Delhi, 19 July (H.S.): A National Workshop on the Significance of Jain Manuscriptology was held at Gujarat University today, Ahmedabad, organized by the Department for Validation of Indic Knowledge through Advanced Research. Funded by the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), the workshop gathered scholars, Jain monks, academicians, and officials to explore the intellectual and spiritual legacy of Jain manuscripts. Sunil Sagar Maharaj attended as a significant authority in Jain philosophy, enriching the event's atmosphere.

Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting traditional knowledge and minority heritage languages. Alongside officials like Shri Ram Singh and Shri Sravan Kumar, he highlighted ongoing efforts to validate ancient Indic traditions.

Dr. Kumar stated the importance of supporting initiatives that illuminate minority community traditions, linking historical preservation to a culturally enriched future. The workshop reflects a strategic push to integrate ancient wisdom into modern educational frameworks, ensuring the conservation and accessibility of traditional knowledge for future generations.

This initiative aligns with PMJVK's goal of uplifting all minority communities—Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains—through academic research and heritage conservation, exemplified by collaborations like the one with Mumbai University for Parsi languages.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar