News Digest
Summary
News Digest – Jain Initiatives in Education, Literature, and Epigraphy 1. Brāmhī Jain Society Scholarships (Canada & USA) The Brāmhī Jain Society, in partnership with the Suparśvanātha Digambara Jain Mandir Trust, awarded Rs. 1,000 scholarships to twelve high-achieving students from the Chandramma Rattu Memorial Higher School in Patagundi village, Karnataka, for the 2003–2004 academic year. The initiative supports economically disadvantaged students, including those from non-Jain backgrounds, such as a Muslim student who ranked first in his class. Awardees included: Suresh Hanji, Swapn B. Chougale, Shamiulla Peerajade, Sangeeta Kasturi, Yashodhar Ijari, Rajashree Jodatti, Chandan Melavanki, Padmashree Sallagol, Vishwanatha Bhujannavar, Asharaza Patil, Ravindra Dolli, Vidhyarani Wagule 2. Launch of JAG – Jains of America Guild The JAG (Jains of America Guild) was launched by the Brāmhī Jain Society to honor individuals in India who have enriched Jain studies in Indian languages (JSIL). Founding members include: Dr. Jwala Prasad (OH), Mr. Gulab Chand Kothari (MO), Dr. Chandraben Varia (KY), Dr. Shakuntala Kothari (OH), Dr. Surendra Sethi (PA), Dr. Raj Patil (Canada), Dr. Kushalraj Singavi (IL), Dr. Rajkumar Kothari (GA). The annual JAG Award will be conferred during the closing session of a Jain Seminar on a selected Indian vernacular, beginning with the first seminar on “Early to Late Medieval Jain Texts in Kannada Literature” in 2006. The seminar is jointly organized with Dhvanyaloka, founded by Prof. C.D. Narasimhaiah (CDN). 3. Epigraphic Discovery in Keresante Village, Karnataka Two broken stone slab fragments were discovered at the site of a deserted Jain temple in Keresante village, Chikamagalur District, Karnataka. Noted epigraphist Mr. Nagaraja Rao of Mysore University confirmed the slabs bear boxed Kannada alphabets dated to the 13th century CE, during the Hoysala dynasty. The layout resembles the format of the ancient Kannada work Śrībhūvalaya by Kumudendu (ca. 820 CE), though Śrībhūvalaya uses numerals (1–64) rather than letters. A microfilm copy of Śrībhūvalaya exists at the National Archives of India, New Delhi.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
The initiatives highlighted showcase Jain contributions that bridge education, literature, and heritage preservation—uplifting students across communities, fostering scholarship in Indian vernaculars, and unveiling epigraphic treasures that connect the present to Jain cultural antiquity. Together, they reflect a dynamic blend of social service, intellectual recognition, and historical discovery.