Jain Bhawan: Its Aims and Objects

This brief article outlines the aims and programmes of Jain Bhawan, a cultural and educational institution established in 1945 in Kolkata. Jain Bhawan’s objectives include spreading awareness of the greatness of Jainism, fostering intellectual and moral pursuits, teaching Jain philosophy to the wider community and encouraging research. To achieve these goals it runs several programmes. First, it operates the Jain Shikshalaya school, which offers standard curricula with an emphasis on moral education; the school has around 550 students and 25 teachers. Second, the institution conducts vocational and physical training classes such as tailoring, embroidery, judo, karate and yoga to equip students and local residents with practical skills. Third, Jain Bhawan maintains a library containing over 10,000 books on Jainism and approximately 3,000 rare manuscripts, making it a significant repository of Jain literature. Fourth, it subscribes to numerous periodicals and publishes its own journals – Jain Journal (English), Titthayara (Hindi) and Śramaṇa (Bengali) – to disseminate research and religious teachings. The institution also organises seminars, symposia and study circles; awards scholarships, medals and prizes to encourage scholarship; supports research by publishing books and monographs; operates a computer centre for digital studies; and has established a Research Institute to conduct deeper investigations into Jain philosophy and culture. The article underscores that Jain Bhawan serves as a hub for education, cultural preservation and community service. By promoting moral education, vocational training and research, it aims to nurture well‑rounded individuals and preserve Jain heritage. Its multifaceted programmes illustrate how religious institutions can contribute to social development and the dissemination of knowledge.

Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.