News Digest

Summary

This digest compiles major developments in Jain scholarship, archaeology, religious observances, and institutional growth across India during 1998–1999. 1. Launch of Encyclopedia Jainica Project (Nemawar, MP) i) The Encyclopedia Jainica project was formally inaugurated on 22 April 1999 under the spiritual guidance of Acharya Vidyasagarji at Siddhakṣetra Nemawar. ii) Led by Dr. V.P. Jain, the project aims to produce a scholarly, bilingual (English-Hindi) encyclopedia on Jainism, including a CD-ROM edition. iii) Numerous scholars from across India participated in the foundational workshop. 2. Archaeological Discoveries at Jeevargi (Karnataka) i) Dr. M.R. Shadakshriah’s team uncovered a Satavahana-era tablet and six Rāṣṭrakūṭa artifacts, including a meditating Jina and musical figures, near Jain sites in Jeevargi. ii) This discovery enhances knowledge of Jain presence during early and medieval dynasties in Karnataka .3. Varsitapa Celebration at Haridwar (April 1999) A national event honoring 3,000 Jains who completed a year-long alternate-day fast (varsitapa) was held at Chintamani Parshwanatha Temple under Ācārya Padmasagarasuriji’s leadership 4. Tribute to Philanthropist U.N. Mehta (Ahmedabad) On his first death anniversary, a commemorative event was held featuring the release of his biographical monograph Aafato ni aandhi vachche samruddhi nu shikar by Dr. Kumarpal Desai 5. Karnataka Jain Literature Convention (Hubli, May 1999) i) Hosted by Jain Education Foundation, the event featured paper presentations on Karnataka’s Jain history, literature (Prakrit, Sanskrit, Kannada), and regional contributions (Dharwar). ii) Poetic and scholarly voices discussed contemporary issues, including women’s roles and unity in Jain society 6. Padmavati of Humcha – Feature Film Initiative A Kannada-language feature film on the yakṣi Padmavati and the Humcha Jain shrine, produced by Tukkoji Rao and directed by K. Manjunath, began filming in 1998 7. Establishment of Jain Studies Centre at Bangalore University i) Plans were announced for a Centre for Jain Studies with support from Jain Milan Bangalore North and the newly formed Jain Research Foundation. ii) The center aims to offer professorships, academic exchanges, and visiting lectureships 8. Jain Academy at MS University, Baroda In October 1998, the Doshi family trust inaugurated a Jain Academy for Education and Research at MSU, coinciding with its Golden Jubilee 9. PhD Award to Sadhvi Sadhanaji (Mahatma Gandhi Kashi University) Sadhanaji received her doctorate for a 10-chapter thesis on Ācārya Sushil Kumarji’s literary, philosophical, social, and ecological contributions, including his global peace activism and role in the Ayodhya dialogue and UN summits .