Dear Friends,
Jai Jinendra.
As per an estimate there are more than 2 crore people in India are Jain but the Census of India always shows a different picture (Census 2001: 44 Lakh). But this is not a real figure because:
1. 80% of Jains do not write 'Jain' as their surname; they use their Gotras or Upjati or any other title as surname.
2. Most Jains are ignorant while filling the Census Data, census surveyors normally do not write 'Jain' as your religion until and unless you are using "Jain" as surname or until you specifically ask them to put 'Jain' in column of religion.
3. A fair number of Jains still believe that Jainism is a part/branch of a major religion in India, Jainism is not an independent region so they have been mentioning themselves as 'Hindu'.
Even after these adversities, Jain surname is among top 20 surnames in India, approximately 20 lakh people are using Jain as their surname.
If you are not using now, we request you to start using Jain as your surname and also inspire others to do the same. If all the 2 crore Jains start writing Jain as surname, what will happen:
1. Census data will reflect real strength of Jains so the policy makers will keep us in mind while devising policies.
2. Jain will come among top 3 surnames in India.
3. Jains will have their say in Government.
4. many more.....
How to change your name in India: click
If you like this initiative do forward to other Jains in your touch.
Regards
Vidyasagar Seva Sangh (Vises)
Mumbai
How to Change Your Name Legally in India
Whether you wish to change your last name after marriage or simply want to take on a new name for some other reason, the procedure for legal name change in India is straightforward, but somewhat time consuming. It may take up to 6 months and may involve a few trips to local offices to get all your documents in order and attested. There are also fees associated with every step in the process.
Instructions
- 1Request the name change by filing an application with the First Class Magistrate's office which has jurisdiction in your area of residence. They will also attest your affadavit. You could also get your affidavit attested by a notary or oath commissioner. If you are an Indian living abroad, then the affidavit needs to be attested by the respective Indian Embassy or Indian High Commission.
- 2On a blank sheet of paper, type out the details as specified in the reference document 2, furnishing details including your old name, the new name you wish to adopt, your father's or husband's name and address, and your employer's name. Sign this Proforma in the presence of two witnesses and have them sign the document as well.
- 3Advertise in one of the daily local newspapers, mentioning your father's or husband's name and address, and your intention to change your name. Be sure to acquire an original of this advertisement as it appears in the paper.
- 4You may either take in person or send by registered post the following--the original advertisement, original Proforma, attested affidavit, and two attested passport photographs. Pay the fee for having your change of name published in the Gazette of India Part IV. The amount (in the range of Rs. 700 as of 2009) will need to be submitted in advance, in cash or by Demand Draft/Indian Postal Order drawn in favor of Controller of Publication, Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi-54. All of the above mentioned documents will have to be sent to the same address.
- 5Obtain copies of the official gazette where your change of name has been published and use it as proof of your name change wherever necessary. Two extra copies can be obtained for an extra fee of around Rs. 35 per copy. For Indians living abroad, the cost of advertising change of name in the Gazette of India is Rs. - 2300/- including international postage.
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Tips & Warnings
- According to a Times of India report,a proposed amendment to the existing Registration of Births and Deaths Act will make it impossible to have your name changed more than once in India. So, be sure to give your name change careful consideration.
