્ઞાન કથન અનુસાર “દશોધ” થકી મહેશ્વરી સમાજમાં ધાર્મિક અને સામાજીક નવચેતના.

• There should be good number of followers (in lakhs) of a particular sect.
• It should have Religious Holy Book like Bible, Kuran, Guru Grant Sahib, etc.
• It should contain religious governing system/structure.

All these qualities are readily available in our Barmati Panth, which are enumerated as under:-

• Firstly we have universal population of more than 4 lakhs believers of Barmati Panth.
• Secondly, our Genan (shastra) can be easily compiled into a Holy Book as like Tripitak (Buddhishm), Guru Granth Sahib (Sikkhism), etc.
• Thirdly, our Barmati Panth already has religious structure of ‘Barmati Panth’ being highest revered position. In other words, our religion is Panth centric and not person centric. Religious Pooja of Barai can be performed by any Auva (Harmaisar) irrespective of caste and creed. Thus, our complete faith rests on performing Barmati Panth Pooja and not priest. As regards religious governance, our Panth also possess mandatory provision of Religious Head post of ‘Pir Auva’, who is the supreme commander of our Barmati Panth. Further, provision of 2^nd Command i.e. ‘Adh Pir’ and 3^rd Command i.e. ‘Paa Pir’ is also imbibed in our Panth.

All the above three qualities empowers us to claim our sect as World Religion. However, getting just World Religion certification alone will not serve any purpose. Religion should be on the solid foundation of generating huge monetary funds for its social, religious and charitable activities. This concept of generating huge funds for religion contains in donating 10^th part of one’s income. Long ago, people of all major religions understood this tax concept and accorded their consent for donating tenth part of income as a compulsory contribution for governing the religious rule.

Almost every religion prescribes donating 10th part of income. Christianity calls it ‘Tithe’, Hinduism calls it ‘Dashamamsha’, Buddhism calls it ‘Dashans’, Judaism calls it ‘Ma’aher’, Islam calls it ‘Ushr or Zakat’. Sikkhism adopted this religious tax concept of keeping one-tenth of one’s income for spiritual purposes namely, ‘Dasvand’, which was initiated by their last revered Guru Gobind Singh (10th religious Guru of Sikkhism). Similarly, Barmati Panth also contains this fundamental religious fund collecting concept called ‘Dasond’. Interestingly, Ismaili Khojas calls this 10th part donation as ‘Dasond’ as well.

In Barmati Panth, visionary Lord Mamaidev has also prescribed this great provision of contributing 10^th part income donation in ‘Adharmi Jivenji Vagat’, which is reproduced as under:-

“DHARAM TANI DASOND Na RAKHE, AAROGIYE ASOORO ANN,
ADHARAM ME RE UTAAMNA, MAMAI BHANE MAISRIYA- SE JIV GHARI GHARAK THIYANT”.

Shockingly, despite this great provision of generating huge funds in Barmati Panth, no such implementation of Dasond (10^th part income donation) had been put into practice in real sense. Due to ignorance we are lacking behind in generating this tax for religious governance.

In this scenario, acquiring mere World Religion certification will not change living conditions of its followers. Prior to acquiring World Religion certification, we have to evolve a system where every Maheshwari must contribute atleast Rs.500/- per annum. For this, our AIMYF (Maheshwari Youth Federation) has one Agenda of forming “National Dasond Trust”, wherein “Pir Saheb” would be made as Ex-Officio Chairman of this trust and trustees comprising of various Samaj Presidents, reputed Auvas, Meghwars, Women, Nangsipotra, Maaraj, Government employees, etc. will be given place in this trust. Every two years there will be rotation of Trustees except Chairman (Pir Saheb). As soon as, we are able to implement this system of Dasond, which already have approval of great Mamaidev, we will work for acquiring World Religion Certification and by that time our Dasond Trust would have acquired crores of Rupees to the tune of more than Rs.10 crores annually (Rs.500 X 200000). Out of this total yearly contribution, 10% of its annual collection will be donated to ‘Pir Saheb’, ‘Adh Pir’ and ‘Paa Pir’ every year. Remaining 90% funds would be spent for developmental work of our society like constructing Schools, Colleges, Community Halls, interest free loans to needy persons, etc.

