NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Ministry of Minority Affairs has launched a groundbreaking Centre for Jain Studies at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya in Indore. With a substantial budget of Rs 27.16 crore, the centre aims to revolutionize research through advanced digital technologies and AI. Secretary Chandra Shekhar Kumar emphasized the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural heritage through innovative approaches. This initiative is part of the broader Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram, focusing on promoting and protecting India's diverse intellectual traditions.

Key Points: Jain Studies Centre Launches at DAVV with Minority Affairs Support

  • Centre aims to digitize and preserve Jain manuscripts
  • Integrates traditional knowledge with modern technology
  • Supported by Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram
  • Seeks to strengthen India's linguistic heritage
2 min read

Centre for Jain Studies launched in Indore under Minority Affairs Ministry's scheme

Ministry launches Rs 27.16 crore Jain Studies Centre at Indore's DAVV, leveraging AI and digital tools for heritage preservation

"Develop the Centre for Jain Studies as a Centre of Global Excellence - Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Minority Affairs Secretary"

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

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
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.
A
Arjun K
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.
S
Sarah B
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!
V
Vikram M
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 🙏
M
Michael C
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.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50