A preacher of Jainism, Paras Mehta has dedicated her life to teaching and serving others. With a strong foundation in Jain teachings, she empowers individuals of all ages by imparting essential life skills and spiritual wisdom. Inspired by her father-in-law's emphasis on education, Paras Mehta believes in the transformative power of giving and urges everyone to help those in need. Through her teachings, she fosters self-awareness and a deeper understanding of one's soul, championing the principles of kindness and non-violence that lie at the heart of Jainism.

Homemaker Paras Mehta is a Jainism Preacher from Chittorgarh.

Paras Mehta completed her MA at Kishangarh Girls College and has been dedicated to her responsibilities as a housewife for the past 40 years, realizing the importance of serving her in-laws after marriage.

Paras Mehta has a deep interest in Jainism, which has led her to teach the doctrine to individuals ranging from 10 to 60 years old. During ‘Chaturmas’, a significant period for Jains, she dedicates herself to teaching and spiritual practices, finding immense joy in the act of giving. Mehta has been spreading the teachings of Jainism for the past 8 to 10 years. Additionally, she extends her help to rural women, particularly those who lost their loved ones during COVID or are divorced, assisting them with their needs. Mehta strongly believes in the transformative power of giving.

In her class, Paras Mehta teaches young children important life skills, including how to sit, stand, and lead their lives properly. She also explains the difference between living and non-living beings, emphasizing that plants and flowers, being living entities, can feel pain when plucked. She introduces complex Jain concepts such as the difference between ‘Lok’ and ‘Alok’ (the Jain Cosmology), the nature of the ‘Devtas’ (divine beings) and their various types, and even talks about Bhagwan Shrikrishna and discusses how Dwarka was constructed and then destroyed. Jainism, as she highlights, is a vast subject with many layers of teachings.

"In Jainism, penance holds great significance," says Paras Mehta. She elaborates that in Jainism, if one commits a wrongdoing but later realizes their mistake and takes steps to correct them, their bad karma is mitigated. Mehta emphasizes the importance of ensuring that we do not indulge in violence or cause harm to others, urging us to focus on our karmas, which include speaking and acting with kindness. She refers to Gandhi's three monkeys: see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil—suggesting that hurting others with our words is also a form of violence. Mehta sheds light upon the lessons learned in Jainism which focus on overall development of an individual and their personality. She claims the principles of Jainsim are based on science.

Mehta’s father-in-law, recognizing her passion for education, encouraged her to pursue an MA in English. He placed a strong emphasis on education, ensuring that his children achieved academic success. His daughter pursued a B.Ed and M.Ed, his son became a doctor, and Mehta’s husband qualified as a CA. Paras Mehta recalls how, even during those times, education, especially for the females, remained a top priority for him.

Identifying her interest in Jainism, Paras Mehta’s father-in-law introduced her to the 32 Shastras, which she continues to study after his passing. Mehta emphasizes that all religions share a core principle: treating others as you would treat yourself. She highlights the philosophy of non-violence, the teachings of Christ to treat others with empathy, and Buddha’s focus on understanding the suffering of others. Paras Mehta believes that while the paths may differ, the ultimate goal of all the religions is the same. She reflects on the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, suggesting that had figures like the Kauravas and Ravana understood others' pain, conflicts might have been avoided.

Paras Mehta encourages people to deeply understand themselves and their souls, believing that self-awareness is essential for understanding others. "If you don’t understand yourself, you will never understand others," she says. Mehta emphasizes that God isn't found in places of worship like mosques or temples but within one's soul. She advises reading good books, following wise and knowledgeable people, and practicing discipline to foster this connection with oneself. Additionally, Mehta underscores the distinction between body and soul, referring to this as karma, and stresses the importance of focusing on good deeds.

Reflecting on her early days, Mehta says she was born in Kishangarh, a city in the Ajmer district. She praises her parents and recalls being raised by her grandmother. While her grandmother was strong, her mother was innocent, and she feels she has inherited both these qualities. After completing her education, Mehta got married in 1983 and moved to Chittorgarh. She feels fortunate to have married into a loving family with good in-laws. Mehta is proud of her daughter and son, who have carried forward the values instilled in them by her in-laws.

Paras Mehta pursued a degree in Economics and successfully cleared the banking entrance exam. However, after marriage, she chose to prioritize taking care of her in-laws and serving them. For Mehta, service comes first, whether it’s for humans or animals, and she encourages others to embrace the same value. She urges everyone to assist those who are unable to help themselves.

When asked about her role models, Paras Mehta expresses admiration for her father, who used to communicate in English even in those times 55 years ago. She recalls how one of his friends, an advocate, encouraged him to pursue further education. Her father opposed her grandmother's wishes by not marrying her off early and instead prioritized her education, also allowing her to participate in sports—an unusual choice for girls at the time. Thanks to him, she could play badminton in Ajmer. Mehta is also thankful for her husband’s unwavering support, which helped shape her personality and enabled her to instil strong values in their children through proper education.

Paras Mehta finds motivation in the 'Navakar Mantra,' which she recites each morning. She also seeks the blessings of her parents and the elderly, considering this practice her life mantra.

Mehta aims to assist those who cannot read, guiding them to explore their inner selves and grasp the significance and teachings of Jainism.