जैन शिक्षा एवं एकता के प्रतीक - तुलसी
Summary
Acharya Tulsi was a revolutionary spiritual leader who advanced the religious order through various dimensions. He was a multifaceted personality who, while adhering to the strict confines of Jainism, brought about a revolution in social consciousness and gave new dimensions to education. He was a profound scholar, skilled educationist, and deep thinker. He did not reject contemporary education but considered it insufficient because it lacked Indian spiritual values and ethical principles. He believed that Oriental and Jain studies contained elements that could foster morality alongside education and awaken society. He was not opposed to modern science but was a strong proponent of harmonizing Oriental and Jain knowledge with science. His vision led to the establishment of Jain Vishva Bharati in 1970, intended to be a "Kamdhenu" (wish-fulfilling cow) for Jain studies. The institution began teaching and researching Sanskrit, Prakrit, Jainology, Agamas, and Yoga, and took up the publication of critically edited Agamas. The high quality of this work was recognized in 1987 at a ceremony in Delhi, where Dr. Sachchidanand Murthy, then Vice-Chairman of the UGC, suggested that this achievement was a solid foundation for establishing a Jain university. Despite opposition from some who doubted the practicality of such an institution, Acharya Tulsi persevered. After considerable effort, the UGC recommended and the Government of India granted recognition to Jain Vishva Bharati as a Deemed University in Ladnun on March 20, 1991. The university was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama, reflecting Tulsi's commitment to interfaith harmony. The institution developed unique curricula in areas like Jainology, comparative religion, Preksha Dhyan, and non-violence. To ensure a supply of dedicated students, the Brahmi Vidyapeeth was established, and its graduates were encouraged to pursue higher studies at the university. Many of these students, particularly the Samanis, went on to earn advanced degrees, teach in India and abroad, and contribute significantly to the institution's reputation. Acharya Tul
Conclusion
The document establishes that Acharya Tulsi’s vision transformed Jain education by integrating spiritual values with modern learning, culminating in the establishment of Jain Vishva Bharati as a deemed university. His insistence on preparing trained scholars, editing and publishing canonical texts, and fostering research created a unique institution emphasizing ethical education and interdisciplinary study. The outcomes include a cadre of highly educated Samanis who achieved international recognition, filled faculty gaps, and promoted Jain philosophy globally. The university’s focus on moral conduct and value-based curricula earned it recognition as a nodal agency for ethical education. Despite initial opposition and financial challenges, the institution’s sustained progress demonstrates the lasting impact of Tulsi’s foresight, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary academic rigor and ensuring Jain studies gained global relevance.