Jain Bhawan: Its Aims and Objects

Summary

‘Jain Bhawan: its aims and objects’ outlines the history, mission and activities of Jain Bhawan, a cultural and educational institution founded in 1945 in Kolkata. The organisation was established by prominent members of the Jain community to keep the stream of Jain philosophy and religion flowing steadily in eastern India and to present Jainism rationally to the world. Its objectives include establishing the greatness of Jainism, spreading its glory in the light of new knowledge, developing intellectual and moral pursuits in society, imparting lessons on Jainism among the people and encouraging research into Jain religion and philosophy. The article lists the programmes through which Jain Bhawan pursues these goals. A school called Jain Shikshalaya provides education to about 550 students with 25 teachers, following the West Bengal Board curriculum and integrating moral education into its syllabus. Vocational and physical classes offer training in tailoring, embroidery, yoga, judo and karate, not only for students but also for members of the wider community. The institution maintains a library containing more than 10,000 books on Jainism, Jain literature and philosophy and about 3,000 rare manuscripts; it subscribes to around a hundred journals and periodicals from around the world to keep members abreast of contemporary thinking. Jain Bhawan publishes three journals—Jain Journal in English, Titthayara in Hindi and Sramana in Bengali—providing forums for scholarly articles and has carved out a niche in the field of Jain studies. To promote discussion and academic exchange, Jain Bhawan organises seminars and symposia where eminent scholars, laureates and professors lecture on Jain philosophy, literature and the Jain way of life. It offers scholarships to researchers and publishes books on Jain philosophy and history, including translations such as the Bhagavati Sutra in English and Hindi works like Panchadarshi. Recognising the importance of modern technology, a computer centre opened in 1998 to teach programming and graphics, enabling students to connect with educational organisations worldwide and propagate Jainism through websites and email. Finally, the article notes that Jain Bhawan runs a research centre in Jainology and Prakrit Research Institute to encourage students and scholars to conduct research on various aspects of Jainism. The article ends with an appeal for continued support, emphasising that the institution acts as a philosopher and guide in a society filled with contradictions and violence and that public participation is essential for its future endeavours.