Jain Bhawan: Its Aims and Objects

Summary

The article outlines the genesis and programmes of **Jain Bhawan**, an institution founded in Calcutta in 1945 to promote Jain philosophy and religion. Established by prominent Jains in the city’s Burrabazar area, it has been a cultural beacon in eastern India for more than fifty‑eight years. Its objectives are to rationally establish the greatness of Jainism, spread its glory through new knowledge, cultivate intellectual, moral and literary pursuits, impart lessons on Jainism and encourage researchhttps://jainqq.org/pagetext/Jain_Journal_2004_10/520156/27#:~:text=Since%20the%20establishment%20of%20the,following%20programmes%20in%20various%20fields. To fulfil these aims the Bhawan runs several programmes: (1) **School** – the Jain Śikṣālaya educates about 550 students under the state syllabus and integrates moral educationhttps://jainqq.org/pagetext/Jain_Journal_2004_10/520156/27#:~:text=1,550%20students%20and%2025%20teachers; (2) **Vocational and physical classes** – courses in tailoring, embroidery, fine arts, judo, karate and yoga cater to both students and community membershttps://jainqq.org/pagetext/Jain_Journal_2004_10/520156/27#:~:text=2,of%20Burra%20Bazar%20of%20Calcutta; (3) **Library** – housing more than 10 000 books on Jainism and 3 000 rare manuscripts and subscribing to about 100 periodicalshttps://jainqq.org/pagetext/Jain_Journal_2004_10/520156/27#:~:text=3.%20Library%3A%20,in%20the%20study%20of%20Jainism; (4) **Periodicals** – the Bhawan publishes three journals—*Jain Journal* (English), *Titthayara* (Hindi) and *Śrāmana* (Bengali)—edited by Professor Satya Ranjan Banerjee and widely acclaimedhttps://jainqq.org/pagetext/Jain_Journal_2004_10/520156/27#:~:text=5,which%20is%20being%20published%20for; (5) **Seminars and symposia** – bringing together scholars to discuss Jain philosophy and the Jain way of lifehttps://jainqq.org/pagetext/Jain_Journal_2004_10/520156/28#:~:text=crossed%20many%20milestones%20and%20are,7; (6) **Scholarships and research grants** – supporting researchers in Jain philosophyhttps://jainqq.org/pagetext/Jain_Journal_2004_10/520156/28#:~:text=77%20The%20Bhawan%20also%20grants,mentioned%20academic%20and%20scholastic%20activities; (7) **Publications** – producing works such as the *Bhagavatī Sūtra* (English translation), *Barsāt kī Rāt*, *Pañcadarśī*, *Bangal kā Adi Dharma* and othershttps://jainqq.org/pagetext/Jain_Journal_2004_10/520156/28#:~:text=8,in%20Different%20States%20of%20India; (8) **Computer centre** – opened in February 1998 to provide computer training and connect the Bhawan with global educational networkshttps://jainqq.org/pagetext/Jain_Journal_2004_10/520156/28#:~:text=9,Besides%20the; (9) **Research centre** – the Jainology and Prakrit Research Institute fosters advanced study of Jainismhttps://jainqq.org/pagetext/Jain_Journal_2004_10/520156/28#:~:text=It%20is%2C%20in%20fact%2C%20a,on%20any%20aspects%20of%20Jainism. The article urges continued support from the community, emphasising that the Bhawan acts as a guide and moral compass in a world marred by violence and contradictionshttps://jainqq.org/pagetext/Jain_Journal_2004_10/520156/28#:~:text=In%20a%20society%20infested%20with,lend%20us%20your%20generous%20support.