Imagine friends, this is the need of the hour, every religion is strongly implementing this income generating provision but we have still not implemented this concept only due to long ignorance. Now, time has ripe when Alakhdev is showing us way to transform our Barmati Panth into a World Religion, undoubtedly which possesses all the qualities of becoming one of the most powerful religions of the world, which indeed is on the threshold of becoming a world religion. I request all of you to please propagate this Dasond implementation message with your friends and relatives. This Dasond Trust will comprise people both from India and Pakistan.

Long live Barmati Panth, long live Maheshwari Youth Federation.

Jay Dhani Matang

Navin K. Bhoiya

(Your friend in Mission)



or read online on ePaper…

JAY DHANI MATANG DEV

MINUTES OF INAUGURAL MEETING FOR FORMATION OF ALL INDIA MAHESHWARI YOUTH FEDERATION (AIMYF) HELD ON 21.02.2010 (SUNDAY) AT 11.00 A.M. AT BAGTHADA TEMPLE, ANJAR (KACHCHH).

PRESENT

Around 200 youths representing entire Kachchh District i.e. Gandhidham, Adipur, Anjar, Mundra, Mandvi, Naliya, Bhuj, Nakhatrana including youths from villages like Nani Khakhar, Rayan (Mandvi), Kukma, Lakhond (Bhuj), Moti Nagalpur, Chandia, Dudhai, Sinugra, Ningar (Anjar), etc.

This first meeting of proposed All India Maheshwari  Youth Federation (AIMYF) was presided over by Shri Navin Kishanchand Bhoiya, resident of Gandhidham (Kachchh).

Initiating the discussions, Shri Navin Bhoiya chanted Ludang Dev Arji and requested all gathered people to first listen Agendas of proposed AIMYF and offer comments for modification in Agendas, if any, one by one.

It was apprised to all that this concept of forming National level organization is based on the fact that our Maheshwari Meghwar community comprises national population of more than 4 lakhs, out of which the District of Kachchh alone comprises more than 2.50 lakhs and nearby locations like Saurashtra, Jamnagar, Ahmedabad, Mumbai etc. also possesses good presence. Despite this huge human resource, we do not have our national organization, where our people can assemble under one umbrella. It is therefore very essential that there should be our own National Organization for uniting our brethrens for socio-economic developments of our community. This Federation will be a Non-Political and Secular organization and will function as a Central Command Body of our community, wherein various social-cum-educational activities will be performed through State – District – Taluka and Village levels. Various State Units/Chapters will be formed at Saurashtra, Jamnagar, Ahmedabad, Mumbai etc.

Following activities of AIMYF were taken for discussion as under:-

1. Daily newspapers in Gujarati/English languages.

As our population in Kachchh District is more than 2.50 lakhs and total Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe community comprises very good population, it is inevitable to run our own daily newspaper for propagating our unification message and giving proper place to our cause in print media arena. This daily newspaper will be bilingual i.e. Gujarati and English languages, which would be probably the first bilingual newspaper in Kachchh District.

2. Constructing various Schools in English/Gujarati mediums at most required locations.

Proper implementation of human resource of more than 4 lakhs people will enable us to generate huge funds. This huge fund will be utilized to run our own Schools in English/Gujarati mediums at deserving places for imparting quality education to the students of all castes and religion. Preference will be given to village students.

3. Construction of Night School/College at District level so that deserving boys/girls of poor families also get education.

It is observed that due to poverty, many children/youths are not able to pursue their education due to lack of time to attend Day School/College. In order to enable these students from poor families, Night School and Night College will be operated by AIMYF encouraging all such students, of all castes and religions, to gain quality education.

4. Construction of Boys and Girls Hostels.

In order to facilitate Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Boys & Girls to gain maximum benefit of education, Boys and Girls Hostels for SC/ST students will be operated by AIMYF at appropriate places.

5. English speaking classes at Village levels.

Our village students are still lacking behind in English speaking skills. In order to promote English speaking abilities to our village students, English Speaking Classes will be operated by AIMYF at village levels comprising one Institute for every 10 villages for which remuneration or salary will be paid to Teacher/Trainer by AIMYF.

6. Issuing Scholarships to outstanding meritorious students.

AIMYF will grant scholarships to outstanding meritorious students of our community enabling them to acquire higher education. Preference will be given to meritorious students of poor families.

