News Digest

Summary

This issue's News Digest section highlights prominent achievements, events, and cultural contributions within the Jain community, spanning literature, architecture, archaeology, awards, sports, and societal initiatives. National Recognition and Community Leadership: i) Mr. Gyan Chand Jain was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the President of India during Republic Day 2002 celebrations. ii) He is the chairman and co-founder (with Late Padmashri Shantilal Jain) of the Chintamani Pārśvanātha Temple in Haridwar. iii) A trained electronic engineer and head of BPB Publishing House, he is also a writer and philanthropist, having founded schools and hospitals in Delhi. Youth Achievement in Sports: i) Deepak Chougule, a 13-year-old Jain cricketer from Belgaum, Karnataka, represented India in the World Junior Cricket Tournament in New Zealand (January 2002). ii) He trained in Australia via the National Cricket Academy and previously played in Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Bangladesh. Literary Contribution: i) Dr. H.S. Madanakesari released his book Jain Culture and Literature in Bangalore. ii) The release was officiated by Dr. Vajranabh, Professor Emeritus of Plant Genetics. iii) Dr. Madanakesari is known for works on Jain history, literature, and rituals. Academic and Archaeological Insights: i) Dr. Hampana, Professor Emeritus, Bangalore University, gave a lecture titled "Indra in Jain Architecture" at the L.D. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad. ii) He also led an archaeological expedition at Mulagundha, North Karnataka, unearthing Jain inscriptions and a Pārśva image (c. 850 C.E.). iii) The site thrived under the Vatagana order and Jain patrons like Pārśva and Arasarya, linked to the Calukya and Rashtrakuta rule. Awards and Religious Appointments: i) Prof. B.K. Kadabadi received the Sri Siddhāntakīrti Award (2001–2002) from the Humcha Jain Matha for his scholarly contributions. ii) Monk Nirṇaya Sāgar, born Dinesh (1967, Rajasthan), was honored with the Upādhyā title by Ācārya Vidyānandji on 17 Feb 2002 in Delhi. iii) He was initiated in 1989 after advanced studies in Prakrit and Sanskrit. Global Literary Outreach: i) The Samana Suttam, a modern āgamic collation inspired by Ācārya Bhave, was translated into Italian by Claudia Pastorino and published in May 2001. ii) Pastorino is also known for her poetry and advocacy of animal rights and vegetarianism. Social Developments: The Jain Vadhu Var Suchak Samiti, Solapur, Maharashtra, hosted its 14th annual Jain matrimonial conference on 27 January 2002, reflecting shifting marriage patterns due to urbanization and social mobility. Scholarly Engagements: i) Call for papers announced for the 5th International Conference on Science in Jaina Scriptures (Nov–Dec 2002, India), covering topics such as mathematics, biology, medicine, architecture, environment, and educational psychology. ii) The event is inspired by Saint Kanakanandi Gurudev and organized by Dr. N.L. Kachhara.