Campus Times | Lucknow

A two-day national seminar on “Jain Philosophy and Literature: In Contemporary Context” was inaugurated on March 12 at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), bringing together scholars and academicians to discuss the relevance of Jain philosophy in modern society.

The seminar has been jointly organized by the university’s Hindi Cell and Uttar Pradesh Jain Vidya Shodh Sansthan, Lucknow, under the Department of Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Tirthankar Rishabhdev.

Eminent Scholars Attend Inaugural Session

The inaugural session was attended by several eminent academicians including Prof. Abhay Kumar Jain, Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sunita Mishra, former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Anil Kumar Shukla, Prof. Pawan Agrawal from University of Lucknow, Prof. Nalin K. Shastri from Jain Vishva Bharati Institute, and Prof. Ram Pal Gangwar of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University.

Jain Philosophy Promotes Welfare of All

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Abhay Kumar Jain said Jain philosophy inspires people to work not only for themselves but for the welfare of all living beings. Referring to Tirthankar Rishabhdev, he explained the concept of “Asi, Masi and Krishi”, which guided society toward an organized way of life.

Simple Living and Tolerance

Prof. Sunita Mishra highlighted Jain traditions and historic sites like Udayagiri Caves and Khandagiri Caves, noting that practices such as vegetarianism and simple living promote a healthy lifestyle. Prof. Anil Kumar Shukla discussed Anekantavada, encouraging acceptance of diverse perspectives, while Prof. Nalin K. Shastri and Prof. Pawan Agrawal spoke on Jain literature and the principle of Aparigraha.

Academic Sessions Held

The seminar featured two academic sessions chaired by Prof. Sanjay Jain and Prof. Ram Pal Gangwar, where scholars presented their research on Jain philosophy and literature.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Baljeet Kumar