7. Motivating students for pursuing higher studies and doing Ph.D in various subjects.

It is seen that not a single person of our community has acquired Doctorate Degree (Ph.D). Therefore, efforts will be initiated by AIMYF to motivate learned students of our community to pursue Ph.D. on various subjects.

8. Sponsoring students for higher studies in reputed National/International Universities.

AIMYF will reserve appropriate funds for sponsoring deserving students of our community to acquire higher education in reputed National/International Universities. Screening committee will finalize names of students by selecting extremely efficient students.

9. Compilation of our entire Ginan literature of Barmati Panth and acquiring patent on discourses of Mamaidev. It will be done through calling learned Matangs and erudite people.

Our heritage of Barmati Panth Ginan literature is rich and varied but the same has not been compiled as on date. Different Matang Auvas and erudite people possess great collection of Ginan but it lacks orderly continuity. Therefore, AIMYF will initiate work of compilation of our entire Ginan literature through learned Matangs and erudite people and also acquiring patent on these discourses so that our ginan discourses are not stolen by any vested interests.

10. Organizing Ginan Classes for imparting our Barmati Panth discourses to willing students/persons through conducting periodic classes.

AIMYF will organize Ginan classes at various places to facilitate our community people and young students to learn discourses of Mamaidev for building moral character.

11. Formation of our own Cooperative Banks.

AIMYF will build, operate and manage Co-operative Banks through which various loans will be disbursed to our community people and other SC/ST community brethrens. If our people will operate Savings and Salary account in these Cooperative Banks, huge income can be generated, which will be ultimately utilized for the betterment of our Society.

12. Forming various Co-Operative Housing Societies for needy and poor people.

AIMYF will build, operate and manage various Co-operative Housing Societies. Through which low-cost houses will be constructed for needy and poor people of our community. Preference will be given to destitute people.

13. Disbursement of loans to poor people at a marginal rate of interest.

It is seen that many people are taking loans from moneylenders at high rate of interest to meet with inevitable expenses like marriage of one’s daughter, bearing unprecedented hospital expenses, etc. However, these moneylenders take undue benefit from these people by charging exorbitant rate of monthly interest. To curb this menace, AIMYF will lend loans to needy people at a very nominal rate of interest to safeguard our needy persons.

14. Creation of libraries.

It is said that library is a place of character building. AAIMDF will build many libraries of worthy books, so as to enable our community readers to acquaint themselves with exhaustive encyclopedic knowledge.

15. Personality Development.

AIMYF will organize Personality Development Classes from time to time, so that our youths can be taught intricate aspects involving Personality Development.

16. Competitive Exam Training Centre for imparting training to our youths for Banking/Staff Selection Examination and UPSC Civil Services Examinations.

As the SC/ST community is safeguarded by constitutional right of ‘Reservations’, our people can appear for UPSC exams upto attaining the age of 35 years. Despite this age relaxation, not a single Maheshwary Meghwar student has been able to successfully clear UPSC Final exams. Therefore, AIMYF will operate Competitive Exam Training Centre at District headquarter, so as to impart necessary coaching to our youths and other SC/ST community brothers for successfully passing Banking/Staff Selection Board competitive examinations and UPSC Civil Services Examinations.

17. Various programs for Health Awareness.

AIMYF will launch various health awareness programs for enabling our community to maintain healthy body and mind.

18. To avail maximum benefit from Central/State Governments as applicable to Charitable Organization.

AIMYF will work in such a manner that all the benefits of prevalent Schemes applicable to SC/ST communities will be availed from Central as well as State Governments.

19. To acquire Section 80-G Certification under Income Tax Act, 1961 for tax benefit to Donors.

As per Section 80-G of Income Tax Act, 1961, payment to any Charitable Organization is exempted from paying income tax to Government of India. AIMYF will ensure to get registration of Section 80-G from Income Tax Authorities facilitating our donors to get tax benefit.

20. Organizing our Federation’s National Convention every year.

AIMYF will arrange National Conventions every year so that our community people residing in every nook and corner of country can assemble at one place under one platform wherein important topics concerning development of our community will be taken for discussion. Learned speakers and renowned guests will be invited to grace the occasion. In the national convention, yearly events undertaken by Federation will be apprised and brain storming sessions for future activities will be discussed upon.

