Indore, 13 Oct – A new Centre for Jain Studies opened on Monday inside Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) in Indore with a budget of ₹27.16 crore. The launch, part of the Ministry of Minority Affairs’ Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), aims to advance research, translate old texts, digitise manuscripts and weave traditional Jain knowledge into modern classrooms.
Minister of Minority Affairs Secretary Chandra Shekhar Kumar highlighted how technology—especially Artificial Intelligence—can keep heritage languages alive. “AI can preserve, digitise and promote these languages for scholars and the public,” he said, stressing the need for the centre to become a global hub of excellence.
The launch coincided with a national seminar titled “Jainism and Indian Knowledge System.” The event drew university officials, faculty and visitors, including Madhya Pradesh’s Minister of Higher Education Inder Singh Parmar and Joint Secretary Ram Singh of the Minority Affairs Ministry.
During the visit, Chandra Shekhar Kumar toured the DAVV campus, talked with faculty members, and urged the university to use modern digital tools for research, documentation and sharing of Jain heritage worldwide. The ministry is lending support to universities across India to set up Centres of Excellence that protect heritage and classical languages under PMJVK.
Other centres already under the ministry’s umbrella include:
* University of Mumbai – study of Pali, Prakrit and Avesta Pahlavi
* Gujarat University – study of Prakrit languages
These centres share a common goal: promote advanced research, translate and digitise manuscripts, and blend traditional knowledge with today’s teaching methods.
By investing in the Centre for Jain Studies, the Ministry of Minority Affairs seeks to safeguard India’s linguistic and philosophical heritage and strengthen the intellectual traditions of diverse communities. The initiative illustrates how heritage preservation, modern technology and academic research can come together to keep ancient wisdom relevant for future generations.
Source: ianslive
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