Jain Bhawan: Its aims and objects

Summary

“Jain Bhawan: Its Aims and Objects” outlines the history and activities of Jain Bhawan, a cultural and educational institution founded in 1945 in Calcutta’s Burra Bazar by prominent members of the Jain community. The article explains that the organisation was created to rationally present the greatness of Jainism to the world, to encourage intellectual and moral pursuits in society, to teach Jain values to the public and to foster research in Jain religion and philosophy. Over more than five decades, Jain Bhawan has translated these aims into a wide array of programmes that serve both the community and the general public. Education is a central focus. Jain Bhawan runs the Jain Shikshalaya, a school with around 550 students and 25 teachers that follows the West Bengal Board curriculum while incorporating moral education rooted in Jain principles. Recognising changing social needs, the institution also offers vocational and physical classes in crafts such as tailoring, embroidery, judo, karate and yoga, not only for its own students but also for the wider community. A well‑equipped library with over 10,000 books on Jainism and about 3,000 rare manuscripts is described as a “treasure trove,” and the article notes that catalogues of these holdings are available to researchers. Publishing and dissemination of knowledge are other key missions. Jain Bhawan subscribes to about 100 journals from around the world and publishes three periodicals: the English‑language “Jain Journal,” the Hindi research monthly “Titthayara,” and the Bengali monthly “Śramaṇa.” Edited by scholars such as Professor Satya Ranjan Banerjee and Mrs Lata Bothra, these journals have achieved international acclaim and have been instrumental in propagating Jain philosophy. The organisation also publishes books and pamphlets on Jain doctrine, history and literature; examples listed include critical editions of the Bhagavatī Sūtra, translations like “Barsāt ki Rat” and “Panchadarśī,” and works on early Jain history. To support scholars, the Bhawan organises seminars and symposia, grants scholarships for research in Jain studies and provides facilities for visiting academics. The article mentions the establishment of a computer centre in February 1998, reflecting an early recognition of the importance of digital communication and the internet for spreading Jain teachings. This centre allows Jain Bhawan to connect with educational and cultural organisations globally and enhances its own activities with programming and graphic design training. A research centre devoted to Prakrit and Jainism encourages students to undertake original projects. In closing, the article appeals to readers for continued support, emphasising that the institution’s blend of education, research and service aligns with Jain values of knowledge and compassion.