21. Forming Executive Bodies at Saurashtra, Jamnagar, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Mumbai and all places where our people reside.

After acquiring registration of our Federation, various meetings will be conducted at Saurashtra, Jamnagar, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Mumbai, etc. and efforts will be taken to include all our community brethrens under our Federation for practically making it a true National level Federation.

22. Talent Search – Selecting talented youths/persons of our community and providing them every help to hone talent.

AIMYF will form Talent Search Committees at various places to identify talented youths/persons of our community and efforts will be taken to provide opportunities to our talented youths in the fields of arts, science and literature thereby enabling them to excel in life.

23. Conducting Sports, Athletics, Arts & Entertainment events for our youths.

AIMYF will conduct Sports & Athletics events for our youths at District, State and National levels. Apart from this, promotion will also be given to Arts & Entertainment for overall development of our youths.

24. Updating history of our Religious Gurus and ensuring that their actual good deeds are properly recorded in the books of history.

It is observed that historians have not given proper place to our religious gurus. History of Kachchh owes much to Matangdev, Ludangdev, Mataidev, Mamaidev, etc. as the Jadaja clan was able to form their rule in Kachchh due to overall help and support extended by our great gurus from time to time. Despite this fact, historians are not highlighting sacrifice of our gurus in the books of history. As per our mamaidev’s Ginan discourses, Matangdev fought a fierce battle with Haiderkhan Pastan alongwith Abda Jiyani. However, historians are silent on many such historical facts concerning our religion. Book written by Rushbrook Williams ‘The Black Hills’, also did not mention great deeds of our gurus. Even the ‘Kutch Itihas Parishad’ is not taking concrete steps to provide proper place and respect to actual deeds of our religious gurus.

It is, therefore, decided that AIMYF will form expert committee of learned people for updating history of our Religion and Great Gurus and ensuring that their actual good deeds are properly recorded in the books of history.

25. Enabling our community to share views, opinions on various Forums and Assemblies organized by different Associations/Institutions at State, District, National and International level.

AIMYF will depute our community’s learned people to represent our religion in debates and seminars organized by reputed Associations/Institutions at State, District, National and International level.

26. Spreading message of ‘Dasond’ (donating 10^th part of Income) implementation for collecting huge Religious Donations worth crores of rupees annually and disbursing 10% of its total collection amongst our mandatory Religious Head posts like Lalan Peer, Adh Peer and Paa Peer.

Almost every religion prescribes donating 10th part of income. Christianity calls it ‘tithe’, Hinduism calls it ‘dashamamsha’, Buddhism – dashans, Judaism – ma’aher, Shikhism – dasvand, Islam – ushr or zakat and the Ismaili Khojas calls it ‘Dasond’. This culture of tithe or tenth part of income was made compulsory for governing the religious rule. Long ago, people of all major religions understood this tax concept and accorded their consent for its implementation. Sikkhism also adopted this religious tax concept of keeping one-tenth of one’s income for spiritual purposes namely, ‘Dasvand’, which was initiated by the 10th religious Guru- Great Guru Gobind SinghJi. Similarly, Ismaili Khojas also calls this 10th part donation as ‘Dasond’, as we all know that their religion is in very close proximity with our Barmati Panth for some historical reasons.

Our Barmati Panth religion also contains this fundamental religious concept called ‘Dasond’. Lord Mamaidev Ginan stanzas of Dasond are as under:-

DHARAM TANI DASOND Na RAKHI,

AAROGIYE ASOORO ANN,

ADHARAM ME RE UTAAMNA,

MAMAIDEV BHANE – SE JIV GHARI GHARAK THIYANT.

Having regard to the above factual position, despite this great provision of generating huge funds, our religion lacks behind in generating this tax for religious governance. In fact, Mamaidev had kept mandatory post of ‘Lalan Pir’, ‘Adhh Pir’, and ‘Paa Pir’ which never leaves unfilled. As such, this tax contribution of 10th part of income can do wonders in our religion if it is made compulsory.

AIMYF will propagate this message of ‘Dasond’ implementation from all corners for generating huge funds. Out of which, 10% of its total yearly collection will be distributed to our ‘Lalan Pir’, ‘Adhh Pir’, and ‘Paa Pir’, so that they may lead a good illustrious life and the balance amount will be utilized for social development works of our community.

