Indore, Oct 13
Aiming to promote advanced research, translation, digitisation of manuscripts, and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern pedagogy, a Centre for Jain Studies, approved for Rs 27.16 crore, was launched here on Monday, an official said.
Ministry of Minority Affairs Secretary Chandra Shekhar Kumar, emphasising the role of technology, highlighted the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in preserving, digitising, and promoting heritage languages for wider academic and cultural engagement.
Supported by the Minority Affairs Ministry under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), the centre has come up at the Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore.
The DAVV on Monday hosted a National Seminar on "Jainism and Indian Knowledge System", marking the launch of its Centre for Jain Studies, an official said in a statement.
During his visit, Chandra Shekhar Kumar also undertook a field tour of the university campus and interacted with faculty members.
He urged the university to develop the Centre for Jain Studies as a Centre of Global Excellence, integrating modern technology and digital tools for research, documentation, and dissemination.
The Ministry has been extending support to universities across the country for establishing Centres of Excellence dedicated to the promotion and preservation of heritage and classical languages under the PMJVK.
Ministry of Minority Affairs has already established Centres of Excellence at: University of Mumbai - for the study of Pali, Prakrit, and Avesta Pahlavi and Gujarat University - for the study of Prakrit languages.
The official statement said that these centres aim to promote advanced research, translation, digitisation of manuscripts, and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern pedagogy.
Through this initiative, the Ministry seeks to safeguard India's linguistic and philosophical heritage and strengthen the intellectual traditions of the country's diverse communities, it said.
The event was also attended by Madhya Pradesh Minister for Higher Education Inder Singh Parmar and the Minority Affairs Ministry's Joint Secretary Ram Singh.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great initiative! But I hope the funds are utilized properly and we see actual research output, not just another government project on paper. The amount of 27 crore is substantial - taxpayers deserve transparency in how it's spent.
As someone from Indore, I'm proud that our city is getting such a prestigious center. Jainism's principles of ahimsa and truth are more relevant than ever in today's world. Hope local students benefit from this facility.
The integration of traditional knowledge with modern pedagogy is exactly what our education system needs. Jain philosophy has so much to offer in terms of environmental consciousness and sustainable living. Excellent step!
Good to see government supporting minority studies. Jain community has always been peaceful and contributed significantly to Indian society through business, education, and philanthropy. They deserve this recognition ðŸ™
The use of AI for digitizing ancient manuscripts is forward-thinking. Many ancient Indian texts are deteriorating - this technology could help preserve them for future generations. Hope they make the digitized content accessible to researchers worldwide.
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