Jain Bhawan: Its Aims and Objects
Summary
“Jain Bhawan: Its Aims and Objects” describes the mission and activities of the Jain Bhawan, an institution established in 1945 in Calcutta’s Burra Bazar by eminent members of the Jain community. The article states that the Bhawan’s objectives are to affirm the greatness of Jainism, disseminate its teachings through new knowledge, develop intellectual, moral and literary pursuits in society, impart lessons on Jainism and encourage research on Jain religion and philosophy. To fulfil these goals, the Bhawan runs several programmes. The Jain Shikshalaya, a school affiliated with the West Bengal Board, provides education to about 550 students with 25 teachers; moral education is a core component of its curriculum. Recognising modern needs, the Bhawan offers vocational and physical classes such as tailoring, stitching, embroidery, judo, karate and yoga, open to both students and the wider community. Its library, containing more than 10,000 books on Jainism and related subjects and about 3,000 rare manuscripts, is described as a treasure trove; members can consult this collection and a list of books and manuscripts is available. To keep members informed of contemporary religious thought, the library subscribes to about 100 periodicals from around the world. As a research institution, the Bhawan publishes three journals: the English‑language Jain Journal, the Hindi Titthayara and the Bengali Śramaṇa; these periodicals have been published for more than three decades and are highly regarded. The article implies that the Bhawan also organises seminars, offers scholarships to researchers and runs a computer centre to facilitate education and outreach, although details appear later in the publication. By outlining these initiatives, the piece portrays Jain Bhawan as a multifaceted institution dedicated to education, cultural preservation and scholarly research. Its commitment to moral education, vocational training, library services, journal publication and community programmes demonstrates how a regional Jain organisation contributes to the broader dissemination and practice of Jain philosophy.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
The article concludes that Jain Bhawan serves as a hub for both education and research. Through its school, vocational programmes, extensive library and periodicals, it promotes the study of Jainism and supports intellectual and moral development. By offering a platform for scholarship and community engagement, the Bhawan helps preserve Jain literature and philosophy while adapting to contemporary needs. Its holistic approach—combining academic, cultural and social activities—illustrates how community institutions sustain religious traditions and foster learning.