Jain Bhawan: Its Aims and Objects

Summary

This article outlines the history, aims and programmes of the Jain Bhawan, an institution established in 1945 in Calcutta to promote Jain philosophy and culture. Its objectives include establishing the greatness of Jainism rationally, developing intellectual and literary pursuits, teaching Jain principles to the public and encouraging research. To realise these goals, the Bhawan runs a broad range of programmes. It operates the Jain Shikshalaya, a school that follows West Bengal Board curricula while emphasizing moral education; vocational and physical classes in crafts and martial arts to meet modern needs; and a well‑stocked library containing over 10,000 books and about 3,000 rare manuscripts on Jainism. The library also subscribes to around 100 periodicals from around the world and supports scholars through a research centre known as the Jainology and Prakrit Research Institute. The Bhawan publishes journals such as the English‑language Jain Journal and the Bengali journal Śramaṇa, both edited by respected scholars, and organises seminars and symposia to facilitate scholarly exchange. It grants scholarships to researchers, publishes books and papers on Jainism, and runs a computer training centre to promote self‑reliance and facilitate communication with educational organisations worldwide. The article emphasises that the Bhawan acts as a guide to a society beset by contradictions and violence, and it appeals for continued support so that the institution can sustain its creative and scholastic endeavours.