News on Jainism around the world

Summary

The “News on Jainism around the world” section compiles several reports highlighting preservation issues, community events and individual achievements within the global Jain community. One report describes the neglected bas‑relief panel of Lord Mahāvīra at Satyamangalam, Tamil Nadu. The Archaeological Survey of India was supposed to protect this thousand‑year‑old carving, but the protective board has disappeared. Film crews painted over the relief for a song sequence, and local villagers were left to scrub away the garish colours. The author appeals to authorities to safeguard such priceless heritage. Another item recounts the revival of a 200‑year‑old Jain temple in Kolanpak, Nalgonda district. Acharya Sri Rajyesh Surishwarji travelled over a thousand kilometres to install eight newly crafted idols; devotees from neighbouring villages lined the streets to witness the procession. The temple has been under renovation since 1990, and community leaders organised an anna‑prasād (communal meal) for villagers and distributed provisions and school supplies to mark the consecration. In his sermon the Acharya emphasised tyāga (sacrifice) and non‑injury, urging followers to help others and avoid harming any living being. Government officials praised the Jain community’s contributions to health and education. A third report focuses on the Sittannavasal cave temple in Pudukottai district, whose ancient Jain frescoes and monks’ meditation beds are threatened by granite quarrying and vandalism. Scholars warn that without an immediate ban on quarrying, these rare treasures could collapse and be lost forever. The final piece is a profile of Dr Anupam Jain, a modern Jaina mathematician. Educated at the Digambara Jaina Institute of Cosmographic Research, he has authored three books—Jambūdvipa Pariśīlana, Mahāvīrācārya: Ek Samīkṣātmaka Adhyayana and Philosopher Mathematicians—and more than thirty research articles. He edits the journal Arhat Vacana and is active in national and international academic societies. Anupam Jain delivers lectures on the history of mathematics, participates in scientific conferences and advocates for recognising the contributions of Jain scholars. He credits his interest in Jain mathematics to exposure to works like the Dhavalā and Jaina Siddhānta Bhāskara during his youth. Honoured with titles such as Jñānāvaridhi and Śrutaśrī, he continues to promote Jain mathematical heritage. Together, these news items underscore both the fragility of Jain heritage sites and the vibrancy of contemporary Jain scholarship and community life.