27. Forming Legal Cell comprising of learned Advocates to file and/or defend the interests of our community and Federation before various legal Forums.

AIMYF will form Legal Cell comprising of learned Advocates, so as to enable our Federation to file and/or defend the interests of our community and Federation before various legal Forums. Efforts will also be taken to secure legal aid from State and Central Government Schemes in this regard.

28. Arranging Counseling Centres at prominent locations for eradicating social evils from our community through psychological means.

Mental stress is a common illness nowadays. Due to which many unwholesome acts are occurring in our community. Instances of divorce, engagement break-up, suicide, etc. are occurring due to lack of proper guidance. In order to minimize these social evils, AIMYF will arrange Counseling Centres at prominent locations for eradicating such social evils from our community through psychological means.

29. Paying remuneration/Salary to unemployed youths who will be recruited/hired as teachers/trainers and other such professionals.

AIMYF will pay remuneration or salary to teachers/trainers/professionals of various proposed enterprises of Federation. By this way, our Federation will generate some employment opportunities for our unemployed youths.

30. Arranging Matrimonial Bureau facilitating our community’s boys and girls to select partner of their choice.

Finding a partner of choice for matrimonial tie is an important aspect in the life of Bachelors. AIMYF will arrange Matrimonial Bureau facilitating our community’s boys and girls to select partner of their choice.

31. Creating Old Age Home for destitute peoples.

All aged peoples are not blessed with good children. Some children do not give due respect to their parents. Many elder citizens of our community are living a very hard life. In order to provide them good shelter, food and basic amenities of life, AIMYF will build, operate and maintain Old Age Home for destitute elder people of our community.

32. Any other such social philanthropic activity or activities as may come to light from time to time.

Generating Income for Federation:

1. Annual Membership Fee of Rs.100/- from our members.

After detailed deliberations, it was unanimously decided that annual membership fee of Rs.100/- will be collected from our members. Efforts will be initiated to make as many members as possible.

2. Income generated through circulation of newspaper.

Considering our population of more than 2.50 lakhs in Kachchh, securing one lakh members is not impossible at all. Members of AIMYF will be our newspaper subscribers. If the cost of paper is Rs.2/-, Federation can generate Rs.2/- lakhs per day against one lakh circulation and income from advertisement will also be a good source of earning. It was therefore decided to give top most priority for circulating our newspaper and making as many subscribers as possible. Initially, this paper will be fortnightly and gradually it will be converted into daily newspaper.

3. Arranging Ginan Kathas at prominent locations.

Ginan Kathas will be organized by AIMYF at Taluka level and at prominent village locations through learned Matang Gurus and erudite Meghwar Kathakars, where people will be appealed to donate generously for materializing above charitable works.

4. Donations from wealthy peoples of our community.

Rich and wealthy people of our community and government employees will be approached for generous donations.

5. Arranging Charity Entertainment Shows for generating funds.

AIMYF will organize Charity Entertainment Shows by calling reputed Orchestra Party Groups for entertainment and generating funds for welfare activities.

6. Income from fees to be collected from our own School/College/Hostel, Cooperative Bank, etc.

After construction of our School, College, Hostel, Banks, etc., its income will be entirely utilized for social welfare activities.

7. Any other source of Income as may come to light from time to time.

It was unanimously decided to give top most priority to run our own community newspaper so that our unification message can be conveyed to one and all and it can also be made as our Federation’s good source of income at the initial stage. All the above developmental activities will be undertaken in phased manner depending upon funds available with the Federation.

After detailed deliberations, following Conveners/Co-conveners were nominated at Taluka levels:

Mr. Ashish Bherya, Commercial Pilot, Convener-Bhuj

Mr. Damji Muchadiya, Cyber Café, Co-Convener-Bhuj

Mr. Damji Dhela, M.A., Convener-Gandhidham

Mr. Nitin Jepar, Computer Institute, Convener-Naliya

Mr. B.D. Sinch, Talati – Convener-Naliya.

Mr. Amrut Vada, BA, LLB, ITI, MBA (HR), Convener-Mandvi

Mr. Khimji P. Sindhav, Government service, Convener-Anjar

The meeting ended with vote of thanks.

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