Lok-Alok Ke Rahasya: Jain Universe Mysteries Explored
By Prof. (Dr.) Rajmal Jain Kothari
Summary
The international symposium "Lok-Alok Ke Rahasya" (Mysteries of the Universe), held from November 11-14, 2021, successfully brought together experts to explore Jain philosophical and scientific concepts. Organized under the blessings of Acharyashree Kanaknandi Ji Gurudev, the event featured 67 presentations across plenary, invited, and technical sessions. A special session honored Late Shri Nirmal Kumar Jain Sethi by examining Jainism's historical presence in Asia, Africa, and America, while another session focused on the history of Jainism. Key topics included Space and Time, Soul and Consciousness, Bio-diversity, Jain Canonical Texts, Karma, and Ethics, with sessions dedicated to conceptual and technical discussions. Prof. (Dr.) Rajmal Jain Kothari, FRAS, FGSA, co-chair and convener, led the symposium. A renowned space scientist, he contributed to India’s space missions, including Chandrayaan-2, Mars, and Aditya. He discovered iron and nickel in the Solar Corona, earning him the Fellowship of the Royal Astronomical Society. His work also includes founding the Udaipur Solar Observatory and guiding 6 PhD students. Honored with awards like the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Madhya Pradesh government and the "International Young Astronomer Award," he also identified the Chandraprabhu Temple in Ethiopia and Nigantha traditions in South America. His leadership and expertise significantly contributed to the symposium's success.
Conclusion
The successful organization of the international symposium on "Lok-Alok Ke Rahasya" (Mysteries of the Universe) highlights the growing global interest in Jain philosophical and scientific inquiry. The event, featuring 67 presentations across diverse topics, fostered interdisciplinary dialogue, blending space science, Jain philosophy, and historical exploration. The special session honoring Late Shri Nirmal Kumar Jain Sethi underscored the importance of tracing Jainism's ancient roots in Asia, Africa, and America, reinforcing its universal relevance. The active participation and blessings from a large audience signify the enduring appeal of Jain teachings and their potential to bridge scientific and spiritual discourse. This symposium not only celebrated scholarly contributions but also strengthened the global Jain community's resolve to preserve and propagate its heritage through academic and cultural engagement.