DAVV Indore launches Centre for Jain Studies
As part of this initiative, the Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) in Indore hosted a National Seminar on “Jainism and Indian Knowledge System” to mark the launch of its new Centre for Jain Studies. The centre, established with an approved funding of ₹27.16 crore under PMJVK, aims to promote advanced research and documentation in Jain philosophy and Indian knowledge traditions.
Dignitaries emphasize cultural preservation and innovation
The seminar witnessed the presence of Shri Inder Singh Parmar, Minister for Higher Education, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, and Shri Ram Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs. The dignitaries underscored the importance of blending traditional learning with digital innovation to enhance access and global recognition for Indian knowledge systems.
Technology as a bridge between heritage and modernity
During his campus visit, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar interacted with faculty and students, encouraging them to transform the Centre for Jain Studies into a Centre of Global Excellence. He emphasized the role of technology—particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI)—in digitizing manuscripts, curating research archives, and making India’s philosophical heritage accessible worldwide.
Expanding network of Centres of Excellence
The Ministry has already supported the University of Mumbai for the study of Pali, Prakrit, and Avesta Pahlavi, and Gujarat University for advanced Prakrit language research. These Centres of Excellence aim to encourage research, translation, digitization of ancient manuscripts, and integration of traditional pedagogy with contemporary methods.
Safeguarding India’s intellectual diversity
Through PMJVK, the Ministry of Minority Affairs seeks to not only strengthen India’s academic framework but also to preserve the intellectual diversity of minority communities. By connecting heritage studies with modern research tools, the initiative ensures that ancient Indian wisdom finds renewed relevance in today’s global discourse.
Future outlook
The government envisions these Centres as hubs of intercultural dialogue, fostering collaborations between Indian and international institutions. The Ministry plans to expand similar Centres of Excellence across more states, reinforcing the objective of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ through education and cultural awareness.
