Inauguration of Jain Bhawan Library and Research Centre in pictures

Summary

The photographic section documents the inauguration of the Jain Bhawan Library & Research Centre in Calcutta on 30 July 1972image/file:///home/oai/share/jain_journal_1972_10_520028_std.pdf#:~:text=,tool%20to%20view%20the%20page. The ceremony was presided over by Shri Bijoy Singh Nahar, with National Professor Dr. Suniti Kumar Chatterji performing the formal inauguration and Shri Sibadas Choudhuri, librarian of the Asiatic Society of Calcutta, as chief guest. The pages feature black‑and‑white photographs of prominent monks and dignitaries: Sadhvishri Sajjanshri of the Kharatara Gaccha gives her blessings, while Sadhvishri Suparsvamati (Digambar sect) addresses the gathering. National Professor Chatterji is shown cutting the ribbon and later placing a wreath on the Kalpa‑Sutra, signifying reverence for the sacred Jain text. Another photograph depicts attendees touring a book exhibition arranged to mark the opening. The captions list chief speakers such as Dr. Kalyan Kumar Ganguli, director of the Ashutosh Museum, and Dr. Pritibhusan Chatterji, head of philosophy at Calcutta University, alongside special invitees including Munishri Mahendrakumarji ‘Pratham’, Jatishri Mrigendra Vijayji and Sadhvishri Sajjanshri. In one image Munishri Mahendrakumarji ‘Pratham’ and Munishri Benoykumarji ‘Alok’ of the Terapanthi sect are seen walking through the spacious library hall, underscoring the institution’s modern facilities. Collectively the photographs capture the convergence of monastic and scholarly communities and highlight the inter‑sect unity among Śvetāmbara, Digambara and Terapanthi traditions. The event signifies a major milestone for Jain studies: the Library & Research Centre aims to preserve rare manuscripts, provide research facilities and organise public lectures. By attracting both religious leaders and academics, the inauguration demonstrates the community’s commitment to combining spiritual heritage with academic inquiry.