Jain Bhawan: Its Aims and Objects
Summary
This article presents the history and activities of the Jain Bhawan, a prominent Jain institution established in 1945 in the Burra Bazar area of Calcutta by eminent members of the Jain community. Its objectives are fourfold: to establish the greatness of Jainism rationally and spread its glory through new knowledge; to develop intellectual, moral and literary pursuits in society; to impart lessons on Jainism among the people of the country; and to encourage research on Jain religion and philosophy. To achieve these goals, the Bhawan runs diverse programmes. The Jain Shikshalaya, a school following the West Bengal Board curriculum, integrates moral education and has around 550 students taught by 25 teachers. Vocational and physical classes teach tailoring, stitching, embroidery and fine arts, as well as judo, karate and yoga, benefiting not only students but also local women. The Bhawan’s library houses more than 10,000 books on Jainism and about 3,000 rare manuscripts, making it an invaluable resource for researchers; it subscribes to over 100 periodicals and journals. The institution publishes three periodicals: Jain Journal (English), Tīthayāra (Hindi), and Śramaṇa (Bengali); these journals are edited by scholars and have gained acclaim for promoting Jain philosophy and literature. The article lists other publications produced by the Bhawan, including English translations of the Bhagavatī Sūtra and works on ancient Bengal’s religion. The Bhawan organizes seminars and symposia on Jain philosophy and the Jain way of life, inviting eminent scholars to exchange ideas. It provides scholarships to researchers and has established a computer training centre to connect with educational and cultural organisations worldwide. As a research centre, the Bhawan encourages scholars to study Jainism and fosters projects on Prakrit and Jain philosophy. The author concludes by inviting support for the institution’s scholarly endeavours.
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Conclusion
The Jain Bhawan in Calcutta serves as a multifaceted centre for education, research and cultural preservation. Its school, vocational classes, library, periodicals, seminars, scholarships and computer centre collectively promote Jain philosophy and moral development. By rationally presenting Jainism and encouraging intellectual pursuits, the Bhawan nurtures future generations and fosters scholarship on Prakrit and Jain philosophy. The article emphasises that community support is essential to sustain these programmes and highlights the Bhawan’s role as both a guardian of tradition and a promoter of modern education.