Maneka Gandhi’s statement on peacock feathers absurd: Tarachand Jain

Shatrughn Prasad

Deoghar 

 Maneka Gandhi has sparked controversy with her statement regarding the use of picchi (whisk) made of peacock feathers by Jain saints. The remark has deeply hurt and angered the entire Jain community across the country.

Tarachand Jain, Chairman of the Jharkhand State Digambar Jain Religious Trust Board, has strongly condemned Maneka Gandhi’s statement. He described it as completely baseless.

Maneka Gandhi had claimed that Jain monks who use picchi are responsible for the killing of lakhs of peacocks. Tarachand Jain called this statement not only absurd but also a sign of her “mental bankruptcy”.

Shri Jain further stated:

“The fundamental principle of Jainism is Ahimsa (non-violence). This has been accepted by our great sages and scholars. Jain monks carry only two items with them — a kamandal (water pot) for purification and a picchi to protect small creatures like ants and insects. They use the picchi to gently sweep the place before sitting. The picchi made from peacock feathers is extremely soft and causes no harm to the birds.”

Refuting her claim that peacocks are killed for their feathers, Jain clarified:

“Peacocks naturally shed their feathers twice a year. These naturally shed feathers are used to make picchi. Therefore, Maneka Gandhi’s allegations are entirely false and misleading.”

“I strongly oppose Menka Gandhi’s statement. May Bhagwan Mahavir forgive her,” said Jain.

He also appealed to social organisations not to invite =Gandhi to their programmes.