वार्षिक श्रुत संवर्द्धन पुरस्कार समर्पण समारोह
By Unexhibited
Summary
The Shrut Samvardhan Sansthan, inspired by Rashtrasant Upadhyay Shri Gyan Sagar Ji Maharaj, has been honoring devotees of Jinvani for 12 years. On October 4, 2009, a dedication ceremony for the 2008 awards was held at Chamundaraya Bhavan in Shravanabelagola, under the guidance of Upadhyay Shri Gyan Sagar Ji Maharaj and the leadership of Swasti Shri Bhattarak Charukeerti Swami Ji. The event began with hymns by Smt. Soumya Sarvesh and Puja Mohan. Awards presented included the Acharya Shri Shantisagar (Chhani) Smriti Shrut Samvardhan Puraskar to Prof. Marutinandan Tiwari, Varanasi; Acharya Shri Suryasagar Smriti Shrut Samvardhan Puraskar to Prof. Gokulchandra Jain, Indore; Acharya Shri Vimalsagar (Bhind) Smriti Shrut Samvardhan Puraskar to Prof. Kamala Hampana, Bengaluru; Acharya Shri Sumatisagar Smriti Shrut Samvardhan Puraskar to Dr. Ashok Kumar Jain, Varanasi; Muni Shri Vardhamansagar Smriti Shrut Samvardhan Puraskar to Shri Suresh Jain, Bhopal; and the Sarak Puraskar to Shri Sumermal Chudiwal, Kolkata. Recipients were honored with citations, symbols, shawls, fruits, and ₹51,000. Prof. Tiwari noted the uniqueness of this honor, while Prof. Kamala Hampana expressed pride in being part of the first couple both awarded. Dr. Ashok Kumar Jain expressed gratitude for the presence of the revered saints. Chief Guest Justice Abhay Gohil encouraged continued dedication to Jinvani propagation. A separate ceremony in November 2009 honored Shri Suresh Jain in Shravanabelagola,
Conclusion
The Shrut Samvardhan Puraskar Samarpan ceremony and associated seminar at Mysore University underscore a significant institutional recognition of Jain scholarship, with awards conferred upon six distinguished academics and a community leader. The event’s outcomes include the formal honoring of figures like Prof. Marutinandan Tiwari and Prof. Kamala Hampana, the latter noting her unique distinction as part of the first couple both receiving the award. The seminar facilitated academic discourse on Prakrit, archaeology, and art, while the presence of high-ranking university officials and justices elevated the event’s prestige. The implications point to strengthened ties between Jain religious institutions and secular academia, promoting Prakrit studies and Jain philosophy. The awards and seminar collectively reinforce the ongoing patronage of Shrut (scriptural knowledge) and the integration of Jain heritage into mainstream educational frameworks, ensuring continued scholarly engagement and cultural preservation.