Report on the First National Prakrit Conference, Bangalore
Summary
M.A. Jayachandra’s report chronicles the First National Prakrit Conference held in Bangalore on 8–9 December 1990 under the auspices of the Prakrit Jnanabharathi Education Trust. Inaugurated by former Chief Justice S.S. Venkataramaiah, the conference aimed to revitalise interest in Prakrit language and literature. Dr. A.M. Ghatge chaired the event and emphasised the linguistic and philosophical importance of Prakrit studies. About 70 scholars, teachers, researchers and journalists presented papers in Hindi, English and Kannada. The report notes the release of the souvenir "Prakrit Bharati" and special monographs on Prakrit literature, and lists recipients of the "Prakrit Jnanabharthi Award 1990" and other honours, including scholars such as Dr. J.C. Jain and Pt. Dalsukh Malvania. In his valedictory speech, Karnataka’s education minister Veerappa Moily pledged state support for Prakrit studies and proposed establishing a National Prakrit Academy. Overall, the conference strengthened scholarly networks and highlighted Prakrit’s role in understanding India’s cultural heritage.
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Conclusion
The report concludes that the First National Prakrit Conference successfully renewed interest in Prakrit studies and secured high‑level support for future research. By gathering scholars, releasing publications and conferring awards, the conference laid the groundwork for a National Prakrit Academy and signalled a commitment to preserving Prakrit as a key to India’s literary and philosophical heritage.